Evamarie

May 8, 2017 by Evamarie

360° Views: Bridal Ensemble

Enjoy the versatility of special-occasion separates with this ensemble. It features four tops and three skirt variations to create formal looks. Tops C and D features lace overlays and are sleeveless or long-sleeved. For this bridal look, we combined view D top with view F skirt. The top was made in lace from Mood Designer Fabrics’ store in Manhattan, while the skirt was sewn in tulle and polyester lining fabric from JoAnn Fabric & Craft Stores. Please note, the lace overlays require scalloped selvage.

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February 17, 2017 by Evamarie

Three Dependable Sewing Machines

The right sewing machine makes a tremendous difference in how you feel when you sit down to sew. Are you excited about what you are going to be able to accomplish with a dependable sewing machine or apprehensive about how a balky machine is going to act on any given seam? A trusty sewing machine makes every project better.

In the SewStylish Spring 2017 digital issue, we covered the basic sewing machine features every sewer would appreciate. In Sewing Machine Buying Guide by April Mohr, we included photographs of some of the machines we sew with at the Threads magazine offices. Here’s more information about the machines shown in the article.

Pedal-free stitch control

The EverSewn Sparrow 20 sewing machine by Brewer has features important for beginners: speed control, needle up/down positions, and a locking stitch button. Though these features are common on today’s computerized machines, the Sparrow 20 offers them on a solidly built but lightweight machine at a reasonable price. The machine body has an expensive-feeling satin texture and a wide, low bed, which makes it easier to see and control fabric. Needle and bobbin-winding thread paths are clearly marked, and the accessory kit includes six presser feet to complete standard edges and closures (additional specialized feet are shown and explained in the instruction manual). The Sparrow 20 has 80 stitch options, enough to encourage creativity without being overwhelming. (EverSewn.com; $349.99)

Video- and Wi-Fi-enabled

The Spiegel Limited Edition 60609 sewing machine was designed to offer a camera- and Wi-Fi-enabled product at an affordable price, according to the fashion retailer. It has 350 built-in stitches, with more than 1,000 stitch variations, three fonts for numbers and letters, a USB charging port, and a device holder with adjustable hook to hold a smartphone or tablet securely. With the onboard Stitch Cam and integrated Wi-Fi station, users can record the sewing area and view it on their phone or tablet screen when rested on the holder. It’s a short step to upload the video instantly or view online tutorials and use the Spiegel Social Sewing app. Spiegel also offers premium stitches and digital patterns for purchase on iTunes and Google Play. (Walmart.com; $296.88)

A versatile, dependable workhorse

For a machine that lasts and lasts, and doesn’t balk at difficult fabrics, check out the classic Husqvarna Lily 530. Made in the late 1990s, this durable model is available used on eBay.com and other auction or resale sites.
The Lily 530 comes with a useful bed extension and features a control panel with suggested settings for different fabrics, including leather. The Lily uses low-shank presser feet, and compatible accessories are still available. You can also find the user manual online in PDF format. (For more information about the machine, visit HusqvarnaViking.com)

February 15, 2017 by Evamarie

Book Giveaway: Win a Signed Copy of Bead Sparkle

To celebrate the release of SewStylish Spring 2017, we’re giving away a signed copy of SewStylish author Susan Beal’s latest book, Bead Sparkle.

How to Enter

Enter the giveaway by Facebook login or by completing the entry form, including first name, last name, and e-mail address.

After submitting the entry form, entrants have the option to earn additional entries by:

joining the Threads mailing list
visiting the SewStylish Facebook page
following SewStylish on Twitter
following SewStylish on Pinterest

Enter now!

Prize Details: Bead Sparkle

Bead Sparkle features 120 jewelry designs from Susan Beal. Stunning necklaces, eye-catching bracelets, and charming earrings are some of the inspired new pieces you’ll find inside its pages. With a fully illustrated chapter of techniques and helpful design tips throughout, Bead Sparkle will show you how easy it is to create one-of-a-kind jewelry.

About the Author: A jewelry designer and writer, Susan Beal blogs at WestCoastCrafty.com. Susan has written many craft books, including Bead Simple, Button It Up, and Hand-Stitched Home. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family.

No purchase is necessary to enter. Giveaway entry is open to legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years old and to legal residents of Canada (except Quebec) who are at least 18 years old.

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February 14, 2017 by Evamarie

Resources: Find the Fabrics and Notions We Used in This Issue

Here’s a list of the textiles, trims, garments, and accessories we used to complete the models’ outfits—along with the sewing machines shown—in SewStylish Spring Fashion 2017.

HOW TO SEW LACE

pp. 12, 15, 19
Earrings and rings: HM.com

p. 12
Pattern: Simplicity SewStylish 8328 view D top and view E skirt.
Top lace and underlining fabric: Mood Fabrics, New York City.
Skirt fabric: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

p. 15
Pattern: Simplicity SewStylish 8328 view C top.
Lace and underlining fabric: Mood Fabrics, New York City.
Skirt: Helmut Lang (Bloomingdales.com).
Bracelet: Michael Kors (Macys.com).
Shoes: Zara.com.

p. 19
Pattern: Simplicity SewStylish 8328 view D top and view G skirt.
Lace, underlining, and skirt fabric: Mood Fabrics, New York City.
Shoes: Aldo.com.

MAKE A TEST GARMENT

p. 26
Pattern: Simplicity SewStylish 8328 view A top and view G skirt.
Fabric: satin, New York Elegant Fabrics, New York City.
Earrings: HM.com.
Bracelet: stylist’s own.
Shoes: Katespade.com.

SEWING MACHINE BUYING GUIDE

pp. 30, 32
EverSewn Sparrow 20 sewing machine by Brewer, available at EverSewn.com; $349.99.

p. 31
Spiegel 60609, available at Walmart.com; $296.88.

p. 33
Husqvarna Lily 530, visit HusqvarnaViking.com to find a dealer.

ADD POCKETS

pp. 34, 36, 39
Earrings: HM.com.

p. 34, p. 36
Bracelet: stylist’s own.

p. 34
Pattern: Simplicity SewStylish 8328 views A and G.
Fabric: satin, New York Elegant Fabrics, New York City.

p. 39
Pattern: Simplicity SewStylish 8328 views D and F.
Fabrics: lace, Mood Fabrics, New York City; satin and tulle, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.
Ring: HM.com.
Shoes: Badgley Mischka (Bloomingdales.com).

4 WAYS TO HEM SKIRTS

pp. 44, 46
Pattern: Simplicity SewStylish 8328, views A and F.
Fabrics: satin and organza, New York Elegant Fabrics, New York City; underlining, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.
Earrings: HM.com.
Shoes: Badgley Mischka (Bloomingdales.com).

p. 47
Bracelet: stylist’s own.

EMBELLISHMENTS: EASY ADORNMENTS

p. 50
Lace and skirt fabric: Threads stash.
Trim: Mood Fabrics, New York City.

p. 50, left, and p. 53
Blouse: Bloomingdales.com.
Tank top, Gap.com.
Necklace: Aldo.com.
Rings: HM.com.

p. 50, right, and p. 51
Earrings: HM.com.
Bracelet: stylist’s own.

PROJECTS: DELICATE DIY ACCESSORIES

p. 54; p. 55, center and right; p. 56
Earrings: HM.com.

p. 55, left
Earrings: model’s own.

p. 56
Top: Bailey 44 (Bloomingdales.com).

p. 57
Top: Zara.com.
Earrings: Michael Kors (Macys.com).

February 14, 2017 by Evamarie

Web Extra: More Cool Tools to Try

Every sewing enthusiast needs notions to make those dream projects a reality. From the basics like a sewing machine or scissors to refined options like a seam ripper necklace, it’s fun to find unusual and useful sewing tools. Here are some interesting notions we weren’t able to fit into our digital issue. Keep checking back for updates as we discover new items.

Smart and Simple Sewing Machine

If you’re just starting out in your sewing career or are a seasoned professional, Brother’s CS 5055PRW sewing machine is a solid choice that is as affordable as it is versatile. As part of their Project Runway line of machines, this limited edition machine offers 50 built-in sewing stitches, including five styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes. Choose from a range of decorative, quilting, or heirloom stitches for your ideal wardrobe embellishments by using its bright LCD display screen. A smooth feeding system makes sewing on thick fabrics successful, and a free arm enables you to sew cuffs and sleeves with ease. Additional features include an advanced needle-threading system. (Visit Brother-USA.com to find a dealer near you; $149.99)

Fundamental Scissors

Beginners need the good tools, because if they don’t use the best and get lousy results, they tend to blame themselves. Three essential good-quality scissors are Gingher’s 4-inch embroidery scissors and 5-inch all-purpose tailor’s points, and Kai’s 9 1/2-inch micro-serrated shears (model 7240-AS). The embroidery scissors have large thumb holes and are sharp and lightweight. The tailor’s points are slightly larger and cut through anything. The Kai shears make cutting through fabric as easy as cutting warm butter, and they’re easy on the hand. (Available at SusanKhalje.com; $30.00 – $90.00)

Stunning Sewing Jewelry

Hanging a seam ripper on a chain keeps it within easy reach. Sawyer Creek Artistry’s beautiful seam rippers and stilettos feature hand-turned wood handles made of Middle Eastern olivewood or native Ozarks species. Each handle has a different ergonomic shape and features a concealed, removable seam ripper or stiletto head; remove the head and reverse its position when needed. A magnet embedded in the tool’s opposite end secures the tool to the chain and releases easily for use. The tools are available in different configurations: single, combo, necklace, and stylus. (Visit SawyerCreekArtistry.com to order; $15.00 – $20.00)

Helpful Seam Ripper

It’s often difficult to remove stitches from fabric, especially when the fabric and thread colors are similar. That’s why many sewers would benefit from Might Bright’s Lighted Seam Ripper and Magnifier. This tool features an energy-efficient LED light, a rotating seam ripper arm, and a 4X magnifier for a stress-free seam ripping experience. (Available at MightyBright.com; $9.99)

A Clear Way to Measure

Clear gridded rulers in different lengths and with different scale grids are a must in the sewing room. (If you follow our sew-along of Simplicity SewStylish 8328, you’ll see that we use a clear 18-inch by 2-inch ruler in the sewing room all the time.) Westcott’s LetterCraft beveled 18-inch by 2-inch by 1/8-inch gridded ruler is inexpensive and a handy tool for marking seam and hem allowances. Its transparency makes it easy to see pattern adjustments as you make them. Once you try one, you’ll realize you could use more around the house, handy whenever you need to measure. (Find yours at Amazon.com; $6.75)