Book Reviews
We’ve picked some great books to review! The titles reviewed this month are: One-Piece Wearables by Sheila Brennan, Wild and Wonderful Fleece Animals by Linda Carr, Fresh Felt Flowers by Lynne Farris and Quilt Style - Cool and Cozy Coverlets by Tammy Tadd.
All have been reviewed by Ruth Cox for Sewing World magazine. Each month, we will update the reviews, adding new titles as they are published.
Quilt Style - Cool and Cozy Coverlets
Tammy Tadd
ISBN 9781580113328
This is a great collection of 16 pretty and practical quilt projects presented in handy spiral bound format that is designed to 'stand' (easel-style) by a sewing machine for easy use. Beautifully photographed throughout, the book includes quilts ranging from quick, easy designs to more time-consuming projects for those who enjoy something more challenging. Items include wall hangings and throws to full size bed quilts complete with co-ordinating pillowcases. Each project is accompanied by an indication of skill level, fully illustrated assembly instructions, plus a cutting chart detailing sizes and quantities of each fabric used. For those new to quilting there is a useful photo-guide to quilt basics showing how to use a rotary cutter, piece sew, create templates, handle the layers and bind the edges. Useful tips show how best to launder, store and display a finished quilt.
Priced at £11.99
Published by Creative Homeowner and available from the Roundhouse Group and Amazon Books.
Fresh Felt Flowers
Lynne Farris
ISBN 9781571204158
Learn to sculpt a beautiful bouquet using soft wool felt and some creative stitching. This super title contains patterns and instructions for 17 popular flowers ranging from houseplants and perennial favourites to exotic tropicals. The patterns are provided in full size on a pullout sheet complete with cutting/stitching lines and include roses, tulips, lilies, magnolias and orchids. Author Lynne Ferris demonstrates just how easy it is to create realistic 3D shapes using clever layering, stitching and trimming. Step-by-step photo instructions show how to mould the petals and add leaves, stems and stamens so that each flower is complete and ready to display. The projects are easy to follow and are suitable for stitchers of all levels of expertise. Other than a sewing machine, a rotary cutter and glue gun are the only tools needed along with readily available materials such as florists' wire and flexible tubing.
Priced at £15.99
Published by C&T and available from the Roundhouse Group
and Amazon Books.
Wild and Wonderful Fleece Animals
Linda Carr
ISBN 9781589233843
Make a great collection of cuddly animals in easy-sew fleece including jungle wildlife, sea creatures, farm animals and domestic pets. There are 20 super projects to make and each comes complete with full-size pattern sheets and illustrated instructions. Author Linda Carr designs many popular toy and doll patterns on behalf of Vogue and expertly demonstrates how to create character toys with expressive faces, detailed trims and cute accessories. There are lots of useful tips and techniques throughout including how to add realistic features and how to stuff the toys correctly so that they can be suitably poised and positioned. Only basic sewing techniques are required making these ideal projects for beginners or young sewers who are interested in crafts. Apart from fleece and fibrefill, just a few beads, buttons and embroidery thread are needed to complete these fun critters.
Beautifully photographed, these cuddly creatures are sure to delight any child and are guaranteed to raise a smile from those who make them.
Priced at £12.99
Published by Creative Publishing International and available from RotoVision and Amazon Books.
One-Piece Wearables
Sheila Brennan
ISBN 9781592533442
Based on the concept of using just a single pattern piece to create a garment, this interesting book shows how to make an entire wardrobe of stylish designs that require minimal cutting and sewing.
There are 25 projects included for garments and accessories that are fashionable, versatile and easy to adapt for a variety of occasions from holiday to party wear including tops, dresses, skirts, jackets, bags and hats. A full size paper pattern is included with the book in sizes small, medium and large along with illustrated assembly instructions plus suggestions for variations. Despite the simplicity of cut, the garments are shaped with clever stitching, darts, drawstrings, pleats, tucks and folds. These are ideal designs to showcase a great piece of fabric and perfect to embellish with pretty trims or simple embroidery. Basic sewing techniques are included for new stitchers showing how to deal with hems, seams, inserting zips and finishing with bindings, closures, linings and trims. Presented in a spiral-bound format, this fun title is ideal for those who love to put their own personal stamp on what they wear!
Priced at £16.99
Published by Quarry Books and available from RotoVision and Amazon Books.
Easy Singer Style – Quick and Easy Window Treatments
Madlyn Easley
ISBN 9781589233515
There’s a nice variety of curtains, drapes and shades here for those who want to learn home décor sewing and make some stylish items along the way. The 15 projects included with the book cover both traditional and contemporary styles of curtains, blinds and valances that are designed to improve skills whilst achieving professional quality results. This title is a great confidence builder as it includes detailed instructions and clear photographs for every step including the essentials of sewing seams, hems and edge finishes. There is a guide to suitable fabrics along with help in measuring up correctly plus calculating fabric requirements. Other interesting areas include a guide to handy tools and notions, useful feet for the sewing machine, tips on planning shaped hemlines, and advice on matching patterns correctly. The spiral-bound format makes it easy to use whilst the inspiring photos show a nice mix of casual and elegant styles. This is a great title for beginners or those new to soft furnishings.
Priced at £14.99.
Distributed by RotoVision and Amazon.co.uk
Easy Singer Style – Quick and Easy Sewing with your Serger
Becky Hanson
ISBN 9781589233508
Get to grips with an overlocker and learn to use it for lots of fun, decorative techniques in addition to the standard functional uses. This super guide includes 15 projects for fashion garments and accessories plus home décor items ranging from cushions to curtains. As with the other titles in this series, the book is presented in a handy spiral-bound format making it ideal to sit by the sewing machine while following the step-by-step instructions. There is a detailed explanation of the key parts of standard 4 or 5 thread overlockers with a guide to threading correctly, adjusting tensions and differential feed. Techniques include finishing seams, perfect rolled hems, decorative flatlock and cover stitches plus tips on sewing corners and curves. There is also a useful section on the various threads, accessories and feet available for beading, cording, shirring and hemming. The projects included are very versatile and easy to adapt to suit all sorts of sewing applications.
Priced at £14.99
Published by Creative Publishing International and distributed in the UK by RotoVision and Amazon.co.uk
Oh Sew Easy Lifestyle
Valori Wells & Carolyn Spencer
ISBN 9781571204448
Beginner sewers or those who don’t have much time to spare will find some nice easy makes to brighten up their home. There are 20 projects for a variety of items for kitchens, bathrooms and living areas, plus some great gift ideas for all members of the family. Cushions and throws will add a cosy touch to the home whilst children will love the toy organiser and sleepover backpack. Stitchers can treat themselves to cosmetic bags, totes and some sassy aprons for catering in style. The projects are made in an array of bright and cheerful fabrics and come complete with detailed instructions and clear diagrams. Sewing basics are included with step-by-step techniques for sewing seams, hems, piping and decorative hand stitches. Best of all, as none of the items will take long to finish there’s simply no excuse not to make a house full!
Priced at £14.99
Published by C&T and available from the Roundhouse Group and Amazon.co.uk
Fabric Scrapping
Katie Ebben
ISBN 9781906417024
Use pretty fabric scraps and trims to make some stylish home accessories with a fresh and modern feel. There are 26 projects included in the book for items ranging from super quick and easy accents to a quilted patchwork bedspread. Beautifully photographed and presented throughout, Katie shows how easy (and fun!) it is to make delicate fabric flowers to brighten up cushions and how simple appliqué can transform an armchair while ribbon trims can brighten up bedding. There are some nice gift items such as a sewing bag, scented sachets, personalised cushion and handy shoe bag. Amongst the projects there is lots of useful information on sewing basics, patchwork techniques, using vintage fabrics and suitable stitches for appliqué. A handy suppliers list is also included to source fabrics, haberdashery and trims by mail order. This is a particularly apt title for showing the value of traditional home crafts and illustrating how recycling textiles can enhance today’s busy lifestyle.
Priced at £20 in hardback
Published by Jacqui Small and Amazon.co.uk
49 ½ Skirts
Alison Willoughby
ISBN 9780713687408
To be precise this title actually includes projects for 49 skirts and one mini-skirt! The book comes complete with a paper pattern for a mid-calf A-line wrap-over skirt but make no mistake – this is not a book about dressmaking - rather about embellishing and creating show-stopping art to wear. The skirt is used throughout as a blank canvas on which the author adds some amazing colours and textures with a variety of mediums. These include fabric layers, ruffles and loops, along with silkscreen printing, paint and foils, plus finishing with appliqué, buttons, beads and trims. Full step-by-step photos are provided for each technique and there are lots of useful tips and ideas throughout. Readymade skirts can be used for those who can’t wait to get started, whilst embellishing with leftover fabrics, vintage scraps, old ties and found objects will ensure that no two garments will ever be alike. This is a terrific book for budding designers or those who love to create unique and dramatic pieces.
Priced at £14.99
Published by A&C Black and Amazon.co.uk
Jean Therapy
Scatha G Allison with Marla Stefanelli
ISBN 9781592533886
As the ultimate hardwearing and perennially trendy fabric, denim is the ideal choice when it comes to recycling and restyling. This super guide by designer Scatha Allison shows how to deconstruct outdated pairs of jeans and reconstruct them into a whole host of new garments and accessories ranging from simple collars and cuffs through to skirts, jackets and tops. Four paper patterns are included in sizes 8-18 for a gored skirt, hooded vest, bustier and halter-neck top along with projects and templates for a further seventeen items. Some useful information is provided on sewing with denim along with a guide to fitting and adjusting patterns. These are high fashion garments and there is a particularly good section on embellishment techniques including bleaching, dyeing and distressing denim, in addition to adding appliqué, fabric paint, metal eyelets and trims. This is a great title not only for the ‘conscientious crafter’ but also for budding fashion designers! Presented in a spiral-bound hardback format.
Priced at £16.99
Published by Quarry Books and available from RotoVision and Amazon.co.uk
Material Girls – Fabric Makeovers for Your Home
April Eden, Cat Wei & Kelly Keener
ISBN 9781600591839
Transform a home the fast and easy way using some fabulous fabric and lively colour schemes following the tips and techniques from the hosts of DIY Network’s ‘Material Girls’. Focussing on bedrooms, living rooms, kids’ and work rooms - the team use fabric as the inspiration for each makeover and build the theme and colour scheme around it. Packed with projects that require little more than a sewing machine, staple gun, fabric glue and paint - the team show some inspiring examples of what can be achieved using ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos. Each makeover includes a number of step-by-step projects along with sample swatch boards, useful tips, and details of finishing touches. The projects range from simple accessories such as a recovered lampshade through to basic upholstery techniques. Other ideas include wall panels, table covers, bed canopies plus an assortment of cosy cushions and rugs. The results are stylish, colourful and tactile living spaces making this a great title for anyone who loves fabric!
Priced at £9.99
Published by Lark Books - available from GMC Publications and Amazon.co.uk
Designing Patchwork on Your Computer
Carol Phillipson
ISBN 9781408101438
Make the most of today’s technology to design patchwork blocks with ease and try out lots of variations before committing to fabric or stitch. Using the computer and screen as a modern version of a design wall, Carol shows how to create and edit designs using Microsoft Paint (or alternative programs for Apple Mac computers). Colours can be changed, blocks repositioned and sashing added to give a visual representation of the finished quilt. A free CD is included with the book containing 100 patterns and templates to get the reader started. There’s no need to be a computer expert as the book explains how to use the various tools and their basic functions. This is followed by 20 projects showing step-by-step how each design is created on screen together with a stitched version of the finished quilt. These start with square and rectangular shaped grids and progress towards creating honeycomb, circular and crazy patchwork styles. The final section of the book shows how to print images directly on fabric to incorporate illustrations, pictures and photographs into quilts or use them to create unique labels.
Priced at £19.99.
Published by A&C Black and available from: Amazon.co.uk
Ultimate Sewing Bible
Marie Clayton
ISBN 9781843404118
With over 300 pages and 1,000 illustrations this comprehensive manual covers all aspects of both fashion and home décor sewing. Aimed at all levels of expertise it covers beginner’s basics through to tailoring, eveningwear and soft furnishings. Separated into logical chapters it starts with the essentials of tools, equipment, hand and machine stitches that are relevant to all types of sewing. The dressmaking section includes advice on altering patterns and proceeds through the basic elements of garment construction including facings, darts, collars, sleeves, waistbands and fastenings. More advanced techniques include tailored collars, two piece sleeves with vents, ruffled necklines, bias-cut garments and decorative finishes. The soft furnishing chapter details how to measure and stitch curtains, blinds, cushions, chair coverings, bedding and table linen. Decorative techniques are also included to guarantee a professional finish. The book concludes with tips on care and repairing items plus a useful glossary of terms.
Priced at £25
Published by Collins & Brown and available from: Amazon.co.uk
Make it You – Your Space
Shannon Mullen
ISBN 9781571204219
Those with a new home to decorate will find this book full of great ideas to personalise one’s living space. Part of the popular ‘Make it You’ series it shows how to add comfort and character to any room by making some simple items using brightly coloured fabrics and basic sewing techniques. Projects include curtains, fabric pictures, cushions, bed canopy and quilt. After a general introduction covering basic tools and equipment, each project has full instructions accompanied by photos of the finished item. There are useful hints and tips throughout plus plenty of ideas for project variations. All of the items are easy enough for beginners to tackle and it’s a great way to improve sewing skills while making some useful items along the way. The final chapter includes some neat accessories including fabric vases, boxes, cards and memo board. Everything is nicely finished and decorative techniques such as free-motion stitching, piping and appliqué are also covered.
Priced at £14.99
Published by C&T and available from the Roundhouse Group or from Amazon Books
Available from: Amazon.co.uk
T-Shirt Style – Super-easy Looks in no Time
Gabrielle Sterbenz
ISBN 9781580113434
Banish boring T-shirts from the wardrobe with the help of scissors, a sewing machine and the great ideas in this fun book. Presented in a handy stand-up format it includes a collection of 31 styles ranging from casual daytime styles to funky evening numbers in a variety of tops, dresses and skirts. Most of the designs are aimed at the young (or young at heart) and all are quick and easy to sew. Techniques include ruching, screen-printing, photo-transfer and embellishing with rhinestones, ribbon, fabric flowers and appliqué. Full instructions are provided along with close-up photos, templates and graphic images so only basic sewing equipment and a couple of plain T-shirts are required to start creating one-off originals. This title would make an ideal gift for a fashion-conscious teenager with an interest in design.
Priced at £11.99
Distributed by the Roundhouse Group and available from Amazon Books
Available from: Amazon.co.uk
Make Your Own Clothes
PatternMaker with Marie Clayton
ISBN 9781843403890
There are two brilliant aspects to this book, the first is that it teaches basic dressmaking skills in a practical way and secondly that it includes a CD that will print out the required patterns sized to fit any reader! There are 20 garments to make that increase in level of difficulty as new skills are learned. These start with a simple wrap-over skirt and progress to trousers, blouses, shift dress and tailored jackets including one that is fully lined. There are also a couple of children’s designs. The sewing techniques are very clearly illustrated and a handy index on the cover flap makes it easy to find the relevant technique while also following the step-by-step instructions to make up each garment. New stitchers will find guidance on selecting fabrics and equipment, cutting out the pattern, seam finishes, hem stitches and making buttonholes. More advanced techniques for inserting zips, attaching collars and fitting sleeves are also included. Most of the garments are classic styles that won’t date too quickly and are easy to adapt or embellish. The PatternMaker CD runs on Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP.
Priced at £14.99
Distributed by Anova Books and available from Amazon Books
Available from: Amazon.co.uk
These reviews are written by Ruth Cox for Sewing World magazine, a monthly magazine published in the UK for anyone interested in sewing with a sewing machine. For further details of Sewing World magazine, visit: www.sewingworldmagazine.com or tel: 01684 588500.
Search
Search Archive
Search by Category:
