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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 Christmas in July inspiration ✨ The All A little Christmas in July inspiration ✨The All Seasons Gift Tote is one of my favourite ways to wrap handmade gifts — quick to sew, eco‑friendly, and so easy to personalise with coordinating fabrics and a sweet felt tag. With four seasonal designs included, it’s perfect for festive gifting and year‑round celebrations.If you’d like the pattern, comment TOTE and I’ll send the link straight to your inbox.🎄 Reusable gift wrap 🎁 Perfect for Christmas in July 🧵 Scrap‑friendly 📥 Instant downloadPattern: All Seasons Gift Tote — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#christmasinjuly #festivesewing #giftsewingideas #scrapfriendlysewing #handmadechristmas
Looking for a sweet, beginner‑friendly project to Looking for a sweet, beginner‑friendly project to celebrate Christmas in July? This Mini Drawstring Gift Bag is such a fun make. I stitched this version using the charming Tilda Merry Little Christmas range.It’s scrap‑friendly, quick to sew, and ideal for holding treats, notions, or tiny treasures. These little bags make wonderful handmade gifts and are a lovely way to start planning early for the holidays.🎄 Comment MINI and I’ll send you the link to the pouch pattern.✨ Get a head start on your festive sewing.Pattern: Mini Drawstring Gift Bag Sewing Pattern — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile)Fabric: Tilda Merry Little Christmas
Christmas in July Sewing Project ✨ These sweet Sc Christmas in July Sewing Project ✨These sweet Scrappy Mini Stockings are a festive favourite in our home — and they’re perfect for a little Christmas in July sewing fun. For this trio, I used the charming Tilda Merry Little Christmas fabric, added a folded ribbon tag above the heel and a hanging loop so they’re ready to adorn your tree, gifts, or holiday table.🧵 The Scrappy Mini Stocking pattern is beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.📌 Comment STOCKING and I’ll send you the link.Fabric: Merry Little Christmas range by Tilda @tilda_australia#tildafabric #christmasinjuly #sewingfun #Christmassewing #beginnersewing
A little Christmas in July sewing joy ✨ The Mini A little Christmas in July sewing joy ✨The Mini Treat Pouch is one of my favourite quick festive makes — sweet details, a satisfying fold, and the perfect size for tiny gifts, treats, and stocking surprises. It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and such a fun way to use your favourite Christmas prints.If you’d like to sew your own version, comment TREAT and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox.🎄 Quick festive make 🎁 Perfect for gifting 🧵 Scrap‑friendly 📥 Instant downloadPattern Details: Mini Treat Pouch - available in my Pattern Store.Fabric Credit: Tilda Merry Little Christmas with thanks to @tilda_australia#christmasinjuly #festivesewing #minitreatpouch #scrapfriendlysewing #handmadechristmas
✨ Christmas in July ✨ A little festive sewing joy ✨ Christmas in July ✨A little festive sewing joy — 10 sweet projects to spark your creativity and help you get ahead on handmade gifts. Think hexies, tiny houses, cheerful coasters, and small makes that bring instant Christmas magic.If you’re starting your festive sewing early this year, comment CHRISTMAS and I’ll send you the pattern links.🎄 Scrap‑friendly 🎁 Perfect for gifting 🌟 Beginner‑friendly 📥 Instant downloads#christmasinjuly #christmassewing #festivesewing #sewinginspiration #makersgonnamakr
A little hexie magic for your day ✨ This sweet pou A little hexie magic for your day ✨ This sweet pouch comes together with slow‑stitched hexies, a fussy‑cut back, and that satisfying curved base — a gentle, beginner‑friendly make that’s perfect for scraps and gifting.If you’d like to sew your own version, comment GARDEN and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox.🧵 EPP flower 🌸 Fussy‑cut back 🎁 Lovely for gifting 📥 Instant downloadPattern Details: Hexie Garden Pouch - available in my Pattern StoreFabric Credit: Tilda Songbird, with thanks @tilda_australia#hexiegardenpouch #englishpaperpiecing #eppsewing #scrapfriendlysewing #pouchpattern
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