Wednesday 12 February 2014

Book Review Sew Me Sewing Basics


Photo from Amazon


Photo from Amazon

Sew Me! Sewing Basics is geared towards would-be sewers of all ages, who may never have touched a sewing machine or even threaded a needle before. Its the perfect book for anyone who wants to get started in the craft, or just needs a quick refresher course in sewing. Choly Knights friendly and easy-to-follow directions will get readers sewing with confidence, making repairs and creating new garments from scratch. She starts at the very beginning, showing how to choose a sewing machine and introducing the most basic techniques and short cuts. From cutting patterns and sewing seams, to binding edges, gathering fabric and installing zippers, each new skill is accompanied by a quick practice exercise to try, allowing readers to learn as they sew. 36 simple and straightforward projects are provided for sewing fun accessories from plushies, pincushions and placemats to hand towels and hats.

Publisher: Design Originals (7 Feb 2014)
ISBN-10: 1574214233
ISBN-13: 978-1574214239

About the Author
Choly Knight has her finger on the pulse of what today's crafters really want. A power-seller on Etsy.com, she is the author of three additional sewing books from Fox Chapel Publishing. Choly has been crafting for as long as she can remember, and has drawn, painted, sculpted and taped everything in sight. She took up sewing at age 12 and knitting at 21. After going to college to study English and Studio Art, she now enjoys trying to find numerous different ways to combine all of her passions of writing, fine art, and craft art.
                                                                                                                                                   

Contents
Introduction
Getting Started
Attitudes Behind a Sewing Machine
Buying a Sewing Machine
Fabrics
A Bit on Colour and Design Theory
Sewing Tools
Your Sewing Space
Preventing Injuries
Get to Know Your Machine
Prepping your Sewing Machine
Your Machine Stitches
How to Follow the Projects

Chapter One
Simple First Time Techniques
Your First Seam
Your First Project: Pillow Sham
Dealing with Mistakes
Hand Sewing
Bellflower Pincushion
Appliqué
Sweetly Scented Sachet
Sewing Curves
Marvelous Mr & Mrs Cat

Chapter Two
Developing Fabric Skills
Interfacing
Chic Placemats
Gathering Fabric
Fabric Flower
Binding
eat Bound Napkins

Chapter Three
Adding Notions and Closures
Hook and Loop Tape
Belt Loop MP3 Player Holder
Installing Snaps
In a Snap Wallet
Buttons and Buttonholes
Handy Hand Towels
Zippers
Quick Zip Pouch
Grommets and Eyelets
Convenient Coin Pouch

Chapter Four
Easy Wearable Accessories
Taking Body Measurements
Radical Wrist Cuff
Elastic
Snuggly Ruffled Scarf
Sewing Knit Fabrics
Kitty Hat

Index
                                                                                                                                             

Sew Me Sewing Basics is available from Amazon


Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.



Tuesday 11 February 2014

Book Review Sew Me Sewing Home Decor

Photo from Amazon

Sew Me! Sewing Home Décor is geared towards would-be sewers of all ages, who may never have touched a sewing machine or even threaded a needle before. Its the perfect book for anyone who wants to create handmade home decor to match a personal taste or lifestyle. Decorating a living space has never been easier, with simple and straightforward projects designed to help readers learn as they sew. Choly Knights friendly advice, clear directions, and easy-to-use patterns take the guesswork out of sewing. Aspiring sewers will gain confidence as they learn to make beautiful accoutrements like duvet covers, storage cubes, modern quilts and window treatments, starting with very easy projects and moving on to more challenging designs.

Publisher: Design Originals (7 Feb 2014)
ISBN-10: 1574215043
ISBN-13: 978-1574215045

About the Author

Choly Knight has her finger on the pulse of what today's crafters really want. A power-seller on Etsy.com, she is the author of three additional sewing books from Fox Chapel Publishing. Choly has been crafting for as long as she can remember, and has drawn, painted, sculpted and taped everything in sight. She took up sewing at age 12 and knitting at 21. After going to college to study English and Studio Art, she now enjoys trying to find numerous different ways to combine all of her passions of writing, fine art, and craft art.

                                                                                                                                           
Contents
Introduction
Getting Started

Sew Me Home Decor Projects
Creative Coasters
Homey Hanging Organiser
Reversible Duvet Covet
Cute Cube Storage Boxes
Ruffled Pillow Cover
Modernist Quilt
Curtains for Windows or Shower
Index
                                                                                                                                                

Sew Me Sewing Home Decor is available from Amazon


Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Monday 10 February 2014

Book Review Sewing Pretty Little Things

Photo from Amazon


Sewing Pretty Little Things shows how to use small pieces of fabric to make big impressions. This book is packed with creative ideas for using fabric scraps and remnants in classic, beautiful designs. The authors show how to give new purpose to a special piece of fabric, by transforming it into an attractive coin purse, an elegant wallet, or a handy clutch. With original projects like journal covers, travel slippers, key fobs, cosmetic cases and even backpacks, readers are sure to find a use for all kinds of fabrics and patterns. Stunning colour photographs illustrate the potential of the craft. Step-by-step instructions make each project easy to create with whatever material is at hand.


Publisher: Design Originals (7 Feb 2014)
ISBN-10: 1574216112
ISBN-13: 978-1574216110

About the Author
Cherie Lee has a long history of sewing and designing stunning handmade items in her native Taiwan. In 2006, Cherie established her own handmade brand, Love · Catmint and began attending many creative design events and festivals, which she continues to participate in as both guest and presenter today. In 2008, Cherie began to focus her handmade projects on cozy accessories inspired by soft fabrics. Since starting her sewing journey, Cherie has been featured in the news and in several magazines, and has published two sewing books on indoor shoes. In 2012, she established Catmint Studio, where she spends her days working on her next batch of impressive projects. Through her brand Love · Catmint, Cherie shares the comfort and happiness of soft handmade goods with her customers, friends and family. Visit www.lovecatmint.com.
                                                                                                                                           

About the Author
Publishers Note
Editors Note
Introduction
Gallery of Projects
Instructions

Bags
Working Girls Shoulder Bag
Evening Bag
Drawstring Bucket Purse
Weekend Bag
Casual Day Trip Bag
Lunch Bag
Everything Bag
Travel Purse
Vintage Gold Clasped Purse
Backpack

Clutches and Accessories
Compartment Clutch
Chic Coin Purse
Travel Notebook
Gold Clasped Make up Bag
Handy Wristlet

Essential Techniques
Index
                                                                                                                                                

Sewing Pretty Little Things is available from Amazon


Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Tuesday 4 February 2014

Book Review The Wedding Dress


Photo from Amazon

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. You've planned every detail down to the nth degree, but you still cant find The One. No, not your husband-to-be. The dress! The one item of clothing you'll cherish more than any other in your lifetime. So why spend months trawling boutiques, getting flustered by unhelpful sales assistants, when you could design your very own perfect, made-to-measure dress? Professional dressmaker Becky Drinan will guide you through the entire process. You will be given advice on dresses to suit every body shape. You will also be given all the information you need on equipment, fabrics, sewing techniques and how to work from and alter patterns. Finally, youll discover three gorgeous gowns, a lace boler and a selection of veils to make, with accompanying pull-out pattern sheets enclosed in a pocket at the back of the book. You can either follow the step-by-step instructions to the letter in order to create the exact dress (or dresses, why not have more than one on the day?), or you can make changes to the bodice, skirt or sleeves using the techniques explained to make it individual to you. Whichever you choose, with this book youll be in control and soon the proud owner of your very own dream wedding dress.


Publisher: GMC (7 Feb 2014)
ISBN-10: 1861089104
ISBN-13: 978-1861089106

About the Author
Becky Drinan graduated from Wimbledon School of Art having studied Costume Interpretation and has since produced fine costumes for both film and theatre. Now, from her studio in a quite village in Sussex, Becky designs and hand crafts beautiful bespoke gowns and wedding dresses.
                                                                                                                                                    

Contents
Introduction
How to Use this Book

Chapter One
Getting Inspired
Choosing a Dress Style
Good Foundations
Sketching a Design
Choosing Fabric
Embellishment and Jewellery

Chapter Two
Getting Started
Equipment and Materials
Getting Measured Up
How to Use the Patterns
Making a Toile
Preparing your Dress Fabric
Seam Basics
Seam Finishes
Hems
Hand Sewing
Darts
Boning
Fastenings
Corsages
Net Underskirts

Chapter Three
The Bridal Wear
Amelie
Celeste
Florence
Antique Lace Bolero
Choosing and Making a Veil

Glossary
Suppliers
Acknowledgement
Index
                                                                                                                                                     

The Wedding Dress is available from Amazon


isclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.

Monday 3 February 2014

Book Review Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves

Photo from Amazon

Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves delivers what fans of knitting, and of Nicky, crave: her hallmark embellished style, her most popular techniques and more than 30 of her beautiful, unique designs. Nicky's delightful and inspiring patterns range from a tweedy wrap with appliquéd leaves to a scarf sprinkled with bright knitted yo-yos, and others that use mosaic stitch, felting and shibori.


Paperback: 152 pages
Publisher: Sixth&Spring (7 Feb 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936096684
ISBN-13: 978-1936096688

About the Author
Nicky Epstein is a knitwear designer, author of numerous bestselling books on knitting, and a popular teacher who travels nationally and internationally to lecture and give workshops on knitting technique. In 2005, she received a prestigious award from The National Needle Arts Association, and a year later her work was featured in a retrospective fashion show at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.

                                                                                                                                                  

Contents
Introduction
Majestic Fair Isle
Patchwork Floral
Winter Roses
Tudor Lace
Heathered Leaf Wrap
Moorish Medallion
Woven Stripes
Tea Rose
Bullets
Oak Leaves
Bubble Waves
Bada Bing
Cabled Scarf with Unraveled Fringe
Royal Crowns
Celtic Glory
Skull Face Mosaic
Yo-Yos
Chakra
Marilyn
Into the Woods
Kookie Cutter Felt
Carriage Cowl
Classic Shibori
Cloud Ten
Silver Anniversary
Mosaic
Mouse Trap
Holiday Doves
Hot Wheels
Initial Signature
Shawl  Collar Cable Point
Chain Gang
11 Professore
How to Tie a Scarf
Scarf Edgings
Techniques
Abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Resources
Index
                                                                                                                                                    

Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves is available from Amazon


Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.



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