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Threads Magazine, March 2007 issue

Sometimes a magazine from a subscription arrives and just about wows you from cover to cover. I love Threads magazine, and have been a loyal subscriber for more than a decade, but this recent issue (it says March 2007 on the cover, though it obviously arrived in January) just sang to me. Even though the magazine is mostly about garments, and I rarely make them any more, I learn something from every issue that I can use in my sewing and art quilts. Click here to subscribe.

In this issue, which arrived just a few days ago, the best article (to me at least) is one my Lois Ericson, whose patterns and innovative manipulation of fabric, edges and openings has inspired me for years. I’d love to see what she would do with an art quilt. More to the point, I’d like to take what she does and apply it to my art quilts. You’ll have to find an issue (if you’re lucky at your grocery, and most likely at most Barnes and Nobles and at Borders) to read the whole thing, but look at what she does with a leaf and some imagery, like the noshi or bundles ribbons image (note–all photos should be clickable so you can see a larger image…if you’re on a PC try a right click and open in a separate tab or window in your browser):

And look at these garments…WOW…talk about inspiration for both garments AND quilts:

There were two awesome tips in this issue also. First, how about using a revolving, upright spice rack for small notions on your work table? I could see adapting this for quilting, leaving the lids off some of the jars and sliding in smaller scissors or rotary cutter (the 18 or maybe 28 mm size), another one to hold marking pencils, another for the seam ripper (just don’t spin too fast and send everything flying!):

And then…brilliant! using clear vinyl tubing from the hardware store as bobbin thread tamers. I bought two feet of the 5/8″ outside diameter (o.d.) with 1/2″ inside diameter (i.d.) for all of 76 cents. It cuts with scissors (my paper / utility ones) and a bit of hand strength. I think I might also buy a foot or so of smaller size tubing for when the bobbin gets low:

And then there was this cool article about adapting a single pattern by adding seamlines. This is fantastic for us quilty types, because we can then piece, insert applique panels or pieced blocks and segments:

Can you believe ALL of these jackets came from the same pattern?

To find out more, buy a copy…. oh, and the resources / adverts in the back are wonderful…tons of inspiring websites with all sorts of common and arcane sewing stuff!

Yep….I’m a long-time subscriber and lover of Threads magazine!

2 Responses to “Threads Magazine, March 2007 issue”

  1. Caitlin Says:

    I’m a long time Threads subscriber too, and can’t wait to get this issue – thanks for the preview. U reckon I learn something that applies to art quilts every issue.

  2. Terry Says:

    I just got this issue too and the outer wrapper said it was my last if I don’t resubscribe. Nope, I won’t. It is my last. I have every issue since, and including, #1, but I have gotten very discouraged with Threads. It was so incredibly wonderful for the first 10 years, but it has devolved into just garment sewing. I wrote about it on my blog last year http://andsewitgoes.blogspot.com/2006/03/threads.html

    You are right that this issue is a bit better than the usual (I always love Lois Erickson) but not enough to lure me back.

    Goodbye, Threads!