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Book Review: Sew Step by Step

February 4, 2011 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 1 Comment

We recently received a review copy of Sew Step by Step by Alison Smith from Penguin and its arrival was perfectly timed. Sarah had her first lesson in Textiles at school this week and will be making a number of projects over the term. She will be learning how to attach a zip; make buttonholes; and a number of other techniques. I am so excited that she will be building on her basic skills and starting to make garments. This book will be an excellent resource for her as it covers all the basic techniques needed to make clothing, soft furnishings and more.

If you are after projects, this book is not for you. It is more of an encyclopedia of techniques that covers all the basics such as: how to master seams, hems, edges; how to attach fasteners such as buttons and zips; how to add shape to your clothes with gathers, darts, and pleats. You can get a peak inside the book here.

What I love most about the book is that all the techniques are photographed step by step to guide you through the process. It is the sort of book that will give you the confidence to try new techniques and will be referred to again and again.

It is published by Penguin (RRP $29.95). It is also available from the Book Depository.

Do you have a favourite sewing resource?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. Terriaw says

    February 5, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Looks like a great book to have as reference on my shelves! Thanks for the tip.

    Reply

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A little weekend sewing — and yes, I really do use A little weekend sewing — and yes, I really do use a chopstick as my turning tool. It’s the perfect size for corners and curves, and it’s always within reach in my sewing room. This Easy Hexagon Trivet is such a fun, scrap‑friendly project in bright Ruby Star colours.If you want to make one too, comment TRIVET for a link to the pattern.Pattern Details: Easy Hexagon Trivet - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#sewingreels #scrapfriendlysewing #rubystarsociety #weekendsewingproject #scrapsewing
Create a soothing self‑care bundle with two quick, Create a soothing self‑care bundle with two quick, calming projects. Perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. Comment SELFCARE to save 25%.  Save this for when you need a thoughtful gift idea.#selfcaresewing #beginnersewingproject #scrapfriendlysewing #handmadegiftsideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
A little peek at my next Makers Caddy… sewn in Som A little peek at my next Makers Caddy… sewn in Something Blue, Tilda’s beautiful new range releasing worldwide on June 1. I’ve just cut out the pieces and couldn’t resist sharing the fabrics, tags, labels, and all the tiny details that make this project so fun to sew. It’s always the little touches - the leather patches, contrasting handles, and coordinated notions - that bring a caddy to life. Stay tuned to see the finished version.Comment CADDY for a link to the pattern.Fabric Details: Tilda Something Blue with thanks to @Tilda_australiaPattern Details: Makers Caddy Sewing Pattern - Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop  #makerscaddy#tildafabric  #wipinprogess #tildasomethingblue #ilovetilda
There’s something so lovely about putting together There’s something so lovely about putting together a bright, happy self‑care gift… especially when it’s handmade.  I stitched a colourful set using Ruby Star Society fabrics - a Relaxation Eye Pillow and a Heavenly Heatpack - and styled them into a complete gift bundle.To make it feel extra special, I lined a small bamboo tray with soft tissue, added the two calming makes, tied them with a pink ribbon, and tucked in a few thoughtful extras: a candle, a box of speciality tea, and a tiny plant. It’s simple, cheerful, and such a beautiful way to show someone you care.Both projects are scrap‑friendly, beginner‑friendly, and quick to sew - perfect for weekend making or last‑minute gifting.If you’d like to sew your own self‑care set, comment SELFCARE and I’ll send you the link to the bundle. You’ll also save 25% on these two gift‑ready patterns when you buy the bundle.#selfcaresewing #beginnersewingproject #scrapfriendysewing #handmadegiftideas #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
The Large Quadra Pouch in this bright orange colou The Large Quadra Pouch in this bright orange colourway shows off everything makers love about this pattern — it folds completely flat for storage, has a clever structured base, four coordinated fabrics, and cinches closed beautifully. It’s quick to sew, gift‑ready, and so satisfying to pop open and fill.If you’d like to sew your own, comment QUADRA and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.#QuadraPouch #SewingPatternDesign #HandmadePouch #SewingProjects #ASpoonfulOfSugarDesigns
One of my favourite features of the Quadra Pouch i One of my favourite features of the Quadra Pouch is how it folds completely flat between uses — perfect for travel, storage, or keeping your sewing space tidy. A quick press and it pops back into shape, ready to fill with treats, notions, or gifts.This version uses eight Tilda blenders for a scrappy, pretty finish that shows off the crisp base and four neat corners.If you’d like to sew your own, comment QUADRA and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#ilovetilda #drawstringpouch #sewingpattern #scrapsewing #sewingcommunity
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