April/ May 2003 Threads

Feature Articles		Page
THE SECRETS TO EMBROIDERING SHEERS BY MACHINE by Adrena Johnson-Telfair Look and touch. An understanding of the properties of different sheer fabrics is the key to choosing motifs, stabilizers, and machine settings.		28
HOW TO TAKE MEASUREMENTS by Barbara Emodi For the perfect fit, take the right measurements, in the right way		32
SEWING WHITE FABRIC by Rae Cumbie How to avoid soil, surface damage, show-through, and other pitfalls		37
SHEER SEAMS AND EDGES by Kenneth D. King A contemporary couturier shares techniques for making neat, narrow finishes on sheer and lightweight fabrics		40
PATTERN-DRAFTING SOFTWARE by Judith Neukam and Jennifer Sauer Is it fit, or is it fashion? Or a little of both? We check out eight programs and find they do a lot for our sewing.		42
IF YOU SEE IT, CAN YOU SEW IT? by Heather Claus Take those Delicious Details off the page and make them wearable		50
NECKLINE FINISHES FOR KNITS by Sarah Veblen Creating smooth, professional-looking edges that stretch		56
SLIPCOVERS, PART TWO by Laurel Sprigg Guidellines for squaring up your pattern, plus selecting, positioning, and cutting the fabric		58
FEAR NOT THE CURVE by Kathyanne White Spontaneous freehand piecing is fun and foolproof		63
Departments		Page
CONTRIBUTORS		6
LETTERS Reading every page, Boutis intrigues, slipcover success, the love of fabric		8
TIPS Oilcloth patterns, home-brewed T-shirt, bottled needles, pet shop helps with thread clean-up		12
QUESTIONS Vintage patterns, sewing on a small scale, mommy-to-be duds		14
BASICS Serger tension control		18
FITTING Fitting pants from a sloper		22
TOOLS OF THE TRADE Pressing equipment, quilting machine, gadgets		70
QUICK TO MAKE Pack-flat straw hat		74
BOOKS Embellishment and surface design		78
EXPLORING DESIGN Inspired by Threads -- A Fashion Challenge		82
ADVERTISER INDEX / WEB DIRECTORY		100
CLOSURES Measure up, down, and across		102
BACK COVER 20th-centure lace and batiste dress		104

The Secret to Embroidering Sheers by Machine; How to Take Measurements; Sewing White Fabric; Sheer Seams and Edges; Pattern-Drafting Software; If You See It, Can You Sew It?; Neckline Finishes for Knits; Slipcovers, Part Two; Fear Not the Curve