SE W I NG TODAY ’S
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012
THE ULTIMATE SEWING MAGAZINE
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February/March 2012
CONTENTS
ON THE COVER Butterflies are free on this georgette and charmeuse duette, V2779, page 79. Earrings and Bracelets: Kenneth Jay Lane. Hair and Makeup: Joseph Boggess. Photographed by Brian Kraus.
14 THE SILK ROAD A brief history of the world’s most luxurious fabric. 18 PUT A CORK IN IT The newest fabric darling with an eco-conscious edge. 22 FREE PROJECT ONE: CORK WALLET Easy-to-make wallet and e-reader cover in the newest fabric in home sewing. 24 THE ROLLED HEM FOOT Taking a step in the right direction to improving your sewing skills. 28 FASHION FORECAST: COLOR CODED Jewel tones and rainbow brights make their debut for spring. 30 COLOR ME BEAUTIFUL! Hues Flash! Spring is all about color. Don’t be afraid to try it! 38 EDITORIAL LICENSE A look at the design changes we made in this issue. 42 WEAR IT YOUR WAY! Two outfits, four options: accessories make the difference. 44 SHOPPING GUIDE: CHOOSING AN EMBROIDERY MACHINE Fifty questions to ask your dealer.
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VOGUE PATTERNS February/March 2012
48 FREE PROJECT TWO: PANT TO SKIRT Erica Bunker’s repurposing of pants to a skirt. 50 THE TIMELESS TRENCH A look at a fashion icon that traces it’s roots to the early 19th century. 54 AUTHENTICATING THE TRENCH How to add classic details that return this fashion staple to it’s original glory.
56 FREE PROJECT THREE: REVERSIBLE LEATHER TOTE Kathryn Brenne’s tips and techniques for creating a luxurious leather bag. 62 FLAT LINING An old technique for lining an unlined garment makes a comeback. 66 LUXURIOUS LAMINATES Linda Griepentrog’s techniques and tools for sewing with coated cottons. 72 LETTER PERFECT Monogramming adds a personal touch to everything it covers. 76 FASHION FORECAST: NATURAL BEAUTIES Butterflies and flowers are the top fabric choices. 78 NATURAL BEAUTIES Welcome spring with a garden of fresh florals and delicate butterflies.
In Every Issue 5
Editor’s Letter
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Mailbox
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What Are You Sewing?
10 Editor’s Choice 13 The Selfish Seamstress: Sewing Therapy 41 Web Watch 92 Guide to Patterns & Fabric Requirements 94 Body Measurements Charts 96 Thread Tales 97 Fabric & Accessory Guide
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EDITOR’S LETTER
R
ecently I had the opportunity to give some “outside” people a tour of our offices. I love being the tour guide and showing off all the amazingly talented people who work here...they can take an idea and turn it into a pattern that allows people to express their creativity. How cool is that? I also love watching people’s faces as they realize all the hundreds [no kidding] steps involved with this creative process, all the minute details and checkpoints that each pattern goes through. And then there are the fun places like the Fabric Library and Archives. I literally have to drag people out of these rooms or they might pitch a tent and stay there! That’s when I realize I have a dream job...at least for someone who loves to sew! I am surrounded by the latest patterns, fabrics, and notions every day.
I work with wonderfully creative people. I’m privy to all the newest sewing equipment and tools. I get to meet and make friends with some of the best sewing educators and authors in the country. And, in large part, thanks to the Internet and email, I get to communicate with you—people who feel as passionately about sewing as I do. So, here I am, ready to step up and communicate to you what’s new for spring 2012. Let me get right to the point—you need to hold onto your hats because it’s going to be a knockout season of intense brights and bold prints, mixed and matched in combinations you’ve probably never imagined. Chances are you’re going to love them or hate them. We love them, but if they seem “too much,” I understand. But they are going to be important, so my advice to you is try them in small doses—one super-bright colored jacket paired with a neutral bottom, one bold butterfly-print top with jeans. Tone them down with classic accessories. The same floral print dress will look totally different worn with kooky-colored platforms than it will with classic black pumps. It all depends on the accessories. We know we’re pushing the envelope with some of the print and color combinations we’re showing, but many of the pieces take on a new [calmer] personality when paired with neutral solids. Take what we give you and put your own spin on it. Make it work for you...keep up with the trends on your terms.
—Editor
RSVP Please accept our invitation to be a contributor to this magazine. If you have a technique, project or story you’d like to share with your fellow readers, write to me at kathy@ voguepatterns.com or Kathy Marrone, Vogue Patterns Magazine, 120 Broadway, 34th floor, New York, NY 10271
VOGUE PATTERNS February/March 2012
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Hair and Makeup: JOSEPH BOGGESS
Go green! Left: Fashion jewels. Emerald green satin jacket V8721, Misses’ XS (4-6) - XL (20-22). Sapphire blue satin pants, V2779, Misses’/Misses’ Petite 8-24. Earrings and bracelets: Patricia Von Musulin. Shoes: Jessica Simpson at Zappos. Right: Spring green shantung shirtdress, V8689 modified, Misses’ 6-22. Editorial License: To see the changes made to V8689 go to page 38. Purple poplin hat, V7600, S-M-L. Ring: Cleo and Cat.
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Carlos Miele
Natural
Carlos Miele
MADAM BUTTERFLY Delicate in nature, bold in color, butterflies are floating down the runways this season drawing oohs and aahs. From miniature to mega-size, they’re the one print you must add to your wardrobe this season.
Carlos Miele
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Photos: Carlos Miele: Imaxtree.com, Custo Barcelona and Milly by Michelle Smith: Shutterstock.com
Fashion Fas Fashio shio Forecast:
Beauties
Custo Barcelona
Don’t be a wallflower! Go for the gusto with bold, bright prints.
Milly by Michelle Smith
Custo Barcelona
FLOWER POWER Abstract, impressionistic or realistic, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure they’re big and bold! The newest way to wear them is mixed with other florals or with butterflies or fruits. They’re a garden of delight.
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The Ultimate Sewing Magazine