Sew News

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.

SEW NEWS

EDITOR

SEW & TELL

READER TIPS • Featured readers received a gift for submitting a tip.

STAFF PICKS

Master denim seam finishes on your serger for jeans in no time.

MEET THE MAKER

PLACKET PERFECTION • Use a continuous-lap or faced placket to finish a neck opening and a sleeve lower edge when a cuff is attached.

tip

Buttoned Up • From button-ups to comfy jeans to cardigans, read on for fitting tips for your favorite layering pieces.

ANDREW MYLES of SEW ANDREW • My name is Andrew, and I live in the heart of London, in Covent Garden with my husband. We’ve been together 25 years and married for four. I was a dancer when we met, having graduated from musical theatre school and worked in London’s West End and on tour both in the UK and abroad. I re-trained over 20 years ago and have worked as a hair stylist for a prestigious London salon since the late 90’s. Recently I made the big step of going freelance, which has completely changed my life, giving me more time to focus on other creative outlets like sewing. I also teach three weekly tap dancing classes, in case I wasn’t busy enough!

Building Connection

PARTY IN THE BACK • Open the back of a basic long-sleeved blouse for a fun and surprising party look.

A NOTE FROM MEG

HAND-DYED Haori • Learn how to hand dye fabric before using it for your next sewing project. The simple twist tie-dye pattern combined with black fiber-reactive dye creates a stunning design on textured raw silk. Use the finished fabric for a Haori jacket, which is a modern way to wear tie-dye.

BLOCK + ROLL • Take inspiration from the runway and stitch color-blocked pants for a fun and fashionable look. Experiment with colors for a subdued or bold style.

Denim2 • Create custom frayed-seam patchwork fabric to construct windowpane denim jeans with a cool, retro feel.

IN THE FRAY • Learn some additional tips and tricks to create custom windowpane jeans.

LEATHER CADENCE CLUTCH • Explore your closet or a thrift store for a leather skirt or jacket to transform into a fun fringe bag for spring.

LEISURE sweet • Personalize a simple hoodie with a custom fringe hem.

POP of PLUSH • Add chic and modern color-blocked velvet pillows with dimensional topstitching to your home décor.

HEAVY METALS BAG • Piece together coordinating leather remnants to create a sophisticated and chic clutch. Or sew one from scratch in metallic linen yardage!

PATTERN REVIEW Shirtdresses • It used to be that the word “shirtdress” put a very specific picture in your head. But today, you have a plethora of design options, styles, fits and cuts from which to choose. From modern to boxy to flowy to classic, the choices are abundant, and you’ll likely want more than one option in your pattern library. Though we love them for spring, shirtdresses are one of those garments that span the seasons: they’re easy to layer and transition from spring to summer and even into fall. Read on for some of our top picks!

TEXTURE Trend • Add soft Sherpa fabric to a readymade wool-coat collar, cuffs and hem to add warmth and cover worn-out sections.

LEARNING CURVES • Button-down shirts and shirtdresses are classics that are always in fashion. Discover how to sew perfect curved hemlines and edges to make them smooth and even.

using a template • A template can be made to assist with curved edges.

RETHREADED • Rethreaded is not your typical accessory shop, though you might not know it at first glance. Their modern...