Book Review McCall's Essential Guide to Sewing

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Whether you're a total novice or practically a pro, this indispensable guide from McCall's is packed with instructions, tips and fascinating facts that every sewer needs. From mastering the most basic techniques to the ins and outs of using a sewing machine, from mending tears to altering, embellishing and finishing, this beautifully presented and richly illustrated book has the low-down. You'll also get advice on marketing designs online, learn the answers to 100 frequently asked questions and get a comprehensive glossary.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sixth&Spring (7 Jun 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936096722
ISBN-13: 978-1936096725

About the Author

Brigitte Binder, Jutta Kühnle, and Karin Roser are independent fashion and home décor designers who create sewing projects for a wide variety of prominent manufacturers and publishers in the fabric and sewing industries. They live in Germany.

About McCall's:

The McCall Pattern Company designs, manufactures, and sells sewing patterns worldwide under the premier sewing brands of Butterick, Kwik Sew, McCall's, and Vogue Patterns, and publishes the consumer magazineVogue Patterns.

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Contents

Sewing Machines
Sew Many Possibilities
Function of the Sewing Machine
Professional Finishing
Sewing Machine Accessories

Sewing Equipment
Essential Equipment
Types of Needles
Machine Needles
Types of Thread
Embroidery and Novelty Threads
Helpful Extras
Essential Notions
Helpful Stabilizers
Interfacing's
Recommended Ironing Equipment
Pretty and Practical

Sewing Techniques
Sewing by Hand
Preparations for Handsewing
Assorted Hand Stitches
Essential Machine Stitches
Fundamental Machine Seams
Sewing with Speciality Fabrics
Finishing Seams
Hand Sewn Hems

Glued Hems
Machine Sewn Hems
Specialized Sewing Techniques
Decorative Sewing Techniques

Textiles 101
Textile Manufacturing Process
Fabric Treatments and Finishes
Fibres and Their Properties
Fibre Quality Marks
Fabrics and Fabric Selection
Fabric Care

All About Patterns
Body Measurements and Figure Types
What is a Pattern?
The Paper Pattern
Pattern Alterations
Styling Alterations

Preparing to Sew
Before Cutting
Pattern Preparation
Cutting
Cutting Various Fabrics
Cutting Interfacing's and Linings
Getting Connected
Recovering from Errors

Creating a Garment
Shaping with Darts
Specialized Stitching Lines
Facings
Neckline Treatments
Faced Yokes
Sleeves
Sleeve Closures
Comfortable Waistbands
Sewing in Linings
Closures
Practical Pockets

Techniques for Home Décor
Hand Sewn Trims and Tapes
Pillow Talk
Curtains and Drapes
Making a Mitered Corners

Patches and Repairs
Mending with a Sewing Machine

Useful Knowledge
Marketing Your Handicrafts
FAQ's - 100 Common Questions
From A-Z

Glossary
Index
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McCall's Essential Guide to Sewing is for both beginners and the more experienced sewers.  This is a great reference book.  It is jam packed with information from sewing machines, sewing equipment, sewing techniques, textiles, patterns, preparing to sew, creating a garment, techniques for home décor, patches and repairs and useful knowledge.  This book has a wealth of knowledge at your finger tips!
The book is well written with detailed instructions and information on every singles sewing topic you can think of.
This is the perfect go to reference book and will prove to be helpful partner in your sewing adventures!

McCall's Essential Guide to Sewing is available from Amazon

Book Review Serge It!

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Techniques AND projects for one of the most popular tools in the sewer's arsenal: Serge It! not only shows stitchers how to use this handy and extremely popular machine, it also gives them marvellous things to make with it. 24 fresh, modern and creative projects range from a sweet ruffle purse to cute puppets to fun fruit-themed trivets, all illustrated with ample how-to photos showing each step. Along with an informative basics section, this guide provides plenty of creative ideas to revitalise your approach to serging.

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Lark (7 Jun 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1454707801

ISBN-13: 978-1454707806

About the Author

Cynthia Shaffer is a quilter and creative sewer who earned a degree in textiles from California State University, Long Beach. She was the president and designer of a company that specialised in the design and manufacture of sportswear and her work has appeared in numerous mixed-media, quilting and paper craft books and magazines. Cynthia's books include Stash Happy: Appliqué and Stash Happy: Patchwork. Cynthia lives with her husband Scott, two sons, and beloved Boston terriers in Orange, CA. For more information, visit her online at cynthiaschaffer.com or cynthiaschaffer.typepad.com.

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Contents
Introduction
Basics

Projects
Stash Fabric Gift Wrap With Tags
Circular Ruffle Scarf Set
Child's Bloomers
Laminated Cotton Tote
Kid's Fish Rug
House Shoes
Composition Book Cover
Peek A Boo Pillow
Upcycled Sweater Gloves
Fingerless Gloves
Fruity Trivets
Ruffles Purse
Ombre Hexagon Burp Cloth
Vinyl Lunch Bag
Tuxedo Tee
Wonky Log Cabin Clock
Wrap Tie Top
Playful Puppets
Groovy Ring Belt
Long and Sleek Skirt
Pleated And Crinkled Scarf
Under the Sea Jellyfish
Retro Chic Apron
Wired Flower Wreath

Templates
About the Author
Resources
Index

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Serge it! should be in everyone's sewing library.  This book is well written, the instructions are very clear and the photograph's in this book are beautiful and clear on how to make the 24 projects.  There are a few projects in this book that require you to have your sewing machine at hand as well as your serger, but most of the projects in this book are made from start to finish using just your serger.
The book starts of with the basics which they advise you to read before jumping in with the projects.  I think the basics section of the book is filled with information that can help you not get so intimidated when it comes to you and the serger!
Once you have read through the basics section in this book along with your owner's manual to your serger, you are ready to pick a project in this book and just begin.
This book is more for someone that already has a serger and is too scared to use it or for someone that is thinking of buying a serger. The projects are fun to do and there are some lovely projects in this book and I am sure your confidence will grow when it comes to using the serger by the time you have completed your first project.

Serge It! is available from Amazon

Book Review Garment Construction

Photo's from Amazon

What are the building blocks of a great wardrobe? For men the shirt and trousers. For women the blouse, skirt, dress and trousers. The Illustrated Guide to Sewing: Garment Construction will teach the home seamstress how to make them all, as well as learn how to design and sew garments that flatter their figure and reflect their personal style. From learning how to take proper measurements and make a muslin, to fitting and making common adjustments, the basic order of construction for each garment, such as fitting the bodice before attaching sleeves, is covered. Detailed chapters on elements; sleeves, collars, waistbands, hems and more provide valuable insight on how each piece is created and joined to the whole. A perfect book for those who want to make their own clothing for style, fit or just for fun.

Review

'a great introduction for those looking to progress to advanced techniques or who want to boost their wardrobe with some well fitting staples.'

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Fox Chapel (7 July 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1565235096

ISBN-13: 978-1565235090

About the Author

Peg Couch is an amateur seamstress and book acquisition editor at Fox Chapel Publishing. Fox Chapel Publishing crafts information for a hands on world. With over 350 backlist titles, two magazines and over 35 new books each year, Fox Chapel specialises in educating and inspiring crafters working in a variety of mediums including sewing, woodworking and others.

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Contents
Introduction

Chapter One
Learning the Basics
Machine Sewing Techniques
Hand Sewing Techniques
Sewing Equipment
Preparing the Material

Chapter Two
Working with Patterns
Taking Measurements
Adjusting Patterns
Preparing to Sew

Chapter Three
Assembling Five Classic Garments
The Classic Dress
The Classic Shirt
The Classic Blouse
The Classic Skirt
The Classic Women's Pants
The Classic Men's Pants

Chapter Four
Details of Garment Construction
Seams
Darts
Pleats
Zippers
Waistbands
Sleeves and Cuffs
Collars
Hems and Facings
Pockets
Fasteners

Glossary
Index

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Garment Construction this book is perfect for a beginner sewer, the teaches you the construction of a garment.  The book explains the different types of machine stitches.  The hand sewing section is really detailed and easy to follow, with helpful illustrations.  The book is full of information such as preparing fabric to sew, how to alter sewing patterns, pinning patterns to fabric and matching plaids and checks.  This book shows you how to assemble five basic garments, followed by detailed information on seams, zippers, pockets.  This book is a must have in any sewing library, it makes a great reference book and I think this is one of best sewing books for a beginner to have.


Garment Construction is available from Amazon

Book Review Couture Sewing Tailoring Techniques

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Couture industry-insider Claire Shaeffer offers home sewers the techniques and knowledge to create garments with true designer professionalism. This book and DVD set contains a complete workshop in the fitting and tailoring sewing secrets of professional designers, the same curriculum that has made Shaeffers in-person classes smash-hit sell-outs. The DVD offers an in-depth tailoring workshop with Shaeffer and the book presents the class in printed form, along with intriguing details about the couture garments shown and information on the construction methods used by such renowned designers such as Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga and more.

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Taunton; Pap/Dvd edition (4 Mar 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1600855040

ISBN-13: 978-1600855047

About the Author

Claire B. Shaeffer is an internationally recognised expert in fashion design history and construction techniques for haute couture and high-end ready-to-wear. She is a long-time designer for Vogue Patterns, a frequent contributor to Threads magazine and the author of numerous books.

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Contents
Introduction

Chapter One
Tailoring Techniques For Buttonhole
The Thread Buttonhole
The Bound Buttonhole

Chapter Two
Tailoring Techniques For The Patch Pockets
Patch Pockets

Chapter Three
Tailoring Techniques For Interfaced Hems
The Interfaced Hem

Chapter Four
Tailoring Techniques for Darts and Sleeves
Converting Darts to Ease
The Classic Tailored Sleeve

Chapter Five
Tailoring Techniques for Trousers
Fly Zipper Closure
Measuring for a Trouser Hem

Chapter Six
Characteristics of Couture Construction
What Makes a Garment Couture?

Appendix
Metric Equivalent Chart
Resources 
About Author
Index

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Couture Sewing Tailoring Techniques should be in everyone's sewing library.  There is a bonus DVD with this book which is great!  The book is full of photo's and instructions which are all very clear and easy to follow.  The book focus on buttonholes, patch pockets, interfaced hem, converting darts to ease, tailored sleeves, fly zipper closure and measuring for trouser hems, the final chapter in the book talks about the characteristics of a couture garments.  This book is a must in any sewing library and the most perfect reference book as it is full of tips and techniques for couture garments.

Couture Sewing Tailoring Techniques is available from Amazon

Book Review Never Been Stitched

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Imaginative, inventive and filled with beautiful things to make, Never Been Stitched is the ultimate collection of no and low-sew projects. Thanks to fusible webbing, fabric glue, grommets and other fun materials and techniques, crafters barely need a needle. Forty-five fast and simple items range from a folded market bag to a cute kid's apron to a plush pillow. A short basics section plus templates help even beginners create quick and stylish garments, home décor and other accessories.

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Lark (7 April 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1454704217

ISBN-13: 978-1454704218

Review

"Carestio ("Fa La LaLa Felt") believes that fabric obsession isn't only for expert sewists. This collection of no-sew and low-sew projects takes a variety of materials, from quilting cottons to recycled clothing to paper maps, and transforms them into garments and accessories appropriate for everyday use. Upcycling is a recurring theme in the projects, and Carestio makes clever use of repurposed fabrics and garments. The projects that work best are the designs for children, such as the colourful sock monsters, the pencil roll made out of wool felt, and the teddy bear backpack . . . this is a fun set of projects that fills a gap in crafting collections." --"Library Journal "

About the Author

Amanda Carestio works as an editor at Lark Books and is the author of Fa la la Felt, Stash Happy: Felt, Heart-Felt Holidays and Wee Felt Worlds. When she's not making stuff or editing books about making stuff, Amanda enjoys spending time with her hubby, her baby girl Ruby and her super-spoiled pup, Violet. She blogs at larkcrafts.com and lives in Asheville, NC.

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Contents
Introduction
Getting Started

The Projects
Wear
Autumn Leaves Skirt
Side Tied Tunic
Sheer Maxi Skirt
Fun Fringe Scarf
Jersey Vest
Beaded Tee Necklace
Sweet Bow Socks
Lace Trimmed Cardigan
Pillowcase Tank
Wove  Chevron Cowl
Knotted Fleece Hat
Woven Leather Cuff
Shirt Skirt

Decorate
Hexagon Art Tile
Round Robin Rug
Queen Anne's Lace Panels
Pretty Placement Pillows
Stylish Storage Boxes
Merry No Sew Ornament
No Mess Message Centre
Roman Shade
Map Bunting
Paper Cut Placements
Fabric Wrapped Wreath
Tote n Throw Pillow
Hooped Hanging Lamp

Play
Fleece Octopus
Origami Fabric Hat
Felt Pencil Roll
Pup Tutu
Crafty Kid Apron
Owl Pocket Pillow
Teddy Bear Backpack
Caterpillow 
Monster Tissue Cozy
Silly Sock Monsters

Carry
To a Tee Carryall
Broadwalk Backpack
Bandana Bag
Furoshiki Tote
Easy Everyday Tote

Give
Hibiscus Gift Topper
Wee Felt Books
Block Print Cards
No Sew Bouquet

Templates
About the Designers
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Index

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Never Been Stitched  is a perfect book for anyone that would love to do some projects that do not require using your sewing machine!
This book is full of  projects that require you to use only glue and NO sewing machine needed.
This book is perfect for anyone that wants to do projects that do not require a sewing machine.

Never Been Stitched is available from Amazon

Book Review The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook

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The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook is the most comprehensive, hip, and creative guide to learning to sew clothes with style. With more than 430,000 members around the world, BurdaStyle is the largest online community of sewing enthusiasts, fashion designers, and DIYers. BurdaStyle celebrates this vibrant, global community as they teach readers everything they need to know to design and sew an entire wardrobe of fashion-forward looks using the five fully customisable sewing patterns enclosed with the book. Filled with gorgeous photography, step-by-step instruction, and contributions by 78 designers from 22 countries, The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook will be the go-to guide for every fashion sewer.

Review

"The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook"...sits at the other end of the sewing spectrum, providing inspiration for clothing designers and experienced sewers. BurdaStyle is a website for the fashion-oriented." --Associated Press

"A great new resource that is absolutely overflowing with information and inspiration." --Craftzine.com

Hardcover-spiral: 208 pages

Publisher: Potter Craft; 1 Spi edition (7 Jan 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 030758674X

ISBN-13: 978-0307586742

About the Author

Nora Abousteit is the co-founder of BurdaStyle. Previously she worked on the staff of Hurbert Burda and was part of the production team for the DLD conferences in 2005 and 2006, as well as for several World Economic Forum, cultural, knowledge-transfer and networking events.

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Contents
Introduction

Chapter One
Getting Started

Chapter Two
Using Patterns

Chapter Three
Let's Start Sewing

Chapter Four
The Skirt

Chapter Five
The Blouse

Chapter Six
The Dress

Chapter Seven
The Coat

Chapter Eight
The Bag

Resources 
Glossary
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
About BurdaStyle.com
Credits
Index

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The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook should be in everyone's sewing library!   This book is a very comprehensive guide to DIY sewing. This book is ideal for a beginner to novice.  The book is laid out beautifully, you will find fully traceable sewing patterns included with this book, with clear instructions on how to create and adapt each sewing pattern, which is very clear and easy to follow.
I found this book inspirational and a beautiful book to have in your sewing library

The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook  is available from Amazon

Book Review Threads Sew Smarter, Better & Faster

Photo's from Amazon

Threads Sew Smarter, Better, & Faster is a one-of-a-kind resource that's filled with more than 1,000 Threads-tested tips, shortcuts and ingenious

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Taunton (7 Mar 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 162113797X

ISBN-13: 978-1621137979

About the Author

Threads is at the heart of a loyal and engaged sewing community and is the premier magazine in the U.S. offering high-quality sewing content to more than 800,000 brand fans and more than 255,000 unique visitors to the Threads and Craftstylish sites.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents

Introduction

Part 1 
Materials and More
Fabric 
Thread

Part 2 
Sewing Secrets
Techniques and Methods
Shortcuts
Tricks

Part 3 
Mastering the Mechanisms
Sewing Machines
Tools and Aids

Part 4 
Maximizing and Maintaining Your Workspace
Setup
Storage and Organisation
Clean up

Part 5 
Working With Patterns and Templates
Marking
Cutting
Patterns
Templates

Part 6 
Fitting and Hems
Fitting
Hems

Part 7
Care and Repair

Care 
Repair

Part 8
Go Green!Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose
Recycling Clothing
Repurposing Fabric
Reusing Materials

Part 9
Fun With Flair
Lining and Embroidery
Buttons, Snaps and Zippers
Shoulder Pads and Straps
Trims

Part 10
Just for Quilters
Quilting Workshop
Quilting Materials and Tools
Quilting Techniques and Methods
Quilting Care Prevention and Repair

Contributions
Illustrations Credits
Metric equivalent
Index
                                                                                                                                          

You will find over 894 sewing tips, fitting fixes and handy techniques. 

Did you know you could use washable crayon, instead of messy chalk, to mark fabric? Or that there’s a better way to re-attach a button, mark a pattern, or make a quick alteration? 

These insider tidbits, and many more, are revealed in Threads Sew Smarter, Better, & Faster. Written by the editors, contributors, and even readers of the wildly-popular Threads magazine, this all-in-one resource is bursting at the seams with over 800 tips, tricks, techniques, shortcuts, and advice for sewing everything and anything your heart desires. (Bursting at the seams, indeed, but that’s okay because you’ll learn how to fix any seam!)

Organized in an easy-to-navigate format for both quick reference and leisurely reading, Threads Sew Smarter, Better, & Faster is the perfect reference for stitchers of all levels. From a basic lesson in how-to-thread-a-needle to sewing repairs, fitting techniques to advanced tricks from tailors and couture workshops, you’ll find the perfect method for matching a solution to nearly any problem.

In this book you will learn how to:

Hem pants evenly every time with this clever technique

Apply sewing shortcuts specifically designed for quilters

Stitch an intricate pattern or simply fine-tune your basic skills

And much, much more as well as dozens of photos to look-and-learn from!

You can master the mechanics of sewing, you can maximize and maintain your workspace, you can work with patterns and templates, and you can even go green as you reduce, repurpose, and recycle. Threads Sew Smarter, Better, & Faster will give you the insider’s edge you have always dreamed of.

Thread Sew Smarter, Better & Faster is a great reference book to have in any sewing library. This book is for both beginners and the advanced sewers. This book is jam packed with tips and lots of sewing techniques for both beginners and the advanced sewers. This book is a must in any sewing library.

Threads Sew Smarter, Better and Faster is available from Amazon

Disclosure

Book Review Sew Retro

Photo's from Amazon

Sewing never goes out of style, and today it is more popular than ever. Sew Retro offers twenty-five stylish, vintage-inspired sewing projects-from sturdy bags and essential skirts to unique pillows and flirty scarves-that are a pleasure to sew, thanks to easy instructions, helpful diagrams, and a pocket of full-size patterns. This fun, inspirational book also uncovers sewing’s colorful history, from the introduction of the sewing machine to the modern DIY movement, and features interviews with today’s hottest fabric and pattern designers, including Amy Butler and Betz White. Filled with beautiful project photography and quirky vintage illustrations, Sew Retro celebrates sewing yesterday and today.

Review

A smart, pop culture history of women and sewing over the last 150 years, complete with 25 stylish, modern projects inspired by the past. --Cloth Magazine, Issue 8, Summer 2011

Hardcover: 160 pages

Publisher: Voyageur Press; Spi edition (1 July 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0760336873

ISBN-13: 978-0760336878

About the Author

I've been writing ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. My first books were about trees, cats, and Mary Lou Retton. I'm lucky enough to be able to write for a living now (quite often about trees, sometimes about cats, but not very often about Mary Lou Retton). I write for lots of fitness magazines, like Health, Self, Women's Health, Runner's World, Natural Health, Fitness, and others. I also get to write all kinds of cool decorating, design, and DIY stories for places like AOL.com, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Gardens, Do It Yourself, Garden Ideas & Outdoor Living, HGTVPro.com, Kitchen & Bath Ideas, Remodel, Quilts & More, Window & Wall Ideas, and others.

My mom taught me to sew when I was 16, and it's been fabric love ever since. I thoroughly enjoyed writing Sew Retro! Not only did I get to research all about the history of women and sewing, I also got to design projects and them see them beautifully photographed! I hope that you enjoy the book, and that it provides endless sewing inspiration. 

I live in Cincinnati, Ohio with my husband, Allen, my 19-month-old, Max, and a new baby on the way. When I'm not sewing or writing, I love to garden, teach Max baby yoga, do Pilates, and run. Find more about Sew Retro at www.sewretrothebook.com, and more about me at www.judiketteler.com.

                                                                                                                                               

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 
The Cult of True Womanhood 1800s
Victorian Pincushions
Elegant Shawl
Sweet Sewing Basket
Charming Needlcase

Chapter 2 
Frocks and Flappers 1910s and 1920s
Opera Bag
Flapper Apron
Smart Felt Hat

Chapter 3 
Inspired Thrift 1930s and 1940s
Patchwork Pot holders
Pinch a Penny Change Purse
Cafe Curtains
Tea Party Tablecloth
Ribbon Embellishment Napkins

Chapter 4 
Mid Century Modern 1950s
Hostess Apron
Mod Gathered Pillow
Pretty Little Purse
Birds of a Feather Table Runner
Handkerchief

Chapter 5 
Revolution 1960s and 1970s
Not so Mini Mini Skirt
Cool Coasters
Easy Elastic Headband

Groovy Patchwork Throw

Chapter 6 
The New Domesticity 1980s to Today
Saturday Afternoon Skirt
Farmer's Market Bag
Catch All Caddy
Almost Effortless Scarf

Index
About the Author
                                                                                                                                          

Photo from Sew Retro Book website

Sew Retro is the perfect book that has lovely sewing projects with a retro vintage style. This book is for anyone that loves to sew and that loves retro vintage styles.

The book is full of illustrations and the instructions are clearly written with lovely photo's.

The projects are retro inspired accessories, clothing and home décor.

Sew Retro has lots of information such as the history of sewing to fabrics used through the years.

This book is perfect for a beginner sewer or anyone that loves retro vintage styles and loves information on the history of sewing and fabrics

Sew Retro is available from Amazon

Disclosure

Book Review The Needlecraft Stitch Directory

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The Needlecraft Style Directory is a comprehensive and accessible guide to stitch craft, for crafters of all levels. The book reveals exactly what each type of needlecraft involves, the basic stitches needed and the common characteristics of each stitch, allowing the reader to select the best technique for their designs.

Divided into two main sections, the first part of the book explores an extensive variety of needlecraft styles, covering everything from candlewicking to crewel, sashiko quilting to smocking and needlepoint to needle felting. Galleries of finished pieces provide inspiration and ideas for creative new projects. Outlining the basic technique, tools, materials, and common applications, each entry also highlights the most common stitches used for each style, while cross referencing these stitches in section two.

Guaranteed to prove useful to all crafters, the second part of the book is organized as a stitch directory, complete with easy to follow diagrams that show readers how to work each individual stitch required for their chosen needlecraft style, as well as featuring overviews that present the stitches worked in various styles on finished pieces. An extensive glossary concludes the book, clarifying and demystifying a wide range of terms that can often prove confusing to even the most experienced of needlecrafters.

The Needlecraft Style Directory is the ultimate reference for embroiderers, sewers, quilters and needlecraft enthusiasts of all levels.Review

This book provides instruction for over 50 needle crafts ... a superb guide, perfect for anyone who wants to dabble and for those who want to try a few things before they settle on one or two on which to concentrate. The instructions are easy to follow, accompanied by clear photographs. I liked the supportive text giving fabrics to work on, related stitches and common applications. What a boon for students, needlecrafters and teachers alike. All in all, this is probably the best needlecraft stitch resource I have seen.(Yarns and Fabrics )


Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Jacqui Small LLP (18 Oct 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1906417806
ISBN-13: 978-1906417802

About the Author

Sarah Whittle is an embroidery artist, illustrator and founder of the global hand embroidery network website http://handembroidery.ning.com/. The Hand Embroidery Network reaches over 3000 members daily and is supported by an Etsy team of the same name. In addition to the Hand Embroidery Network, Sarah is also author of the blog artythreads.com.                                                                                                                                        

Contents

Style Directory
Introduction

Chapter 1 
Surface Embroidery

Chapter 2 

Counted Thread Work

Chapter 3 

Quilting, Patchwork and Appliqué

Chapter 4 
Other Techniques

Stitch Directory

Chapter 5 

Basic Stitches

Chapter 6 

Line Stitches

Chapter 7

Crossed Stitches

Chapter 8
Isolated Stitches

Chapter 9
Straight Stitches

Chapter 10
Buttonhole Stitches

Chapter 11
Chain Stitches

Chapter 12
Pulled and Drawn Stitches

Chapter 13
Canvas work Stitches

Working Techniques
Glossary
Contributors
Index

                                                                                                                                          

The Needlecraft Stitch Directory  is in two parts, style directory and stitch directory .  The first half of the book style directory is all about information about their history and a guide to fabrics, threads, needles and other sewing tools.  The second half of the book stitch directory has over 50 different needlecraft styles and techniques that is full of information on how to achieve each technique, you name the needlecraft and it will be in here.
This book explains how to work each stitch with clear step by step instructions.  This book does not have many photo's of finished stitches, instead the stitches are illustrated in very clear diagrams. 
The Needlecraft Stitch Directory is perfect for anyone that is new to needlework to the advanced.  

The Needlecraft Stitch Directory is available from Amazon

Disclosure

Book Review Me and More Sewing

Photo's from Amazon

Following on from the hugely successful Me and My Sewing Machine, this book will help you explore further the pleasures of sewing. Having learned all the basics, and made firm friends with your sewing machine, you will want to expand your skills to make the projects you produce come together more easily, and look better once finished. This requires a combination of machine and hand-sewing techniques, but none to be afraid of!

The detailed step-by-step photographs and clear instructions will show you how to achieve invisible or decorative finishes that are quicker and easier than you might imagine, and that add a couture touch to your projects. From invisible hems to lace seams, custom-matched buttons to embellished zippers, you’ll learn how to add the little details that make all the difference, especially when you have invested in a gorgeous fabric and lovely pattern. Overly complicated techniques that take hours to produce nothing remarkable are carefully avoided! There are also two chapters of decorative techniques that will stand you in great stead when it comes to perking up a plain project, or up cycling something simple into something stunning. 

Put some of the techniques into practice to create the six specially designed projects that combine practicality and good looks. There are accessories and home wares, and projects that include both machine and hand-sewing.

This is a great book for those who want to expand their sewing horizons, learn new skills, and make the most of their love of sewing.

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Apple Press (6 Feb 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1845435036

ISBN-13: 978-1845435035

About the Author

KATE HAXELL learned to sew at an early age, making clothes for her long-suffering teddy bears. She went on to study art and design and then worked for Country Living magazine. She moved into book publishing and, as an experienced freelance editor and author, Kate has worked on, contributed to and written numerous craft books. Kate lives in London with her husband, two dogs, two cats and a canary.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents

Introduction
My Sewing Machines
Before you Stitch
Seams to Sew
Hems to Turn Up
Fastenings to Do Up
Embellishments to Add
Piping, Pleating, Patchwork
Things to Make
Templates
Resources 
Index

                                                                                                                                          

Me and More Sewing is about building on previous sewing skills. This book is a follow on for Me and My Sewing Machine .  Me and More Sewing is full of sewing skills and techniques to take you beyond the basics.  This book includes information such as methods for your sewing machine, hand sewing techniques and allows you to explore and develop hand sewing skills. This book is for both beginners and the advanced sewer that wants to learn beyond the basic sewing techniques and is ready to move onto more advanced  sewing techniques.  I would recommend this book for beginners to the more experienced sewer to have this book in their sewing library.

Me and More Sewing is available from Amazon

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Book Review Me and My Sewing Machine

Photo's from Amazon

Accessible, good-looking and jargon-free, this book contains everything you need to know to sew well using your sewing machine – and nothing more. There are no scary couture-type techniques that real sewers never use, no painstaking procedures that don’t actually make your sewing easier, or help it look better, and no complicated methods of doing anything. Instead you will find easy-to-understand, practical and decorative techniques that make sewing simple, even if you have never used a machine before.

There are lots of clever tips plus short cuts that can make things faster and easier to do, with clear advice on when you can use these speedy methods and when it really is better to do something the traditional way. Everything is illustrated with clear step-by-step photography and finished samples, with variation samples where appropriate. As well as techniques, there are some easy projects you can make on your sewing machine and although they are simple, they don’t skimp on style.

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Apple Press (14 April 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 184543353X

ISBN-13: 978-1845433536

About the author

Kate Haxell learned sewing from her grandmother at a young age, creating eccentric outfits for her compliant dolls. After obtaining her art degree, she went to work for Country Living, then moved into book publishing and editing. Kate’s previous books include Decorative Knitting, The Seed Bead Book and First Knits. She lives in London.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents

Introduction
My Sewing Machine
Getting Ready to Sew
Seams Simple
Hemmed In
Fastened Up
Around the Corner
On the Edge
Fancy That
Make Me, Make Me!
Glossary
Template
Resources
Index

                                                                                                                                          

Me and my Sewing Machine is a great book for those who are new to sewing or people that want to get back into sewing. The book is full of information for a beginner and tells you how to get the most out of your sewing machine, It explains all basic and semi-advanced techniques you need to know in sewing This book is about an introduction to sewing, and not about dressmaking. The tutorials are well written with lots of photos shown in an easy to follow step by step guide.  This book has also some patterns which is an added bonus.

I would highly recommend this book to an advanced sewer and a beginner, both advanced sewers and a beginner will find this book a great reference book in their sewing library.

Me and My Sewing Machine  is available from Amazon

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Book Review Ultimate Beading Bible

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This new title in the bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques you need to begin beading - all the main crafts that use beads have been brought together in one book. The first chapter takes a brief look at the different ways of working with beads and covers the tools and basic techniques you will need to get started, as well as taking a detailed look at the ready-made beads available and how they are best used. The following chapter covers making beads in several different materials; although ready-made beads are easy to find, making your own can be very easy and is the ideal way to add a unique personal touch to your work. It also includes a section on using found materials as unusual beads. The chapter on bead jewellery covers basic jewellery making techniques and then moves on to threading ideas, and how to incorporate beads with different materials and techniques to make more unusual pieces. In the wire work chapter you will learn how to use wire and beads together for more than just jewellery - this section also covers ideas for decorative items and card making. Bead looming and weaving are traditional techniques for creating closely beaded work, which can be used for everything from vintage-look decorative straps to ethnic bracelets. Beads can also be worked in to knitting and crochet projects as you work; all the basic techniques for doing this are included in chapter 5, along with some unusual beaded stitches to try. The final chapter on beaded embroidery covers the different ways to combine beads and fabric or thread, from how to add a few random beads for a little sparkle to creating luxurious beaded fabrics or heavily beaded fringing.

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Collins & Brown (1 May 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1909397180

ISBN-13: 978-1909397187

About the Author

Marie Clayton is a professional writer, who has worked on a variety of sewing and needlecraft books including Ultimate Sewing Bible (9781843404118) and Make Your Own Clothes (9781843403890). She currently lives in London.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents
Introduction
Materials and Tools
Making Beads
Bead Jewellery
Wire work with Beads
Bead Looming, Weaving and Knotting
Beaded Knitting and Crochet
Beaded Embroidery
Glossary
Suppliers and Useful Websites
Index
Acknowledgements

                                                                                                                                          

Ultimate Beading Bible is a complete reference book perfect for both beginners and the more experienced.  This book covers lots of beading techniques, the section that I was interested in was beaded with knitting and crochet.  This book is well written with clear instructions.  Each beading technique has a project that is very easy to follow.  This book is full of information and a handy reference book to have if you ever want to use beads in your sewing, knitting or crochet projects.

Ultimate Beading Bible is available from Amazon

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