Looking for a sensational summer sewing project?

August/September 2013 edition

Our August/September 2013 edition just hit newsstands, and it is full of summer sewing inspiration! Inside, you'll find contemporary heirloom dresses from Oliver + S, tasteful warm-weather outfits from The Children's Corner and ideas for sewing matching dresses for little girls and their 18-inch dolls. Our casual cottons section focuses on sewing for summer in light, airy fabrics and playful cotton prints. And for fans of traditional heirloom, embellishment takes center stage in our special fine sewing section. We also have a feature on a beautiful Normandy lace pillow from Martha's Attic and an excerpt from our new book, Sewing for a Royal Baby. Read below for more about this new issue:

Smocked Peasant Top and Capri Pant (left) and No-Pattern T-Shirt Dress

Perfectly Pretty Smocked Peasant Top and Capri Pant: Our free pattern in this issue, as seen on the cover, is a two-piece smocked peasant top and Capri pant ensemble from designer Kathy Dykstra. Find the pattern on our pullout centerfold of this issue, and get your exclusive materials kit from the Martha Pullen store during the month of July.

No Pattern T-Shirt Dress: This adorable dress from designer Dawn Wilson was made using a simple knit T-shirt. The comfort of the knit top combined with a coordinate print creates an easy-wear option for occasions that call for something a bit dressier than play clothes.

Liberty Prints (left) and Pattern Adaptations for Boxed Pleats

Liberty Prints: Liberty of London prints are perennial favorites for anyone who sews for little girls. Connie Palmer used the jewel tone Mauvey design from Liberty in Classic Tana Lawn and tweaked our "Natalie" pattern, adding a 1-inch ruffle to the princess seams. Kits for this dress will be available from our store during the month of August.

Pattern Adaptations for Box Pleats: Something as simple as adding contrasting pleats to a classic pattern can result in a fresh, new look. Here, Janet Gilbert demonstrates how you can play with fabric coordinates and pattern drafting by adding contrasting pleats to our Sew Beautiful Collection pattern "Dainty Designs."

Royal Christening Gown (left) and Classic Shirt Construction Details

A Glimpse at Our Take on the Royal Christening Gown: Connie Palmer and Kathy Barnard show you how to apply a wide gathered netting ruffle to any round neckline in an excerpt from our newest heirloom sewing book, Sewing for a Royal Baby. 

Classic Shirt Construction Details: In sewing for her three boys, Michié Mooney learned quickly the importance of neatly turned collars and nicely stitched neckbands. Here, she shares tips to help you give your little guy's shirt a professional finish.

Sew On, Sew Well, Sew Beautiful,
Cyndi and Amelia