The book has an introduction which is followed by various chapters:-
The Sewing Box
Starting right at the beginning for any newbies like me, here you will find all the things you'll need as you embark on your sewing adventure.
The Secrets Of Sewing-Machine Success
This chapter will be very handy for anyone like me who doesn't know one end of a sewing machine from the other. Not only is there a guide on what each part of the sewing machine does but it also covers the accessories which come with the machine too.
Stitch Craft
It may seem basic to those who can already sew but this chapter starts with threading the needle and tying the knot. Temporary stitches, finishing stitches and basic machine stitches are all covered.
The Paper Pattern
I like how the book assumes you're a complete beginner and takes you through the most basic of things like a pattern envelope. I wouldn't understand the symbols without some help and this book provides it. This chapter shows you how to take measurements and how to use the pattern, including laying it out, pinning and cutting out and adapting the pattern pieces.
Fabric Choices
There's so many different fabrics to choose from that I get bamboozled just thinking which type of fabric would be suitable for a particular pattern. Here you'll find information on fabric construction and pattern as well as a guide to different types of fabric and a fabric glossary.
Basic Sewing Skills
This chapter covers various skills including seams, shaping and contouring, gathering and easing, fastenings, trimmings, embellishments, applique, the perfect finish, mitred corners and quilting.
After each of the basic sewing skills there's various projects for you to have a go at which incorporate the skill you've just learnt. There's twenty projects in total and patterns and templates for them are supplied at the back of the book. I really like the look of this tote bag.
I think this is a great book for someone just starting out on their sewing adventure like I am, it seems to cover everything I'll need to know and more. The illustrations too are detailed and very informative.
Sewing Made Simple by Tessa Evelegh. Hardback, 224 pages. Published by Jacqui Small Publishing (16.99). I received a copy of this book to review, however, all opinions expressed are my own.
This looks to be a very helpful book Jo, I would love to get a sewing machine and have a go and if I do this would be a very helpful way to start and get to know my machine. Both my mother and grandmother were seamstresses and I often wonder how they feel that I can just about sew in a straight line. Using a sewing machine is definitely not something that has come down through the gene pool to me.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't got my new sewing machine out and had a go but it's something I definitely intend to learn, I think this book will be a great help to me.
DeleteSounds a good book, the key to success is know your machine and use the right tools for the project. I was lucky my mum taught me most of my skills, and confidence, which allowed me to progress to a level I enjoy. I would like to get back to making clothes, but my wardrobe is full of clothes, so I really don't need any more.
ReplyDeleteI think it definitely helps if you've got someone to show you the ropes. I think I'll wait until Eleanor's home from uni in the summer as she'll have lots of time then to help me out. This book will be very useful to refer to too.
DeleteThat sounds like a good book Jo. I can do the basics on my machine but with anything else i'm at a loss really, I wouldn't know where to begin with using a pattern. I might look out for this one, thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThe bag does look really nice, will you be having a go at it?
I may very well give the bag a go once I get going, we'll see. I think I need some easy projects to start me off so I think a bag would fit the bill.
DeleteThat seems a very comprehensive book to start your sewing adventure, which reminds me of something I must do!!! Thanks for the review. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThe book seems to cover everything you need to know to start you off, it's a very good addition to my bookshelf.
DeleteSounds like a good book and a great reference for starting out. Love the look of the tote bag.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great book for anyone, such as me, who needs some help getting started. I'm sure it will be well thumbed as soon as I start my sewing adventure.
DeleteYou are the perfect person to review this sewing book, Jo. As always I am in awe of your talents. Excellent review! P. x
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I've no talent where sewing is concerned but I'm sure this book will help me on my way.
DeleteWhat a super book ...... there will be no stopping you now!!
ReplyDeleteIt's just what I need to refer to as I start my sewing journey.
DeleteI'm sure you'll do well with your sewing, Jo. Go on, take the machine out of the box and plug it it. It won't bit ... honest! :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to giving it a go but I have no idea how to even thread the thing so a bit of reading up is in order first.
DeleteThat looks like a really good book to get you started. Yesterday I got my daughter sewing straight lines on paper - no thread - just to get her used to the feel of the machine. She progressed to thread and fabric by the end of the hour but whether she'll continue or not is anybody's guess. My other daughter sews so I suppose I should be happy I managed to pass on my love of sewing to one of them at least.
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching your sewing journey progress - have fun!
It's such a good feeling when you see your children enjoying the things you do. Eleanor took textiles as one of her options at school and really enjoyed it but she hasn't had her machine out since she started uni. I'm hoping that it's something she'll come back to though as I think sewing is such a useful skill to have.
DeleteIt sounds and looks a super book Jo.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It's full of lots of interesting information for a beginner like me, I'm sure it'll be very helpful.
DeleteThat looks like a cracker of a book! It should have you up and running in no time, I'm almost tempted to get daughter's sewing machine out of the loft!xxx
ReplyDeleteThere's so much to learn in each chapter that it's going to be a very useful book.
DeleteThe book sounds great. I did needlework at school and I can still remember the different seams we learnt and parts of a sewing machine etc.
ReplyDeleteI had very few needlework lessons at school and can't remember a thing from them now so I'm starting right at the very beginning.
DeleteIm sure once you start there will be no stopping you, good reference book. A good place to start is looking in the charity shops for cotton clothes that you could cut up and start with smaller projects and not feel intimidated by expensive materials xcx
ReplyDeleteThat's good advice, the last thing I want to worry about is ruining the fabric. I definitely need some easier projects to start on and there seems to be some good ones in this book.
DeleteIt sounds like a useful book? Are the tmeplates full size or do you have to enlarge them please?
ReplyDeleteI've just had a look and the templates need to be enlarged. As a non sewer that's something which I hadn't even thought about.
Delete~Good luck using your sewing machine, no stopping you now that you have read that lovely 'how to' book.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sewing!
It's the ideal book taking you through everything right from the beginning, it's exactly what I need.
DeleteIt looks like a wonderful book. I need all the help I can get when it comes to sewing.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I think this book will provide lots of help.
DeleteThat's really helpful, thanks Jo. I have put it in my wish list. I could certainly do with the help!
ReplyDeleteMel (funkyforty)
You and me both. I'm determined to give sewing a go though and I think this book will be very helpful.
DeleteI’m a novice too and this book looks really good. If I could go back in time, I’d have chosen sewing as an option at school xx
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd learnt sewing at school too. Eleanor took textiles for a GCSE and she's got a good grounding for the subject.
DeleteThat book looks wonderful for sewing newbies - I especially like the fact that it includes some nice projects to get you started. I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with your first one.
ReplyDeleteThere's some lovely projects in the book which use techniques you've learnt, a good way to reinforce what the book's taught you.
DeleteLooks like a great book, Jo. I'm a beginner as well when it comes to my sewing machine :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
This book is great for beginners. If I'm learning something new I like to start right at the beginning and this book shows you everything from threading a needle.
DeleteLooks like this is going to be a valuable resource on your sewing journey.
ReplyDeleteLove the bag shown!
Lisa x
I think this book is one I'll refer to again and again.
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