Seamwork 21: Changes

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

This issue is about changes, and not just the ch-ch-ch-ch-changes that David Bowie sings about (although you should probably start by reading Betsy Blodgett’s article on Bowie’s style) but also the creative changes that sewing brings.

Learn how to alter yardage with ombré dip dye and fabric manipulation, how to change the color palette in your wardrobe, and change how you think about fabric waste.

We’re also very excited about this month’s patterns, as both will take you through all the changing seasons!

A Peek Inside the Issue:

• Making the Creative Shift: Creative practices not only develop new skills, they also change who we are as humans.
• The Seamworker’s Guide to Fashion Museums: Take a tour of the best Museums fashion has to offer, by Charlotte Powell.
• Sewing Specifics: Manipulate your fabric for custom yardage.
• Seamwork Style: Mix and match patterns for a unique me-made wardrobe.
• Block Paper Scissors: Create a simplified Lynn dress, by Anna Aguirre.
• Swatch Service: Become a fabric expert with this month’s patterns.
• Printing Fabric with Ink & Spindle: Partners Lara and Caitlin show us how they work together to design and print their fabric line, by Sarai Mitnick.
• Color in Your Closet: Discover—and use—the palette within, by Lindy Thibodaux.
• David Bowie: The artist and the people that built the personas, by Betsy Blodgett.
• Ombré Dip-Dyeing: Master three variations of this gorgeous dyeing technique, by Alyson Provax.
• Sewing Lessons: Lifelong learning through craft, by Sallianne Hines.
• Zero-Waste Manufacturing: Changing how we think about fabric waste, by Jessica Yen.
• Handmade Beauty: Create a toning and nourishing crumbled clay mask, by Kat Siddle.
• Resources: Where to get fabric and supplies, as well as recommended additional reading for this issue.

“The mythic image of the solo artist persists in our culture, and many people believe that true artistic practice is something that can only be done alone. But watching two women work together so seamlessly to create a single vision is a reminder of the power of creative collaboration.” -Sarai Mitnick, Printing Fabric with Ink & Spindle

“Manipulating fabrics before the cutting process gives sewists the ability to experiment with texture and transparency without altering patterns. There are countless ways of altering surface textures and this month we will take an in-depth look at how to pre-pintuck fabrics for a fully pintucked yoke.” -Katie Whittle, Sewing Specifics

“We’ve all done it: We’ve fallen in love with the color of a gorgeous sweater/handbag/skein of yarn/bolt of fabric, only to come home to the realization that it goes with absolutely nothing we own. (Please tell me that’s not just me.) ” -Lindy Thibodaux, Color in Your Closet

“I felt cocooned in my comfortable, personal daily-wear clothing. No longer just interpreting others’ ideas, I was now adding my own to the mix. What I wore uniquely expressed who I was. I learned to personalize my clothing at a new level— sewing became an expressive art for me.” -Sallianne Hines, Sewing Lessons

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

Have you been looking for the perfect, multi-season cardigan? Look no further, because Elmira has got you covered!

This fitted, cropped, ballet-style wrap will keep you stylish through the seasons. In a lightweight jersey, Elmira is just right for summer and spring. In fall and winter, try a medium weight sweater knit or French terry for a cozier version.

Elmira is the perfect match to many wardrobe staples. Try pairing this wrap with dresses like Lynn, from this issue, for a feminine look. Alternately, pair Elmira with Weston for an easy to wear outfit with a ladylike twist.

It’s the last month of summer, but you still have time for one—or two—more vacations before your fall obligations take precedence. Wherever your travels take you, Lynn is the perfect dress for traveling in both style and comfort.

This shift dress boasts a tailored shape, short sleeves, and a knee grazing hemline, making it perfect for travel. Lynn also features just the right amount of ease, making this dress perfectly comfortable for long trips. Best of all, it’s a pullover! Make sure to make plenty of pit stops to show off your travel style.

Lynn has plenty of options for customizing, such as the contrast front and back yoke, center back placket, and bias binding along the neckline. Make Lynn in a colorful printed quilting-weight cotton with a Georgette yoke and fun buttons, like we did. Is subtle more your style? Make Lynn up in a solid color linen and a matching lace yoke for a classic dress you’ll want to wear year-round. This versatile wardrobe staple is perfect for any situation, from office, to cocktails, to vacations.

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!

In September 2015, Marie wrote a post on her sewing blog called “Loving a Person, Not Their Gender.” In that post, she talked about the experience of having her partner come out as transgender. In today’s story, we talk to Marie and her girlfriend Charlotte about that experience, and what came after.

Listen here.