I’ve been subscribing to Threads since the beginning and have a complete set of issues. The last few years Threads has focused more and more on dressmaking leaving behind articles of machine embroidery, art quilts, quilts, beading, hand embroidery, knitting, and crocheting. My interest is quilting and free machine embroidery and your magazine always had something that was candy to my eyes. New techniques to be tried and new ideas were always things that I knew Threads would provide and the so the arrival of the magazine was always one of joyful anticipation. Through the years I’ve seen less and less articles of other topics but more and more articles related to garment construction. This issue #112 is completely devoid of any other type of sewing except for dressmaking. And so my dilemma is whether to say goodbye to Threads at the end of the year or hang on for another year (again) and hope that Threads’ will again be the magazine that it used to be. Is Threads’ new target audience dressmakers? If so, please let me know and let me start preparing for the end of a wonderful relationship.
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Replies
The majority of our readers do say that garment sewing is their biggest passion, but we have come to understand that they love inspirational articles as well as strictly technical ones. We also know that many self-described garment sewers do home decor and craft sewing as well (sometimes under duress--I really don't like making curtains!!). We hope to encourage all our readers to see each technique (whether embellishment or construction) as potentially useful in a number of situations.
I think Nancy Shriber's approach to strip piecing is perfect for wall-hangings, bed quilts, decorative table linens, or accessories like purses. Sarah Veblen's playful waistline treatments make me think of colorful, whimsical pillows as well as belts, and even though I know how to topstitch, I'm very happy to read tips from a pro like Pam Howard--it helps me know if I've been overlooking something that would ensure better results in my sewing.
Carol
Hi Carol, thank you for your response. In a round about way you confirmed who your target audience is. Threads has over time narrowed its interest, dressmaking, which is not mine. I no longer have a dilemma come November, subscription time. Thanks for the many years of wonderful reading, learning, and inspiration. I do have all my issues that I refer to frequently to keep me company but I guess all good things do end. Good luck, Veronica
While we're emphasizing garment sewing in the magazine, we definitely do not equate garment sewing with "dressmaking" in the traditional sense. For us, as for many in our reading audience, garment sewing is a pretty broad subject--all of us here are interested in embellishment of all sorts, in fabric manipulation, and in creative stitchery that can be used for wearables as well as for decorative and practical items. We're quite aware the most sewers don't sew to reproduce stuff they can go out and buy, but rather to make high-quality clothes and personal and home accessories that genuinely reflect their own sensibility, whether it's tailored and minimalist, or lushly embellished.
Obviously, no one article or technique will appeal to every reader's aesthetic; we try to present a range so that everyone will, over the course of a few months, find something that strikes her (or his!) fancy. I've never met a Threads reader who didn't love beautiful things and truly appreciate fine craftsmanship; we hope to provide techniques and design ideas that will help her achieve both of these.
Carol
As I said in my first post, I've been recieving Threads since its inception and loved it for its true versatility. The last couple of years I saw more and more articles of one subject and less and less of other "threads". I know that I can apply various techniques to quilting such as this issue's Stripped Fabrics but to have the entire issue devoid of anything else except for garment tips? No thanks. Veronica
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