My first impression of the book is that it has all the information a beginner would need to start on their dressmaking journey. It's split in to five chapters with subheadings under each one.
Chapter 1 - Kit
As the author states, "When you start a new hobby, it can be tempting to surround yourself with all the kit you could possibly imagine you'll want to use. But when you start dressmaking, all you really need are a sewing machine, a sharp pair of scissors and an open mind. You can decide on everything else when you have a greater understanding of your way of working and what will help you to sew better". I like that you're not encouraged to go out and spend on a whole host of equipment which you'll never use before understanding what items you'll definitely need and those you won't. This chapter explores some of the essential equipment, needles, cutting equipment, sewing machine and their feet, thread and dressmaking haberdashery.
Chapter 2 - Prep
"To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail". This chapter deals with preparing for the project you're going to work on and includes information on fabrics, understanding the information on the pattern envelope, pattern symbols, measuring and making a toile, amongst many other things.
I've heard many people say how they're in between sizes so learning how to adapt a pattern is essential.
Chapter 3 - Make
For me, this is the scary part, putting it all together. However, this book goes in to each part of the process and demystifies all the terms which have sounded so intimidating:- darts, gathering, pleats and tucks, and shirring, amongst others. It tackles pockets, sleeves, yokes and waistbands and shows how to insert a zip, another thing which seems to worry people, including me.
Chapter 4 - Stretch
My wardrobe is filled with items made from jersey and knit fabric, so many of us wear T-shirts or tops made from stretch fabric these days, so I think this chapter is essential in any dressmaking guide today. This chapter deals with how knit fabric differs from woven fabric and how working with it differs too. It shows that contrary to popular belief, you don't need an overlocker and shows techniques to use when working with this type of fabric.
Chapter 5 - Finish
The finish of a garment is just as important as the rest of the make and this chapter shows how to approach each part from bound edgings to facing, hems to linings. There's information on hand sewing too as this can give a perfect finish to an item allowing a hem to become almost invisible.
I think this is a fabulous book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone just embarking on a new dressmaking hobby, and it would more than likely assist those who are more advanced in this area too. It's absolutely jam packed with information and will be a fabulous reference when I do begin my sewing adventure.
Complete Dressmaking by Jules Fallon. Published by Quarto Press (£20). Out now. If you fancy treating yourself to a copy of the book you can find it here on Amazon.
Looks like a good book. I use to sew a lot when my daughter was young, but other than pillows and stuff like that I've stopped.
ReplyDeleteI had a few sewing lessons at school, which I can't remember a thing about now, but other than that I've never used a sewing machine.
DeleteWhen I was a student I made all my clothes and had some very unique outfits. I also made my wedding dress and veil and one of my bridesmaids dresses. It's years since I made any other clothes.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to make your own clothes is such a great skill to have. I'm in awe of anyone who can make their own wedding dress, I have trouble sewing on a button.
DeleteWhen it comes to sewing, I don't have much practice either. This book sounds like just the ticket for those that are interested in making their own clothes. I'll probably never sew an actual article of clothing, but I do enjoy sewing accessories such as bags and things for the house. Do you have a first clothing project in mind yet?
ReplyDeleteWhen I've considered taking up sewing, it's been accessories which I've imagined myself having a go at but this book has made me wonder about sewing an actual garment. I don't have a project in mind but it would have to be something very simple.
DeleteLooks like it's got some good photos and illustrations too.
ReplyDeleteIt's very well illustrated which is always helpful when you're a novice.
DeleteThis looks like a good book for a dressmaking novice. I think my best gadget is a super soft pencil to mark fabric, works so much better than any chalk I have used before. I don't think adjusting clothes to fit when the standard sizes don't is well beyond the beginner stage! Totally agree, an overlocker is not necessary for knits - it is however much much quicker and I bet once you get the hang of making your own clothes, it is something you'll be adding to your wish list :-) I use mine for pretty much anything except finishings, and with both woven fabrics and knits. Have fun with your sewing machine x
ReplyDeleteI think this is an excellent book for someone as inexperienced as me and also for those more experienced too, it covers so many topics. I know Eleanor enjoyed using an overlocker when she took her GCSE in textiles, she found it much easier when using stretch fabrics.
DeleteSounds a very comprehensive guide to dressmaking & although I only "very" occasionally sew clothes these days, I'd say that a newbie should be able to make a start on something simple & work onwards. I made most of the kids clothes when little, but seems people don't sew as much these days. I learnt to use a sewing machine at age 7. I should make a few things as I still have dress fabric in a tub. Hmm! And what will be the first thing you attempt? Sewing Sunday!!! Take care.
ReplyDeleteI know lots of my friends had home sewn clothes when we were little but my mum wasn't a sewer so all my clothes were bought, I must admit that I did feel somewhat left out. I'm not sure what I'll attempt first, it'll have to be something very simple.
DeleteThank you Jo, I am not a beginner but am sure that this book would be useful, I have never sewn with stretch fabric. A copy will be on it's way to me quite soon.
ReplyDeleteI think this book would benefit anyone who's on a clothes making journey, it's packed full of such detailed information. I know I'll find it very helpful when I begin my first project.
Deletesounds like a fab book, I am determined to get my sewing machine out again and actually make something I will wear.
ReplyDeleteI see so many people on blogs and podcasts making their own clothes now, I feel quite inspired to have a go myself and this book is just what I need to help me get started.
DeleteIt looks wonderful. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great book and will certainly be a help when I start my sewing journey.
DeleteSounds like it has lots of good information, it must be lovely to be able to make your own clothes xx
ReplyDeleteIt must, it's something I wish I'd learnt a long time ago.
DeleteWhat an excellent book for those who wish to take up dressmaking (as it was called 'back in the day' - a phrase I don't actually like but I'm resorting to it here!) I recall in the 1960s making one of my own maternity dresses. I'd 'done' dressmaking at school and thought I could cope with it. I bought a pattern which was in 6 panels (or maybe it was 8 panels?) and rather complicated. I gave up in frustration of ever getting them to go together without puckers or gaps, but husband (an engineer) took over and finished it for me and it was actually wearable! That is damning with faint praise - he actually make a good job of it.
ReplyDeleteBack in the 1960s there were even TV progs on how to sew, and I remember sending for a book with patterns in it. Today it would be a contest rather than a teaching programme with people trying to do facings or seams against the clock. TV is a wonderful medium. A shame there are no teaching programmes now similar to when the OU started broadcasting. Sewing could be taught and also cookery. You can't tell me that Master Chef and so forth is about teaching people to cook! Delia did her best but a new generation of non-cooks and people who have never threaded a sewing machine might enjoy learning. Not everyone who would wish to learn new skills can afford to or even wold want to attend special classes to learn, they could do so in the comfort of their homes. Just an idea.
Margaret P
There's the Great British Sewing Bee on TV and I really enjoy it, though as you say, it's more of a competition rather than teaching people how to sew. I think it's encouraged a new generation of sewers though, so I suppose that's a good thing. I think the internet has taken over where TV has left off, there's so many free tutorials on You Tube that it's so easy to learn a new technique without ever leaving the house. I'm very impressed with this book though, it will certainly be a great reference when I do decide to give sewing a go.
DeleteThat sounds really good. I have a basic knowledge of dressmaking. I've made a few things from a pattern (many years ago), but I do have large holes in my knowledge - zips and buttonholes terrify me!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, I'll look forward to seeing your first 'make'.
I think I'd feel more confident about starting a project if I'd got even a basic knowledge but starting from scratch is rather daunting. I think this book will be a great help though as it covers everything from the very basic through to more advanced techniques.
DeleteThis really does sound an excellent book Jo and I'm sure all those who enjoy, or want to start dressmaking, will find it very useful.
ReplyDeleteHave you decided what your first make may be?
All the best Jan
PS Hope you are managing to stay cool, it is hot, hot, hot today!
I'm really impressed with the book, it contains so much information and I'm sure it'll be very helpful when I start my sewing adventure. No decisions made as yet as to what I'm going to have a go at. It's so hot today but a little breeze is just starting up, which is very welcome.
DeleteHow nice to have the chance to review a book! It looks like a good one. I'm sure you'd do fine if you tried sewing clothing. You're good at every other craft so far. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always pleased to be asked to review a book, though I do make sure that I only review ones which I feel my readers would be interested in. I think you need a lot of patience for sewing, something I don't have a lot of, so I'm going to need to learn that along with sewing.
DeleteIt looks like a fantastic book for someone like me...who's never made an item of clothing EVER. Are we going to see the results of your sewing soon? Jx
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly the same, that's why this sewing lark is quite daunting to me. I'm not sure when I shall start on my sewing adventure but I'll be sure to share my endeavours.
DeleteSnap!! I reviewed it on Friday ..... it is a super book!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that an experienced sewer agrees with me. I think the book will be very useful when I give sewing a go.
DeleteAn interesting book. I'm quite sure you'll be a natural!xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about that, I'll give it a go though.
DeleteThank you so much for the review Jo, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the book. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I really enjoyed reviewing the book and it's something which will definitely come in very handy when I embark on my sewing adventure.
Delete