It’s rare, I’ve discovered, to meet a garment sewer who is not fervently creative. Each project takes us further into our special area of interest. Couture techniques, patternmaking and draping, vintage styles, visible mending, cutting-edge fashion—these are just few of the paths we happily travel on our individual sewing adventures.

In this issue, our authors take us along with them on their various explorations. Fashion historian Timothy Long writes about his detective work with the late Claire B. Shaeffer (p. 36), and what he learned along the way. From The Great British Sewing Bee, Claire-Louise Hardie shares an efficient method for tracing a pattern from an existing garment, without taking it apart (p. 72). With practice, you can copy your favorite clothes, for your best bespoke wardrobe. Rae Cumbie, a talented textile collagist and teacher, walks us through the creation of a delicate sheer assemblage that speaks of  summer (p. 28).

You’ll also find award-winning dresses that showcase unusual collars and hems (p. 42), and a guide for making supremely comfortable loungewear (p. 56), from Alex Woodbury.

The deepest dives of all, I think, are taken by the featured professionals who work in the entertainment industry (p. 50): Their skill sets are extraordinary, combining expertise in garment construction with problem-solving almost unimaginable in scope. I am in awe of these behind-the-scenes virtuosos.

Wherever your journey takes you, enjoy—and meet us back here in Fall 2025, when we celebrate Threads’ 40th anniversary.

Threads Recommended Products

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Butterick, Misses’ Shirts and Shorts 6946 and 6947

This pattern makes fitted shirts with collar, sleeve, and cuff options, plus pleated shorts with a front zipper. Includes styles with rolled sleeves, turn-back cuffs, or a stitched hem. Sized for misses 4–12.

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McCall's 8241

McCalls Sewing Pattern 8241 Tops A (XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL). McCalls-8241-A

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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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