Book Review The New Crochet

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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.

Book Review The Knit Stitch Pattern Handbook

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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.

Book Review Knits From an English Rose

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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.

Book Review BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern

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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.

Book Review Built by Wendy Dresses

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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.

My Sewing Challenge for 2014

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

Book Review Chic and Simple Sewing

Photo from Amazon

Christine Haynes clear and encouraging instructions on sewing basics will guide any novice seamstress through the preliminaries with ease. But the main purpose of this book is to teach readers how to make modern, stylish and fun clothes they'll want to wear every day, without spending a fortune in the process. Including a classic shift, an A-line skirt and a slinky wrap dress, Haynes's full-sized patterns are designed to flatter any figure and each - of over 20 - stylish projects has endless variations, so crafters can create their own personalized clothes and feel proud wearing them.

Spiral-bound: 128 pages

Publisher: Potter Craft; (7 Oct 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0307451097

ISBN-13: 978-0307451095

About the Author

Christine Haynes is a regular Renegade Craft Fair and Felt Club participant and her designs can be found in boutiques from Los Angeles to London. Her work has been featured numerous publications.

                                                                                                                                                   

Contents

Chapter One

Lets get started

Learning the basics

Sewing Area

Essential Tools

Sewing Machine

Taking your Measurements

Using the Patterns

Cutting

Finding Your Style

Fabric

Colour, Prints, and Textures

Notions and Finishing Details

Belts

Basic Techniques

Basic Stitching

Pressing

Finishing Details

Chapter Two

Spring

The Classic Wrap Dress

The Baby Doll Dress

The Sunday Dress

The Modern Circle Skirt

The Tie Shoulder Shift Dress

The Trench

Chapter Three

Summer

The Sundress

The Retro Shift Dress

The A-Line Skirt

The Wrap Top

The Strapless Dress

The Date Dress

Chapter Four

Fall

The Indian Summer Dress

The Baby Doll Dress

The LBD

The Tie Front Strapless Dress

The Wrap Skirt

The Jacket

Chapter Five

Winter

The Opera Dress

The Back to School Shift Dress

The Halter Dress

The Nightie

The Cape

Glossary

Resources

                                                                                                                                                   

Chic and Simple Sewing 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.