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!