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Magazine Giveaway: “Designer Techniques Vol. 2”

This issue could be yours if you leave a comment!

DESIGNER TECHNIQUES Vol. 2 – A THREADS COLLECTOR’S EDITION
The all-new second volume of the Threads Designer Techniques series is available at last, and like the first volume, it offers an in-depth look into the lives, techniques, and styles of some of the world’s most iconic designers. The Threads staff has had unique opportunities to learn about these designers through interviews, studio visits, and analysis of garments they created. We’ve collected the stories of our experiences and remarkable information into this new edition. The articles will give you a new appreciation for ready-to-wear clothing, a host of new techniques to use in your own work, and the inspiration to be the best you can be.

To give you an idea of the many great articles this issue contains, we’ve included the table of contents below:

Exquisite Details

  • Luxurious Lingerie: Delicate fabric and lace, a simple pattern, and fine sewing add up to a couture cami.
  • Dior Roses: Add a lovely fabric embellishment.
  • One-Layer Fashions: Designer-sewers Judith and Lin offer unique finishing solutions for minimalist garments.

Couture Wardrobe

  • Inside a Designer Jacket: Sew a classic with subtle quilting, hand-finished seams, a chain-weighted hem, and fine trims.
  • Tailored Trousers: Compare couture and ready-to-wear techniques from Yves Saint Laurent.
  • Borrowing from Calvin Klein: Discover fine enhancements for the skirts you sew.
  • The LBD: Sew a Little Black Dress from start to finish with couture techniques.
  • Sew Pants Like Armani: How to duplicate the cut and details of the master tailor’s trousers.

Inspiring Designers

  • Akira on Bias: Patterns and techniques for creating stunning, fluid eveningwear.
  • Precision, Galanos Style: Finishing methods for clothes that look as good on the inside as on the outside.
  • Fabric Sculpture by Madame Grès: Her fashion legacy grew from simple shapes and bias draping.
  • Gene Meyer’s Glamour: He created sophisticated garments from beautiful fabrics.
  • Scaasi’s Haute Couture: How the American designer built glorious gowns.
  • Valentina: A glamorous life informed her timeless designs.
  • Zandra Rhodes’ Vision: Embellishments and edges from London’s exotic fashion designer.
  • Vionnet’s Geometry: How she used form, fashion, and cut to make fashion history.

WIN A COPY
Tell us who your favorite designer is and why, and you could be one of three lucky winners to receive a copy of DESIGNER TECHNIQUES Vol. 2. Simply leave a comment on this post before 11:59 p.m. ET, April 18, 2014. The winner will be randomly selected and announced the week of April 21.

Good luck!

Discuss

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  1. user-3203910 | | #1

    favorite designer would easily be Charles Kleibacher. That man loved using the bias and teaching! I had the great good fortune to work with him when I was a student. That man could talk to the fabric and make it talk back.
    Karen Jones
    Milwaukee, Wi
    [email protected]

  2. User avater
    user-3046394 | | #2

    Chanel is my favorite. i like classic and modern designs. i aam new to sewing and design. enjoy your mag a great deal!

  3. sewmydreams | | #3

    Balenciaga...he was such a perfectionist (and so am I...I use my seam ripper often). And he admired details...such classic styles for women, too!

  4. user-1050845 | | #4

    Claire Mccardell, because of her whole practical view while not sacrificing elegance or fun. Something for us all to aspire to.

  5. user-147016 | | #5

    I look forward to flipping through the pages of this magazine. Thank you.

  6. almaelliott1962 | | #6

    Very interested in all the information it has to offer.

  7. User avater
    jamaco | | #7

    For people clothes I like Claire Mccardell. The designs of the 4os and 50s are great! I also enjoy looking at Bill Blass and Chanel but they are way outside my ability (and price range!). For doll clothes I love Magalie House Dawson (MHD Designs) and Liberty Jane. People clothes for dolls!

  8. SewWhatLilly | | #8

    Very difficult to say but I do like the looks of Armani and Ralph Lauren...I like the classic look. Historically I would have to say Christian Dior.

  9. bunnypep | | #9

    I love Mary Katrantzou. (hope I spelled it correctly.) Her prints really speak to me and are spectacular. I love her bold use of color.

  10. TwilightStorm | | #10

    I have two "favorite designers" I guess, although every name out there pretty much has something for everyone.

    I like Alexander McQueen for some of his "other-era/past-era modernized" items of clothing. His clothing and shoes are really edgy, he mixes a few genre together to get really inspired results. Especially a black and white fur coat from a recent fashion show of his I would love to wear although I know I could never afford it in a million years! :(

    Olga Lace is my other favorite. Her designs are beautiful, feminine and her dresses especially inspired me in knitting and crochet, as well as lace making techniques. Her designs inspire me more in the way of a romantic, sexy, every girls fantasy, of being swept off her feet and taken to a garden kind of way. Her dresses are very form fitting, and accentuate the female body really well.

    Why they inspire me is hard to put to words, hope that makes sense.

  11. chefti | | #11

    Koos van den Akker because firstly I like the way he pieces fabric, which means I can use scraps and secondly some of his designs are available from Vogue patterns, which means I can make them!

  12. Coffeeaddictsam | | #12

    Alexander McQueen was my favourite designer- with his classic tailored lines beneath the flamboyant designs, which made them very appealing to me.

  13. sewmydreams | | #13

    I don't have a favorite designer...they are all creative. What I enjoy seeing are the intricate designs that each designer comes up with. Like anything in life it's a situation of "one either loves it or hates it". Sometimes I see a designer's work and I can marvel over it...whereas other times they can be the most famous designer creating an article of clothing that has taken many hours to construct but I look at it and remark "what a waste of time and money...it's hideous...what were they thinking???" But I guess that's why we say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"...the viewer doesn't have to always agree with the creator...although some people will. Hmm?? But I love couture garments and construction methods...this magazine looks like it has a lot to offer. Thank you for this opportunity to share this work.

  14. Nitewindz | | #14

    My favorite designer is -- me! LOL! When you sew, you are the designer. It's your vision made real. But, if I had to pick a name designer, I think it's be Dolce & Gabbana

  15. user-3262060 | | #15

    I really like Coco Chanel! I love how her looks are feminine, yet were inspired by men's wear's designs and fabrics. Her pieces are also very versatile--they can be dressed up or down for any occasion, and they look good on every woman.

  16. [email protected] | | #16

    Dries Van Noten - I love the way he mixes prints!

  17. user-2578315 | | #17

    I really don't have a favorite designer- many of the new fashions are just not reasonable for a woman my age (67). I have, however always liked Chanel and Vera Wang. Classic simplicity is always a winner!

  18. loscoz | | #18

    OHHH with so many designers over the years to choose from... I do love the eclecticism of Betsey Johnson; sexy edge of Versace; Alexander McQueen with a gothic take on classics; and well I would be severely amiss to forget the phenomenal Karl Lagerfeld who has been around and through so many fashion houses!

  19. moviedoll | | #19

    I adore Travilla. His designs for Marilyn Monroe were perfection!

  20. GinnySieben | | #20

    Dior. Beautiful lines that flatter the female form.

  21. pathersl | | #21

    My favorite designers are all the brave souls out there who create. Can't name one (as if I could remember any name right now!). It's the techniques I would love to see.

  22. SueBee256 | | #22

    Diane Von Furstenburg. Her ability to make women look good amazes me.

  23. Paula_Beron5 | | #23

    Valentino, love him, his dressses, his clothe, how he finishes his work, all of it. Just love him. also Chanel, the famous jacket, getting ready to sew one. Feeling excited about it.

  24. User avater
    Pamellia | | #24

    Coco Chanel. Her attention to detail, and her timeless designs. I have learned a lot from reading about her, and used some of her techniques. Her techniques inspire me to try different approaches.

  25. user-1130733 | | #25

    I don't really have a favorite but love a lot of different ones! I love the classic designs especially.

    I really love Threads! :)

    Marla

  26. kimsidlehands | | #26

    Threads has given me so many great tips and hints for my sewing. I would love to learn more.

  27. kimsidlehands | | #27

    P.S. Mr. King is my fave.

  28. socindysew | | #28

    Well, it is really easy for me to name my favorite designers. From days of old, it would be Balenciaga, hands down. From current designers, that gets harder because I really like a lot of them. My number one choice is Oscar de la Renta. Sometimes I think he just can't design anything ugly. I love his use of embroidery, too. (I have a glorious embroidery machine.) Interestingly enough, Oscar worked with Balenciaga. For fashion that I could actually afford to wear with any regularity, it would be Karen Kane. I love most everything she does. She also has great embroidery applications.

  29. 1Shady | | #29

    I've always loved Fortuny, who was more of a textile artist than designer. It was the way he manipulated textiles to create pleats and/or patterns that has made his clothing timeless throughout the ages. The other designers who have inspired me throughout the years are Givenchy and James.

  30. User avater
    2tango | | #30

    Isabelle Toledo, genius!

  31. [email protected] | | #31

    I'm going very old school, and saying Charles Worth. I love the clothing of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.

  32. soandsew | | #32

    There is always something new to learn about sewing, especially couture. Threads is like a teacher arriving via mailbox and I get lost in the pages. Wonderful!

  33. User avater
    Stoeffchen | | #33

    My favorite designer is Koos van den Acker with his creative buttonholes!

  34. User avater
    LisaSewBubbles | | #34

    I simply <3 the classic styling of Chanel and the feminine lines of Karen Alexander (most recently known for her gorgeous knit dresses sold thru Boston Proper). I look forward to learning something new with this publication! Always learning and love the format information is presented by Threads magazine!

  35. User avater
    sewmuchknittting | | #35

    Chanel.....her use of knit jersey was brilliant!

  36. user-2003399 | | #36

    would love to win this as I need to start using different techniques in sewing

  37. Carrrrol | | #37

    My favorite designer is me, though I get a lot of ideas from other designers via internet!

  38. user-1146583 | | #38

    I always loved the old Hollywood designers like Edith Head and Adrian.

  39. yogamama522 | | #39

    I love Betsey Johnson's style but buy alot of patterns from Katherine Tilton.

  40. Sewsewsewsew | | #40

    Chanel is my favorite designer, such elegant style

  41. Lawana55 | | #41

    fell in love with Chanel... clean lines but with a flair and finish that broke with the norm.... but Edith Head is my favorite when it comes to evening wear and totally fancy with a class that turns heads

  42. [email protected] | | #42

    I'm going very old school, and saying Charles Worth. I love the clothing of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.

  43. bajjmayer | | #43

    I LOVE Carolina Herrrera ans Oscar DeLaRenta--they are classic, feminine but not over the top and alluring!. There are so many great designers now and to be able to add those special touches to garments would be such a treat!

  44. User avater
    malsews | | #44

    I don't think there's a designer out there that I don't like! Everyone has their own point of view and the designers are able to purport that point of view into beautiful fashion. Chanel is one of my all-time favorites; Alexander McQueen, YSL, Givincy, Valentino, to name a few.

  45. user-2021636 | | #45

    Mine is Vivienne Westwood: eccentricity and individuality underpinned with disciplined tailoring.

  46. Sarahruth | | #46

    This will date me, but my fav designer is Diane von Furstenburg. She always created the most flattering designs.

  47. beadembroiderer | | #47

    Michael Kors

    I love sportswear and resortwear, and I think he really has the best to offer. I love that we are wearing clothing from the 1980s with extended shoulders, dirndils and other features. I think he is a leader in American sportswear.

  48. Sewzy | | #48

    Carolina Herrera :)

  49. user-3136551 | | #49

    CHOCO CHANNEL WITH HER CLEAN DESIGNS IS MY FAVORITE DES.

  50. User avater
    acatalina2 | | #50

    Yves St Laurent:

    Dolce & Gabanna:

    Both, some part classic and some part modern.

    That is my favorite look and fit.

  51. user-2803942 | | #51

    Elie Saab - all the beautiful, delicate details!

  52. ASGSEWS | | #52

    Kenneth D King for things I love to look at and Chanel for things I would love to wear.

  53. Ceeayche | | #53

    Marchessa is my current favorite. Georgina Chapman and Kerin Craig design ultra feminine fantasy clothes. But my tastes are eclectic. I love the everyday fabulousness of Edward Wilkerson, the designer behind Lafayette148. He gets so many things right: exquisite fabric, luscious use of color and wearable design at a reasonable price point. And I love the striking fresh creations by Korto Momolou.
    .

  54. joanrob8 | | #54

    Alexander McQueen & Coco Chanel. Timeless and Inspiring.

  55. User avater
    Nerdychick2001 | | #55

    Ralph Lauren - i love the clean, sophisticated lines of his women's fashions. I am not a big fan of his men's fashions however. And, his dresses fit me well!

  56. craftybanner | | #56

    Anya Ayoung-Chee the winner of Project Runway season 9 is a huge inspiration in my designing. I love the flow of her patterns. Creating clothes that are inspired by Anya has not only grown my personal wardrobe, but also my friends. I have started mixing prints, dying fabrics, and working with more sheers because of Anya. She reminds me to just go for it.

  57. User avater
    janenz | | #57

    Caroline Moore from Christchurch New Zealand! She designs and makes the most amazing leather garments.
    http://www.carolinemoore.co.nz/

  58. pelicanmom | | #58

    KENNETH D KING IS A FAVORITE.

  59. cajun1108 | | #59

    I have two favorite designers: Kenneth King, who has inspired me to be more fearless in my creating; and Michael Kors, whose designs from clothing to shoes, bags and other accessories, exhibit chic wearability.

  60. User avater
    agapantha | | #60

    Madeleine Vionnet, without question. What she could do with bias... ooh la la!

  61. User avater
    andysmom | | #61

    I really like Celine for what is new and has the ability to last more than a season. For sewing, Kenneth King is always an inspiration along with Louise Cutting, Linda Lee and Dana Marie. Then to big pattern companies, I always have been fond of Issey Miyake patterns and the Tilton sisters.

  62. User avater
    threadmama | | #62

    Ralph Lauren. Clean, classic designs!

  63. Allynda | | #63

    My all time favorite designer is Madame' Gres. The time, as many as 650 hours on a garment WOW and no two were the same ever. Her works were like sculptures, oh so beautiful and one of a kind! What a shame that the fire caused her to go bankrupt and out of business! I have been practicing her technique for several years now but will never come close to the perfection she created.
    I also love the tailored look that Alexander McQueen designed. What a shame such a talented person had to leave this earth so young and so soon, he had yet to hit his peek, his best had not yet surfaced :-(
    And lets not forget Choo Yeang Keat otherwise known as "Jimmy Choo" and those shoes!

  64. user-898234 | | #64

    What a wonderful collection of sewing knowledge. Every designer you have chosen is a gem. There is nothing like learning from the very best. Bill Blass is my overall favourite because of his sense of colour and use of satins and wonderful laces. A maker of delectable wearable clothing.
    Edythe Winfield - [email protected]

  65. judyh321 | | #65

    Chanel, so ahead of her time.

  66. mollie16 | | #66

    According to The Cutting Class, "With clear, bright colours and clever silhouettes the Autumn-Winter 2014 collection for Christian Dior featured new twists on quilting, sneaker style lacing and a variety of uses of tucks to control fullness, shaping and volume." Christian Dior is my favorite because their work inspires me to push the boundaries without losing the connection to what is wearable.

  67. [email protected] | | #67

    From a current pattern purchasing point of view, I'm going with the Tilton sisters' designs. What a fabulous post topic; I'm really enjoying exploring other people's choices for their favourite designers.

  68. Stephanie2X | | #68

    I don't have a favorite designer as of yet but if I could give a name off the top of my head it would be Ralph Lauren.
    I'm still fairly new to sewing and this would be awesome to start my sewing journey with.

  69. user-1109885 | | #69

    Diane von Furtsenburg, simply put the wrap dress. Who hasn't worn one. Love her style.

  70. memarston | | #70

    If I admit how many years I have been reading Threads I would have to admit my real age.

  71. user-5085047 | | #71

    The devil is in the details.... want to see volume 1 too

  72. User avater
    sewhappybjm | | #72

    Vera Wang is my favorite American designer at the moment.

  73. kniter | | #73

    Chanel -classic always wins out

  74. dzioni | | #74

    Calvin Klein -- for his refined simplicity and elegance that flatters all ages.

    I'm definitely getting this issue with the Calvin Klein article!

  75. cakrt | | #75

    Vera Wang because her styles are fluid and feminine. I would love to sew more of her designs.

  76. Ellabella100 | | #76

    Halston. Those 1960's hats and later the pantsuits, and of course the unforgetable camel Ultrasuede shirtdress!

  77. kcw0612 | | #77

    Madeleine Vionnet, I love bias cut garments.

  78. User avater
    user-3157724 | | #78

    I love Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Ralph Lauren! Kenneth King too!

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