"Get On a Roll. Cut fabric efficiently with rotary cutters and mats" looks good to me. I've had a rotary cutter for awhile, but never really learned how to use it...

The "Modern Machines" article caught my eye. I've had the same (excellent) Bernina for 25 years or so, but I've been thinking about what might be the next step. It's more of a day dream than reality right now, but it would be great to learn more about the best new sewing machines!

I'd like to learn hand-sewing techniques. I mean, I know the basics, but I'd like to learn how to do it well--in that way that makes a garment really special inside and out.

The overlock foot, for sure. I have an older machine and no serger. It's a little more work, but the overlock foot is great for knits and seam finishing. I use it with virtually every project, for one reason or another.

I love leather trim details along with classic wool and tweed fabrics. It's also nice to see more color in combinations with neutrals. Looking forward to Fall sewing!

It's unfortunate, but American pattern companies seem to be stuck in dowdy mode. I guess it equates with trying to appeal to the "average" consumer and cut costs at the same time. The European and Japanese patterns are so much more on trend. I haven't bought a pattern of one of the major domestic makers in years (and the last one was so imprecise that it was maddening). Sorry, but this is my reaction to the story. Although I'm approaching mid-age, the jackets here remind me of something that would be too old for my mother. I try to avoid negative comments generally, but I hope that more critique of the offerings might encourage change...

I think I'm at the "awkward" stage in my sewing skills. My goals are sometimes a bit ahead of my ability to figure out how to accomplish them! I would like to improve finishing details, those little things that make a garment look professional. Topstitching and more complicated seams, like welt seams, on different kinds of fabrics is my latest challenge. I could certainly use some advice and instructions!

I've grown tired of RTW summer clothes that don't fit quite right, so this summer is dedicated to replacing and updating all that! I've finished one pair of shorts so far, with 2 more to go. A sundress or two is also on the horizon, and "lounge shorts" for the spouse...

Probably not so exciting - but I will be doing a number of "practical" projects. I'm starting with a series of shorts. My old ones are on the verge of disintegrating, and I can't buy new ones. Thus, it is time to figure out how to fit an inseam! I have never made muslins before, but so far I have made one for the shorts - it did not turn out so good, and so I'm starting over. I hope that this will not take me the entire summer.

These days I am sewing out of necessity. Times are difficult, but I'm taking this as an opportunity to improve my sewing skills--and I've been enjoying it! That said, I find myself with some issue in each project that I don't quite understand. I'd love to have this book because it would genuinely help me learn how to do these things right for the present and for the (hopefully more simple) future. Thanks!

I think this is a useful alternative to adding darts to a t-shirt as well.

I think anyone who sews must be intrigued by Comme de Garçons (Rei Kawakubo)! I was fascinated the first time that I saw her clothes and the incorporation of "interior" details on the outside of garments. Rei Kawakubo's designs are more than just clothes, they express a kind of aesthetic about structure. It has inspired me, even with my own ordinary projects, to be conscious about the structure, including the interior details.

I'm planning to make at least one tunic style shirt dress. With long sleeves -- Spring is cold in the Northeast!

Traditional Japanese sashiko. It is quite simple in its most essential form; a running stitch on indigo dyed cotton cloth. I like the fact that it was originally a functional type of embroidery that was used to reinforce work wear and extend the life of the cloth.

I have shredded more than one metal tooth zipper when trying to pull the teeth out. So, I'm a little hesitant to shorten them from the top (where it will show). I wonder if there is some trick that I am missing. Or maybe I'm just naturally bad at it! Also, in the even that a zipper can be shortened from the top without too much mutilation, is there some place (online or elsewhere) to buy the top stops? I've never seen them... Thanks!

Really sticky tape can be helpful in pulling adhesives off/out of of fabrics or other surfaces. However, I'm having a tough time getting white anti-perspirant stains out of a black lightweight rayon fiber sweater. Nightmare. Trying not to damage the somewhat delicate fibers. I've tried baking soda, vinegar, dishwashing liquid so far, with minimal success.

Quick--Just what I need!

Very interesting coat. It looks like it might be an early '60s design. Is that right? I wonder if Carla's grandmother wore it with a particular dress & I would be curious to see it in that context. Also, magenta seems like an unusual color for that time period.

The gussets seem to create the nice fall of the sleeves-no creasing in the under arm area when the model's arms are down. I'd like to know more about the horsehair placement too. Does it lie inside each pleat? Or, does it form a smooth wall behind them?

Thank you - good article!