September Book Reviews 2
Sewing Alterations and Repairs: 200 questions answered by Nan Ides
This is the perfect book for these cash strapped and boot tightening times. It sets out to, and succeeds in, replacing those boring sewing lessons that I had to sit through in school.
The first questions are to do with what the book is about:
The difference between mending and altering a garment, what kind of mending you will learn, the cost benefits of doing it yourself, what are good projects to start children on.
Chapter 2 covers basic tools and techniques and even what might appear to be obvious questions; such as How long should the thread be for hand sewing? The answer is 45-50cm (18- 20ins long). You will have to read the book yourself to find out why.
As someone who would always rather sew a zip in by hand then machine, the chapter on buttons zips and closures was of particular interest. There are questions on zip types, knowin
g what is wrong with a zip and how to stop the teeth catching. There are not instructions on sewing a zip in using a machine.
Choosing and using a sewing machine are covered, as is mending knitted garments and altering those found in second hand shops.
Scattered through out with expert tips this is a very good source book for those starting out, and those who wish to pick up professional tips from an expert.
The author answers the questions very clearly and I think this is a really good source book. However, the 200 questions format, limits the amount of knowledge that the author can impart on any one subject to her readers. Great value at £9.99.
This book is published by Search Press and can be purcahsed here, you can look inside this book here.
This book was reviwed by Juliet Bawden www.creativesalvage.com
The Liberty Book of Home Sewing
When you think of Liberty fabrics the first words that come to mind are patterned and luxurious, the same can be said of their sewing book. This cloth covered book is a visual delight with the trademark Liberty prints appearing throughout; both used in the projects and on the pages of the book themselves.
The book starts off with an introduction to the history of Liberty Fabrics which makes and interesting read, and then goes into the projects. The projects are split into 3 categories: Essential, Organisation and Luxury a
nd include several different cushions & bags, a beanbag, Roman Blind and Kimono amongst others. The projects are of course made up in beautiful Liberty fabrics and are accompanied by gorgeous detailed colour diagrams as well as several pages of instructions. The detailed instructions & diagrams mean the projects would be easy enough to make even for a novice sewist. You will also find a useful Sewing Basics section at the back of the book.
This book is a must for any Liberty fans, and great for novice sewers looking to make beautiful things for the home as well.
If you’d like a sneak preview of the book please click here.
This book is published by Quadrille Publishing and can be purchased here.
Sewing Patterns 200 questions answered By Sophie English
It is quite apposite that that as this book landed on my desk, an exhibition called, ‘Block Party’ loosely based on patterns opened as part of London Design week.
Lucy Orta, says:
“Driven by a deep admiration of the tradition and craftsmanship of pattern drafting, curating
Block Party has been the perfect opportunity to reflect on its many contemporary visual interpretations.”
Where as Block Party pushes pattern cutting beyond its usual boundaries, this book starts with the basics and answers the questions you need in order to use and adjust patterns to your requirements.
Being married to an architect, I have always had an interest in patterns, as there is a strong similarity between getting a flat dressmaking pattern and turning it into a three dimensional garment and turning a working drawing into a building.
I was surprised that there were 200 questions to ask about patterns, but the book covers the use of patterns in its broadest sense. For example : What sort of interlining to use and how to find out your body shape. The book starts with essential equipment and choosing fabric, shows how to take measurements accurately and then goes onto the more complex business of adjusting and changing patterns. There are problem solving answers to questions such as how do I fix a gaping neckline? How do I adjust for a sway back? What do I do if the back of the armhole is gaping on a sleeve?
For me the most useful information given was how to reproduce a favourite pair of trousers. At £9.99 this book is real value for money as it will enable you to adjust and change any patterns you already have as well as explaining what everything on the pattern envelope means.
This book is published by Search Press and can be purchased here, you can also look inside this book here.
Reviwed by Juliet Bawden www.creativesalvage.com
