Threads, January 2010
As you can see from the close-up cover shot, Threads has holiday bling on the mind. Mary Funt’s article on crystal clusters explains the different kind of gems you can use on and the different ways they are attached from prong-set and sew-on to heat-set and glue-on. I’d opt for the first two myself. She also explains how to create a sewn applique. If you have any cardigans or tops that might be up to a holiday embellishment, take a look. Judith Neukam does her usual excellent job of examining and then explaining a vintage technique from the past as you see in this ivory silk gown from 1929. It is a version of the robe de style with the flared skirts that were the alternative to the strictly tubular silhouette which dominated in the 1920s. Bias bands of silk taffeta are attached to the tulle creating a semi-transparent set of layers. Not something I had seen before.
Similarly, I learned something new from Sarah Veblen’s article on using a shoulder yoke to create shape. Of course, fitting darting at the neck and shoulder were a common feature on dresses and blouses through the 1960s. Here, Veblen is pivoting darts from necklines and armholes in order to create a better fit and then having them flow into a shaped yoke as you see in the hot pink blouse.
The flared wool coat is one of the winners from the Make It With Wool annual competition whose works are all featured in this issue. Hannah Drumm designed and made the coat based on the idea of Little Red Riding Hood all grown up. The other winners are just as inspiring.
This issue has the regular columns including pattern reviews, tips, and questions, and the seasonal sewing gifts section includes everything from tools to tables to books. You can find it at your local bookstore or newsstand or online here: https://www.threadsmagazine.com/