Sew News February - March 2017

DEAR READERS, Taking a T-shirt and jeans to glam status is as easy as wearing the right accessories, such as a statement necklace or bracelet. Even better is making the entire ensemble from start to finish. Inside this issue, we’ll help you on that quest, from learning a new technique for knit necklines to constructing a foolproof fly-front zipper to fashioning baubles using a favorite fabric. Denim is one of my favorite fabrics, and it comes in so many weights, colors and textures these days—including fun prints. It’s great for a shirtdress, blazer and, of course, pair of jeans. If you’re like me and the sheer thought of a fly-front zipper gives you hives, look to “Masterclass” on page 54. Linda Reynolds breaks this technique down into easy-to-follow steps so…

JUSTINE ABBITT (“Knit Necklines” — page 30) is often found sewing at her kitchen table in her old farmhouse. She’s worked as a bridal fashion designer, stylist, costume designer and furniture refinisher. sewcountrychick.com LINDA TURNER GRIEPENTROG (“Do It with Denim” — page 50) is the former editor of Sew News magazine, and currently owns G Wiz Creative Services in Bend, Oregon. She designs, writes and edits for sewing and quilting industry companies. Linda is the author of six books and contributor to many more. NICKI LAFOILLE (“Tulip Wrap Skirt” — page 38, “Sport Glam” — page 46) is a mom of one human and two dogs, who travels with her small family around the country, finding creative inspiration for her sewing and writing. Her novel, Nautical Miles, is available in…

1. NEEDLE NANNY When changing the needle on the machine, tape the needle case to the side of the machine to remember what type of needle you are currently using. Linda P., email 2. THREAD PREP To prevent thread from bunching up or tangling while hand sewing, draw the thread through a dryer sheet. Mrs. George V., postcard 3. SAFETY STORAGE Use an old pill container to store old pins and needles for a safe disposal. Lilli F., Facebook 4. SEW ON THE GO Place tape over pins to keep them in place while traveling with your sewing projects. Cynthia M., email 5. CAP CUSHION Make a tiny pincushion to attach to the side of your machine using an old bottle cap, stuffing, fabric scrap and glue dots. Patty H.,…

Play & Win! What is it? Pictured at left is part of a photo from this issue.When you find it, enter online at sewnews.com or send a postcard with the page you found it on to Sew News, Hide & Seek, 741 Corporate Circle, Ste. A, Golden, CO 80401. Responses are due February 28, 2017. From the correct responses, we’ll randomly draw five winners, one of which could be you. The Feb/Mar ’17 winners will receive a special sewing prize! Congratulations to the Dec’16/Jan ’17 Hide & Seek winners! We randomly selected five winners to receive a fabulous prize. Barbara H., Pettus, TX Sarah H., Cozad, NE Connie S., Pilot Point, TX Judy V. T., Yorktown, IN Theresa W., Monterey, CA…

1. If measuring curves in garment making is a task you dread, this tool will have you celebrating! The Curve Runner comes in 8” and 12” and is available in centimeters for metric-system users. Check out the great how-to video at etsy.com/shop/LunaGrafixCo. 2. Looking for THE pattern to transition into the upcoming spring months? Well, here it is! The feminine tulip skirt and petal sleeve details of the Nicola by Victory Patterns will have you looking chic in either (or both!) of the included dress or blouse options. victorypatterns.com 3. The best way to label your garments, projects and gifts! The MINEstamp is perfect for personal or business use on any textile. Create a custom stamp or use the interchangeable version. Don’t miss out on the accessories that are available.…

Kenneth D. King Kenneth D. King is a couture eveningwear designer and teaches as an adjunct professor in the Haute Couture Certificate Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kenneth started sewing at age four for his Barbie, got a degree in fashion merchandising, moved to San Francisco after college and started his couture business in 1986. He also trained there under a Paris-trained teacher who taught him the Ecole Guerre-Lavigne method of couture patternmaking. Kenneth's books include Designer Techniques (1996), Designer Bead Embroidery (2006) and Cool Couture (2008). He has published fifteen instructional books-on-CD on various topics, which can be found at kennethdking.com. His works are in the permanent collections of a variety of celebrities as well as numerous museum permanent collections. Where do you…