Book Review - The Sewing Book

 

 photo from Amazon

Synopsis

The ultimate sewing bible for beginners, students and seasoned stitchers wanting to perfect their skills
Whether you want to make soft furnishings, clothing or just do alterations this is the book that everyone interested in sewing needs.
Follow step-by-steps and master every technique you’ll ever need; from machine-stitching a buttonhole and attaching a collar, to altering patterns and building a basic sewing kit. Every hand and machine stitch and technique is clearly shown and easy to follow, guiding you through every move. Follow 25 stylish projects, for the home and to wear, which will enable you to take your sewing skills to perfection.
Plus, get properly kitted out; close up photographs of hand and machine tools show you the best equipment for the job and guarantee you know exactly how to use it.
Tucks, pleats, hems, darts, edges, pockets, buttonholes, zips – whatever you want to sew find out how.

                                                                                                                   

Chapter 1- Tools

In chapter 1 you will find the following sections:

Sewing equipment, fabrics and patterns.

Chapter 2 - Techniques

In chapter 2 you will find the following sections:

Stitch essentials, darts, tucks, p;eats and gathers, facings and necklines, collars, waistlines,belts and tie backs, sleeves and sleeve finishes, pockets, hems and edges, fasteners, lining and interfacing's, professional techniques and mending.  

Projects

Drawstring bag

Book cover

Cushion

Child's skirt

Apron

Sewing aids

Hessian Bag

Baby towel

Door hanging

Roman blind

Man's tie

Place mat

Kimono

Baby blanket

Bolster Pillow

Jewellery roll

Polar fleece hat and scarf

Cafe Curtain

                                                                                                                   

 The Sewing Book is another must have book for me and I do like this book.

The Sewing Book It is a must have for any sewing library - beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Perfect for a beginner, a comprehensive guide, step by step instructions for every technique possible.  It also has 18 projects to do. 

 The Sewing Book is available from Amazon

Disclosure: I buy sewing books from on-line shops with my own money, 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.

Book Review - Design It Yourself Clothes

 Photo from Amazon

 Synopsis

 Many modern sewers are looking to draft their own patterns - but the only books that teach the skill are dry and outdated. Design-It-Yourself Clothes is a comprehensive guide to pattern drafting from concept to execution by Cal Patch, a fashion designer with a modern aesthetic. Cal offers 5 key projects, each with 4 variations. She covers how to measure your body and draft a perfect-fitting skirt, T-shirt, button-down shirt, dress and trousers. Insider tips, explanations and exercises are sprinkled throughout, plus readers are shown how to create patterns from the clothes already in their wardrobes - without ripping out a single seam!

                                                                                                                       

Part 1 - Before You Begin

In this section you will find:

Preparing to make the patterns

Taking your measurements

Part 2 - Making The Patterns

In this section you will find:

The A Line Skirt

 Basic Skirt

Laura Skirt 

Rosie Skirt

The Fits You To A Tee Shirt

Basic T

Marguerite T

Charlotte Top

The Button Down Shirt

Basic Shirt

Betsy Jacket

Stella Blouse

All Dressed Up

Basic Dress

Gertie Dress

Miette Dress

 Miss Fancy Pants

Basic Pant

Annie Trousers

Olivia Knickers

Part 3 - Customising, fitting and Grading

Sizing

Phoebe Skirt

Carla Palazzo

Miho Shirt

 Sofie T

Kathy Dress

Throw A Fit

Making The Grade

Pattern Making from Existing Clothes

Insider Sewing Techniques

                                                                                                                     

Design It Yourself Clothes is available from Amazon 

Disclosure: I buy sewing books from on-line shops with my own money, 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.

Book Review - Pattern Making For The Perfect Fit

 

Photo from Amazon

Sypnosis

For sewers who want to use their basic skills to re-create and update their favourite skirts, blouses and handbags in new fabrics and/or to incorporate new details. In Patternmaking for a Perfect Fit, costume designer, patternmaker and teacher Steffani Lincecum reveals the secrets of the rub-off, a technique used by fashion and costume industry professionals, but is little known outside these industries, to create patterns from existing garments.

                                                                                                                     

Chapter 1 -  The Basics

In this section you will find the following:

The Rub Off - Two Methods

Tools and Equipment

Fabric

Estimating yardage

Taking Measurements

Sewing Essentails

Chapter 2 - Patterning Skirts

In this section you will find:

The Source Skirt

The Paper Rub Off Method

Skirt Variations

Casual Denim Skirt

Wool Tweed Pencil Skirt

Striped A Line Skirt

Reversable Cotton Wrap Skirt

Cotton Bias Cut Skirt

Chapter 3 - Patterning Dresses

The Source Dress

The Fabric Rub OFf Method

Dress Variations

Retro V Neck Dress

A Line Money Dress

Inner Audrey Princess Seam Dress

Vintage Drop Til You Drop Dress

Pin Up Halter Dress

Chapter 4 - Patterning Blouses

In this section you will find:

The Source Blouse

Blouse Variations

Green Apple Blouse with Cuffs

Little Black Blouse with Darts

Cap Sleeve Summer Sky Blouse

Rock a Billy Halter Top

Shanti Tunic

Chapter 5 - Patterning Handbags

The Source Handbag

Handbag Variations

Bamboo Handbag

5 O Clock Handbag

Ladylike Tote

Yoga Bag

Fur Catch

                                                                                                                           

Pattern Making For The Perfect Fit is available from Amazon  

Disclosure: I buy sewing books from on-line shops with my own money, 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.

Book Review - Simple Modern Sewing

 

Photo from Amazon

Synopsis

25 fabulous, wearable garments from only 8 simple patterns Sewists will learn how to make a closetful of comfortable and easy go-to garments without needing a library of separate patterns with Simple Modern Sewing. All you'll need to make 25 unique garments are the eight included basic sewing templates included. Shufu To Seikatsu Sha has designed each pattern to be easily adaptable with no-fuss sizing and clear fabric folding and cutting instructions, so it's simple to sew clothes that are perfect for you. Beginning sewing patterns are often boring or unappealing in favour of being easy to sew. These 25 patterns are just as approachable as traditional beginning sewing patterns, but also have the still style and modernity of more complex patterns. Once you've mastered a pattern, you can combine your creativity with the template provided to design a one-of-a-kind garment with different fabrics or added embellishments like a print lining or contrast-stitching. Sewers of all skill levels with love the freedom of making custom-cool clothes without all the fuss and hassle of traditional sewing patterns and customizations. Fill your wardrobe in no time with the easy to make and wear garments of Simple Modern Sewing.

                                                                                                               

Part 1 - Projects

In this section you will find the following:

Pattern 1 

 Wrap Around Dress with Three Quarter Length Dress

French Sleeved Baby Doll Top

Cap Sleeve Baby Doll Top

Pattern 2 

Short Raglan Sleeve Top

Button Tunic

Ruffle Front Jacket

Pattern 3

Boat neck Jumper

Boat neck Dress

Drawstring Dress

 Patten 4

Long Pants

Elastic Waist Crops

Petticoat Pants

Pattern 5

Simple Yoke Skirt

Skirt with box Pleat

Drop Waist Wrap Skirt

Pattern 6

Simple A Line Skirt

Bias Cut Skirt

Skirt with Gathered Waist

Bustle Style Long Skirt 

Pattern 7

Ruffled Sleeveless Blouse

Cap Sleeved Top

Butterfly Sleeve Blouse

Patten 8

Long Sleeved Shirt with Chinese Collar

Tunic With Tie Belt

Shirt Coat with Pockets

Part 2 

You will find the following:

 Sewing Basics

Chapter 3 

You will find the following: 

 Fabric Layouts and Construction

                                                                                                      

 Simple Modern Sewing is available from Amazon

Disclosure: I buy sewing books from on-line shops with my own money, 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.

Book Review - The Stylish Dress Book Wear with Freedom

 

Photo from Amazon

Synopsis

Japanese style has long been admired for its grace and artistry. Add to that a sense of fun, and you have the Stylish Dress Book. Complete with stunning full-colour photos, this book gives you instructions and pull-out patterns for 26 relaxed and comfortable yet elegant dresses and tops—pretty, timeless pieces that can be worn year after year, by women of all ages and sizes. The detailed diagrams and easy-to-follow instructions take you step-by-step from layout to finished garment. The no-rules looks pictured in this book are perfect for today's carefree fashion sensibility and will inspire you to have fun with fabric and style.

                                                                                                                 

In this book you will find the following patterns and instructions to create the clothes.  There are 26 patterns in this book and each pattern is marked from A - Z.

A - Simple Sleeveless Dress on Border Lace

B - Smock Blouse with Garibaldi Sleeves

C - Liberty Print Dress with a Round Yoke

D - Button up Blouse in Liberty Print

E - Dress with Front Pleats in Liberty Print

F - Tunic Dress with Slit Sleeve in Liberty Print

G - Smock Blouse in Sheer Fabric

H - Dress with Shoulder Accent in Rayon

I - Lace Dress with V Neck

J - Linen Dress with Lovely Pintucks

K - Smoke Blouse in Soft Chiffon

L - Wide Necked Blouse in Spotted Voile

M - Scallop Edged Dress

N - Halter Neck Mini Dress in Liberty Print

O - Flared Sleeve Dress

P - Tunic Blouse with Lace Accent in Double Gauze Muslin

Q - Knit Dress with Tucks

R- Reverse Yoke Mini Dress 

S - Shantung Formal Dress

T - Liberty Print Dress with Chic Block Trim

U - Lace Knit Tunic with Cape Sleeve

V - Tartan Shirt Dress

W- Tunic Dress with Front Frill

X - Cape Style Blouse in Scallop Edge Lace

Y - Liberty Patchwork Dress

Z - Tricot Jersey Blouse with Flared Sleeve

                                                                                                                        

The Stylish Dress Book Wear with Freedom is available from Amazon

Disclosure: I buy sewing books from on-line shops with my own money, 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.

Book Review - The Stylish Dress Book Simple Smocks, Dresses and Tops

 

 Photo from Amazon 

Synopsis 

Stylish Dress Book features an A to Z of cool tops and tunic dresses that you can wear anywhere. Using simple shapes and individual details, the book shows you how to craft a stylish collection of garments to your own taste. For anyone who knows the frustration of going to the mall and finding racks of identikit clothes in cheap fabrics, this book will offer a fabulous home made alternative. As every sewist knows, DIY fashion is the only way to be stylish.

                                                                                                                    

 In this book you will find the following patterns and instructions to create the clothes.  There are 26 patterns in this book and each pattern is marked from A - Z.

A - Front Tuck Blouse

B - Linen Dress with Lace Trim and Petticoat

C - Camisole with Lace Neck Trim

D - Box Dress with Boat neck

E - Mini Smock Dress

F - Shot Sleeve Dress with Elastic Shirring

G - Mid length Jumper Dress

H - Over Blouse with Lace Detail

I - Tunic Blouse with Smocking

J - Ruffled Bolero

K - Sleeveless buttoned Empire Bodice Dress

L - Three Quarter Sleeve Dress with Ruffled Design Seam

M - Coat Dress with Low Waist Design Seam

N - Embroidered Empire Bodice Mini Dress

O - Tucked Short Sleeved Dress

P - Drawstring neck blouse with Raglan Sleeves

Q - Tucked Dress with Velveteen Trim

R - Dress with Elastic Shirring

S - Liberty Dress with Contrast Sleeves and Trim

T - Drop Waist Dress with Three Quarter Length Sleeves

U  - Roll Collar Blouse with Drawstring Waist

V - Wool Dress with Liberty Print Decoration

W - Cape Collar Blouse with Drawstring Waist

X - Coat Dress with Design seams on Bodice and Sleeves

Y - Open Collar Tunic Dress

Z - Gathered blouse with Identical Shaped Front and Back

                                                                                                                          

The Stylish Dress book Simple Smocks, Dresses and Tops is available from Amazon

Disclosure: I buy sewing books from on-line shops with my own money, 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.

Book Review - The Dressmaker's Technique Bible

 

Photo from Amazon

Synopsis

All the guidance you need to create beautiful clothes, whether you are following a pattern, adding embellishments or starting from scratch. The step by step instructions for a wide range of dressmaking techniques from basic patterns through to couture designs makes it suitable for beginners as well as sewers with more experience. Easy-to-follow, highly illustrated instructions explain the essential dressmaking techniques - allowing you to work confidently from a pattern to create beautiful clothes that fit perfectly. It features an at-a-glance guide to basic garment shapes and styles, cross referenced with the relevant techniques throughout the book. Includes advice on body shape, choosing the right fabric for the right garment as well as decorative sewing techniques such as embroidery and appliqué. It features step techniques for making basic garment details including waistbands, hems, sleeves, cuffs, necklines, collars, fastenings, pockets and linings. Suitable for beginners, or those who are already designing or making their own clothes, this is the perfect book for honing dressmaking skills and inspiring fashionable new designs. 

                                                                                                                         

Chapter 1 - Getting Started

In chapter 1 you will find the following sections:

The essential tools, sewing machines and overlockers, needles and pins, thread, haberdashery, selecting a pattern or design, adapting a pattern, the body shapes guide and fashion shapes.

Chapter 2 - Fabric Manipulation

In chapter 2 you will find the following sections:

Seams, seam finishes, darts, tucks, pleats, elastic, gathering, zips, bias cut and internal fabrics.

Chapter 3 - Techniques

In chapter 3 you will find the following sections:

Waistbands, hems, sleeves, cuffs, necklines, collars, fastenings, pockets and linings

Chapter 4 - Embellishments Ideas

In chapter 4 you will find the following sections:

Top stitching, decorative machine stitching, machine embroidery, hand embroidery, appliqué, beads and beading, adding lace and ribbon, patchwork, quilting, drawn threads, piping, couching, fringing, smocking, felting with an embellisher machine, wing needle effects, over locked edges - rolled, picot and lettuce and over locked flat locking

                                                                                                                               

The Dressmaker's Technique Bible: A Complete Guide to Fashion Sewing Techniques is a handy little reference book to have.

This book is ideal for either beginner, intermediate or advanced.

 The Dressmaker's Technique Bible: A Complete Guide to Fashion Sewing Techniques   is a small handy size,  spiral bound making it easy to use, clear diagrams and step by step guides to techniques.

 The dressmakers Technique Bible is available from   Amazon

Disclosure: I buy sewing books from on-line shops with my own money, 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.