Making Life More Beautiful book by Kate Davies

I've "known" Kate for several years.  She's one of those online sewing friends that I've communicated with offline and would love to meet in person.  So I was really interested when I learned she was writing a book!

I'm always enthralled when someone decides to not only write a book but self-publish. That's determination! When Kate approached me and asked if I would review her book, it was a definite yes! 

I would call Kate's book more of a lifestyle book than strictly a sewing or crafting book.  It touches on a number of sections about beauty and making your life beautiful that add to the sewists experience which aren't normally found in sewing books.  BTW, I'm reviewing this book from a sewists perspective.

Let's dig into the book!  The first section is on Beauty which has four sections ~ your coloring, your body shape, your wardrobe & personal style and fashion.  As sewists, we need information like this to insure that we're making garments that not only fit our bodies but enhance our lifestyles.

The beauty section also contains an in-depth segment on colors and which coloring works best for our skin tones.  An important concept that sewists should master to make the best color choices for our garments.

There is a really important section on proportion.  Again a needed concept for sewists to grasp and understand, knowing how to incorporate it into their sewing projects.

Two additional parts in the beauty section that struck me were the wardrobe types and where Kate discusses capsule wardrobes. In wardrobe styles, which we know is not a new thing, the twist Kate gives it is what I loved most. She named the wardrobe styles by celebrity names, for example - the classic wardrobe style is called Jackie Kennedy!  Capsule wardrobes which are near and dear to my own heart, is detailed and how they work for a sewist in building a cohesive wardrobe that will be worn and loved.

Making is the next section ~

A really fascinating introduction which touches on why we make and the history of patterns.  Of course the first section is on sewing with several projects highlighted and instructions on how to create them.

The next two sections are on knitting (because if you've followed Kate's blog, you know she is an amazing knitter!) and crocheting where there are also several projects to make including the instructions. After the sewing, knitting and crocheting projects, Kate has included a section on making your own textiles.

Life is the final section of the book ~
This portion is all about building a beautiful life through your surroundings and developing a creative team to help inspire you to move forward in your creative journeys.

It is a well-written book full of breathtakingly beautiful pictures. It includes a resource center at the back of the book. In full disclosure I'm one of the people acknowledged and thanked. Honestly though, I read the entire book and found that at the end. I didn't know about it beforehand and was extremely touched.

So of course Kate is giving away one book to be won by one lucky sewist.  If you're interested in winning a copy of this amazing book, please drop a comment in the comment box below - only comments left here on the blog are eligible for the giveaway.  The giveaway is open from today until Friday, July 27th at 11:59pm EST.  The winner will be picked over the weekend and announced on Sunday, July 29th.

However, if you don't wanna wait to win the book, you can always purchase it directly from Kate via her blog or on Amazon UK.

Good luck to everyone entering the drawing!

...as always more later!

Sew the Garment Making Book by Barbara Emodi

I've known that Barbara was writing a sewing book almost since she decided to write it. Occasionally she's posted a pic to Instagram showing what she was sewing for the book which was released on May 7th.

Of course I ordered it as soon as possible and received it a couple of weeks ago. The name of the book is, "SEW The Garment-Making Book of Knowledge: Real-Life Lessons from a Serial Sewist." And I can honestly tell you that even though Barbara says she wrote the book for the new and/or returning sewist I'm an experienced sewist and I learned a few things too, as well as, having a few things I knew reinforced.

I love the format of the book. Each chapter has a name. One of my favorites is "Chapter 7 - The Gear Side of Sewing" OMG isn't that a great name to describe all of the equipment we acquire for sewing?! So each chapter has a description then mini-lesson to help you learn a skill. The thing that absolutely thrills me is Barbara's Tips which are at the end of every chapter. Each one is written in Barbara's voice - at least I can hear her speaking - and is full of interesting things that you learn from experience. Things that she's sharing for all sewists to know.

Okay let me back up and give you some other chapter names..."Why Sew," "If it Fits, They Will Wear It," "Choosing and Cutting Fabric" and another fave, "Sewing for Joy" - each chapter is chock full of information along with the tips, and mini-lessons! Sewing Terms are called Sewing Speak! Now as a beginner or a returning sewist wouldn't you have loved a book that explained in detail what all those words that sewists threw around meant? Barbara explains them so that there are no questions...at all.

If you are acquiring your own sewing library and not just relying upon the internet, this would be a good book to add to it. And if you're feeling lucky, leave a comment below to win a copy. See Barbara being the amazing friend that she is, offered me a copy, not realizing that I'd already bought one. We decided that one lucky reader should own it.

In the comment section below, please leave your name and one sentence about why you'd like to win the book. ONLY comments left on this blog post, not in bloglovin' or any of the other blog readers will be eligible to win the book. You should leave your comment by Saturday, June 9th at 11:59pm EST. I will announce the winner on Sunday, June 10th and Barbara will send the book out to you.  Good luck!

...as always more later!

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!

Looking Good Every Day...

The author of the book is Nancy Nix-Rice,  who contacted me and asked me to review the book. I've known of Nancy for years and have a copy of the first version of this book. So I was thrilled to receive the new version of the book and to share my thoughts about it with you.

First can I say that when I pulled the book from the envelope I smiled! I was so happy to see my friend Cennetta on the book's cover! There is a two page spread featuring Cennetta detailing how she learned what colors worked for her.

To me this book is for the woman who is looking for information on how to sew her style, just like the title says, "Style Solutions for Real Women."  The book is organized into three sections:

Chapters 1-8 
Are all about training your eye to find points of connection between you and the clothes and accessories you choose.

Chapters 9-12 
Walk you through a step by step process of refining your wardrobe

Chapters 13-19
Highlight special reference information - makeup, fabric traits, clothing care, closet organization, custom sewing and alterations and more.

This is not a sewing book. However, this book will affect your sewing in a positive way.  If you're trying to develop your style. Figure out what colors work for you when using make-up and for your clothing. Determine what length is most flattering.  Need to understand how lines lengthen and slim you or cut you off or maybe square you off?  All of these questions and more will be answered in this book.

As we all know, sewing is about more than just stitching two pieces of fabric together.  There are so many decisions that you have to make to end up with a finished garment that you will love and wear often...so anything that helps you end up with a great new piece is worth adding to your sewing library.

Nancy sent me two copies of the book and it's only far to share.  So if you're interested in winning a copy, leave a comment here by Saturday, May 10th at midnight EST. I promise I will mail it out next week! 

However, if you want your own copy now, you can purchase one here on the Palmer & Pletsch site.  I hope you will look into owning this book. As I said before I have the original version and used it extensively when I first started sewing my work wardrobe. It is a wonderful resource!

...as always more later!

The Colette Sewing Handbook

I've been aware of the Colette pattern line since it first came to market and even though I've admired some of the garments made from the patterns, the line didn't really fit my lifestyle.  I was also aware that Sarai was writing a book and I have to admit that I really had no plans on purchasing it. 

Then I saw my first Meringue skirt and I wanted one.  I really wanted one after I saw a few more versions and Sarai posted instructions on her blog on how to add a waistband to the skirt.  I don't know about my fellow plus size sistahs but I NEED a waistband on a straight skirt that has a zipper!  The hunt was on to find the pattern...and that's when I realized that the only way to get the pattern was to buy the book.  Since I needed a few Christmas gifts from Amazon, I threw it in the cart for me.


The book arrived this morning and instead of finishing up my McCalls dress, I've been sitting here engrossed in the book.  Why do you ask?  Because even though this book is geared to the beginning sewist, Sarai said a few things in her introduction that had me shaking my head "yes" along with her.  These three sentences sealed the deal for me:


"There's only one trait that I think every sewer should possess: curiosity.  Learning to sew is an ongoing process; in fact, the learning never really stops.  Each project has the potential to teach you something new."


Those are such awesome and wise words.  It's the reason I call myself an intermediate sewist 'cause I believe that there is ALWAYS something new to learn about my craft.  


Then Sarai sealed the deal when she discussed wearable muslins positively.  Now anyone who has read my ramblings for any amount of time knows that I don't make a muslin and that I believe in wearable muslins.  This can be such a divisive subject in the sewing community so to read that she actually understands that there is a place for the wearable muslin, made my heart sing.  Especially because many times I'm the one standing alone or in the midst of the minority on this technique.


The final selling point (the one that made me write this blog post) was that I learned a new fitting technique.  My  AHA! moment occurred when I was reviewing the pivot alteration that she wrote for adding width to the hip line in a skirt and in a bodice pattern piece.  I've always added space/width at the center front of the pattern piece but Sarai shows how to add it by slashing and spreading, then pivoting the pattern piece.  Now I can't wait to use this technique on a new pattern!


So look for a new Meringue skirt here soon and if you've been wondering if you need a copy of this book in your sewing library, YES you do!  To help you along I'm including a link to Sarai's bundle special, buy the book and get 2 patterns for $50.  Since it's Shop a Small Business Saturday, place an order today to support this small sewing business.


I'm off to finish my latest dress which is turning out better than I expected.  Love when that happens!  I still have tomorrow to sew and I just might dig out the piece of fabric that I'm thinking about and make my very own version of the Meringue skirt...


...as always, more later!


  

Book Review: Koos Couture Collage Inspiration & Techniques

Koos Couture Collage Inspiration & Techniques

by Linda Chang Teufel

I placed this book on my nightstand a week ago after seeing Shams beautiful rendition of this Vogue pattern:

Vogue 1213

Several years ago, a friend of mine gifted me with this book after we attended the Worcester Sewing Expo.  I'd been feening for the book but with three small children didn't really have the funds to purchase it.  I know that I carted it around for awhile and read it from cover to cover.  I don't even know if it overtly influenced my sewing at the time though it was a very inspirational read.

So how did it end up back on my nightstand?  Well Shams' wonderful coat reminded me that the book was in my sewing library and when I picked it up to mention in a comment, the awesome photography and amazing use of fabric just smacked me in the face.  I HAD to spend some time with this book again.

The book is not only a history of Koos background as a designer but there are sections on how a home sewist can use his techniques to make their own Koos inspired garments.  Now some of these collage techniques are very involved...however, there are some simplier and yet just as dramatic techniques showcased in the book.  There are instructions on how he uses bias tape in the actual design and how to finish seams.  How to select the fabrics used to make collages, how to make fabric lace, as well as, how to put it all together to make one of his renowned fabric collages.

I know this style of garment is not presently in style.  But as home sewists we can draw inspiration from a variety of sources to implement our own personal style.  And while some of Koos more elaborate designs wouldn't be suitable for my daily professional attire, his love of fabric, some of his silhouettes and certainly the passion for what he makes are more than appreciated by me.

This book is eye candy to my soul.  It is encouraging to my inner creative muse and it is fueling some different creative connections.  I know that many of us purchase technique driven sewing books...and rightfully so since we want to improve our sewing skills.  However, if you are looking for a book to jumpstart your creativity, to lead you down different paths of inspiration, please consider looking into this book.  As Shams interpretation of the pattern has shown, this is a very wearable look that can be achieved by quite a few of us by editing our fabric choices and making decisions that work for our everyday lives.  I highly recommend adding this book to your sewing library if you are looking to branch out and explore different creative avenues!

...more later! 

A Book Review ~ This I Accomplish by Kyra Hicks

I'm not a quilter and I don't pretend to be one.  Most times I don't understand the process...why you would want to cut fabric up into tiny pieces and then sew it back together mystifies me.  However, I do appreciate "the art" of quiltmaking and the history of quiltmaking...especially for black quilt makers.

There are some interesting blogs on my blog reading list.  Two of them are quilt blogs.  One because I love the art of what she creates (Allie's In Stitches) and the other because she discusses the history of black quilters (Black Threads).  Both are fascinating to me. 

Several months ago, Kyra sent me a copy of her book, "This I Accomplish:  Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces"  It has taken me a few months to read through it because it is an engaging history of Harriet Powers, her quilts and the journey she makes.  It is a well-documented book, full of historical references, books and exhibits.  Quite frankly, the only books on quiltmaking that I've ever read were technique books so this one was interesting because it is a historical journey.

Harriet Powers was born in 1837 as a slave.  Was freed in 1872.  She was a wife and mother of 9 children.  She made 4 memorable quilts.  She exhibited and won an award for her quilts and Kyra's book thoughtfully examines her work.

If you are interested in the history of black quilters, this is a definite book for you.  If you are interested in the history of quiltmaking in America, this is a book for you.  And if you are just interested in quiltmaking, this is a book for you. 

Kyra, I know it took me a minute to review it but I wanted to read the book in its entirety and give it the review it deserved.  Thank you for sharing this with me and I'm thrilled to have it in my sewing library!

...as always, more later!

A Book Review - Mrs. O The Face of Fashion Democracy

As you know I'm a huge fan of Michelle Obama and I've been following the Mrs.O blog for quite some time.  I've pretty much been blatantly copying her dressing style! *LOL*  Because it fits my lifestyle so well.

So getting the Mrs. O book was a natural.  However, I was waiting for Christmas money to purchase it and then my girl hooked me up!  In one of the sewing meet-up dinner pictures, I am hugging the book tightly to my chest...seriously that's how much I wanted this book!  *LOL*

Okay to the review...the interesting thing about this book is that the author, Mary Tomer, not only has great photos, up close and singularly of garments but she also has very interesting interviews with the designers.  She's interviewed Isabel Toledo, Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi to name a few and even the owners of Ikram Goldman in Chicago, the boutique that has worked with Michelle to help formulate her style.

The book opens with a brief introduction, "The Early Years" but almost immediately gets to the good stuff!  The next chapter is the "Primary Campaign", followed by the "Democratic National Convention" on  through to the first few months in the White House including the European Trip.  To anyone who is remotely interested in the Michelle Obama's clothing choices, the designer's motivations, and fashion and politics...this book is for you!

I'm sure you are thinking that this is just another one of those coffee table books with great pictures but this one is actually chockful of interviews with the designers and jewelry makers.  There are even quotes from some of the readers of the Mrs. O blog in the final section of the book.

I highly recommend that you own a copy of this book.  Add it to your Christmas wish list or plan to purchase a copy with one of those gift cards that you get...you won't be disappointed.

*********************************************************

I got home this afternoon (only had to work a half day) and spent it reading some blogs...I still haven't decided what I'm working on this weekend...will probably make that decision tomorrow morning when I wake up!  I'm headed off to clean off my sewing table, set up my iron and generally just make things ready for sewing this weekend!

...as always...more later!

"The Complete Book of Sewing"

I love sewing books...vintage or newly published...especially if they have some interesting information to share that will increase my knowledge of my craft. But I especially love vintage sewing books! Like vintage pattern instruction sheets these books manage to cram so much more information into a couple of hundred pages than newly published ones do.

I stumbled upon "The Complete Book of Sewing by Constance Talbot" discussion on PR and of course had to run right over to Abe Books to see what all the fuss was about. As an aside...I love Abe Books...it is great for finding any book that is out of print. I can choose my price point and where I want the book to come from...so no waiting for a book from Oshkosh, Wisconsin when one is available in Bristol, Massachusetts.

My copy of this book showed up last week and every night I have been pouring over it. It covers garment to home dec sewing with chapters like this for garment sewing:

Choosing the Right Clothes

How to Choose the Right Fabrics

Save and Sew

Darts, Tucks and Pleats

Hems, Facings, Bindings

The Science of Cutting

Underwear for all the Family

and like this for home dec:

Fabrics for the Home

Slipcovers

Curtain Rods to Suit the Curtains

How to Make Formal Draperies

Quilting Spreads and accessories

Now that is just some of the Chapter titles...there are 45 covering various subjects regarding sewing. And all of this amazing information alongwith a very thorough index is contained in 320 pages! So if you want a copy for your personal sewing library...Abe Books has quite a few left ranging in price from $1.30 to $53! I heartily encourage you to get a copy of this book...it is a treasure trove of sewing knowledge!

A Book Review: "The Collection"

I know that this book has made the circuit in blogland and that many people have reviewed it already...and it's been pretty much decided that this isn't "great literature". But the book tells a great story, is interesting and was a good bus read.

The thing that got me about the book was Isabelle Varlet's love of sewing. See I can just so relate to that! I loved the passages in the book that described her stitches, how she sewed a garment and her love of the fabric...ohmygosh...did this girl love fabric! Shannon & Marji ~ we could have been her sisters!

Then there were the passages that described the fittings at pose, the detail that was used to describe the garments...you know that I read those and then read them again they were so enticing.

But I guess the thing that I really liked about the book was that it made me want to sew. I am sure that is why I recently hand-stitched the lining was into "the ribbed dress" because that's what Varlet would have done. And it's made me want to slow down and enjoy the process even more...I am sure some of you are wondering at that last statement since it seems like I bum rush items when I'm on sewing vacay but do you realize how much preproduction work has gone into those garments? When I'm on sewing vacay, I am in the zone. I am ready and I am sewing! *LOL*

So it was great to go to the newsstand today and FINALLY pick up a copy of the latest issue of Threads and find articles on hand-stitching, a couture little black dress - complete with instructions on muslining it, underlining it and finishing it with a picked zipper...and Amber Eden's Editor's Letter on slow sewing...

"The Collection" will stay with me for awhile...so if you haven't read it...get a copy! Read it and enjoy the sumptious passages about her sewing and the fabrics and the pose...like I said, it ain't great literature but it is a fulfilling sewing read!