Replies

1. 
   Martha_McKeon | Jan 11, 2000 07:52pm | #1

   *
   Great topic!! I confess I have let my subscription lapse for lack of interest in the past few issues.

   My suggestion would be to publish articles written by truly experienced experts in the field of fashion sewing. By that I mean, professionals working in the fashion industry, and professional dressmakers and tailors - people who actually sew/design/draft patterns etc. for a living.

1. 
   silkscape_ | Jan 13, 2000 09:02am | #2

   *I suspect much of the readers of Threads are involved in some aspect of a sewing business and would welcome an occasional article related to that, i.e., what are the trends in the industry, teaching tools for instructors, etc... Also, I would like to see articles concerning sewing for children. For example, there is a lot of information about pattern drafting, and alteration for adults, even grading, but rarely any about children. How about reviews of sewing/fabric/pattern internet sites?

1. 
   Darlette | Jan 14, 2000 04:17am | #3

   *I really like the suggestion to review online sewing-related sites. Here's another one: what about showcasing Independent patterns on different shaped models? That way we can see what a garment looks like on someone of a similiar build. Is that "blue sky" for the magazine? Hope not. Darlette

1. 
   Darlette | Jan 15, 2000 04:23pm | #4

   *I ALWAYS enjoy the articles by Conover & Mayer (hope the spelling's right).These are the guys who teach at some college and also have theirown clothing line.

1. 
   Virginia_Crawford | Jan 16, 2000 03:56pm | #5

   *This is a very interesting discussion. I'm a professional sewer, and I used to read Threads when I was a student but lost interest because the articles I really felt exhilerated by were few and far between. I've picked it up again because of the website and the opportunity to talk to other sewers. Claire Shaeffer's articles on couturiers and their methods were always great, but it bugs me that a magazine that can actually pinpoint professionals as a market still offers more for the amateur.Yay Dawn, for suggesting internet site reviews - I haven't found too many good ones. Where are they all? V.

2. 
   carol_broscheid | Jan 16, 2000 08:49pm | #6

   *Darlette, great idea. I still subscribe but there is less and less to interest me in this magazine. Some of the stuff is a little to kindergarten-level IMHO. I will definitely spend some time thinking about what I would like to see more of in Threads. Martha I would like to hear from pros too! Maybe we can get something going. I hope everyone reads this subject and puts in at least 2 cents worth!

3. 
   Noreen_Huber | Jan 18, 2000 10:17pm | #7

   *Please...no more home dec! Some great suggestions were made for content, particularly showcasing the independent pattern companies as more and more of us are using these patterns. I also loved your Marci Tilton's articles on the Armani jacket. I read Threads for inspiration and this last issue.....well!!!!

4. 
   pkee | Jan 19, 2000 12:45am | #8

   *I didn't mind the slipcover article. It never occured to me to use my couture techniques on something as ordinary as a chair. The article stressed FITTING not tying things into place.But back to the question at hand, I'd like to see some articles on moulage or French Pattern Drafting. I've taken a few classes with Kenneth King and I've never had clothes FIT with so little fuss! I've created a basic shirt pattern from my moulage and unfortunately not been able to buy RTW since.If Threads needs to branch out from sewing fabric, how about an article by Lily Chin on how to shape knitted fabric to 3D contours, e.g. shortrowing? How about articles on creating professional maternity clothes? I am sick of see elastic or ties with bows down the front or back to announce pregnancy. A friend had a stunning outfit during her pregnancy because she opted for modified princess seams (fitted above the abdomen with the seam released below).How about some articles about or by some up and coming designers? Where do they get their ideas? Or a review of a designer's career and evolution of portfolio, e.g. Issey Miyake?

5. 
   Darlette | Jan 19, 2000 04:30am | #9

   *There are a lot of Issey Miyake fans out there. I'm not one, per se, but I heard Vogue was soliciting I.M. patterns recently. Several of the Sewing Workshop patterns are quite similiar. What about re-hashing some of the popular topics from the past? I'd love to see more info about draping by some industry person. Now that Bill Blass has retired, maybe you could get him to author an article or two. Please ask him. And if you must have Home-Dec stuff in the magazine to keep it financially afloat, that's OK. There are worse things in life... like having sock-monkey "how to" articles.

6. 
   Ghillie_C | Jan 20, 2000 12:26am | #10

   *Handbags!Very fashionable. I would like some ideas on how to make them so they look reasonably professional. What do I use for stiffenings, where do you get clasps etc. How do I line them? Yes, I know there have been one or two articles, but not very comprehensive.Personally I don't mind the 'how to' articles. Funny the number of things I have been doing for thirty years and have never done correctly...