Seamwork 20: Everybody Sews
The July issue of Seamwork is up and ready for you to read!
After all the positive response to last year’s Menswear Issue, we’re returning to menswear this July with two new patterns that can be sewn up by anybody and for everybody!
This issue tackles some powerful ideas about sewing. Read about the barriers some people face when learning to sew in Everybody Sews, how clothing affects identity in Androgynous Fashion, and How to Get Your Sewjo Back when you’re feeling stuck.
Starting this month, the digital PDFs look a little different. They now have a layered option! If you have Adobe Reader, you can toggle layers on and off, so you only print the size or sizes you need. To learn more about how to use this feature, check out our help site here.
A Peek Inside the Issue:
- Everybody Sews: Break down the barriers that keep people from discovering the joy of sewing.
- How to Get Your Sewjo Back: Get inspired to sew again, by Jenny Rushmore.
- Where Cotton Comes From: Discover the origins of this ubiquitous fabric, by Tasha Miller Griffith.
- Seamwork Style: Mix and match patterns for a unique me-made wardrobe.
- Androgynous Fashion: Modifying menswear for you, by Katie Whittle.
- Matching Stripes Like a Pro: Banish your fear of stripes, by Jenny Rushmore.
- Sewing Specifics: How to sew a knit placket.
- Finding Flow: Completely immerse yourself in sewing, by Jessica Yen.
- Reduce, Reuse … Repair: A uniform holds the key to an alternate way of life, by Megan Hippler
- The Seamworker’s Guide to Antwerp: Get to know the city synonymous with laid-back, cool style, by Tracy Majka.
- Block Paper Scissors: Create a contrast yoke for Eugene, by Anna Aguirre.
- Handmade Beauty: Make a brightening vitamin C serum, by Kat Siddle.
- Swatch Service: Become a fabric expert with this month’s patterns.
- Resources: Where to find fabric, supplies, and recommended additional reading for this issue.
“I was living and working with the people who fixed machinery, electrical equipment, plumbing, and everything else on site, and I was happy to know I had the skills to fix something that they couldn’t. ”
-Megan Hippler, Reduce, Reuse … Repair
“It happens to even the most enthusiastic sewists: occasional drops in sewing mojo. There are many reasons sewing burnout can occur, from a flurry of gift sewing for friends (so tiring!), to a change in the seasons (must go outside!), to body changes (do I really have to re-measure?).”
-Jenny Rushmore, How to Get Your Sewjo Back
“Sewists accept each other’s measurements without judgment, are fascinated by the differences in our bodies, and encourage each other to feel good in our clothing.”
-Katie Whittle, Androgynous Fashion
“Have you ever thought about where your cotton comes from? If you look down right now, chances are you’re wearing at least one garment that contains cotton in it, down to the thread. ”
-Tasha Miller Griffith, Where Cotton Comes From
And here are the two new quick-to-sew patterns in this issue:
Eugene is a timeless wardrobe staple. This classic henley will take you through any year or season, and has endless possibilities for customization.
Play around with color blocking for the collar, placket, or sleeve cuffs. Instead of buttons, try snaps for the placket closure as shown in Sewing Specifics. There are optional tailored details you can add to Eugene such as the reinforced back neckline and side seam vent. You will be satisfied with this quick-sew project that can easily be incorporated into your wardrobe.
Style Eugene with Harrington (from this issue) or Denali (Seamwork, Issue 11) for an interchangeable outfit. Eugene is a casual classic that can be incorporated into any lifestyle.
It’s time to have fun in the sun this month, and what better way to do so than to head to your favorite water spot. Whether you frequent a lake, river, beach or your backyard swimming pool, grab some friends, a cooler full of snacks and beverages, sun screen, a floatie and you’re ready for some serious summer relaxation. Anyone can sport this pair of swim trunks for all sorts of water activities.
Harrington has a wide elastic waistband accompanied by a drawstring for maximum comfort, mesh lined pockets to keep water out of unnecessary places, and a vintage inspired inseam length. You can also make Harrington out of a lightweight woven fabric such as chambray or linen to wear regularly throughout the summer. Pair Harrington with Eugene (from this issue) or Paxson (Seamwork, Issue 11) for the perfect summer outfit.
You can visit Seamwork.com to read the issue, download it from the current issue page, or subscribe to get the patterns.
Also, also, also! A New Issue of Seamwork Radio is up!
Have you ever wished for a way to just punch in your measurements somewhere and get a pattern that’s drafted just for you? That’s the idea behind makemypattern.com, a menswear-focused website created by Belgian sewist Joost De Cock. Joost went from only sewing a few curtains and pillows to making his own wardrobe to creating this incredible online service in the span of just a few years. In this episode, we talk about his learning process and resources he recommends to improve your own sewing.
Comments
Robin
July 2, 2016 #
Loved androgynous fashion tutorial! Not sure why, but it seems the feminine sleeve cap, set-in with gathers, is the total (and totally lazy) default for a lot of conventional patterns, even for tops and blouses that would look better with just the masculine straight drop. Every time I start a new blouse pattern and encounter the set-in sleeve with gathers I want to run screaming the other way. I am trying to weed them out. They just don’t look good on more, and more importantly, I don’t feel right in them. Totally arbitrary that they are still used so much, IMO.
Sophie
July 2, 2016 #
Great issue! I’ll probably sew Harrington this week. Too bad it doesn’t include a net on the inside, said my Man … Any advice to add one?
Lacey
July 3, 2016 #
This is my question, too. My guy needs a new pair of swim shorts, and I love the look of these, but he’s specifically requested a pair with net lining.
Meg
July 6, 2016 #
Same as my reply to Sophie—you can trace a pair of his briefs, sew them up in athletic mesh, and insert them directly into the waistband!
Pelly
July 5, 2016 #
You could add a pair of what we Australians call budgie smugglers underneath? I’m planning to make these for my son and daughter to wear over their ordinary bathing suits, which don’t offer much sun protection.
Meg
July 6, 2016 #
Yes! You could trace a pair of his briefs and sew them out of athletic mesh. Then they can be sewn directly into the waistband.
Liliana
July 3, 2016 #
I loved the two articles about sewing-flow and finding your mojo – very inspiring and I loved the tips! Great issue!
Shannon
July 3, 2016 #
The other day I wanted to look something up (I forget what) and then remembered seeing a Seamwork article on the topic. Is there an index somewhere listing all of the articles there have been so that we can browse past articles easily?
Meg
July 6, 2016 #
We don’t quite yet, but we’re working on it for the future!
Shannon
July 7, 2016 #
Thanks for letting me know. There are some awesome articles in Seamwork, and I’d love to make more use of them. :)
I hope sometime soon I go on a trip and can look up the city to find a shopping guide.