Replies

1. 
   sewslow67 | Jul 10, 2009 07:37pm | #1

   Ironic that you should ask this question.  I received my copy yesterday and, as I was reviewing all the articles in the contents list, I was amazed at the number of articles that had been requested by your readers on Gatherings.  I had already "written" my letter to your editors "in my head" in the middle of last night, as I had one of those "can't sleep" sessions for a couple of hours.

   Thus, my answer:  Terrific!  Great issue. 

   • Making Thread:  I particularly appreciate this article, since I just went through great frustration with a particular thread manufacturer of a "perfect match" but poor quality spool.  Very interesting article.
   • A Moveable Waist:  I have been on PD (peritoneal dialysis) the past three years for 9-10 hours every night and, while life extending, it has increased my waistline by several inches; and who knows how much more it will grow.  So this article is very timely for me personally and most appreciated.
   • Going to Press:  We've had endless discussions on irons in the past, and recently too ...so this article is also timely and most helpful to many.
   • Keep Your Balance:  Finding the right style has also been an issue for many of us, and one discussed on several threads here.  Again, with my own fitting issues, this one where appearance is important to a feeling of well-being is timely and again, greatly appreciated. 
   • Well Vested:  Since I have retired, my wardrobe is less formal, (sans jackets much of the time), so I really appreciated the article written by Katherine Tilton, since many of us are enjoying the "art to wear" type garments rather than the same old thing we've seen for years.
   • Fragment a Scarf:  What a fabulous article by Lois Ericson (she never disappoints), as these economic times have made it quite a challenge for many who have either lost their jobs (and trying to stretch their wardrobes on a budget) or are living on a fixed income.  Lois' ideas will add miles to each of our wardrobe pieces as well as bring joy to our sewing projects.
   • Master Class: The Lost Art of Reweaving:  This is another answer to several requests on the subject here on Gatherings.  I've only attempted this a couple of times with "conditional" success, but with these explicit directions, I'm going to give it a try.  Excellent article here too.  (edit as I missed mentioning this one the first time around).

   So, dear Deana; kudos to you and your staff.  You've produced a terrific issue, and one that satisfies in an abundance of ways.  Thank you so very much.

   PS:  The other articles are ones I haven't read yet, but also ones that I am most interested in reading.

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   Edited 7/10/2009 12:39 pm by sewslow67

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   Edited 7/10/2009 1:27 pm by sewslow67

   
   

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   Edited 7/10/2009 2:16 pm by sewslow67

1. 
   Deana | Jul 10, 2009 09:39pm | #2

   Wow! Thank you so much sewslow67! On behalf of the editorial team, we're glad we were able to deliver an issue that hit on so many topics you were looking for. Please keep telling us what you'd like to see in the issues, or what you'd like to see more of. We'll be listening!

   Thanks!

2. 
   ThreadKoe | Jul 10, 2009 10:40pm | #3

   Deana, this was an interesting, or rather fascinating issue.
   Big yes to the Thread article. This is the type of insider information that we need to be better informed about our choices. Unless you really go looking for it, it is hard to unearth this type of information on your own, believe me, I have tried!
   The article on Balance was very very helpful as well. Anything that helps analyze where fitting challenges come from is a super tool. For those who have not had the opportunity to work with many different body types, this is a great visual.
   Loved the mending article. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Now we need a couple more on different mends.
   I also loved the shoes! For matching, or refurbishing, or just plain playing around with, a great fabric idea!
   When learning to sew, we are taught to press, press, and press again. So seldom are we actually given lessons on how, when and why. This is an invaluable article, that will be going directly into my reference book!
   I could keep on going with all the positives for the rest of the articles, which are all of a very good standard, which I expect from Threads. This is the type of indepth, informative magazine that I came to love. It touched on many of the different areas of interest that we all are concerned with. It has something for just about everyone. BRAVO, Very Well Done.
   I have a feeling that this will become one of those standby reference issues. Cathy

3. 
   Ceeayche | Jul 12, 2009 01:59am | #4

   Thanks for asking.  I've been a subscriber since the magazine was introduced--rescued most from a house fire in 97.  Initially, I was slightly disappointed, on my first read--a skim really--nothing jumped up and grabbed me.  HOWEVER, on my customary second read, I found the nuggets there.  And, it's a keeper as are all my issues.

   For me, the two most intriguing articles weren't really sewing articles: 

   The shoe article was intriguing!  Though I wish they had included instructions to finish of the inside with as much care as we finish the inside of our garments.  

   The article on the threads was very educational, and answered some questions that I didn't know I had... as in "I wonder why this is happening".... never occured to me to consider it might be the thread.  Maybe I've blamed my machines way too often!

   Two other offerings in this issue were interesting.  The articles on needle felting for silk and the vest articles are examples of how you take the techniques I'd normally dismiss as too crafty looking for ensembles in corporate environments and you make them accessible.  I think I may try both to add accent pieces for my navy and black suits (AKA "the uniforms").

   The ruching article was also interesting as far as explaining the technique, however the sweater samples didn't do this techinique justice.  The color combinations and the outfits were yawners.  Okay, yes I share the opinion the color combinations were jarring and unflattering (and I love purple).  If you had used the technique on a formal gown, or a sun dress (one of your reader's blogs http://georgegabriellecouture.blogspot.com/2009/02/two-tone-halter-dress-with-weaved.html has the cutest little girl's dress with what looks like ruching coiled into a large flower on the skirt), or a suit for fall, or stockings for the hoildays, or throw pillows for the boudoir...

   My least favorite was the scarf article. Like the reader posting before me, Lou, I'm usually a fan of Ms. Ericson, but this was not up to her usualy imaginative/couture standards.  Maybe I'll have to read it again to get the point.

   Like others, I love the return of the articles on the vintage clothing.  However, I have to agree with Lou again:  please, may we have some more informative comments that provide information on construction techniques?  Even if you simply noted these details are posted at your online site for the sake of space.

   Like Cathy, I  applaud the fact that you all have picked up so many ideas from Gatherings-- or at least it appears so.  Taking these discussions to the next level with more in depth information and professional photography is smart.

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   Edited 7/11/2009 7:20 pm ET by CHL

   
   

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   Edited 7/11/2009 7:32 pm ET by CHL

4. 
   gailete | Jul 13, 2009 01:37am | #5

   I thought the reweaving article fascinating. How though do you repair a hole in a rayon top? Wasn't wearing my apron one day and got a bleach spot on the rayon challis top and then all the fabric fell out of the quarter size spot and it is on my tummy area. Frustrating that was a top that I took the time to handsew my neckline interfacing to the facing. Spent a long timing working on it to get it finished.

   I like the scarf article as it gave me ideas.

   The balance article had big strangely drawn pictures, little text and so I somehow missed the point of the article even though I read it twice through.

   I got the magazine right before getting a really bad flare-up so at this point I can't remember the rest of my thought at that time, otherwise I would have posted here then. Had a rough time for a while and didn't have time to visit here.

   I also enjoyed the article on thread making as it is interesting to know how these things are made.

   Also if memory serves me right, the advertisement for those Clover Puffy Squares has the metric measurements incorrect. I think they showed the size as being 3 or 4 cm. I would guess it was supposed to be 30-40cm.

   Gail

1. 
   sewslow67 | Jul 13, 2009 04:35am | #7

   I've done the same thing you did, i.e. getting a bleach spot on a favorite top.  I don't know if this would work for you, but I cut several more holes in the top and then did reverse applique with fancy stitching - with unique threads - around the edges.  No one ever guessed that the designs started at "repairs", and loved the "artsy" look.  Anyway, just a thought.

5. 
   ozannie | Jul 13, 2009 03:11am | #6

   My copy arrived in the mail last week and I could not put it down until I had read it from cover to cover!! I can't wait to try the silk embellishing and would love to make up one of the vests. Thanks for a wonderful magazine and keep up all the technical articles please.

6. 
   Knitnut | Jul 13, 2009 04:37pm | #8

   Deana

   I've love Threads period.  However, I used the corrections in the editor letters for the biased top from the prior issue and I think the corrections are wrong or I misunderstood them.  Please see my post in PATTERNS - any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  I saw this garment made up in the reader's closet and mine is at least twice as big as theirs.

   I wish Threads was a monthly mag.  PS - I love the back cover with the historical garment details. 

   Jackie

1. 
   Deana | Jul 13, 2009 08:48pm | #9

   Hi Knitnut,

   Checkout the following thread on gatherings for some further insight into the bias top: http://forums.taunton.com/tp-gatherings/messages?msg=9955.4

   I hope this helps!

   Best,Deana

1. 
   Knitnut | Jul 13, 2009 11:33pm | #10

   Yes - I appreciate your time and the info.

7. 
   mittskitt | Jul 15, 2009 05:05pm | #11

   I am a new subscriber and just received the current issue, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I started sewing in the late 60's. I used to be a subscriber to Threads but because of personal circumstances stopped sewing in 94. I started sewing again a couple of years ago. There have been many changes since 94, but the biggest change I noticed after receiving my first issue is that evidently the only sewing machine manufacturer who thinks people that subscribe to Threads actually SEWS USING A SEWING MACHINE....is Brother. I guess the other companies think we glue stuff together. Ok, that is my complaint. Just call me old fashioned. One of the reasons I subscribe to a magazine addressing my hobby is for the ads. I have a feeling I am a dying breed. Thanks for the enjoyable issue!

   Helen

1. 
   gailete | Jul 16, 2009 06:08am | #12

   Helen, I'm curious about what you mean. I've been following the ads too and they all seem to emphasize sewing with a BIG focus on machine embroidery but I think that is where the money is with sewing machine sales. I haven't noticed that Brother ads are much different than any of the others so would be curious if you could expand on your thoughts about this.

   Gail

1. 
   mittskitt | Jul 16, 2009 04:35pm | #13

   Hi Gail,
   What I mean is that the only sewing machine manufacturer with an ad in the latest issue of Threads is Brother. There are no ads for Bernina, Viking, Janome, Phaff, Babylock or Singer. Don't these companies know thread (hence the name Threads) is used in the product they wish to sell?? A magazine can not survive without ads. Yes, I am being sarcastic in my comments but I just can't help it. I happen to prefer to read words and look at pictures printed on paper and I would hate to see Threads disappear. As I said, I am a dying breed....Helen

1. 
   gailete | Jul 16, 2009 07:01pm | #14

   Generally all the sewing machine manufacturers have sewing machine ads in the magazine. I know I have searched past issues prior to buying a back up machine and was able to get the info I needed. Issue 143 (the one prior to this issue) started out the magazine with a 2 page spread on the top of the line Bernina, a Baby Lock Serger ad, and a half page Janome ad. Over the course of the year you see not only ads for all the machines, they occasionally have articles on the features of the newest machines or sergers.

   I personally would like to see the sewing machine ads talk more about the sewing aspects of the machine instead of promoting the machine embroidery features so much, even though I do have an embroidery machine. When I see a sewing machine ad, I want to see how many decorative and how many utility stitches the machine makes, buttonhole counts, anything special they have for making sewing easier (and even handicapped accessible), and I would like to see them coordinate themselves and give sewing machine throat measurements all in inches or metric. To confuse us and make their machine seem like it has a bigger throat (or bigger whatever) they all use a different measurement systems. Thankfully I found that at the Embroidery Library website they have a chart that compares and gives the measurements in both inches and metric for most of the newest machines throat sizes and hooping capability, but this wouldn't be needed as much if they just all did it the same way.

    

1. 
   mittskitt | Jul 16, 2009 08:08pm | #15

   Let's say I open up this issue. I am a new subscriber so it is my first issue. I have decided I want to buy a new machine. According to this issue, all the other manufacturers, except Brother, have evidently decided they are not interested in aiming their advertising dollars at someone reading this issue.....my point being, there should be ads from EVERY sewing machine manufacturer in EVERY issue. Without ads Threads will disappear. I spent $6000 on a Viking, $1300 on a Babylock, and $1000 on a Janome, but the only company REALLY interested in my money is Brother.....Helen

2. 
   starzoe | Jul 16, 2009 08:45pm | #16

   The view you are taking is based on a timeline that is too short. I am not standing up for any particular brand of sewing machine but over the years (and I have every issue except three) there has been ample and continuing advertising by machine companies.Besides, I doubt if anyone bases their purchase on just reading the advertisements or how often they appear in this particular magazine - there are other magazines that Taunton publishes in the arts/crafts/sewing areas and after all advertising, to be effective, has to be disseminated to the widest possible audience.

3. 
   mittskitt | Jul 16, 2009 09:35pm | #17

   I think you mean I am shortsighted and you are right.....:) Hopefully sewing magazines will continue to be published for a while longer.....on PAPER, I mean. I am sure the next generation doesn't care if the magazines are on paper or the net. As I said, my breed is dying off....:)Helen

4. 
   lou19 | Jul 16, 2009 11:18pm | #18

   I live in the UK.

   Sewers are NOT a dying breed.

   Adult Sewing classes are full and they are taking on extra tutors, there  2 new sewing magazine titles, + our town even has a  new shop teaching sewing skills. Look on e.bay and sewing items and patterns are very popular...no longer cheap. Sewing machine sales are up. Sunday Newspapers have regular  sewing articles (Observer) and "make and alter" type featurs have appered in many other papers. 

   Is this good news? Yes, BUT the magazines are almost all aimed at beginners. The magazines are designed for young trendy beginner sewers, I used to sometimes buy "sewing world" but haven't for months as no articles appeal anymore ."threads" which used to be my favourite magazine also tries to appeal to the beginner market instead of us experienced sewrs. "Sew Today" now combines Vogue patterns with Butterick and McCalls which gives it a dumbed down look.

   Where are the magazines aimed at advanced sewers? My local Borders has stopped selling "Belle Amoire" (I assume because there are so many other sewing/knitting crochet/magazines.)  But even that magazine was featuring beginners work sometimes of very little merit.

   Why can't THREADS  see that the beginners are now catered for very well else where and go back to it's old format of assuming we all know how to sew and inspire us to even higher skills.

   Personally I am spending more on books and less on magazines. Used/titles are often very cheap on Amazon........cheaper than a magazine. I recently bought a Threads book "great quilting techniques" which is a collection of old threads articles for £1.35 + postage £2.75 (a copy of Threads costs £5.75and sewing world £3.95)

    

5. 
   katina | Jul 17, 2009 06:56am | #20

   Totally agree with you!

   Katina

6. 
   rekha | Jul 19, 2009 05:11pm | #21

   I agree with most of what you say. My source of learning now comes from designer patterns which give details of how to do tricky things. I hadn't consciously taken that direction but found whilst replacing my daughter's coat lining that I simply couldn't find any directions for cutting and sewing back vents. I bought Vogue's 7979 pattern which gives the best directions for vents I have seen.Unfortunately, VoguePatterns US cannot be bought outside US and Canada. I desperately want to get the Jun/Jul 2009 issue in which Chado Rucci describes construction of three piece sleeve. I shall just keep searching patterns.

7. 
   busybee | Aug 07, 2009 03:01am | #24

   I'm very interested in your post - it could have been written by me almost word for word !! Threads is the only mag really that has any deeper content as you say and Amazon is amazing. I have bought many books this year ( well, 6 or so !!) but they are so cheap secondhand and as good as new usually.. We certainly want to encourage new sewers ( I am teaching my 13yo DGD ATM) but Threads could and should just keep themselves for the more experienced sewer. Having said that, I read it cover to cover when I get it and cant wait for the next one. It is an excellent resource for referring to also as many on "Gatherings" have testified to.

8. 
   MarieCurie | Jul 17, 2009 12:00am | #19

   Just when I am convinced that I will give up the intellectual challenge of garment sewing and dedicate myself to sewing straight quilt seams, along comes another issue of Threads in my mailbox to inspire me.  I will echo several of the thoughts here:  I ignored the article on scarves because I don't wear them, and won't spend my few precious sewing minutes making them.  And please please please keep the magazine to its high technical level.  If I need beginner instructions, I'll get a beginner book.  But I need something that will challenge my skills.  How else will I ever get better?

   My favorite part of Threads, the page I jump to first, is the pattern review. 

9. 
   sewelegant | Aug 06, 2009 01:35am | #22

   I have been a Threads fan for all the years it has been published, but either did not save all the copies I had or they were lost so when I acquired about 30 issues that I didn't have I eagerly pored over every one.  Some didn't take as much time as others and I noticed that the early issues could have been titiled Threads Knitting Magazine.  I loved to knit so that didn't bother me.  Many of the old pictures of the clothing did not fit the model any more than in the new issues!  During the years when the magazine was published once a month they seemed to not be as much fun to read (I suppose you could just combine 2 issues and realize you probably had more), but anyway, my feeling seems to be that more thought goes into each issue with the delayed deadline.

   I do not know how to label my abilities.  I hesitate to call myself advanced, but there are few sewing tasks I would have no problem tackling (if the instructions are there).  I always loved the hand sewing, but arthritic hands now mean I can't even embroider comfortably so I use different ways and means to get the job done, but still enjoy making things and feel what I turn out is quality sewing.  I just don't turn out much any more.  So I guess my point is there is always something in the Threads magazine to interest me.  Even though the topic may be old I always enjoy the new take on technique, etc.  The current issue was a treat.  I have never seen an article on covering your shoes.  Or weaving to mend a hole even though I have tried it with success.  How hard could it be?  But if I had seen an article like this one beforehand my stab at it would have been better!

   Thank you for the good job you are doing.  I do not think sewing is "dead" either because I always seem to run into someone who either wants to learn or is trying it for the first time.  Surely this economy is going to turn around one of these days and we will again see nice fabric priced so that we aren't afraid to cut it up.  There is nothing like being able to wear unique clothing that fits.

1. 
   Sancin | Aug 06, 2009 04:01am | #23

   I agree with almost all that sew elegant says. I want to add that yesterday I picked up, a little reluctantly, the latest Sew Stylish and love it. I have found in the past some articles were a little lacking in taste, but I can see myself, if so inclined, to try most of the techniques included in the magazine.
   I just wish I had the time to sew and quilt more than I seem to. Also I find that as I age I need fewer items of clothing - darn.

2. 
   regatta | Aug 07, 2009 01:01pm | #25

   Thought I'd pass on an old treatment that you might try for the arthritis in your hands.

   Slice up a potato and then rub the slices over your hands until the slice becomes dry - use up a whole medium potato.  Raw potato is a natural anti-inflamatory. Doesn't cost much -( hoped it might help you)- works for me and my husband.

   Regards,  Marika

1. 
   sewelegant | Aug 07, 2009 07:19pm | #26

   So when do you do this?  And how often?  Do you also take an anti-inflamatory medication at the same time?  I do have a routine that I have fallen into with my pain management, but there is just no way to control the weather and how it affects the flare-ups.  So far, I just "lay low" until it passes except for the swimming, that seems to be the best thing I do for myself.

1. 
   regatta | Aug 08, 2009 10:18am | #27

   I use only the potato, as I  can't tolerate anti-inflammatory medication, but my husband has used it with anti-inflammatories.  A Chinese doctor told me that it does not go through your system and that you can do it as often as you need. 

    For me - it works very quickly for both spasms in my leg and some arthritis in my hand, wherever I'm having pain.  The spasms  go completely for weeks. The pain in my fingerjoints will mostly be gone for the rest of the day.  Hope this is helpful.

   Regards    Marika

   By the way I love Threads and really enjoyed the article on balance - could we have some more - perhaps showing a good balance beside a bad balance. Thanks

   Edited 8/8/2009 3:27 am ET by regatta

   Edited 8/8/2009 3:28 am ET by regatta

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Aug 09, 2009 06:55am | #28

   Marika, you made a good suggestion. Showing a good balance beside the bad ones would show us better the difference. This works for most fitting problems as well. I have problems discerning the differences sometimes until it is pointed out to me, and I can compare it to what the standard is. Labels and arrows pointing to the parts to look at in some pictures would be helpful as well. Cathy

10. 
    Teaf5 | Aug 19, 2009 12:42am | #29

    Awesome issue! I haven't had time to read it thoroughly, but it seems to have a lot of very interesting content, and the instructions seem far more complete and easy to follow than in previous issues--the re-weaving one with the numbered and detailed photos is fantastic!