October Book Reviews 
Sewing For Boys by Shelly Figueroa and Karen Le Page
I have to admit I have been very excited every since I heard this book was being written, not just because Shelly & Karen are talented the owners of independent pattern company Patterns By Figgys (I interviewed them here) but because as the mum of a 3 year old boy I know how poorly they are catered for compared to girls.
I am pleased to r
eport the book is a good as I hoped it would be. It is packed with 24 projects including trousers, t-shirts, jumpers, jackets and even pyjamas as well as a few accessories like a car mat, pencil roll and a brick bag amongst others. The instructions are detailed and are supported by black & white diagrams and lovely photographs.
The best thing is there are 8 full size pattern sheets in the back! When you think that the book is currently selling on Amazon at less than the price of just one of their patterns it is certainly amazing value for money too. If you have a son/grandson, or know a sewist friend who does this book would be a great buy.
This book is published by Wiley and can be purchased on Amazon here.
Pattern cutting by Dennic Chunman Lo
The last book I reviewed on patterns, ‘Sewing Patterns 200 questions answered’ was a book on using shop bought patterns. This book has to be the follow on one, how to cut, make and use your own patterns.
It is a practical and inspirational book that teaches you how to interpret the human form and look at clothing through the eyes of a designer/maker rather than a consumer.
The first four chapters show the essential steps needed to cut a successful pattern, draft a block and then how to move from a block onto drafting paper and how to make a toile.
The next chapter shows how to convert a block into many different shapes by adding a detail, such as a collar, or moving a dart. The sixth chapter is where the real creativity comes into play and the final chapter shows how technology has replaced some of the jobs done by humans in the past.
With the following endorsement from Betty Jackson C.B.E, this book is a must for the aspiring pattern cutter or dress maker:
“To begin the art of pattern cutting can be a daunting prospect. With its simple and direct approach, this book will inspire and instruct any budding creative pattern cutter through the rudiments of their craft.”
Dennic Chunman Lo is Director of the creative Pattern Cutting Course at
London college of Fashion and he also has his own fashion label, Lo and Cabon.
Published by Laurence King Press at £24.95
Reviewed by Juliet Bawden www.creativesalvage.com
Made In France: Cross-Stitch and Embroidery for Babies, Toddlers and Children by Isabelle Leloup
This is the latest book in the beautiful Make In France series from Murdoch Books. The common theme amongst all the craft books I’ve seen published by Murdoch Books is the stunning photography, and this book certainly fits with that. The first third of the book contains beautiful full page photos of each of the designs.
The second section of the book has the instructions and materials list and the last section of the book consists of charts and templates. These embroidery & cross stitch designs are intended to be added to a pre-made item such as a t-shirt or cushion.
The designs range from the simple to more complex and detailed. They can be used on clothing, soft furnishings or to make pictures/wall hangings for a child’s bedroom. They would be great for upcycling children’s clothing as well as creating unique gifts.
This book is published by Murdoch Books and can be purchased here.
Print and Pattern 2 by Bowie Style
This is a book of contemporary pattern, although when you open it, what you see is a blaze of wonderful exuberant colour. It is the latest offering from the cult Print and Paper website that celebrates all aspects of printed surface design and pattern. It includes the work of many different designers who work in the surface design field. It includes both established designers as well as recently graduated ones.
Amongst my favourites are Pin Tuck, the work of Mary Fellows, who originally worked in three dimension, before turning her hand to producing posters and textiles. The work of printmaker, Angie Lewin is included, as is the work of Marimeko and Amy Butler. As we are in the age of the internet, the designers featured are from all over the globe. If you can b
ear to part with it, buy this as a gift, for anyone interested in surface design and pattern, it is a real treat.
Published by Laurence King you can purchase this book here.
Reviewed by Juliet Bawden www.creativesalvage.com
