Amidst rumors this week that Sew Simple magazine is about the join the ranks of the numerous publications that have shut their doors since the downturn in the economy, I am delighted to have learned about Modern Seamster, a hip new magazine that combines the “worlds of fashion, sewing, music, art and culture, all through the eye of a needle.”

The second issue includes some excellent illustrated tutorials for beginning, intermediate and advanced level sewers (or seamsters), such as how to do a blanket stitch, box stitch reinforcement, edge stitching and knife pleats.  In addition, this issue includes an article about pilates for sewers, a fascinating look at sewing themed tattoos, and an undercover expose on a fur costume convention.

Check out the current issue for free online at ModernSeamster.com, but be forewarned – in addition to an irreverant attitude, the magazine also comes with some unnecessary foul language, copious amounts of alcohol, and some gratuitous nudity (really, I’m not kidding).

Although it will be a terrible shame to see Sew Simple cease publication if the rumors are true, I must applaud the publishers of Modern Seamster for having  the guts, and the obvious love for sewing, that it takes to startup a magazine in this kind of business climate!