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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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Why is the Handy Drawstring Pouch our most popular Why is the Handy Drawstring Pouch our most popular pattern?Available in 3 sizes, this clever design stands upright without bulky boxed corners, is fully reversible, and folds flat between uses. It's a practical project you'll find yourself sewing again and again for gifts, travel, sewing supplies, seasonal decorating, and everyday
organisation.For this Halloween version, I created patchwork panels using thirty 2" squares and fussy-cut favourite prints in shades of orange, citron, blue-grey, cream, brown, and black. It's a fun way to showcase special fabrics while creating something both beautiful and useful.✨ Swipe through to discover 5 reasons sewists love this pattern.🧵 Comment HANDY and I'll send you a link to the pattern.#aspoonfulofsugardesigns #handydrawstringpouch #sewingpattern
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Looking for a sweet way to package small gifts thi Looking for a sweet way to package small gifts this Christmas? 🎁The Mini Treat Pouch is a quick and beginner-friendly sewing project featuring a handy back pocket for a gift tag, a fold-over top, and a button closure to keep everything secure.Made here in cheerful Ruby Star Society Merry Happy fabrics, it's perfect for gift cards, chocolates, money gifts, and other small treasures.✨ Beginner friendly
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 ✨ Great for handmade giftingComment TREAT and I'll send you the link!#minitreatpouch #christmassewing #rubystarsociety #giftcardholder #handmadegifts
One pattern, endless possibilities! 🍂🎄 The free H One pattern, endless possibilities! 🍂🎄The free Holly Jolly Tree pattern can be stitched in harvest colours for autumn decorating or transformed into a festive Christmas tree using your favourite holiday fabrics.Swipe to see four completely different looks created from the same beginner-friendly pattern.Comment TREE and I'll send you the link to grab the free pattern.#hollyjollytree #freesewingpattern #holidaysewing #makersgonnamake #quicksewing
From a simple hexie flower to a sweet drawstring p From a simple hexie flower to a sweet drawstring pouch!This beginner-friendly project combines a little English Paper Piecing with simple sewing to create the perfect gift, project pouch, or scrap-friendly make.💬 Comment GARDEN and I'll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Hexie Garden Pouch ( available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).#hexiegardenpouch #englishpaperpiecing #eppsewing #pouchpattern #beginnersewing
🎄 Quick. Cute. Giftable. 🎄 The Mini Treat Pouch i 🎄 Quick. Cute. Giftable. 🎄The Mini Treat Pouch is one of those projects you'll find yourself making again and again. It's quick to sew, fun to personalise, and perfect for Christmas gifting.Fill it with candy, gift cards, jewellery, beauty treats, sewing notions, or other little treasures. Add a ribbon tab or decorative patch for an extra-special finishing touch.Featuring a fold-over top, button loop closure, handy back pocket, and fully lined construction, it's a sweet little project that's as practical as it is charming.Which fabric would you choose? ❤️ Red 💚 Green 💙 Blue✨ Comment TREAT for the pattern link.The Mini Treat Pouch pattern is available in my Pattern Store and Etsy shop.#christmassewing #tildafabric #tildamerrylittlechristmas #giftsewing #pdfsewingpattern
The pattern you've been asking for just got even b The pattern you've been asking for just got even better! 🎄The Hexie Holiday Placemat is now available in 2 sizes, giving you more options for holiday decorating and gift giving. Use the smaller size for mugs and treats, or the larger size for festive table settings.Perfect for Christmas fabrics, holiday scraps, and foundation paper piecing enthusiasts.Comment HOLIDAY and I'll send you the link! ❤️#foundationpaperpiecing #christmassewing #quiltingprojects #sewingpattern #tildafabric
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