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about both the elitist attitude (extremely expensive materials, not for beginners) and that the clothes are pretty out of date and in most of the country your daughter would be snickered at for wearing a lace tea-gown outside the house.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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Girlfriend - Australia

Australian teen mags are some of the best light pieces of entertaining literature...they usually feature regular people and relatable stories and fun quizzes, etc....American teen mags seem to focus more on elite fashion that's fun to LOOK at, but hard to really connect with, where Girlfriend and Dolly (another Aus girls mag) are extremely down to earth. I love that they don't obsess on celeb gossip and such, but lean more towards fun articles about teens just starting to date and formals and having a blast at parties with friends and all. It's a cute magazine! That's one thing I miss heaps about living in Aus...the magazine selection! ha

Jems : Journal of Emergency Medical Services

I have subscribed to JEMS for more than 10 years now. It is the journal that all other EMS magazines are trying to be like. It has the nation's leaders in EMS contributing to articles. It has research, an annual survey of the biggest cities and their systems, an annual salary/workplace survey, reviews of equipment and vehicles, and it is involved in several annual conferences.

Lousy service there has been zero contact from the publisher as to whether they had received a subscription and when one might expect the subscription to begin

Not happy at all with the service on the magazine subscription.

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Exactly what I needed, if you are going to pursue a career in EMS then you must have this book.

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Dark Discoveries

I do so enjoy macabre stories, long or short. But Dark Discoveries seemed to try so hard to be cerebral, you knowcredible, that it left much to be said for the visceral thrill of spooky goodnessnot to mention it could use a lot more stories and a lot less "tribute." Take for instance the issue about a guy who wrote for Night Gallery/Twilight Zone. The editors of this magazine adored him. And it showed. Page after page of interviews with people who knew him. Why, they even reprinted the script for the TZ episode with William Shatneryou know, with the white fuzzy monkey creature out on the wing? Wild Bill with too much eyeliner? Lots of leering and sweatiness and skewed camera angles?

You remember, right? Not your favorite episode? Mine either. But heyI got to enjoy page after page of something already known and already cliche. What a waste of wood pulp to print that.

I really really wish this magazine, as nice looking as it is on slick paper instead of newspaper quality, had more stories and less "articles". I really like being able to have physical pages (rather than e-zines), but alasI won't be renewing my subscription. The discoveries in this magazine, for me, are more dull than dark.

New Mobility

This is the best magazine out there for someone like my daughter with Spina bifida! It has some great information in it on just about every subject you can think of! Thanks!

I thought this magazine would have reviews on mobility equipment; vans, wheelchairs, etc. After reading a couple issues all I've seen are bits on how people deal with their situation. Not what I thought it would be.

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Huskers Illustrated

The reason I only give this 4 stars, not 5, is because of the slow mailing process. Being Husker fans in NJ, Huskers Illustrated is a great way to stay in the loop. In the beginning of the season the magazines came pretty promptly, then a few weeks in we were always an issue behind. I wish there was a "faster delivery" option. I would pay more so my husband would have the most current issue in a timely manner.GO BIG RED!

Snow Goer

If you're an avid snowmobiler, SnowGoer is one of the best! Especially like the issue about snowmobiling destinations.

Thanks SnowGoer!

I ordered this subscription in December (in time for snowmobile season). I was told I would not see a magazine until April. Makes no sense to me. Why do i want to read about snowmobiles after winter is over ?

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Hunt Alaska

Even if you have never been to Alaska or have never gone on a hunting adventure in Alaska, this magazine will make you want to go there, entice you to go there. The articles and photos are wonderful. Be a man and buy this magazine! Buy it even if you are not! You will want to grunt like Tim Allen, puff up your chest and go out into the wilderness to chase after wild things, which may just chase you right back! So, go on and grunt and make yourself or someone you love happy! Buy this magazine for yourself or the real men in your life, or those wannabes. Just grunt and do it!

anyone who has an interest in Alaska or in big game hunting will enjoy this magazine. the photos are quite well done, and the stories are well written and interesting.

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Circus Report

This is a small, mostly 2-color magazine that has become the organ for news, gossip, routes, and communication among America's circus culture . . . including performers, crew, producers, and fans. It's small, but it has a big punch and if you are a circus fan, you won't be disappointed!

Circus Report is hands-down THE publication to read if you want to stay on top of the news in the circus industry. Excellent!

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More (1-year auto-renewal)

The average woman's mag is either aimed at the 18-34 age group (Glamour, Allure) or it's for the soccer moms (Woman's Day consistently figures in the top five of all magazines for women. And for good reason.) But what if you don't care to make bunny-shaped coconut cakes for Easter or what if you are WAY beyond caring about bikinis or contraceptives? MORE is aimed at the mature babe who still cares to dress fashionably and who wants to read about women of a similar age.

Of course, the invevitable celebrity graces the cover (this IS what people want to read, apparently, according to whatever marketing tools magazine editors use.) And the articles are not earth-shaking or in depth in any way. MORE replaces several other magazines gone belly-up, as advertisers apparently don't want dollars from gals over 35, possibly because they spend their dough with great discernment; $250 for a trendy corset-shaped handbag? Hmm, maybe NOT. Since "Lear's", "Mirabella" and "Mode" all bit the dust in the last decade or so, this is what there is for fashion and forty or fifty year old female. Hey, it beats "Reader's Digest" for fashion advice, is all I can say.

When I was a teen, I read 16 and SEVENTEEN magazines. In my 20s, I read Glamour; Mademoiselle was my magazine of choice in my early 30s and Cosmopolitan did it for me as I approached late 30s. Once I got to my mid-40s, none of the aforementioned magazines seemed to speak to me anymore. At 49, I'm way past the "do's and don'ts" of fashion and "how to drive your man wild" kinds of articles. :-) I wanted to know how other women were dealing with middle age and everything that comes with it --weight gain, crows feet, menopause -as well as the usual beauty stuff! There are articles in this magazine dealing with taking care of aging parents, grown-up kids who won't leave the nest, making your way in the corporate world, and lots of other things that are relevant to women my age and their lifestyles. Also, I love the cover models! I'm never going to be as thin or well put together as Susan Sarandon, Cybill Shepherd or Glenn Close, but it's nice to see so many women MY age on the cover of a magazine I love!

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Okay...so here we are...an elite generation of women who have watched the world change for the last 35 years or so and we were a big part of it. We are women of a certain age(ahem), that are old enough to remember the Kennedy Assassination, Woodstock,our boyfriends going off to Viet Nam, the Swinging Seventies and raised a whole new generation...and yes...are proud of it. So now we are what may be considered grown up(I'm still not sure about that part)...what's next? What MORE is there out there?!....Do we want to sit at home raising another generation and be the snack monitor for the grandkids soccer team?...Heck no! Okay occassionaly but.. We Want MORE than that!

MORE magazine bills itself as being 'Smart Talk For Smart Women'...and it is! This magazine is chock full of motivating stories and articles of inspiring women(some famous, some not so famous) making the most of their lives.Women who like us, who have "been there and done that" are now finding new and fulfilling directions in their lives. From starting your own business to starting a new relationship, you'll find it all here. There are fabulous features on health, beauty tips, fashion advice for the 40 and up gal,and some great financial advice as well.

Finally a magazine geared toward more than good housekeeping(if you are like me, and haven't gotten that part down by now...fahgetaboutit!)It's a pretty good size periodical, and not because it is filled covered to cover with gorgeous models. What you'll find instead, are true role models!

So between the ads for the newest and best wrinkle cream(Yeah Sure), to the best fiber supplement, you will find many intellegent, informative and motivational reads! The subscription price offered here is a great value.(I always think it is best to get an issue from the newstand to check out first).

Now available a 2 year subscription a really good deal:More Magazine (2-year)

For yourself or a gift....you go girl!...and enjoy...Laurie

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Of the numerous magazines I subscribe to, this is one of the most useful for women over 40. No bimbo articles, no articles about 10 ways to contort oneself---well, you get the idea. What it DOES have is informative and intelligent articles such as the recent one about common haircolor mistakes made by mature women, complete with before-and-after pictures. There are some fun articles, and some articles like another recent one about the women in President Bush's inner circle of advisors. (Very reassuring, that one.) The newstands either don't get many copies, or they sell quickly, so you may not have seen it, but it's worth a look!

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Who doesn't want to look her best???? Yes this magazine does use space to talk about clothes and looking good. One of my favorite fashion pages is where they have three different readers/models wear an outfit and comment on it. All the women are over 40 and the comments aren't always flattering it seems real. There also is some serious commentary and subjects broached that overall appeals to women over 40 and other intelligent people. I don't believe that if you are a woman over 40 you will regret subscribing to this publication. Just flip through an issue at the newstand and you will be convinced.

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Coptic Church Review

Coptic Church review:

According to the publishers description it is concerned with biblical studies with emphasis on patristic exegesis, liturgical life of the Church, lives and writings of the Church Fathers, ascetic and mystic spirituality. I would add,"and much more."

First Patristic Review:

When Dr. Rodolph Yanney, decided to launch his risky project in 1980, patristic studies was not a popular subject and especially with those he targeted; second generation Orthodox immigrants from the oldest two Patriarchates of Christianity, Alexandria and Antioch. Dr. Yanney, tells me that those who supported the quarterly were neither young nor Oriental Orthodox immigrants.

One day he recieved a visitor who came to support him and praise his efforts and the CCR, who was Dr. Robert Wintermute,Duke U. professor of Semitic and Coptic languages and old testament, NC, and one of the pioneers of the Nag Hammadi Gnostic library.

Contributers & Articles:

few of the frequent article writers and translators of Coptic manuscripts in the last few years were, in alphabetical order:

Ayad,B.: The bible and the arameans of the ancient Near East.

Brock,S.: Comments on professor meinardus article.

Burkett,D.: Four Sahidic songs to St. john the evangelist.

Hammock,C.: Dualism & religious thought of Shenute of Atripe.

Johnson,D.: Oriental Christian Contribn to 7th century Britain.

Kannengiesser,C.: St. Athanasius of Alexandria rediscovered.

: Antony, Athanasius,Evagrius: The Fate of Origanism.

McGuckin,J.: moses & mystery of Christ in Cyril of alexandria.

McNary-Zak,B.: PachomianRemission.

Meinardus,O.:Copts in Jerusalem and questions on the holy places.

....:Patriarchs and prophets in the theology& piety of the Copts.

....:The heavenly Host in coptic traditions.

Ng N.: Deification in St. Athanasius

Rolfe,A.: Sources of authority in the koinonia.

Yanney, R.: Salvation in the Coptic liturgy of St. Gregory.

Penn,M.: Apa Shenute: "On the piety of Women"

Vivian,T.: Witness to holiness: Abba Daniel of Scetis.

.........:Coptic Paladiana: St. Macarius of Alexandria

.........:Coptic Palladiana; the life of Evagrius

Special and double issues;

Periodical Studies are dedicated for current importance topics, including traslations with comments of important Coptic manuscripts by Rev. dr. tim Vivian.

The Transfigured Cross: Rev. Dr. John Watson

St. Cyril of alexandria: R. Wilken, A. McGuckin,& O. Meinardus The Coptic Museum: B. Ayad

Abba Kyrillos: Patriarch an solitary: dr. J. Watson

Book reviews & notices:

These critiques and synopses are very informing reviews and selected shorter notices on new Coptic, liturgical, patristic, theological, religous and social books and studies.

Introducing CCR :

Coptic Church Review, edited and published by the Society of Coptic Church Studies since 1980, is a fine quarterly journal of contemporary patristic research, analysis, studies, and related subjects. A pioneering effort by the devoted patrologist Dr. Rodolph Yanney, who has a vivid dream, revival of Orthodoxy through patristic research and rebuilding the link. The quarterly name reveals a relation to the Church of Alexandria, and accordingly you expect to meet some Desert Fathers, and rightly you guessed.

Touring the Patristic journal:

During this millennia, In a dozen issues I read some of the very exciting stories of Christian faith heroes, as the great Coptologist, Rev. Dr. John Watson, a feature writer on CCR call them. They included the Saints of Mount Izla, with a comment of a Syriac specialist, Fr. Dale Bar Yohanon.

Last summer of 2003, we met on CCR pages, with Abba Daniel of Scetis, a compelling study by the Rev. Dr. Tim Vivian, who in 50 pages reviewed a chapter of his upcoming book, 'Witness to holiness.'

An appetizing sampler:

Saint Augin (Eugene)

Who are the Aramean Syrians

Deification in St. Athanasius

Sources of authority in the Koinonia

Coptic paladiana: St. Macarius of Alexandria

Comments on Professor Meinardus by Dr. S. Brock

CCR Readership: a fellowship

How reaching is the message of CCR, I witnessed on the SEBTS (South Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary) journal display. Reading this rich, versatile, albeit patristically oriented review, preaching the vital mission of searching our roots in belief and tradition. It will also keep you informed on books and articles, while being informed about the most ancient traditions of the church which developed Christan faith, and grew up many Church fathers, and defenders of orthodox faith.

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