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Like they do in Threads mag (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 7/4/11 11:23 PM ET
I have a sub. to Threads magazine. And while I do enjoy getting it in the mail, I am starting to wonder do I ever really apply anything from the magazine?? For instance, in a recent issue they had using flatlocking to make a skirt. I did like the idea, but I know too that I will never do it. There are many techniques that I don't think that I will actually use. I did buy the Threads sewing book, so maybe I need to read it more?
I don't know. Plus there is quite a bit of couture stuff in the magazine. Again that is just not me.
In the real sewing world for me, I want to sew for myself and my dd. Plus I would like to venture out and sew some nice clothes for my ds one day.
I am thinking that when my sub. runs out sometime next year that I just won't renew it.
I used to sing the praises of Threads too. Honestly, recently I bought an issue of Stitch magazine. That I liked. Can't remember why, though. I will have to go and look at it again.

Ok, I will quit venting now.
Any thoughts? Has Threads magazine actually help anybody improve in their sewing skills? Maybe I need some motivation here.
I don't know. Plus there is quite a bit of couture stuff in the magazine. Again that is just not me.In the real sewing world for me, I want to sew for myself and my dd. Plus I would like to venture out and sew some nice clothes for my ds one day.
I am thinking that when my sub. runs out sometime next year that I just won't renew it.
I used to sing the praises of Threads too. Honestly, recently I bought an issue of Stitch magazine. That I liked. Can't remember why, though. I will have to go and look at it again.


Ok, I will quit venting now.
Any thoughts? Has Threads magazine actually help anybody improve in their sewing skills? Maybe I need some motivation here.
Posted on: 7/5/11 0:23 AM ET
Occasionally I see some articles that are helpful - such as when they were draping and also pulling couture jacket apart. but I really don't like all the "add the decoration" stuff, I'd never wear anything they produce there on threads. I also enjoy looking at pictures of old couture garments ( usually on the back cover ). And in general - yes, I might stop my sub when it runs out too.
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Custom clothier and pattern designer. www.iconicpatterns.com
Posted on: 7/5/11 0:32 AM ET
In reply to Sewnsewmom
Sometimes a wild hair will take you and suddenly you desperately
need to make an unusual, beautifully constructed garment--for which fine or rare couturier techniques are necessary. That's when you need your Threads Magazine, and you never know when it's likely to happen.
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need to make an unusual, beautifully constructed garment--for which fine or rare couturier techniques are necessary. That's when you need your Threads Magazine, and you never know when it's likely to happen.
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Elona
Posted on: 7/5/11 0:57 AM ET
I just started getting Threads. I love the info! I do want to make garments that require those techniques. Not for myself but just because I am an adverturous person and if there is a complicated, hard way to accomplish something I sure want to know about it!!
I have to tell you, though, I was SHOCKED at how UGLY the clothes in that magazine are. Downright DOWDY if you ask me!!
And considering how I look up any techniques I want to learn on Youtube or the 'net anyway, I don't think I'll renew either. If the clothes were more stylish, modern, or chic I would continue but they are not at this point. Love the info, hate the clothes they picture.
I have to tell you, though, I was SHOCKED at how UGLY the clothes in that magazine are. Downright DOWDY if you ask me!!

And considering how I look up any techniques I want to learn on Youtube or the 'net anyway, I don't think I'll renew either. If the clothes were more stylish, modern, or chic I would continue but they are not at this point. Love the info, hate the clothes they picture.
Posted on: 7/5/11 11:41 AM ET
Threads is a constant source of inspiration for me. While sometimes the layouts are flat and uninspiring, I view the magazine as a text rather than a fashion spread. As for the couture elements, well, those are wonderful examples of craft, art and the benefits of slow sewing. I won't use most of the techniques I read about but I am a better sewer for knowing about them.
Posted on: 7/5/11 12:00 PM ET
It's odd (to me) that you feel this way. I feel entirely opposite. In my opinion, ALMOST every sewing publication is geared towards the beginner! I wish there was MORE couture-oriented sewing techniques available.
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Erica Bunker
Birmingham, AL
http://www.ericabunker.com
Birmingham, AL
http://www.ericabunker.com
Posted on: 7/5/11 12:39 PM ET
In reply to Erica B.
Same here, Erica. As you know, back in Threads' early days, those early issues were packed with good stuff of this type, but demographics have their way, and I suppose publishers rightly perceive that fewer and fewer people are interested in couturier techniques, so they water the content down in the hope of snagging more readers.
Still, in the recent past, we have both seen Threads go even more basic and less couture-minded than it is now.
-- Edited on 7/5/11 2:59 PM --
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Still, in the recent past, we have both seen Threads go even more basic and less couture-minded than it is now.
-- Edited on 7/5/11 2:59 PM --
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Elona
Posted on: 7/5/11 1:33 PM ET
I remember the early issues of Threads, too (somewhere around here I even have the premier issue). The topics were way over my head, so I stopped buying the magazine. However, Erica and Elona, I respectfully suggest that your advanced sewing level is influencing your perspective on what makes an article "aimed at beginners." I've seen all sorts of articles in Threads on different lining techniques, fitting techniques, seam finishes, embellishment techniques, etc. These are probably obvious and easy to an advanced sewer/sewist/whatever, but they sure aren't what I'd call "beginner" techniques. A beginner is someone who's just trying to learn how to construct a basic garment that doesn't have wonky seams and that kinda-sorta fits well enough to wear.
Just sayin'.
Yes, this is probably true. Since this seems to be the unfortunate reality (i.e. that they'd be unlikely to be able to keep the magazine afloat if it were mostly focused on couturier techniques), it would make sense for them to have one or two couturier/advanced level articles per month. That way they could still focus on the "average" sewer to sell more magazines, but they would also be offering something to advanced and expert sewers. A win-win for them, I would think.
-- Edited on 7/5/11 1:44 PM --
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Just sayin'.

Quote:
publishers rightly perceive that fewer and fewer people are interesting in couturier techniques
publishers rightly perceive that fewer and fewer people are interesting in couturier techniques
Yes, this is probably true. Since this seems to be the unfortunate reality (i.e. that they'd be unlikely to be able to keep the magazine afloat if it were mostly focused on couturier techniques), it would make sense for them to have one or two couturier/advanced level articles per month. That way they could still focus on the "average" sewer to sell more magazines, but they would also be offering something to advanced and expert sewers. A win-win for them, I would think.
-- Edited on 7/5/11 1:44 PM --
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my shield and my very great reward ~ Gen. 15:1
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If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein
People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be, not what you nag them to be. ~ Scudder N. Parker
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein
People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be, not what you nag them to be. ~ Scudder N. Parker
Posted on: 7/5/11 1:38 PM ET
In reply to Sewnsewmom
It HAS helped me...a lot. When I first started out, no, I didn't use a lot of the techniques. But garment by garment, I'd find myself needing a special technique, finish, or whatnot. No, not to make my project more "artsy," but just to get done what I needed to accomplish. So I find myself referring to Threads a lot. I have the CD of back issues, too, and I use that a LOT. I think you have to look past the "wearable art" part of the magazine (that is SO not me) and you'll find very practical applications. Will you ever sew a Chanel jacket? Maybe not. I probably won't anytime soon, but I'm always in the market for a neat way to finish my seams and I can think of more than one use for a weighted chain.
If you don't feel you are getting anything out of the magazine, then by all means don't waste your money, but if you think you will continue to garment sew, I suspect Threads will become more and more useful to you. FWIW, I consider myself a solid "intermediate" sewer, and I don't feel I've outgrown the magazine at all.
Eve
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If you don't feel you are getting anything out of the magazine, then by all means don't waste your money, but if you think you will continue to garment sew, I suspect Threads will become more and more useful to you. FWIW, I consider myself a solid "intermediate" sewer, and I don't feel I've outgrown the magazine at all.
Eve
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
Posted on: 7/5/11 1:51 PM ET
Well, DH and I have gone through several phases over the years of delving deeply into a subject. Eventually, depending on the level of one's involvement and continuing education from other sources, mainstream magazines become useless as sources of information. They may still be interesting (sailing mags have great stories of epic journeys or races) or inspiring (running and triathlon mags had articles by Scott Tinley or George Sheehan - philosophers and great writers) but somewhere between 5 and 7 years into a subscription, it is usually time to move on.
This is where the internet has been so brilliant. Though it was nearly impossible to have a super-niche market publication that made any kind of a profit, we can now contact like-minded people online and share this specialized information from anywhere in the world.
When I look at our current pass time of ballroom dancing competition - there are 600 or so members in our local club, about a dozen or so who compete. Half of those compete at our level, which requires costume, 3 of the women (and one man) sew and I am the only one actually producing gowns for myself. So I can share a bit of info with the others, but I need to come to PR and other online sites to really find a good, big pool of people who have the skill and interest to do what I want to do. I might get one tip a year from a Threads subscription, and to me, that is jut not worth it.
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This is where the internet has been so brilliant. Though it was nearly impossible to have a super-niche market publication that made any kind of a profit, we can now contact like-minded people online and share this specialized information from anywhere in the world.
When I look at our current pass time of ballroom dancing competition - there are 600 or so members in our local club, about a dozen or so who compete. Half of those compete at our level, which requires costume, 3 of the women (and one man) sew and I am the only one actually producing gowns for myself. So I can share a bit of info with the others, but I need to come to PR and other online sites to really find a good, big pool of people who have the skill and interest to do what I want to do. I might get one tip a year from a Threads subscription, and to me, that is jut not worth it.
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http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
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