We are sew excited about Issue 15 of One Thimble that is releasing on May 12th. This issue is jam packed with patterns and tips and general sewing goodness, and we think you will love it. We have a review of the magazine and some peaks at the patterns inside. We are also kicking off a blog tour and you can follow along with the schedule at the end of the post. We hope you enjoy it!

Merav's Review

Hello sewing friends and thanks for checking out my One Thimble, Issue 15 review here at Pattern Revolution. I am very excited to be back in this seat after my review of Issue 14. I so look forward to One Thimble’s debut - it is filled with opportunities to step up your sewing skills. I get a little giddy when the review sign ups go out. I know I am in for a treat! This time around, I made a promise to myself to try sewing outside “outside the box” and challenge myself to sew volume and dimensions, verses my usual (and always amazing) clothing obsession. I was thrilled to find a Stuffed Bear and Free Motion Embroidery in this issue.

Challenge Accepted!

I've been a fan of makers that sew stuffed animals and dolls for years now. I've even bought several books to learn the art, but I never allowed myself to go for it. I think it’s the tiny little detailed-embroidered eyeballs that swayed me to move on. This time I had no reason to fear! With that easy to follow and beginner friendly Hipster Teddy Bear by Swoodson Says, I took my first steps into stuffed bear making. And all I can say is that I have another one cut and ready to be sewn…since my kids are both fighting over who gets to keep this guy.

The Hipster Teddy is just EASY! And he is adorable! What a great baby gift too! Since he is completely sewn, down to his eyes and nose with the help of double sided transfer, iron on interfacing and thread-I would consider him a safe toy for babies too. Hello! Shower gifts!

My only wish is that I knew how to stuff those little arms and legs better. I found myself with tweezers in one hand and chop stick in the other. My filling just kept getting squished down. If you are reading this, you Stuffed-Maker friends, I’d love your advice. I also added a little hem tape to help seal the body closing (you know, the 3-5 inches you leave open so you can turn and stuff this cute bear) – by adding this double sided sticky tape, I managed to have a smooth closure that I then decided to top stitch over – frankly, because my hand sewing techniques needs improvements.

To continue the BEAR theme, and since we are in CUBS season here in Wrigley-ville (Yes, we have two season, Winter and Cubs) I decided to try my own girly version on the made-exclusively for One Thimble Free-Motion Applique. I started exactly as the pattern directed and had my little hipster bear and his accessories cut out. However, since this was for Hobbes, I decided to throw on a heart trim and a skirt and make her a Cub’s logo on her shirt. I love the thickness of the free hand applique. And from someone who unpicks her top stitching if they aren’t straight-It’s so much fun to allow my self to play with stitches, length and create texture every time the needle meets the fabrics.

Speaking of Fabrics, how perfect are these Blues and Reds for my Chicago Cubs theme? Both of these projects from the new One Thimble Issue 15 are using left over bits and scraps from clothes I recently made for Hobbes with Katarina Roccolla new line: InBlue for Art Gallery Fabrics. What a FANTASTIC Scrap buster deal!

You’ll find EIGHT more patterns in this issue…including a color block blazer by Winter Wear Designs, A Military Messenger Bag by F A Boalus Home Sewn and a fitted, pleated skirt with a side zipper – that would be perfect for a school uniform. These 3 are going on my top sewing bucket list.

Including the 10-brand spanking new patterns, you’ll receive 218 total pages to inspire you. My favorite section is the Tutes and Techniques. I recently (on a spending spree) bought a Pin Tuck foot for my Brother sewing machine. When my Amazon delivery came…I took it out, took one look at it, said a few words I can’t repeat here, and put it away. After reading the explanation of each groove…I’ll take it out and give it a try!

My other favorite advice comes from Brooke Smith-who has great suggestions on storing your PDF pattern files. I lost count when I realized I had over 500. Well, thanks to her tips, I now know I have plenty more options than just my Hard Drive and Drop Box.

Ok folks, that’s all for me on the new One Thimble Issue 15. Get your copy today or try your luck and enter to win a FREE copy below.