Sew News December 2020/January 2021
The theme of this issues is all things sparkly and furry. So you see the synthetic, panne velvet dress on the cover which illustrates a feature on using velvets by Bianca Springer. That dress is McCalls 7999, a current pattern, but the cowl sleeves are from an out-of-print pattern McCalls 7998.
Then you see some furry accessories. The ubiquitous cowl is redone as a rectangle of fur with a zipper (If you saw my January 24, 2014, you have heard of chin-chins, a kind of fur collar that went over a coat, buttoned or hooked, and both warm and flattering, very popular in the 1910s and well worth reviving). Cortney Swayne designed this cowl with a separating zipper, a good first project if you have never worked with fake fur, but have put in a zipper. Then Erin Weisbert designed the fur toque, she calls it a pillbox which is a little harder as you must connect the rounded seamline of the crown to the sides.
A very simple shiny project is the sequinned scrunchie which is offered along with a simple clutch and a headband by Sadie Fox Mettler. These would be good for learning how to work with sequins which need to be removed from the seam allowances before you sew, and before you take on a larger project like a top or dress.
There are other simple patterns including for a stocking, applique pillows, and more, plus technical advice on zipper basics, on serger basics, on making a simple furry jacket, and on fitting garments, including on improving mask fit. The columns on new products and interviews with makers.
You can find it in your local fabric store or here online: https://www.sewdaily.com/sew-news-magazine/
On chin-chins, go here: https://professorpski.tumblr.com/post/74385752343/vogue-jezebel-lena-dunham-and-fashionable