Craft Stylish: Quick Stuff to Sew

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Reported by Donna Lannerd

This is a brand new magazine from the publishers who bring you Threads. It is currently only available on newsstands. Unlike Threads, which is mostly about sewing garments, Craft Stylish is going to be more craft oriented with lots of easy-to-do projects. It is very similar to its other newsstand only, sister publication Sew Stylish, but again the focus is on more crafty projects. Currently, Taunton Press, the publisher does not have a set schedule such as bimonthly or quarterly. The current issue is labeled Spring 2008 so I’m thinking it will be more quarterly. I spoke to the company and they informed me that each issue they will be bringing out will have a different theme such as home décor or holidays and will include knitting, papercrafts and more.

The subtitle of this issue is “Quick Stuff to Sew” and future issues will have different subtitles to reflect the theme. I really thought the title of the magazine was “Quick Stuff to Sew” . I almost think this a bad thing especially when it is newsstand only and people gravitate towards the titles of their favorite magazines on the newsstand. But the style of the magazine is so similar to the Sew Stylish that I originally thought is was a special issue from them like their Gifts to Make issue from the holiday season. The Craft Stylish is a new brand for Taunton Press that was just released at CHA this winter. They will have a web site, http://www.craftstylish.com/, to go with it but it is not fully functional yet. It is supposed to go fully live April 8.

I believe the cover says it all. There is quick stuff to sew and the 25 projects break down as:

• 5 garments
• 7 purses
• 9 accessories
• 4 home decor projects.

When I saw this on the newsstand I knew I had to have it. I've purchased the previous issues of Sew Stylish which have more projects geared toward clothing.

The best thing about this magazine is the easy to follow instructions with great how-to photos. I made this headband from the Head Cases project. I didn't use the satin but used a piece of 100% cotton from my endless stash. It was the easiest thing I have ever made. I've plans to make a bunch of these for me and my daughter who wants to be entrepreneurial and sell them. I think I've taken her to too many craft shows.

One thing I noticed is the cover says there are 5 garments but I counted 7. They are all really easy, especially if you are one of those people who don't use or like to use commercial patterns. Only 2 require commercial patterns: Mock Wrap Skirt and Vintage PJ's (bottoms only). The Button-Up Shift has a pattern included in the magazine to enlarge but the final size is determined by your measurements. There is a super cute sack dress that is basically a rectangle cut based on your measurements and then adds a pleat and straps. There is one garment that is made from a pattern but it is not necessary because the project instructions are just for a design element that you could add to almost any ready-made garment.

The range of purses in the magazine are great for anyone with a love of bags. Again, there is no need of a commercial pattern. Many start out as rectangles or even placemats. There is one that converts from a tote to a small clutch but it really isn't obvious from the photo. One of the more spectacular handbags is one based on the movie The Devil Wears Prada. You also won't look at placemats the same again and these ain't your grandmother's quilted placemat purses of the 70's.

Other accessories include scarves, belts, a faux fur hat, a watch, a very modern art necklace, aprons made from vintage tea towels, flip-flops (shown on the cover and on my to do list). The only project I feel that is out of place in a Spring issue is the faux fur hat. Although very cute it screams frigid weather at a time when all we want is sun and flowers after months of being cold and daylight deprived.

The home decor projects are picture frames, embroidered bath linens, fabric covered boxes, and a beautiful bedcover simply made using a sheet and a tablecloth.

Another exception to the magazine that is titled "Quick Stuff to Sew" is there are 3 non-sewing projects. There is a knotted belt that is basically macrame, fabric covered frames, and making your own polymer clay beads. I think the fabric covered frames are disappointing because they just seem too simple. Making your own beads is the best non-sewing project especially the information on making faux ivory pieces and transferring images onto the clay. The beads are also on my learn to do list.

Overall, it is an excellent publication with great photos in an easy to follow format. It retails for $6.99 US and $8.99 Canada.

Note: I just found out the next issue will be available 6/10/08 and will be subtitled "Accessories".