Have you ever just sat down and revisited back issues of Threads Magazines when you are not searching for information about a specific topic? I did just that as a result of my attempt to track down the pattern used in Issue 120’s article by Susan Khalje, “Ripple-free Piping Can’t Be Rushed.” While I have not yet found the answer to my pattern question, I did find the article quite interesting, and there are several other articles in this issue that captured my attention and enhanced my learning about various aspects of sewing. One of the articles that falls into this category is, “Sew Clothes That Keep on Fitting,” by Loretta Gjeltema.
When going through this Issue, and particularly when looking at the cover, I asked myself, “What were you doing in September of 2005 that you don’t seem to remember much about this magazine?” Well, I readily came up with the answer of what it was that was dominating my life at this time. But, a revelation came in the form of thinking of the impending excitement about going back and thumbing through more back issues to see what it was that I possibly missed, and that can add excitement and inspiration to sewing projects just as the aforementioned piped, brocade jacket did.
If this post sounds a bit wacky, perhaps it is because I’m just sharing my delight at the refound issue with people that I know love to sew!
Replies
It's true for me, too. Sometimes I look at an old issue and it seems brand new to me! Sometimes I look at the photos and am not really impressed - the fabric, the style, something about it turns me off, but the techniques are what are really important, and the second time through that's what appeals, in spite of the other distracting factors.
Anytime I go back to find information on a subject I get sidetracked and engrossed in forgotten articles about other subjects! It's like finding forgotten treasure.
"...finding forgotten treasure." Forgotten treasures they are. And, it seems that I like the really old issues better than the newer ones!
No one is going to want my collection when I no longer need them because they are so dog eared. I have every issue and often read the old ones just to see what I forgot or missed. A long time ago, I quit worrying about keeping them pristine. Reading and rereading can be so rewarding. Sometimes, something that didn't catch my fancy the first time sends me off on a new adventure. There is so much information in the older issues.
Ralphetta: What a giggle, yesterday I was encouraging my grandchildren to tidy up their play area while I was minding them for their Mom. They would go along industriously for a few minutes and then get lost in the wonder of a toy or painting or a puppet. It would take a bit to get them back to their tidying. Now I read your thread and realize adults are just the same. I have so often gone looking for one specific thing in back issues only to become immersed in a journey into other flights of possibilities with other articles. Thanks for the giggle and reality check. Scrubble4
Josefly: I really agree with you about the techniques. I often look at the fabric chosen or combinations of fabric chosen and say to myself,"What were they thinking of when they did that?" However, the techniques I pore over, the hints, tips, tricks, resources, and what not to dos are so wonderful. I know fashion taste is really personal and I am able to glide over what seem disasterous choices for me if I can learn, learn, learn. Scrubble4.
Yes, I know what you mean, and there is so much to learn. I do sometimes bypass an article if the clothes pictured aren't "attractive" to me - color combos, style, etc., - then later on I can "get past" the photos and use my own imagination and preferences to figure out how I would use the techniques. Taste is quite personal, as you say.I appreciate your comments; they reminded me of this: I just found a copy of Lois Ericson's and (daughter) Diane Ericson's book, "Ethnic Costume", copyright 1979. It is full of sketches of traditional garments from all over the world, next to photos of modern-made garments inspired by the original styles. It's a wonderful book to browse, to become inspired, and to learn some techniques of piecing, hand embroidery, etc. But you must first "get past" the photos, which are dated and are only in black and white, diminishing the effect of the probably quite lovely combinations of fabrics and textures. The drawings are definitely appealing, though. Most of these garments are made from rectangles of fabric - simple, perhaps primitive, design - something like kimonos. The different styles of applique and other embellishment distinguish them. I found it fascinating in spite of the limitations of the photos. Thanks for letting me rattle on about this.
One of the great, great things about Threads is the on-line index. Before I had a computer I had to rely on the occasional listings in the mag itself. I knit a lot as well as sew and I wish the knitting magazines had indexes (indices?)
Just received my Threads in the office mail. Looks great. I love plaid and loved the ASG Fashion Show in the reader's closet, and the skirt project. Great outfilts. What I love most of all is to see REAL women. Not those pencil dolls you see in most fashion layouts. These are real women with the kind of bodies the average women across the globe possess. I loved it.
Hopefully, the editors and writers of Threads will listen to those of us that want to see 'real' women and not those who are professional, paid models.
Hi WandaJ: Just want to assure you that we are definitely listening. We are always working on and will continue to work on getting a wide range of women into the magazine. Thanks so much for your comments and interest!
Rodezzy, Great to hear you loved the magazine....why don't you inform the editor of Threads?
You should be able to reach her by replying to her post here: 5666.1
Cherryp
Thank you Miss Rodezzy.
Sometimes I begin to wonder what NORMAL looks like!
I HAVE weighed what the doctor thinks I should weigh and my head looked HUGE compared to my "little boy" body!
Never have been as stick thin as a fashion model, and felt bad about that for a lot of years.
I'm Pretty fluffy now!
But, you know what? I feel better about myself at 56 and plenty fluffy than I ever did at 25 and a size 8!
You know what else? I now have photo albums of my grandparents and greatgrandparents, nearly all of whom lived past 80 and I look just like them.
You don't suppose that might be what NORMAL is, so you? Gail
You are very normal, more normal than America wants to admit.
Wanda, I have most Threads since the beginning. Recently I re-organized my sewing closet and moved them and put them in order for about the millionth time. I have always reread my issues,some over and over again. When reorganizing I realized that I had about two years worth that I don't recall ever reading at all. It was as if I bought them and just piled them somewhere. Those were the two years of caring for my very ill elderly mom while working full time. Reading Threads was not something I had time for then. So now I am revisiting those issues. Threads is timeless and always motivational, well, except for maybe a few issues. I will let sleeping dogs lie (wink.)So yes, the answer is a resounding yes. I revisit my Threads very often. solo
Thanks for all of your comments here---great read
This post is archived.