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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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Looking for a fun way to package small gifts, fest Looking for a fun way to package small gifts, festive treats, gift cards, or little treasures? 🎁The Mini Treat Pouch is as practical as it is cute, featuring:
• A sweet button and elastic closure
 • A handy back pocket for notes, gift cards, or tags
 • A beginner-friendly design that's quick to sew
 • Perfect for Christmas gifting and everyday surprisesThis version is stitched in beautiful Merry Happy fabric by Ruby Star Society, bringing a cheerful and modern holiday feel to every pouch.
❤️Comment TREAT below and I'll send you the link to the pattern! ✨Available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#SewingPattern #ChristmasSewing #RubyStarSociety #HandmadeGiftIdeas
#MiniTreatPouch
🐈 Which Sleepy Cat are you? Are you a Classic Cat 🐈 Which Sleepy Cat are you?Are you a Classic Cat who loves timeless fabrics, a Festive Cat already planning Christmas sewing, or a Spooky Cat embracing all things Halloween?Swipe through and find your Sleepy Cat personality, then tell us in the comments!✨ Comment SLEEPY and I'll send you a link to the Sleepy Cat Mug Rug pattern.Pattern Details: Sleepy Cat Mugrug pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop#sleepycatmugrug
#sewfun #sewingpattern #giftstosew #englishpaperpiecing
Who says a Holly Jolly Tree has to be Christmas-th Who says a Holly Jolly Tree has to be Christmas-themed? 🍂This version is stitched in beautiful Village Life fabrics, featuring warm rusts, ochres, and earthy tones that feel right at home for fall decorating, Thanksgiving gatherings, or even Halloween displays.The same design you love, reimagined for a whole new season. ✨Comment TREE for a link to our free Holly Jolly Tree pattern.Fabric: Village Life by Tilda @tilda_australia#tildavillagelife #HollyJollyTree #FallDecor #AutumnSewing
#ThanksgivingDecor
Projects to Sew with Tilda Village Life Tilda Vill Projects to Sew with Tilda Village Life
Tilda Village Life has officially arrived — and I’ve been busy sewing wiith this sweet new collection.Here are six pretty projects I’ve made with Village Life so far, each beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and perfect for gift‑giving.Patterns are available in my pattern store.
Comment PATTERN and I’ll send you the link.Save this post for when your Village Life fabric arrives — the colours and tiny motifs are a joy to sew with.#tildavillagelife #tildafabric  #tildasewing #ilovetilda #sewingprojects @tilda_australia
A Liberty moment in two colourways. This Quadra Po A Liberty moment in two colourways.
This Quadra Pouch is sewn in Liberty Betsy tana lawn, using both the pink and blue classics with a soft pink gingham for contrast. It really feels like two pouches in one — a sweet pink side, a calm blue side, and that clever base that helps it stand tall.It folds flat, opens wide, cinches closed, and is one of my favourite quick‑to‑make gifts.If you’d like the pattern, comment QUADRA and I’ll send you the link.Pattern Details: Quadra Pouch (3 Sizes) Sewing Pattern — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#libertyfabric #libertybetsy #isew #sewingcommunity #quadrapouch
Meet the Monster Eye Mugrug — your spooky little c Meet the Monster Eye Mugrug — your spooky little companion for Halloween! This quick, beginner‑friendly project is perfect for practicing raw‑edge appliqué and using up those favourite fabric scraps. Fast to sew, fun to gift, and just the right amount of spooky.🎃 Scrap‑friendly
🧵 Beginner‑approved
👀 A tiny monster with big charmComment MONSTER for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Monster Eye Mugrug -  available in our Pattern Store or Etsy Shop.#halloweensewing #halloweendiy #scrapfriendlysewing #holidaysewing #makersgonnamake
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