Wednesday 15 January 2014

Book Review The New Crochet

Photo from Amazon

Crochet gets a chic makeover in this beginner-friendly book from French designer and crochet teacher, Marion Madel. The 38 quick and easy projects include oversized scarves, cosy cowls, lacy shawls, decorative embellishments, bags and much more. In 25 lessons, beginners will steadily build their repertoire of crochet skills, each one presented in detailed step-by-step photos, from creating foundation chains to decreasing and increasing stitches to crocheting in the round. For each lesson, the accompanying patterns offer the chance to try out new stitch patterns and techniques while creating a collection of beautiful garments and accessories that go far beyond typical 'beginner's' projects.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft (7 Jan 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385346131
ISBN-13: 978-0385346139


About the Author
Marion Madel teaches crochet, embroidery and sewing workshops in Paris, where she has been an experienced designer and illustrator working in fashion, interior design and crafts. She has been published in numerous magazines and is the author of several craft books in French.
                                                                                                                                                    

Basic Techniques
Before you Begin
Some Notes on yarn and fibres
Hooks
Notions
Vocabulary and Abbreviations
Symbols
The First Stitch
Starting and Ending a Row

Chapter One
Master the 6 Essential Stitches
Lesson 1 - Chain Stitch
Lesson 2 - Slip Stitch
Lesson 3 - Single Crochet
Lesson 4 - Half Double Crochet
Lesson 5 - Double Crochet
Lesson 6 - Treble Crochet

Chapter Two
Decreases and Increases
Lesson 7 - Horizontal Ribbing
Lesson 8 - Vertical Ribbing
Lesson 9 - Chevron Stitch
Lesson 10 - Floret Stitch
Lesson 11 - Sand Stitch
Lesson 12 - U - Neckline
Lesson 13 - Reversible Stitch

Chapter Three
Starting Lace Patterns
Lesson 14 - Filet Mesh Stitch
Lesson 15 - Open Work Stitch
Lesson 16 - Shell Stitch
Lesson 17 - Hazelnut Stitch
Lesson 18 - Picot Stitch
Lesson 19 - Ending a Triangle

Chapter Four
Working in Rounds
Lesson 20 - Starting in the Round
Lesson 21 - Crocheting a Flower
Lesson 22 - Assembling Motifs
Lesson 23 - Granny Square
Lesson 24 - Joining Two Different Motifs
Lesson 25 - Working in the Round
Index
                                                                                                                                                    

The New Crochet 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 14 January 2014

Book Review The Knit Stitch Pattern Handbook








Photo from Amazon

Knitters love their stitch dictionaries. Melissa Leapman, known for her knitting references, shares 300 of her favourite stitch patterns developed over her long career. With basic step-by-step knitting instructions, information on how to most effectively use a stitch dictionary, and a wealth of original stitch patterns, this book will appeal to all levels of knitters looking for a comprehensive, yet portable volume. The book includes stitch patterns in five categories, from imaginative novelty stitch patterns to traditional knit designs. Each stitch pattern will include a gorgeous photograph as well as written and charted instructions.


Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft (22 Nov 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0449819906
ISBN-13: 978-0449819906

About the Author
Melissa Leapman is a widely published sweater designer whose patterns have appeared in Vogue Knitting, Knitters, McCalls, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, Knit It!, and Interweave Knits magazines. Leapman has worked as a freelance designer for many leading ready-to-wear manufacturers, noted design houses, and major yarn companies. In addition, her knitting, crochet and design workshops are extremely popular with crafters at all skill levels. She lives in New York City.
                                                                                                                                                     

Contents
Introduction
What is a Stitch Dictionary?
How to Use This Book
Using the Patterns
Shaping within Pattern Stitches
Combining Patterns Within a Design

Chapter One
Texture Knit and Purl Patterns

Chapter Two
Lace and Openwork Patterns

Chapter Three
Cables and Crossed Stitches Patterns

Chapter Four
Slip Stitch Patterns

Chapter Five
Novelty Stitch Patterns

How to Read Instructions for Knitting Stitch Patterns
The Foreign Language of Knitting symbols and charts
Knitting Patterns Written in Words
Abbreviations
Comprehensive Stitch Key
Knitting Techniques
Resources
                                                                                                                                                    

The Knit Stitch Pattern Handbook  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 13 January 2014

Book Review Knits From an English Rose



Photo from Amazon

Timeless, accessible and unabashedly romantic, this collection from renowned knitwear designer Louisa Harding will charm knitters of all levels. Inspired by Edwardian style, these 25 accessories all feature Louisa's signature touches, such as subtle shaping, masterful and delicate stitch pattern combinations (especially cables and lace), beautiful embellishments and exciting fibres. The fashionable, feminine projects range from capelets, collars and cowls to gloves, hats, purses and scarves and include notes from Louisa.

Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Sixth&Spring (7 Jan 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193609665X
ISBN-13: 978-1936096657

About the Author
Louisa Harding is a leading knitwear designer with a worldwide reputation for romantic, beautifully flattering designs. She began her career with Rowan Yarns and now has an eponymous yarn line that is distributed internationally. Her work has been published in Vogue Knitting, Designer Knits (UK), Interweave Knits and many other knitting magazines. She lives in Yorkshire, England.
                                                                                                                                               

Contents
Introduction
The Patterns
Carrie Rosette Shawl
Ada Clutch Purse
Bette Bow Beret
Astrid Whispery Scarf
Loretta Elegant Collar
Mabel Cheeky Mittens
Flora Wild Rose Purse
Peggy Pretty Collar
Lulu Lacy Capelet
Estelle Fern Bobble Scarf
Faye Ruby Beret
Myrtle Fur Collar
Lola Chic Little Purse
Constance Rose Bud Mittens
Agnes Princess Cape
Muriel Paisley Capelet
Evelyn Glamorous Bobble Hats
Laverne Beautiful Bloom Hats
Irma Flirty Hat
Winnie Flirty Bobble Hat
Eunice Coronet Capelet
Hattie Elegant Mittens
Bonnie Butterfly Vest
Velma Wispy Shrug
Nora Dazzle Scarves

General Information
Abbreviations
Finishing Techniques
Yarn Information
Interchangeable Yarn Table
                                                                                                                                                  

Knits from an English Rose 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 6 January 2014

Book Review BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern



Photo from Amazon

The editors of BurdaStyle inrtoduce key fashion looks of the past and deconstructs them so sewers can learn to use these iconic elements to make their own sylish clothes. Using five basic patterns for a dress, blouse, trousers, trench and skirt, the book gives step-by-step instruction on how to apply versatile techniques from the 1920s through to the 1980s to create an inspiring collection of fresh, new looks. Fashion designers have always looked back to move forward and budding designers and fashion savvy sweres will use this indispensible resource as a springboard to an amazing range of sewing possibilities.

Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft; Spi edition (9 Nov 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307586758 
ISBN-13: 978-0307586759

"A growing number of nostalgic hobbyists lately seek to revive the magic and glamour of other eras, stitching together their frocks to create looks not found on the rack. Guiding this trend are Nora Abousteit, a founder of BurdaStyle.com, and Jamie Lau...Following their lead, anyone with a Singer and nimble fingers can whip up a homage to Garbo, like a delicate 1930s-style day dress." --"The New York Times"



"As I flipped through the pages, I found item after item just begging to be added to my wardrobe...this book is definitely going to keep me sewing--and stylish--for a long time to come!" --Haley Pierson-Cox, "Craftzine"


"This book makes you feel like the possibilities for a single pattern are endless." --"Sew Well"


About the Author
Nora Abousteit is the co-founder of BurdaStyle.com. She made her first money sewing and selling scrunchies when she was thirteen. Before starting BurdaStyle, Nora worked at Hubert Burda Media and was part of the founding team of the DLD conferences. She lives in New York.
                                                                                                                                                      

Contents
Introduction
How to Use This Book

Chapter One
Patterns 101

Chapter Two
1920's to 1030's
Louisa Drop Waist Dress
Greta Day Dress
Amelia Top

Chapter Three
1040's to 1950's
Frank Button Down Shirt
Elizabeth Gathered Waist Dress
Petticoat
Lillian Blouse
Celia Pajama Set

Chapter Four
1960's
Jamie Shift Dress
Jackie Dress
Jean Stirrup Pants
David Tuxedo Shirt
Harrison Mandarin Collar Jacket

Chapter Five
1970's
Marhaux Evening Dress
Joni Bell Sleeve Top
Penelope Blouse
Liv Bell Bottoms

Chapter Six
1980's
Heather Blouse
Veronica Geometric Top
                                                                                                                                                    

Burda Style Sewing Vintage Modern 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.

Friday 3 January 2014

Book Review Built by Wendy Dresses

Photo from Amazon


The dress, the most iconic and essential piece in any woman's wardrobe, is experiencing a comeback. Designer Wendy Mullin embraces this renewed interest by offering up a sewing handbook with 25 fully customisable variations of her favourite dress silhouettes, complete with three full-sized patterns from her own line. From the perfect little black dress to a breezy summer tunic, Wendy guides readers through the process of fitting, customising and sewing dresses for every occasion. She explains how to assess body shape and provides suggestions about which silhouettes will flatter the most. She inspires readers to be their own designers as she shows how simple adjustments such as adding a collar, changing a sleeve or switching fabrics can lead to endless sewing possibilities.


Hardcover-spiral: 208 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft; Spi edition (7 April 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307461335
ISBN-13: 978-0307461339


About the Author
Wendy Mullin founded Built by Wendy, a NYC-based line of women's and men's clothing and accessories in 1991. In addition to designing her collections and running her retail business, Wendy has authored books; designed a line of sewing patterns for Simplicity; and worked on many collaborations, including a speciality denim collection for Wrangler Jeans.
                                                                                                                                                       

Introduction
Frocks Rock: Why Dresses are a Girl's Best Friend and Fun to Sew Too
Book Smart: What to expect

Chapter One
Design Within Reach: How to Create he Perfect Dress for You
Triple Treat: Getting to Know Your New Dress Patterns
Body Language: Know Your Figure Type
Small Wanders: Details to Dress Up Your Design
Dream Weavers: Choosing Dress Fabrics
Linings: The Inside Scoop
Bells and Whistles: Trims to Try
Vision Quest: Considering Design, Shape and Fabric

Chapter Two
The Shape of Things: Dress Patterns, How to Make Them, How to Remake Them
Tool Time: Patternmaking Supplies
The Large and Small of it: How to Determine Your Size
On Your Marks, Get Set, Go: Understanding Patterns Markings
Shape Shifting: Techniques for Altering Basic Patterns
Testing, Testing: Making a Muslin
Altered State: Perfecting Your Patterns
Your Aim is True: Finalizing the Pattern

Chapter Three
Snip to It: Prepping and Cutting Like a Pro
Tool Time: Cutting Supplies
Prep School: Getting Fabric Ready to Cut
Cut: Built by Wendy's Seven Simple Steps for Cutting

Chapter Four
In Stitches: How to Make Sewing Your Dress a Success
Tool Time: Sewing Supplies
Equipment: Rise of the Machines
Sewing Dresses: A Crash Course
Seams: Easy as 1, 2, 3
Finish What You Started: Fray Proofing Seams Allowances
Secure Stitching: Hold to It
Living on the Edge: Finishing Raw Openings
The Heat is On: Pressing
An Open and Shut Case: Buttons and Buttonholes
Zip, Zip Hooray: Sewing Zippers
Pockets: The Inside Story

Chapter Five
The Sheath Dress
Pattern Pieces
Sewing Notes
Built by You Projects

Chapter Six
The Shift Dress
Pattern Pieces
Sewing Notes
Built by You Projects

Chapter Seven
The Dirndl Dress
Pattern Pieces
Sewing Notes
Built by You Projects

Chapter Eight
Recycling: From Rags to Dresses

Resources
Glossary
Bio
Index
                                                                                                                                                  
Built by Wendy Dresses 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.



Wednesday 1 January 2014

My Sewing Challenge for 2014






Photo: Two more days until the 2014 Ready-to-Wear Fast begins! Have you made your New Year's Resolution yet?

Pictures from Goodbye Valentino blog

In 2014 my sewing goal is to buy NO ready-to-wear clothing with the exception of shoes and underwear. 
 If you follow Sarah's blog Goodbye Valentino then I'm sure you have seen her blog post inviting you to join her on the RTW Fast 2014 (Ready to Wear).
Nearly 200 hundred women accepted Sarah's 2014 RTW Fast invite. 
Sarah has put up a 2014 RTW Faster Page on her blog Goodbye Valentino

My reason for joining the 2014 RTW Fast are:
1. Save Money
2. Wanting clothes to fit me
3. Finding my own style
4. Improving and learning sewing skills
5. Creating my dream wardrobe











Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...