Sew Stylish - Be Your Own Designer

If you've been inspired by Project Runway to create your own custom-designed clothing -- but need some practical advice on how to pull it all together -- this issue of Sew Stylish will appeal to you.

From Pattern Principles and Construction Zone to Great Fit and Design Secrets, each section is full of great tips and detailed instructions to help you shape your own creative style, as you build on proven techniques to bring your visions to life.

• Discover how to make a pattern larger or smaller by adjusting the tissue to precisely the size you need
• Learn about 20 Great Pattern Facts that will help you eliminate many initial pattern glitches
• Find out how to create clothes that will keep on fitting, even if you slim down or gain a few pounds
• Get the inside scoop on banishing the baggy seat in pants with step-by-step techniques to achieve form-fitting perfection
• Tap into your inner fashionista by learning how to think, strategize and create like a designer

Plus, Simplicity Patterns has created another marvelous Sew Stylish pattern (# 3631) especially for this issue, and we'll show you how to make 11 outfits from one pattern.

Equal parts inspiration and instruction, this jam-packed issue will spark your creativity and get you started on some great new clothing with a style all its own.

Pattern Principles
16 Make a Pattern Larger or Smaller
18 Not All Patterns are Perfect
22 20 Great Pattern Facts
25 Create a Basic Skirt Pattern from Duct Tape
28 Make it Happen Project: 3 Pretty Skirts

Construction Zone
34 5 Lessons on Bias
37 Sew Clothes that Keep on Fitting
40 Face it!
42 Just Cut it Out
44 Make it Happen Project: 3 Fab Blouses

Great Fit
50 Banish the Baggy Seat
53 Darts 101
54 Make it Happen Project: 3 Perfect Pants

Designer Secrets
60 Create a Custom Cutting Table
62 Think Like a Designer
66 I Spy Designer Secrets
68 Fabric Before Design
70 Make it Happen Project: 3 Great Toppers

Hot Stuff Bonuses
33 Purse (challenging!)
49 Cowl (easy!)
59 Belt (easy!)
75 Gloves (easy!)

Letter 6
What Kind of Designer Are You? 9
Industry Techniques 76

Extra Special: Inside a Designer Jacket 82
Common Terms 86
Advertiser Index/Web Directory 89
Back To The Drawing Board 90
Explore Your Options back cover