Sew News magazine is a complete resource for sewers of all skill levels. Each issue of Sew News magazine is packed with practical sewing information, how-to guides and the latest on fashion, fabrics, books and new products.
INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL 2 018
EDITOR
WHAT’S NEXT?
How did Barbie influence your sewing at a young age?
COLORING with THREAD • STITCHING A WHIMSICAL WORLD WITH HAND EMBROIDERY
READER TIPS
HIDE & SEEK
STAFF PICKS
Hi, I’m Sara Johansen
DARTS 101 • Learn basic techniques for stitching three common dart types. Plus, discover tips for moving and manipulating darts to create fashions that best flatter your figure.
MANIPULATING DARTS
SPACE RACER • Alter a sports bra pattern to add visual interest and better fit. Stitch it up in a fun print to create a piece you’ll be proud to wear to the gym, a fun run or a big race.
A MESSAGE FROM MEG, ONLINE EDITOR FOR BURDASTYLE
JACKET FOCUS • Sewing a jacket can involve a lot of work, so it’s worth it to get the fit right. Read below for tips on picking the right jacket style and pattern for your shape, troubleshooting set-in sleeves and altering RTW jackets for a better fit.
SERGER BUYING GUIDE • Sergers, also known as overlock machines, use multiple thread strands to construct a strong seam that encloses the raw fabric edge, eliminating fraying and the need for an additional seam finish. Serged seams contain more stretch than a conventional sewing machine seam, so sergers come in handy when working with knit or other stretchy fabrics.
PEARL HEM pants • Embellished denim is everywhere and adorned with everything, including pearls, gems and embroidery. Begin with a pair of ready-made jeans and easily create your own designer denim without breaking the bank.
YOUR signature STYLE • Most of us don’t sit down and consider what we want our wardrobe to say about us. Sewing fashion is a passion of mine, though it’s often overlooked as a form of art. Art tells a story and makes you feel a certain way. Fashion is art. There’s a reason why movies, television and theater shows have costume designers: They’re telling a story about specific characters.
MULTI-MEDIA MOOD BOARD
MAXI-MALISM 101
SPRING SWING SKIRT • Alter a basic pencil skirt pattern to create a pleated, pointed yoke skirt that stitches up nicely in bold barkcloth.
FABRIC FLASHBACK
SWEET PLEATS BLOUSE • Create an easy-to-sew blouse that combines a simple silhouette with billowing sleeves and hand-sewn cartridge pleats. Updated with a modern V-neckline and a slightly cropped silhouette, this design offers flowy, feminine comfort and sweet details.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
STATEMENT STUDS • Add a custom pocket with topstitching and studs to give punch and pizzazz to a simple shift dress.
ROCKIN POCKETS
EASY EMBELLISHMENT
COMING OF EDGE • Transform basic skinny jeans into edgy, motorcycle-inspired pants for a trendy addition to your spring wardrobe. The pintucks, piecing and exposed metal zippers create a cool, custom look.
DARING DENIM • Sewing with denim isn’t difficult if you employ a few modifications to your normal sewing.
BLEACH BOUND • Customize unique denim creations with three bleach-art techniques perfect for beginner and advanced skill sets. Use household objects, stencils or create original artwork to enhance denim fabric to make personalized garments and home-décor projects or to transform readymade items into designer pieces.
FRILLS INCLUDED • Add simple, feminine accents to a basic garment with flounces at the neckline, sleeve or hem. Plus, learn how to draft and attach a flounce to any project.
FLOUNCE VS. RUFFLE
WOOL COATING • When it’s cold...