April/ May 2004 Threads

Feature Articles		Page
FABRICATIONS: A VERSATILE WRAP-FRONT TOP by the Threads editors Simple shape and clean, interesting style lines lend themselves to professional, sporty, and dressy interpretations		30
AN EASY HIDDEN-BUTTON PLACKET by Allison Page It's sleek, looks expensive, and you can decide to do it even after your garment has been cut out		34
DREAM MACHINES by Judith Neukam They're superb, so put the top-of-the-line combination sewing/embroidery machines on your wish list -- even if embroidery isn't your thing		36
HOW TO MEASURE A PATTERN TO ASSESS ITS FIT by Barbara Emodi Before cutting, check your pattern/s measurements against your own		44
TO MAKE COLORFUL STRIPED FABRIC TAKE YOUR CUES FROM QUILTERS by Nancy Shriber Combine a personal palette with two quilting techniques -- you'll have fabric that begs to be sewn and worn		47
DRAPING NECKLINES ON COMMERCIAL PATTERNS by Shirley Botsford For an easy-to-visualize design experience, use sample fabric to work out style variations on a favorite top		52
PLAYING WITH DESIGN: WAISTLINES by Sarah Veblen Add panache to skirts and pants by enhancing the waistband or facing		57
FOUR FAST SERGER FINISHES FOR SPORTSWEAR by Pamela Busque Put a professional touch on ribbings, elastic edges, casings, and hems		60
Departments		Page
CONTRIBUTORS		6
LETTERS		8
TIPS Removable godets, copying patterns, using sheets for muslin, making hang-dry hangers, sewing with metallic thread		12
QUESTIONS Flat crisp seams; hems for layered skirts; patterns for children; tailor's loops		16
BASICS Machine topstitch for a flat, strong, decorative finish		20
FITTING To pull pants over wide hips, you may need a second zipper		26
DELICIOUS DETAILS Flounces		66
MACHINE EMBROIDERY Understand density to avoid stiff or wimpy stitchouts		70
EXPLORING DESIGN Threads Fabric Shopping Spree		76
TOOLS OF THE TRADE Coordinated stamp and embroidery designs, pattern-grading rulers, UltraThimble		80
ADVERTISER INDEX		88
CLOSURES Ode for a Singer		90
BACK COVER Crushed velvet opera coat		92

Fabrications: A Versatile Wrap-Front Top, An Easy Hidden-Button Placket, Dream Machines, How to Measure a Pattern to Assess Its Fit, To Make Colorful Striped Fabric Take Your Cues from Quilters, Draping Necklines on Commercial Patterns, Playing with Design: Waistlines, Four Fast Serger Finishes for Sportswear