The Outdoors Issue+ 2 New Patterns

The July issue of Seamwork is up and ready for you to read!

In this issue:

• How to Make a Waterproof, Spill-proof Bag: Learn how to create a bag that lasts through bad weather and beverage mishaps, with Sarai.
• A Guide to Drawstrings: This simple detail offers a range of design possibilities.
• Blue Jean Queen: Getting to Know Denim: Learn everything you ever wanted to know about denim, and then some by Heather Lewenza
• Adding Character to Your Denim: Learn four techniques too change the look and feel of your denim fabric.
• The Seamworker’s Guide to Montreal: Get to know Montréal with Caroline Côté.
• Behind the Seams: Take a look inside a 1950s swimsuit.
• My Ready-to-Wear Fast: Addie Martindale details her experience eliminating ready-to-wear from her wardrobe for six months.
• Block Paper Scissors: Change a basic sleeve into a feminine flutter sleeve.
• Handmade Beauty: Make a natural moisturizing facial cleanser using almond oil and rosewater.

Some favorite quotes from this issue:

“If I may be so bold, I would argue that denim built America––at least large swaths of it. It mined the West, roped the cattle, oiled the machines, and built the cars that made the country what it is. Denim was the armor that protected vulnerable human bodies from the wonder and danger inherent in progress. And when it was done building the backbone of America, it built its culture. It was, and is, the uniform of rebellion, rock and roll, social change, sex, youth, revolution, and independence.” -Heather Lewenza, Blue Jean Queen

“Measuring and evaluating my body mathematically has taught me to accept my body. Through this process I developed a way of separating my body size or shape from who I really am as a person. ” -Addie Martindale, My Ready-to-Wear Fast

“In its glorious past, Montréal was one of the biggest centers for textile and clothing manufacturing in Canada. Like me, most of us had a grandmother who worked at “La Textile” in the good old days. The industry is not as vibrant now, but with the emergent generation of eco-conscious designers and specialized textile manufacturers, we can still be proud of our scaled-down Fashion District! ” -Caroline Côté, The Seamworker’s Guide to Montréal, Québec

And here are the two new quick-to-sew patterns in this issue:

The Nantucket shorts are one of my favorite Seamwork patterns so far. Inspired in part by 70s running shorts and in part by the eyelets on boat shoes, their look is a little bit sporty and a little bit preppy, in the best possible way. They’re the perfect shorts to wear hiking or throw on over a swimsuit at the beach. Sew them up and you’ll also learn about setting eyelets, a technique you can add to many other projects.

The Seabrook bag is a classic drawstring bucket bag that can come with you to any outdoor activity. With simple rope straps, you can wear this low maintenance backpack on your bike, on a hike, or just take it with you to the pool. Our article this month on how to make waterproof and spillproof bags will help you create a perfect beach or picnic bag that will last many summers to come.

You can visit Seamwork.com to read the issue, download it from the current issue page, or subscribe to get the patterns.