One Thimble 17 Full Issue Review
It’s the summer issue for One Thimble and as cold it seems up here (in Canada), the celebrations down under are enough to inspire warm thoughts and sunny memories. This whole issue has a definite Mexican feel to it and you might want to skip the coffee and go for the Sangria while enjoying this read. I’m joining in on the Pattern Revolution blog tour so make sure to see the schedule at the bottom of this post for the rest of the tour.
What’s Inside?
This issue includes 14 patterns/tutorials for a variety of items including a couple handsewn projects and some bags, plus clothing and accessories.
I love the assortment in this instalment: there’s a lot I would use, for myself and my kids. Sometimes sewing for boys doesn’t give a lot of inspiration, but there are several patterns here that my boys would love!
Aside from the patterns, the e-zine is loaded with articles, including ones giving tips on faster sewing, embellishing fabric and sewing with denim. I loved the How-To from Kylie of Little Moo Designs for the Tassel Necklace; with Christmas around the corner, this could make a great quick gift. Speaking of gifting, you can also read about how to start a handmade gift tradition, including some ideas on what to make, plus some beautiful gift wrapping ideas which I’m sure to try out this season.
There’s also a whole section on growing your creative business, including graphic design tips and social media how-to’s.
I really enjoyed reading about Frida Kahlo, who remains an inspiration worldwide even more than 50 years after her passing. The story of Tiyamike Sewing was uplifting, reading about women being empowered by sewing was so moving.
If you’re looking for things to fill your Christmas wish list with, that’s in there too!
Each issue also includes various discounts from sewing related businesses.
What I Made
The Festival Clutch
The Festival Clutch caught my eye right away. Fringe and tassels are so big right now and I resisted the trend at first (kinda like skinny jeans) but I’ve fallen hard, and I’m not looking back! This pattern is from Little Moo Designs.
I chose an indigo Essex Linen as the main fabric for my bag, to give it a denim look and a rich brown genuine leather for the accent and fringing. I topped the accent with copper rivets and I’m channeling my inner cowgirl with this clutch!
I love how quick and simple it was and that you can really change the look quite easily depending on fabrics and how you choose to dress up the accent. I chose a bright pink lining to keep it fun.
The pattern comes in 2 sizes and I made the small, and I think this picture is deceiving because it’s really not that small, maybe my hand is just really big? Anyway, I thought it looked so cute next to my enormous hand.
Flora Fiesta Embroidery
Lately I’ve been intrigued by “slow sewing” and thought this would be the perfect pattern to get acquainted with embroidery. This is a pattern with only 2 stitches: the back stitch and the satin stitch, so it’s great for beginners, like me! This pattern is from Molly and Mama.
I loved the idea of adding a fun pompom trim and keeping the project in the hoop to display. Of course, you can also use it on a decorative pillowcase, or panel on a larger project if you like instead. Mine certainly isn’t perfect, but it’s not too bad for my first project.
I’m going to show you the back now, and I’m warning you in hopes you don’t judge me too harshly. My son remarked “it’s so crazy in the back, but so nice in the front” and he’s totally right! I’m actually sharing so you’re not too hard on yourself should yours look similar. You may note: I caught the interfacing and excess fabric at one point and just kept going, no guts, no glory!
No matter though, the pattern details how to hide that crazy back with a circle of felt and some glue. I feel like glue and felt are always the answer to my problems.
Sewperior Fruit & Veg Bags
This PDF from Coco-Kalana is completely opposite of the last one in terms of how long it takes to complete; these are seriously quick and pretty fun too! I love the idea of reusable produce bags, and they make a great gift as a set too.
I never really imagined I would say “those pink bananas would be perfect for this!” but when I saw this project I immediately thought of pairing them with the pink mesh I had on hand. I matched the green leaves in the orange fabric to my green mesh and whipped up this duo.
The tutorial has 2 sizes and I made one of each. The large would be perfect for celery or carrots, or a whole “bunch” of bananas (sorry, I can’t help myself when punny opportunities come along). The small is still plenty big for fruit, or smaller vegetables.
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Overall Impression
This digital magazine just keeps getting better and better and this latest edition didn’t disappoint. It’s so much more than just a great price on a bundle of patterns. The articles, stories and additional tutorials give it so much more value and I truly look forward to “flipping through the pages” and reading morsels here and there and taking in all the gorgeous photos.
You can grab your own copy here, or really treat yourself with a subscription here.
Now follow along the rest of the tour to see what everyone else has been making!
11/9/2017
11/10/2017
11/11/2017
11/12/2017
11/13/2017
11/14/2017
11/15/2017
Thanks for sharing your lovely One Thimble makes! It was so brilliant to see you having a go at my Flora Fiesta Embroidery Pattern and the results are terrific. Fusible interfacing will help avoid it catching with thread on the back. And I just wanted to reassure your readers that the pattern does encourage you to finish off each coloured embroidery section, and trim your thread, before skipping to the next area to stitch. This will help avoid having those thread lengths visible on the back of your stitchery. But like you said, securing your felt circle to the back of the hoop will help disguise this. I like that you glued it instead of stitching it in place as the pattern suggests. That would have really saved some time! It was brave of you to share the back of your stitchery and I applaud your openess, and ‘can do’ attitude. Well done! 😀
Thank you for the encouragement Lauren. You are absolutely right, and I did see that tip about not skipping to the next area. I’ll heed that advice next time. Thanks again!