Contents...

FEATURES

Haven of Creativity
Kate Hopper talks to Anne Dyer and Elizabeth Rumble of Westhorpe College and discovers a haven for sewing enthusiasts

Shining Lite Competition
Unscramble the anagram for a chance of winning one of four Ott Lite lamps

Sew Sharing
We want to hear about your sewing groups, how and when you formed, when you meet and what you do together. Each month we will award a new Brother to an interesting sounding group

Textile Tour of India
This is the last chance to book on this fabulous Indian tour, put together exclusively for Sewing World readers

Top Tips – Gift Wrapping
These handy tips come from Jane Mearns who runs her own company providing a gift wrapping service

Reportage – Harlequin
Established 40 years ago as a specialist button covering service, Harlequin now covers just about any fashion accessory that can be covered in fabric as Wendy Gardiner found out!

Celebrate with Brother
As the year comes to an end, so does Brother’s celebrations of their centenary and to commemorate the event, they have given us two unique, specially designed Brother music boxes to give away

Winds of Change
Pauline Hull shares some of her experiences as a professional dressmaker, with ideas on weathering the ‘credit crunch’

Index 2008
This is a handy guide to all the features, articles, projects, tips and techniques, book reviews and sites to surf that we’ve covered over 2008

From Across the Pond
June McCrary Jacobs shares her views on Christmas presents and a solution to the request for money or gift cards




TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Glamorous Gowns
Janet Moville shares her tips on sewing a gorgeous bias cut evening gown

Creating Fashions, part 11 - necklines
Betty Foster shares her tips on changing the necklines to follow current fashions

A Scrappy Christmas
As we end the year, we take recycling to the ‘nth degree – Betty Barnden has played around with ripping, cutting and stitching old cards, carrier bags and netting!




SPECIAL READER OFFERS & COMPETITIONS

Sewing Essentials - great value giveaways

Shining Lite – Ott Lite competition

Sew Sharing – Brother sewing machine

Celebrate with Brother

Book Shelf – copies to win

Showtime – ticket offers

Sub Club – exclusive offers for subscribers




THIS MONTH'S MAKES

Golden Delicious Organza Gifts
Lorna Knight has created some quick and easy gift ideas using silk organza to bring a touch of luxury to your presents. Choose from fast fix bottle bags, a wrap and a bag

Sparkling Stars
Dress the tree with some unique decorations. Jackie Ebdon shows how to make stars sparkle with felt, stitch and beading

Working Wardrobe - coat
Make a short coat from chunky corduroy – perfect for shopping in the Mall. Sue Locke provides the pattern and instructions

Santa’s Stocking and Advent Calendar
We’ve quick tips on making up stockings and advent calendar from the pretty pre-printed panels by Makower fabrics

White Christmas
Wendy Gardiner shows how to make a festive tablecloth in minutes using some Christmas print fabric and satin ribbon

Diamante Party Clutch
Our bag from Lisa Lam this month is a simple clutch design with added sparkle

Kitsch Christmas Pinnie
Prepare to look the part in this pretty pinnie from young designer Charlotte Liddle. Whether you make for yourself or a friend, it’s perfect for Christmas day

Made in Snow Time
Lynne Williams shares some tips on sewing toys and has created a cute snowman in soft fleece that will look good as an ornament or be useful as a doorstop

Christmas Creatives
Make some fabric bowls for friends and family designed by Kate Hopper. A set in different sizes will be the perfect present for a teenager – great for holding jewellery, cosmetics or nail polishes

Dazzling Door Wreath and Glittery Garlands
Using the new techniques of sewing on paper and plastic, Betty Barnden has created an eye catching door wreath and environmentally friendly garlands for the tree

Yo Yo Yo Table Runner
June McCrary Jacobs takes a simple yo yo design and turns it into a tree decoration for a festive table topper

Festive Father Christmas
Make a chubby Santa to sit by the fire place following Isabel Manson’s easy design




REGULARS

Editor’s Letter
A run through of what's in store this issue

Sew Essentials
Wendy Gardiner provides news on what’s hot and what’s new plus some glorious giveaways

Party Time
Ruth Cox picks the perfect patterns for Christmas parties, however formal or informal

Book Shelf
A selection of new books reviewed by Ruth Cox that are great for us sewers. Plus some great giveaways

Learning Curve
Julie Bonnar continues to review workshops and courses throughout the country

Sites to Surf
Four more great sites are reviewed by Ruth Cox

Showtime
Julie Bonnar previews the forthcoming shows around the country

Giveaway Coupon
Tick up to five boxes on the coupon for a chance of winning a fabulous prize

Sub Club
We’ve some great giveaways exclusive to our subscribers




LET'S HEAR FROM YOU

Where in the World
Connor Richards provides the answers to this month’s questions

Points from You
Your views, your news and a chance to win a fabulous prize




FOR REFERENCE

Diary Dates
What's on and where in the up-coming months

Who's Who
Contact us with your news, views and queries

Subscribe to Sewing World
Get your copies hot off the press - and at a special rate too!

Coming Next Month
We preview January – on sale 19 December – don’t miss it