Last Monday I heard a gentle thud on my doormat, too heavy to be a bill but too light to be a fabric order, it sounded like a magazine, but my regular subscription had already been deposited. It was in actual fact a magazine (a pretty good one as it goes), the lovely people at Sewing World magazine had asked me to review their new look publication! How nice are they?!
Now as I'm sure you'll have noticed it has been a very busy time here at evajeanie, what with the world and their Granny ordering bunting and my little Eva finishing playschool (it was emotional to say the least) there has been very little time to sit down and give this job the time it deserved.
But this morning, in between bunting orders and shipping Eva off to the
Library with Ninny (that's my Mum - I know, it just stuck and it is
quite fitting, we all call her Ninny now), I managed to carve some time
for a bit of R&R. A sweet brew, a Kit Kat and a wonderful new
magazine, what could be better?!
The first thing that struck me was how vibrant and enticing the articles looked just from the previews on the contents page, also the volume of projects impressed, it's literally chock full of lovely things to stitch - thirteen in fact!
I always love a shopping page and this one doesn't disappoint, it features this natty little Button Sewing Box, I am a button fan, especially if it that helps me keep my sewing stash under control, I am definitely going to invest in one of these for the studio.
Then we get down to the serious business of sewing. Specifically Using a Multi-Size Pattern, gulp! Now I like to think I am well-qualified in the art of stitchery, along with a BA (hons) I also have a variety of C&G certificates in my bottom drawer, but the thought of using a pattern is still a little disquieting. No idea why, I just prefer to you my own patterns and tend to make smaller things. But it's okay, you can come back out from behind the sofa, there's nothing to be frightened of, it's going to be okay, Sewing World have got it covered, I promise!
This (not tricky or in the least bit scarey) section is exactly what the tags on the top of the page claim it to be - a Masterclass! It explains what a pattern is, why you need one and ultimately how to use one. Genius! Even I can follow this guide (and believe me I was reluctant to try) but it really is effortless. It is simply written and fully explains instructions so you will feel armed to go forth and tackle that dress pattern you have lurking in your sewing box (I'm talking to myself here too!) It would also be a handy guide to cut out and keep.
The next section 'Projects' is definitely more my comfort zone. There is a gorgeous preview page for July Makes which makes you want to just jump straight in! Be it a funky tote bag, a handy sewing machine cover or the super-cute Pippi doll, there's something for everyone!
I particularly liked the Pippi Doll, inspired by the Scandinavian elf dolls, you may have seen them as advent calendars. The pockets on the front store small trinkets or sweets and I am tempted to make one with Eva as our summer project. It will be a lovely way to use up some of the pink/lilac scraps that I have been hoarding as they are too nice to throw away. I also thought it might be nice to add in some fabrics from some of her lovely baby dresses so that it will make a lovely memorable keepsake.
The instructions look clear, fun and above all easy to follow!
Another gorgeous project is this flirty floral top, the instructions are once again straightforward and beautifully laid out. You know, I'm tempted to have a go at this one too!
There is a special patchwork ruffle skirt, perfect for a little girl and yes I do have one in mind! The fabrics and colourways used for this project are especially inspiring. There is also a delightful matching headband to make.
The features section is also most intriguing, the first section is written by Editor Julie Briggs and is dedicated to M Makower & Co Ltd as 2012 saw the 150 anniversary of their beautiful fashion fabrics. A most absorbing read.
An example of one of the easy to follow patterns:
An enlightening feature of Choosing a Sewing Machine, this focuses on mid-range models and allows you to compare price and features on the USP of each machine, a real must read if you are thinking of investing or just want to find out what you are missing out on!
There is also a feature on 'Men Who Sew' apparently there are some that do, although they are in short supply at evajeanie HQ, I must address this sharply!
There are far more appealing articles and delightful projects than I can't squeeze into this blog post. But I strongly hope that I have encouraged you to try out a magazine that might be considered to be focused on the more 'serious' side of sewing, don't be afraid, embrace it, it can be fun and Sewing Magazine certainly demonstrates that at it's very best!
Big Thumbs up from evajeanie!!!
