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Latest News

See Wendy Gardiner Editor of Sewing World on shopping channel QVC 22 December 2008 at 4pm don't miss out on watching Wendy's expert advice.



FEATURES

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

Art of Sketch and Stitch
Kate Hopper talks to Jean Littlejohn about her career and work

Razzle Dazzle Competition
Last chance to enter this competition

One Woman’s Route
Sue Hazell started her career in hairdressing, now she is a well known soft furnishing expert and tutor. Wendy Gardiner found out how it all began

Pattern Supplement
We’ve selected over 40 designs, exclusively available to Sewing World readers in the first of our bonus supplements for 2009

Reportage, the Christening Robe
Each christening gown has a story to tell. Jan Millet reports on an exhibition called Ancient and Modern which included several gowns from the 1800s still used today

Confessions of a Sewing Junkie
Glenda Harvey expresses the views of so many of us as she muses on our love of bags!




TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Crazy Felt
Try a new technique – that of making felted fabric using funky wools and fabric bits held together with random machine stitching

Machine Embroidery Masterclass – Mono on Mono
If you feel like being frugal with thread, or just wish to try a new technique, follow Ruth Cox’s guidelines on sewing with a single colour and enjoy the results

Plentiful Pleats
Betty Barnden shares some pleating and tucking techniques using striped fabrics

Seams Easy Enough, part 1
In the first of a three part series, Lynne Williams goes back to basics and takes us step by step through different seaming methods. This month she covers open seams and top stitching techniques to flat fell, French and lapped seams.

Creating Fashions, part 12 – building a pattern library
Betty Foster shares her tips on how to build up a stock of pattern pieces to create your own collection

Style File – Back to Business
Sue Locke shares her fashion tips on what to wear to work, that’s both practical and stylish




SPECIAL READER OFFERS & COMPETITIONS

Sewing Essentials - great value giveaways

Sew Sharing – Brother sewing machine

Sub Club – exclusive offers for subscribers

Book Shelf – copies to win

Showtime – ticket offers




THIS MONTH'S MAKES

A Matching Pair
Use the newly learned felting techniques to make this funky pullover top and purse from Jeannette Knake - casual yet elegant, they will jazz up jeans or an elegant outfit whatever the season

Ice Cool Cushion
Betty Barnden takes a few twists and turns to create a tucked cushion cover with decorative stitching, using the pleating techniques covered in Plentiful Pleats

I used to be a Jumper
In the first of our recycling projects Lorna Knight turns an old sweater into a cosy hat finished with easy hand embroidery. Make one in minutes and you can venture out snug and warm!

Butterfly Cushion
Charlotte Liddle adds a little pizzazz with appliqué butterflies on this easy-peasy cushion cover. It’s the perfect way to pretty-up a plain cushion

Linen and Leather Bag
Commodious and practical, this classic shaped bag from Lisa Lam is perfect for this trans-seasonal period

Toy Tidy and Tote
Jennie Rayment is back with a fun project to make for little chaps. Get them to enjoy tidying up with this wall hanging caddy and co-ordinating tote so they can cart around their must-have cars and toys!

Space Cat
Have fun with sewing – make a shapely cat to cuddle using fabric remnants and a lot of imagination. Kate Hopper provides the pattern

Bedside Table Mats
Isabel Manson has turned some fabric remnants into stylish bedside table mats with some added decorative stitching. The same idea can be used for co-ordinating cushions and a bed throw

Sleep Easy
Make your toddler’s first bed one that he/she can’t wait to get into with this quick to make duvet and pillowcase set by Helen Voysey

Snazzy Jazzy Scarf
JTurn a pair of trousers into a stylish scarf finished with a little beading. June McCrary Jacobs shares her simple steps

Restyled Denim Bag
Give old jeans a new lease of life by turning them into a fashionable shoulder bag as Heide Goody has done




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

Fabulous Fashion for Fuller Figures
Ruth Cox picks the perfect patterns for all of us who boast curvaceous curves!

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

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

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

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




LET'S HEAR FORM 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

Hall of Fame
We turn the spotlight on another bunch of talented readers




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 February – on sale 16 January 2009 – don’t miss it