It's the middle of the week, and I am pleased to be posting a book review. I got this book a few months ago but I waited to review it because I wanted to get some use out of it first. It is called 200 sewing tips, techniques & trade secrets by Lorna Knight.
First I want to say that this book is picture-heavy, which I love! I am a visual learner, so I usually choose books that show me how to visually accomplish something, rather than only providing a written explanation. This book does both, and does it effectively.
Here are some of the categories this book goes over, as well as a brief description on what to find in each section:
Tools and equipment--pretty self-explanatory here. This section talks about sewing machines and all the equipment(notions) used in sewing.
Material matters--This section is about fabrics, how to choose them, working with various fabrics, storing them, special types of fabric, and thread.
In Stitches--This section is one of my favorites of the book. It explains various hand stitches, machine stitches, buttonholes, and has a part dedicated to serging.
Sewing Techniques--This is a "how to" section. It talks about using paper patterns, joining fabrics, draping, pleats, hemming, linings, and pockets.
Decorating Fabrics--This is a special section on beading, embroidery, smocking, piping, quilting, tassels, fringes, etc. I don't think I will use this section right away, but it is nice to know I can reference it if I need it!
There are also little MAKE IT! projects in the book, and my only critique of this book is the instructions for some of these projects is too sparse. Also, it is not the type of reference you can expect to hit everything. For example, I had a tough time with understanding understitching while sewing last evening, and I went to find it in this book, but there was nothing to reference about this at all. I don't think that takes away from the book, though, because it is not purposed to be a thorough reference.
In all, this is a great book! I recommend it for sewers of all levels.
I am STILL working on my daughter's top. I was so frustrated with the top last evening I just wanted to give up, but NO...I will press on!
Stay sew-filled!
Thanks for the book review you did a great job. For understitching information check out the link below. http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/nmt037_05.asp
ReplyDeleteThe photo show stitching from the top so you can see it is very close to the "ditch" as my mom called. What you don't see in the photo is that you are sttching the sew allowance to the facing side when you understitch. At least that is how I understand it.