Sunday, October 29, 2017

The "How to Machine Sew" Book - Large Format Edition

When Threads Magazine sent me the Sandra Betzina book to review, they also sent me the "How to Machine Sew" book.  


I wanted to review the books separately so they would each get their own time in the spotlight!  This book is one in the series by Susie Johns. Others are "How to Sew", "How to Embroider", and "How to Quilt" - these are basic sewing books, in a larger format with simple projects, easy techniques and great illustrations.  Perfect for beginner sewists.

I'm sure you're wondering why I would be reading or sharing info on a beginner sewing book?  Well these came to me during National Sewing Month and to me one of our responsibilities as sewists is to teach and encourage new sewists. I deliberately held onto it because there were quite a few sewing tools given away and discounts offered during September.  I wanted to save some of the celebration for October too!

Like I said this is a great basic sewing book for a new sewist. It has the obligatory section on how to use your sewing machine, what tools you need to acquire to begin sewing and a short section on how to work with fabric. Then there are nine projects and each project highlights a different technique. 

For example, Project Two is about Place Settings and the technique that's taught is mitered corners. The project has information on making napkins, place mats and tray cloths. The first page of the project sheet gives you the materials you'll need, the finished sizes of the project pieces and the techniques you will use to finish the project. There is even a fabric suggestion made to assist with picking the proper fabric for the project.

The illustrations are large and easy to follow with a written explanation beneath each one. Extra tips and information are in boxes on the sides of the pages to give a little more in-depth information.

Finally the book has a resource list (though the resources are for UK companies), a glossory and an index page. Personally I love index pages, if I need to find something quickly, I can look there. You can find this book at your normal retail sources - Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. 

However, I do have one copy to give away. If you'd like to win a copy, because you need a gift for a sewing friend, a newbie sewist, or for an upcoming Christmas sewing giveaway, this would be a great gift to give! To win a copy, please leave a comment on this post ONLY.  Entries left on any other post or Bloglovin' won't be eligible for the giveaway.

You have until Friday, November 3rd, 11:59pm EST to leave a comment.  The winner will be picked and announced on Saturday, November 4th. I will ship the book out the following week. This giveaway is open to any sewist, anywhere, so leave a comment and I hope you win!

One last thing - the winner of the magnetic pincushion never contacted me, so I picked another winner.  Lisa Laree if you would kindly contact me via email with your home address, I will get this right out to you.


I have been sewing so more clothing posts soon.

...as always more later!



29 comments:

  1. So glad to see another post! I check often, you are inspiring. I haven't really sewn for myself the past 10 years; of course I sew for others. Isn't that how it goes? But inspired by you I am seeing for myself again. The book would be a wonderful got for my granddaughter who just got her first machine, she's 11. Thank you, Carolyn.

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  2. I look forward to reading your posts; you are inspirational. A copy of this book would be great for my daughter who has just gotten into sewing at 46.

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  3. This would be a great book to give my sister's granddaughter who will be receiving a (new to her) sewing machine for her birthday in late November. She has had two sewing lessons at one of the few remaining independently owned local fabric stores and loves it. I enjoy your blog, Carolyn, and learn so much from it. Thank you!

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  4. Thank you for offering this! I would love to have this book as I'm just starting to learn about garment sewing.

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  5. My darling niece is 12 going on 22 & has some of the sewing basics down, this book would help fill in some of the gaps. She moved so far away that I don't get to see her very often & really would like the love of sewing to stay with her.This book would be wonderful to bring with me for her when I go to visit in the spring.
    Blessings,
    Baa

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  6. My lovely 16 year old niece is just attempting sewing. I would love for her to have this book. I am showing her how to make PJ bottoms now but she lives far enough away that I only see her twice a year. I think she could be good at this given the chance.

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  7. This would be a perfect gift for my daughter. Thanks again for continuing sewing learning among newbies and experienced sewers alike.

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  8. Yes, Carolyn, I would like to be entered into the drawing for the "How to Machine Sew" as I've been asked to teach an acquaintance at church how to sew. She is retired, and older than me (I'm 63) which surprised me as I thought most women in our generation learned to sew. But a basic book such as this would be ideal.
    Theresa in Tucson

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  9. Carolyn, you are awesome to have another giveaway so soon. This would be a great book for my daughter, as she is just beginning sewing. Thanks again

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  10. I know a couple of women who are interested in sewing, this would be great!

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  11. Thanks for the giveaway. I would live to give this copy to one of my coworkers who has stated that she would like to learn how to sew.

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  12. I would like to be considered for this give-away. I know someone who would appreciate this gift.

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  13. I am a newbie at sewing and would love to have this book, it looks like something I could really use. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

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  14. Thanks, Carolyn. I'm looking forward to seeing what you've been sewing!!
    Dmcavanagh@yahoo.com

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  15. Love your site Carolyn, always look forward to seeing it.
    I would love to be able to give this book to my granddaughter for Christmas. She received my Singer sewing machine when I bought my Baby Lock. I know she would love to have this book in her sewing library.

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  16. I just happen to be a beginner :-) I read your post as inspiration of things that might be able to do one day

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  17. I would love to win this book

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  18. Sounds like a really great beginner's book. I have a granddaughter who could really use this.

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  19. I am trying to teach my great niece how to sew and this book would serve as a great reference for her.

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  20. Please enter my name in your drawing. I'm anxious to see your latest creations on this blog. You always inspire me, Carolyn. Karen

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  21. Yes please! Currently trying to learn machine sewing at home, this would be amazing to help! Thank you. Tara.

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  22. I'm a sewing instructor, I would love to give this book to one of my students. I'm sure they would love it as well as learn a lot from the book. Thanks.

    LaToria Bolling

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  23. This book sounds like just the one my daughter needs since I'm too far away to answer her questions. Thank you for alerting us to it.

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  24. I'm teaching my neighbor and her 10 year old daughter how to sew. They're both so enthusiastic and it is so much fun to pass on my obsession with them. This book would be perfect for them. Looking forward to more sewing posts.

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  25. I would love to have a copy of this book for my young sewers group.

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  26. I've been trying to inspire my daughter to learn to sew... This book would be AWESOME!! I really feel I would like to pass on my knowledge, along with the book!!

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  27. Would be a great gift for my daughter who enjoys "upcycling" clothes, but needs better sewing skills.

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  28. What a wonderful post Carolyn! Very smart of you waiting until the dust of celebration settled to bring this information to us! I have a friend who is very interested in sewing and just purchased a machine. She’s started sewing pillowcases and such to gain confidence with her machine. So far, she’s doing well. However, because we live in different states, it’s been a little trying to help her (Skype & Facetime have been our friend!). This book would be a great gift for her birthday, coming up soon! Either way, you given me a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  29. Sounds like a good book for a granddaughter to start learning how to sew.

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