Is there a sewist anywhere who has not experienced moments of frustration when tackling a complex—or even an easy—project? I suspect not. And that’s why it’s so gratifying when your efforts turn out a beautiful garment, artful quilt, or other well-made design. If sewing were always easy, I wonder whether it would offer as much satisfaction.

There’s a sense of triumph in mastering a challenging technique. Creating a perfect match in busy prints, as Elizabeth Vana Bryant shows (“How to Match Prints,” p. 66), is a puzzle you can solve. New designer Annika Geissberger (“Tailored and Tied,” p. 58) posed a tricky patternmaking problem in her senior collection, and shares the unique result. Pamela Howard, always a superb technician, reveals the satisfaction of adding top-tier details to a classic shirtdress, for a wardrobe staple you’ll treasure for years (“Shirtdress Style,” p. 52).

Sometimes, though, you need more immediate gratification. ChaCha N. Hudson shares advice for getting a quick win, geared toward plus-size sewists who are just starting out in garment sewing (“A Quick Win for Plus-Size Sewists,” p. 44).  We’ve also got two pattern-free skirt ideas that are easy to fit and sew. One is a Threads favorite, by Jennifer Stern-Hasemann (“Sew a Light-As-Air Skirt,” p. 38), brought back to encourage your spring sewing. We’ll be occasionally revisiting some of our classic articles in upcoming issues; if there’s anything you want to see again, please let us know. Your interest in Threads is our reward.

— Carol J. Fresia, Editor

Threads Recommended Products

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Style Arc, Hendrix Coat

The Hendrix coat sewing pattern from Style Arc is an unlined, panelled design with long two-piece sleeves, a button or snap front, and optional top-stitching. It features binding along the neck, hem, and sleeves, along with angled patch pockets and dropped shoulders. Recommended fabrics include wool, linen, faux fur, or velvet, with fabric estimates and trim details provided for sizes 4-30.

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Know Me 2064 Vest and Jacket

Know Me patterns offer stylish and versatile designs, including the ME2064 rain jacket, which combines a cropped jacket and a vest that can be worn together or separately. The boxy-fit jacket features a hood, snap closure, and multiple pockets, while the vest has a zippered front and cargo pockets. This sewing kit includes templates, fabric recommendations, and instructions for sizes 44-52, proudly made in the USA.

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Vogue 1642

Pattern A has pleated patch pockets with flaps. Pattern B has side seam zippers. This Vogue sewing pattern kit was designed and printed in the United States and comes with sewing templates, instructions, fabric recommendations, pattern pieces, and sizing guides for (2) shirts and (1) pair of pants. Women's clothing patterns can be made to fit sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.

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