Sew Beautiful

Sew Beautiful magazine is one of the few American magazines devoted to heirloom sewing, smocking and the fine needle arts. Without a doubt, SB boasts the most attractively photographed articles, projects and layouts. Each issue features exquisite examples of heirloom-quality garments, pillows, notions, etc. all lavishly displayed in charming settings. This publication is a visual pleasure to leaf through.

So what's the problem why not the full five stars? Well...

Since I took up smocking and needle arts in 1997 I have subscribed to SB for one year and bought issues off the stand intermittently since. As a beginner and an intermediate level sew-er, I rarely find anything do-able in the pages of SB. The projects, patterns and features are really geared toward quite advanced heirloom sewers/needleworkers. It can be quite overwhelming, even intimidating, to admire for instance a lovely christening gown ensemble that requires high-level handstitching skills, and several tricks on the sewing machine that I can't begin to fathom without hours of instruction. Often, obscure specialized tools and machine feet are required. And how many beginners want to practice on the hard-to-find and pricey fabrics and trims so casually recommended, like swiss nelona and dupioni silk? Alternatives like plain old imperial batiste and cotton floss are so seldom mentioned as to give the reader the impression that they just aren't suitable for heirloom sewing. After my subscription ran out I was left with the feeling that I may never "catch up" enough (or be wealthy enough) to attempt most of the gorgeous items in SB.

I have seen a few other magazines that address this problem by providing illustrated, step-by-step guides in the back sections to the handwork stitches that are required for the projects. This is very practical and reassuring for newbies. One Australian magazine even has kits available by mail order or internet for all their charming projects. It would be great to see more of that in SB, as well as more projects that you don't have to have advanced skills to attempt.

On the whole, SB is nicely done and I could recommend it for the more advanced level smockers and needleworkers.

-Andrea, aka Merribelle.

Okay, I will agree with the previous two reviews about both the elitist attitude (extremely expensive materials, not for beginners) and that the clothes are pretty out of date and in most of the country your daughter would be snickered at for wearing a lace tea-gown outside the house. But I still love this magazine.

There are beginner's projects that come along every once and a while: there was a multi-issue album quilt last year that explained all of the techniques perfectly (it would be great if they could sell that as a stand-alone pattern, it was a wonderful introduction). It's true that not every issue has them, but if you look on the newsstand you can usually find if the new issue has one. The thing is that it's a magazine for people who enjoy heirloom sewing: knitting magazines don't have explicit instructions on how to purl, quilting magazines don't show you how to use a rotary cutter. Sew Beautiful just assumes that you have a working knowledge of heirloom sewing: and they do have a very quick primer on lace sewing techniques in the center pullout.

If you're interested in learning heirloom techniques, I still recommend purchasing this magazine, even if only a few issues at a newstand. You'll be introduced to a lot of the most popular designers and their techniques, and you'll find out the best resources (shops, classes, books) to learn. It's also a great aspirational magazine, and though I would never dress my kids in most of the clothes that grace their pages, a lot of the details can easily be adapted to more play-friendly clothes.

One tip: if you buy the magazine and use the pull-out card to buy a subscription, it only costs $25 a year, as opposed to Amazon's $35 a year.

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IMHO, the biggest flaw in SB is that it focuses too tightly on children's clothing. Otherwise I enjoy it immensely. I often look to it for inspiration when I'm planning a new garment for myself. If your mind is open to possibilities there is plenty here to give you ideas and new techniques. My suggestion is not to take this as a project magazine to be interpreted literally. I always see the projects as examples of ways you can use the techniques in your own sewing.

I would have to disagree with previous reviewers who complain the materials are "extremely " expensive. They are not *cheap*, but they certainly are not the most expensive of fabrics. If you know fabric you will realize that the materials are in the lower middle of the road... not the cheapest junk available but nowhere near the price of couture quality yard goods. Most of what's needed can be found at your local big box fabric store, and if you use the 50% off coupon wisely you can get your silk dupioni and handkerchief linen for less than you'd pay for cotton at a local quilt shop.

The styles in SB reflect a cultural difference between the Old South and trendy new fashion. It might look odd to some but people in Martha's culture actually dress themselves and their children in this way. It can either be viewed as "timeless" or "out-of-date", but your carefully wrought heirlooms won't look passe in 5 years either. That's the main problem with current style... too much of it and it's dated in a few years. It seems to me that rather than "elitist", SB leans more towards old school conservative. If you are looking for fashion, then Threads should be your go-to magazine. If you are looking for classic "heirloom sewing", SB is it.

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The magazine opens with a letter from the publisher and a Bible verse. If that's going to bother you, find another magazine.

This magazine has some nice techniques--smocking, heirloom sewing--but if you aren't sewing for children, then this IS NOT be the magazine for you. In the magazine in front of me, ONE article isn't about sewing for children or children's toys. The other issues have been the same. I'm cancelling my subscription today. It's not a bad magazine--it just isn't at all what I ws looking for.

If you are a Christian and want to sew heirloom stuff for your children or grandchildren, I would highly recommend it. The kids' clothes are cute if sometimes old-fashioned or impractical. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated. There is a free pattern in every issue--for children.

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I am enjoying my subscription to this magazine. I love looking at others creativity and getting inspiration from it to sew something I am proud of. The magazine is well put together and not overly full of advertising. I always look forward to getting it in the mail.

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HDVideoPro

If you are serious about filmmaking THIS is the magazine for you. The other "reviewer" must have been looking for tips on shooting his kids or family vacation videos to write what he did. It has a great selection of product reviews. The ads are also very useful for those of us looking to expand our tool box. Yes, the main articles are on mega buck films but read the other features for more, "Practical" information for the filmmaking enthusiast. I've only read one issue and am planning on picking up the next when it's available (only 6 issues a year). After that, if the second one picks up where the first left off I'll be subscribing. I just wish they had a digital version.

I subscribe and Takes abot four months to get the first so I get it at the news stand but is nothing good On it!

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Uu World

Well-written, warm, and often thought-provoking and inspiring, this magazine will appeal not only to Unitarian Universalists but also to the liberally religious in general, whatever their denominational affiliation (or lack thereof). The topics covered by the magazine range broadly, from same-sex marriage to a new spiritual vision of evolution (the "Great Story" articulated by Brian Swimme etal) to the importance of reverence for the natural world to the practical power of love.

Cuisine Et Vins De France

I have subscribed to this magazine for many years (via their own website (English version)) and I love this publication. Some of the ingredients may be hard to find outside France but having been lucky to work there for several years at least I know what they are! Many of the recipes are typically French and as such would be hard to find elsewhere. The articles are informative and highlight the differences in the culinary styles from region to region.

If you like France and love food, this magazine will be a joy from cover to cover.

i often get recipe ideas from this magazine and its website. haven't had a bad one yet.

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Unfortunately, I have never received my subscription that I paid for. I have always had good success with Amazon orders but not this time. I keep waiting for my subscription to start, but no luck. Maybe someone will figure this out and get it to me.

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Skateboard Mag

My daughter (age 9) and I went into the local skate shop and picked up an issue of this mag as recommended by the young clerk. I thought it'd be good to look at since my daughter is showing an interest in the sport and we're thinking about a better board for her.

We thumbed through it together and I found that some of the articles were well-written and interesting, but some were really profane lots of nasty stuff and promoting an unhealthy lifestyle. There were also no female skaters and nothing good to say about women bummer.

So I let her look at the pictures and tore out some of the text probably 10 pages. There was a pretty cool DVD (an extended ad for element skateboards) that came with it that I think she'll enjoy. But parents should be aware that this is not kid-friendly.

The skateboard mag is the most legit skateboarding magazine available. If you're only gonna subscribe to one skate mag, this should be it. Another review seems really concerned about some "controversial" material but that comes with the skateboarding territory. be sure to grab this subscription even though it might have some naughty words in it.

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My grandson is in prison and has been waiting for the magazine but nothing yet. I don't know who you can find out what happened.

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This mag should NOT be listed under Amazon's "Skateboarding for Kids." Our son just turned 10 and his grandparents gifted him a subscription to this magazine due to our recommendation. Today, while at a local skateboard store, this mag was up by the register. The cover said "WTF?" in big bold letters. I was shocked and expressed my extreme disapointment to the store owner. She confirmed this mag is NOT for kids, but for older teens, young adults. Even a quick glance at the articles inside, they are so NOT appropriate for kids. I wouldn't even knowingly get this mag for our sons when they were older...too explicit in both language and sex. I immediately called my Mom and had her cancel the subscription to this mag. Our son is bummed to say the least. Is there a "clean" skateboarding mag published anywhere today???

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Air Classics

Air Classics appeals to those who like vintage WWII aircraft, although other classic aircraft are also covered. The talented Michael O'Leary seems to write and photograph the keystone articles each month, with other writes and photographers contributing. Unfortunately, for many years, this magazine's format has leaned towards larger, less tightly packed print, and more advertisements than meat. I personally had read and collected every single issue since Vol. 1, #1, printed in 1964, and gave the entire collection away to a local aviation museum a few years ago after letting my subscription expire, and haven't read Air Classics since. There are far superior, similarly themed aviation magazines out there to spend your money on, FlyPast and Aeroplane monthly being the two I'd recommend.

I've given Air Classics magazine subscription to my Dad for years. He is a Retired Pilot and he loves the older aircraft. Excellent magazine for those who love these great classics.

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I have subscribed to this magazine for many years and have seen it change and reinvent itself several times. The 2006-7 version is far superior to its older incarnations. The current version is an aviation history journal and does not cover "current events" in aviation which are reported in duplicate in many US and UK journals. I am also pleased that model aircraft are not covered as there are exellent model journals available. This is a nicely done and well illustrated historical journal and approaches but does not quite reach the excellence of the UK's Aeroplane Monthly.

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This is a first class magazine. Well worth subscribing to. Amazon is the least expensive place we know of to do so. It covers "classic" aviation at its best.

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I agree with the earlier review that there are many better vintage aviation magazines out there. The two mentioned (FlyPast and Aeroplane Monthly) have less usefulness in the U.S. though, because of their primary U.K. and European focus. Air Classics is a good snapshot review of vintage/warbird flying in this country, and its extensive treatment of Post World War II subjects is refreshing with all the emphasis on WWII in other warbird venues. Michael O'Leary does seem talented, but the Magazine suffers from his name being too frequently seen in the articles. Also in the latest issue (Nov. 2006, I think?), O'Leary really goes over the top in criticizing "internet crowd" armchair critics of the "Thunder Over Michigan" air show in August 2006. O'Leary using some non-professional vulgar language in the article that speaks very poorly for the magazine. I hope this is an abberation.

JWC Northern Virginia

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Phoenix Home & Garden

I have subscribed to 'Phoenix Home & Garden' for many years, and I look forward to every issue. There are loads of useful articles about living in Arizona (or any desert environment) including realty, water conservation, and, of course, design. The magazine has great examples of outstanding Southwest architecture and design in every issue, though I wish they would talk more about sub-$1,000,000 homes. All in all, the text and articles are well done, consistently informative, and beautifully illustrated with outstanding color photographs.

The bad news about 'Phoenix Home & Garden' is similar to that for 'Architectural Digest': too many ads. The magazine is simply gargantuan and an enormous percentage of it is taken up with advertising, some of which is only tangentially related to the focus of the magazine. While the content of the magazine is quite good, it is very annoying turning through page after page of ads to finally reach the next article. This unfortunate trend makes the magazine much less reader-friendly, and is responsible for the reduction to three stars in my rating.

Phoenix Home and Garden is easily one of the best "home and garden" type magazines currently available. I highly recommend it to anyone with a flair (or even a modicum of interest) for design and a desire to live comfortably in a low maintenance home situated in ANY desert environment. They've left nothing out!

A typical issue might include several dynamic design solutions, i.e. for custom lighting, creative storage, etc.

In depth interviews with architects and designers who bring decades of experience to the table and offer hot new ideas for age old problems. Feature stories showcasing creative renovations or simple design solutions that bring life back to tired, sun baked Arizona homes are always full of wonderful surprises that range from easy do at home to the more difficult and challanging projects for professionals.

There are still more interviews with interesting people "in the news" and terrific stories about some of AZ's more facinating historical personages and locales. You'll find a variety of miscellaneous interest stories about upcoming exciting events to attend in Arizona. In fact, the last several pages of the magazine are dedicated to hundreds of listings (and contact information) for places to go, things to do, and people to see, including (but not limited to) benifits and fund raisers, wine tastings, and tours. There are pages upon pages of listings for the various theatre groups, opera performances, symphony and ballet performances, as well as numerous listings directed towards childrens performing arts. I particularly appreciate the listings for the exhibits and shows at the many museums and cultural arts centers. There are listings for special events, fairs, dance and music concerts and cultural festivals, including the much anticipated Sadona Jazz Festival (a personal favorite)! The featured artists and magnificant art exhibitions at the numerous gallerys and museums are also listed, sometimes with showcase insets to wet your appetite.

Awards cerimonies, marketplaces, planetarium shows, expos, golf tours, the list goes on and on.

Of course no desert home and garden publication would be complete without the requisite articles about the use of outdoor architure to capture and frame the scenic desert mountains, or the fabulous landscaping ideas that include low maintainence gardening tips (that everyone can appreciate). Even several of AZ's garden societies are listed with their contact information.

I always look forward to trying any of the dozens of recipes from some of Arizona's popular restaurants and world famous chefs. Hundreds of restaurants are listed by catagory, i.e. international, continental, french, italian, mexican, southwestern, asian, etc. You will also find a few schedules for cooking classes hosted by some of AZ's most prestigeous culinary schools and/or chefs.

Special editions, including the popular Physicians issue, are practical and extremely handy to have as convenient reference guides.

All in all, this is THE magazine!

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We purchased Phoenix Home & Garden as a gift for our daughter last Christmas. Our daughter is a designer in the Phoenix area, loves the publication and uses it frequently in her work. The last purchase was a renewal for Christmas 2008.

The only problem was a coordination issue between Amazon and the publisher. After renewing I received an email stating the subscription order had been received and the first issue should be received in October. The original subscription did not expire until January. I had to make a couple call to find out the transaction would have been handled as a renewal in spite of what the email said. I think such information should be made available at the time of renewal.

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Nice magazine. A little to early to see what future magazines are going to be like. But so far, so good.

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I am restoring a 1928 Spanish Revival home in San Antonio, Texas. This magazine often features the classic adobe style and a modern interpretation of this style, but I can often find great sources for materials to be used in my house, including light fixtures, doors, windows, etc... In the end, my house will not look like these homes, but I am continuing to purchase this magazine for the rich network of sources and ideas on its pages. Highly recommended.

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Hawaii Skin Diver

This magazine is aimed at freedivers and freediving spearfishers around the world. (Scuba divers need not apply.) And it certainly hits its mark. Freediving and freedive spearfishing are growing in popularity, and this magazine is reflecting that growth.

The layout, photos and graphics are incredible and have earned this magazine numerous awards and critical acclaim.

While the focus is primarily on freediving and spearfishing in Hawaii, the magazine provides ample attention to other locations around the world as well.

This magazine is a great resource for both the novice and the more experienced divers. Each issue is well edited and beautifully put together. The artistic talent and real world experience of the staff is evident in every issue. You will find yourself reading every issue cover to cover the moment it arrives in your mailbox.

I don't receive this subscription anymore but I have to say that I had no problems or delays while I had it. Yes it's expensive but keep in mind that's an import mag and the quality of the mag it's AMAZING!! Go to your local bookstore and check it out, but the subscription do it here is way cheaper.

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This is by far my favorite magazine. The photography is awesome. The stories are written by the spearo's. All of the new gear that you gotta have and all of the places you have to dive. The only down side is that it's a quarterly mag, but it's worth the wait. You can even order back issues!

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Skin diving is a large umbrella that covers everything from being symbiotic with the underwater world on a breath hold to competitive freediving for depth. In that large umbrella Spearfishing is also covered. However this is all the magazine chooses to focus on. Usually by doing so with pictures of men with the biggest fish they could catch while in exotic locations that only the most affluent could afford.

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