Heirloom Sewing Inspiration for 2014

Sew Beautiful February/March 2014

The new year has arrived, and we know that many of you are already busy planning for 2014's biggest moments. Whether you are thinking about sewing for Easter, a new baby or another occasion, opportunity for making something special abounds in our February / March 2014 edition of Sew Beautiful magazine. Classic heirloom designs are front and center in this new issue - from elegant bonnet embellishments to button-on smocked suits to a timeless lace heirloom blouse. Preview some of our favorites below:

Luminesce (left) and Peter Cottontail

Luminesce - Try your hand at pintuck smocking and enhance an ivory sash with a floral spray of embroidery as you create this elegant blush pink silk dupioni dress designed by Ann Peebles and Nancy McEvoy.

Peter Cottontail - With spring and the Easter season comes the arrival of a classic image, a little tan bunny wearing an adorable blue coat. Designed by Gwen Milner, this design was first introduced as a smocking plate in 1985. It's back to make Easter a special day for your little someone this year.

The Story of Mela Wilson Heirloom Clothing

The Story of Mela Wilson Heirloom Clothing - Many of you have been asking for more traditional, lace-trimmed heirlooms that inspired the very first issues of Sew Beautiful. Designer Mela Wilson has turned that style of sewing into a successful enterprise. We were delighted to visit her in Mobile, Ala. where we captured her beautiful heirloom clothing for this issue's designer profile.

Sweet Sophie (left) and Timeless Lace Heirloom Blouse

Sweet Sophie - This dear little blue heirloom designed by Claudia Newton has everything we love about French sewing - lace shaping, pintucks, delicate details like the overlapping flutter sleeve and just the perfect touch of hand embroidery. The pattern, sizes 2 to 4, is included on the pullout centerfold.

Timeless Lace Heirloom Blouse - Use scraps of lace and fabric from your stash and a Vogue pattern to sew up this heirloom women's blouse designed by Andrea Birkan. This is a very savvy and stylish way to use up those small yardages you've been accumulating. The pattern used here is designed with panels, so you can create as many lace panels as you'd like. Andrea created lace panels for each side of the center front placket and one down the center back. She also created lace blocks for the yokes.

Visit our online store to learn more about this new issue!

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