Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Valentine's Day Inspiration from the Pages of SB

In preparation for Valentine's Day, we have perused some of our favorite springtime back issues of Sew Beautiful for some holiday-appropriate inspiration! All of these issues are still available in our web store, so click on the issue links provided in each description if you would like to purchase a copy. Of course, we know many of our readers faithfully hang on to their collection of SB magazines for years, so you may just find the perfect new project for a sweetheart in your life already hiding on your shelves.

Do you have any Valentine's or heart-themed sewing projects you'd like to share? Send us your pictures with a brief description to blog@sewbeautifulmag.com!

Above, "Hearts & Flowers" smocked dress by Linda Richards is from Sew Beautiful Issue #116. Article includes the adorable heart flower smocking plate.
Our "Sweet Valentine" dress by Linda Richards and Monica Estrada was a popular dress from SB Issue #104. While the article gives readers the smocking graph and instructions, the pattern is available for free on this issue's pullout centerfold in sizes 2-6.

Janet Gilbert created the blue dress above, "Little Heart of Mine," featured in SB Issue #118. The dress is made using our popular "Dainty Designs" pattern from the Sew Beautiful Vintage Collection, and the article instructions include both the smocking plate and instructions for adapting "Dainty Designs" for a smocked panel.

This sweet pink dress was created by designer Debbie Glenn and was featured in "Designer Details" in SB Issue #110. The pattern and smocking plate are from her book, Victorian Treasures: Nostalgic Needlework Projects, which can be ordered on her website.

This gorgeous cover gown entitled "Heart of Roses" is from our 20th anniversary celebration issue, SB #110, and was designed by Cheryl Davidson. The article features both the smocking and embroidery instructions and templates.

This super-cute reversible play top was designed by Diane Bradshaw and can be found in SB Issue #116, entitled "Two of Hearts." The heart templates are available on the pullout centerfold of this issue, and the article includes instructions for both the heart appliqué and dangling chain of hearts.

This heirloom slip article by Nancy McEvoy from SB Issue #104 is full of freebies. While the pullout centerfold includes the heart lace shaping template, you can still download the machine embroidery design (for free!) on our website. (The bear is also included.)

Last but not least, Hope Yoder's "Sweet Heart Jacket" from SB Issue #116 is based on the "Robin's Little Jacket" pattern from The Children's Corner. In the article, readers learn about twin needle quilting, lace shaping in the hoop, and embellishment techniques for ribbons, trims and raw-edge ruffles.