Didn't see the show, but looking at the designs, Nina, Heidi, Michael & Co. probably weren't harsh enough. None of the ensembles comes anywhere near classic, chic American sportswear. Valerie's outfit is something Jackie might have worn, but it's not really a sportswear look; Ivy's might have passed muster without the sheer jacket, & Mondo's styling was close but his choice of patterns turned what could have been classy into clown.

As for Andy's hideous mishmash, I don't see an actual cartridge pleat anywhere on that outfit. Didn't you folks at Threads get the message several months ago when you misidentified cartridge pleating in a how-to article?

The "home ec/homemade" putdowns are right on target. Homemade is great for cakes, not for for clothing. Handmade represents an altogether different caliber from what most home sewing achieves.

Good ideas, well explained, & I can probably do all 3 using my Featherweight & attachments. Thanks.

Sorry, Starrsewsabit, but words have an agreed meaning for a reason. Absent a common understanding of what a word represents, there is no communication.

If you, as my customer, ask for cartridge pleats when what you want is a series of tucks, you won't be happy with the finished product I produce, even though I've made EXACTLY what you asked. Sure, I can make up my own name for any technique, but unless everyone agrees to use that name we can't talk sensibly to each other about it - remember the Tower of Babel.

Perfect timing. The instructions are nice & clear. These are just what I need to finish off some knitted lace wedding garters for 2 springtime brides.

Welcome to the firing line, Deana. Congratulations on your new position.

Count me among those who want more high-end detail techniques & more emphasis on wearable menswear. With a 6'4" spouse who's built like the offensive tackle he used to be, I spend a fair amount of time altering RTW for fit. Classic tailoring trumps trendy or "fun," whether I'm sewing for him, me, or our nieces & nephews.

That said, the simpler projects (Fashion Squared - #137, Bog jacket - #87) have been a great way to introduce my 16 year old niece to the pleasures of sewing & to Threads, so they do have their place. Both she & I drool over the vintage pieces on the back covers, so please keep 'em coming.

Just gorgeous. Takes full advantage of both the drape of the fabric & the print. Reminds me of a glorious sunset.

And with a nod, perhaps, to Madeleine Vionnet?

Gorgeous vest/tunic. Love the trapunto detailing. At 55+ I might not pair this with tights or leggings, rather I'd take it a bit shorter & put it over slim slacks or a straight skirt in a dark neutral.

Wow! Absolutely breathtaking.

Reminds me of Helen Mirren at the 2008 Oscars. Lovely work.

Alright, fleece with panache!

Nice tailoring & lovely detail work. Great job - wear it with pride.

Nice to see these. When I first learned to sew, every pincushion had it's own little emery strawberry attached. They kept both pins & needles nicely clean & sharp. The Calico Cat carries powdered emery (http://www.thecalicocat.com/patterns-pincushions.htm) as does Dottyral's on etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=47297) & you can also purchase it on eBay (several suppliers), but I'm sure there are other sources out there, like local hardware stores.

Gorgeous. Bet it makes the wearer feel beautiful the minute she puts it on.

Silly & absolutely unwearable. These are far from young, "fierce," or cutting edge; they look like bad beginner sewing projects. Deconstructed & asymmetrical have been done before - decades ago; so have tie-dye & patchwork & all have been done much better. As for "artistic expression," fine - then call it fiber art but please don't call it clothing. What was Threads thinking?