5 comments about Sew On: All You Need to Know to Start Sewing and Serging Today! (Sew Fast Sew Easy).

1. I took a beginner sewing class at Sew Fast Sew Easy and my instructor was Kenley Collins from this season's Project Runway. I didn't know it at the time that she was a contestant so to my utter shock and awe! I saw her on the Season premiere of the show. It was really cool to see her on TV. She was a great instructor. I totally trust this company in everything they stand behind and teach. I ordered their new book Sew On and once again am really impressed with their products. The book is easy to follow and has great information on sergers and overlock machines. The patterns are easy to follow and the final garments fit great. It doesn't surprise me that Kenley Collins would teach with such a great company.



2. I was looking for a book to learn a little more about sewing and something to inspire me. I came across this book and thought it looked pretty cool. My girlfriend thinks it's funny that I sew and she doesn't but when she sees the stuff I have been making from this book, she's been straight up impressed. I have been sewing Tshirts on my Juki overlock machine with the pattern from this book. I've made them for me and my GF. She's totally into them. The warp dress isn't her style but I made it anywase for the practice and experience. It was really easy and came out great. It was also the first time making a button hole for me. It's crazy the little things that you end up learning with such a simple project. I've also learned to sew with leather and i've been making leather wallets and clutches that have been selling on etsy. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to be inspired and up their sewing and serging skills.



3. My Home-Ec teacher recommended this book to our class for learning to sew. I've been learning to sew with it for the past week. My mom loves the stuff I'm making. This book has been easy to understand and the images help out a lot.



4. This book is written for the beginner sewer wanting to do some more advanced sewing projects. It's written really well and therefore easy to follow and understand. The images are helpful to the instructions. I'm happy with my new book. I bought this book with Sew Everything and there is a major difference in the techniques and descriptive writing. Sew Everything was harder to understand and the techniques come out looking more "home ec" style. I'm much more pleased with the end result of the projects from Sew On.



5. This book compliments the first Sew Fast Sew Easy book. I had bought that book to learn to sew and had great success with it. I knew this book would have some great tips and projects but I underestimated it. The projects and patterns that are included were perfectly challenging for me. I learned more techniques with the box cushion. I hadn't ever sewn with heavy fabric let alone turn a corner. Learning about overlock machines and what there used for was an eye opener and I'm now on the hunt for one. I have a new passion and am proud of my progress with sewing. I acredit it to these books.

No comments about Stray Sock Sewing: Making One of a Kind Creatures from Socks.

5 comments about Simple Gifts to Stitch: 30 Elegant and Easy Projects.

1. I consider myself an intermediate sewer. I find the instructions poorly written. This book is okay, a few good projects. I 'Bend the Rules Sewing' by Amy Karol is a much better book with a better variety of projects.



2. I'm havinga really good time with this book, and tha ideas are really great!



3. I was really disappointed with this book. Some of the gifts are simple and easy but most of the patterns are the same old patterns just rehashed a bit. New sewers may like it since some patterns really are simple and good for beginners. I do like the fact that there are patterns in the back of the book. So often we have to 'wing it' on the patterns in sewing books. Good book for someone but not me.



4. I ordered this book almost as an afterthought - thinking that I had pretty much seen every idea for making stylish gifts. Boy, was I wrong! This is a great book that even beginner sewers could use. Great ideas including making your own decorative wrapping paper. If you don't sew or craft - this is a perfect book to give as a gift.



5. This is a good book. Great pictures and nice edition but not all the projects are so elegant or interesting as the bag in the cover, although there are 5 or 6 quite nice and easy to do. I've liked specially the purse and bags and the child's stuff. Quite good, I'll try some of the projects sure.

5 comments about Sew Subversive: Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista.

1. I've had my Mom's sewing machine (circa 1969)- in a sewing table - for almost 20 years now and I haven't used it once in all those years.
   
   Well, except for the table part which has happily held a lamp, some assorted papers, and general knicknacks.
   
   This book actually inspired me to open the table up, pop out the machine and start sewing.
   
   The conversational tone put me at ease and while I can understand why those with more sewing experience might not find it helpful, I really appreciated the "hand-holding" contained in the book.
   
   Is it the be-all and end-all of sewing books? Of course not. Will I someday graduate beyond what's offered in the pages? I hope so!
   
   But this book inspired me, helped me past my fear of the bobbin and that's what I needed. A little hand-holding kick-start.



2. I had hoped to get some ideas from this book, but it's really geared towards teens or younger. Would be good to spark the creativity of a young seamstress, but was not fo me, an experienced sewer/crafter.



3. Although I have only flicked through this book, I can see myself finding pretty handy as a reference and for inspiration. Definately for people who do love to re-create op shop or their old clothes. I bought their other book Subersive Seamster with this book and found them very similar in theme but still all different ideas.



4. I am an avid crafter, taught to sew by my mother. I am now 30 with almost 2 decades of sewing behind me. I checked this book out of the local library, hoping to scope out some fun, fast projects. What I found was a book of horribly lame ideas and even worse craftsmanship. Do yourself a favor and skip this book.
   
   If your a beginner, save your dough and invest in sewing classes.



5. Some interesting ideas and written in a non-threatening way. For a book that encourages you to customize however, it needs more focus on how to draft your own pattern and adjust it to fit your own body.
   Will work really well if you are young, slim and flat chested. If you have curves however, you wont get much you can actually use from this book.

5 comments about Romantic Home Sewing: Cottage-Style Projects to Stitch for the Home.

1. I don't fall in love with books easily, but this one was love at first sight for me. The photos were clear. The ideas and instructions simple and easy to follow. I borrowed a copy from the public library, now I want my own.



2. The fabrics and patterns in this book are lovely. Photographic representation of all the projects are clear and wonderfully presented. The instructions seem clear (except I did find an important step for one of the handbags was omitted).
   
   I give it 4 stars instead of 5 mainly because it contains templates that have to be enlarged on a copier instead of full-size patterns. It appears that is typical with sewing books, but it is an inconvenience and requires a trip to a copy store (plus the cost) since they need to be enlarged to such a degree, you cannot do it on a regular copier without great difficulty.
   
   Fortunately there are only a few projects in this book that have templates - most of the crafts are going to be custom sized by you to fit your bed, chair, windows, etc, so templates would not be feasible.
   
   However, I do recommend this book. I am happy to have it and I do not regret purchasing it. Christina Strutt's designs are sweet and warm and this book is a welcome addition to my collection.



3. The pictures are nice , the fabric & the way it presents the instructions too.
   That is all to it. Nothing more.



4. Excellent book! Christina Strutt had my tastes in mind when she wrote this book. It is for people who don't know much about sewing, love vintage fabrics and want to learn some ideas on how to use them. The pictures are beautiful and the instructions are clear.



5. I really love this book - simple but rewarding projects that most sewers would have no trouble with. lovely photography.

5 comments about Fine Embellishment Techniques: Classic Details for Today's Clothing.

1. This book arrived in fast time and in good condition. I was surprised at how quickly I received the item.



2. I was a bit disappointed in this book. The designs are not very modern nor old in a cool way. I don't think the techniques shown are very creative, but if you are looking for standard simple techniques like simple ways of applying beads or how to do binding and piping, this book is for you. I think there's too much text and not enough pictures.



3. If anyone wanted to research early 1990's fashion for a Beverly Hills 90210/Wilson Phillips/Shanice/Alannah Myles/Milli Vanilli biographical movie, take a look at the photographs in this book. The pictures are awfully dated but the techniques are less dated. Why do designers get caught up in such non classic fabrics and colors (sandwashed silk and purple with red)? Still a useful book too if you want to set up a hippie craft stall at your local bazaar.



4. This book was pretty ordinary, if you've been embellishing cloth/clothing for any length of time. I bought it hoping for inspiration, but there was no inspiration to be had. Not only that, of the things that were included, I would never use. Today's clothing? Hardly. The techniques/effects were more suitable to vintage sewing than modern. If you must, buy this used, and then pass it along to others. In fact, I'll sell you my copy.



5. This is a lovely book for those who are interested in fabric imbellishment. I was looking for something a bit more contemporary and elaborate, but this book has enough to keep me busy for a while.

5 comments about Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear.

1. Though some of the featured gowns are very "eighties" (big sleeves, big skirts), this book is wonderful for showing how to engineer and fit the understructure or foundation necessary to achieve a remarkable fit on evening wear. The detailed instructions on preparing a muslin are easy to follow and thorough, and this book describes the small steps that, if followed, provide a "knock-em-out" gown that will stay put, even when dancing. Underlining, corsets, boning, and "how to keep things from drooping" are all demystified here. This will be terrific for evening wear and costumes, too, once the wedding gown is finished.



2. I have been sewing for over 25 years and have a degree in design. However, I am always looking to evolve my technique, and I looked into this book because I wanted something that detailed couture techniques for formalwear. In reading other comments on this site before I purchased this book, I noticed some reviewers did not like it because of the outdated dresses. However, I wanted to add that while the specific dresses shown in this book are dated, the techniques described and illustrated are fantastic. This book is for someone that already knows how to sew well, but wants to take their sewing up another level. Don't buy this book expecting to copy one of the dresses used in the examples. Buy this book if you are looking for instruction on choosing and adding stability, using boning, etc, etc. This is about applying couture techniques to your own design. I was looking for something very specific, and found this book to be very helpful. I am glad I purchased it.



3. Highly recommend this book if you are making a wedding gown for the first time. Very clear instructions complete with pictures. There is also great chapter on how to attach lace.



4. The Susan Khalje book is an excellent source of its sort - not speaking of the nice design and pictures, it tells you everything you would want to know when trying to make an evening or wedding dress. Susan Khalje gives many interesting tips and tricks that would otherwise be very time-consuming to figure them out, like how and where exactly attach boning, what layers to use under skirts to make them look as you want to, how to work with lace and how to place it on the curved bodice by hiding the cut places, she gives suggestions as what fabrics to use for what garments - she is very fond of silk organza - for petticoats, underlining, bone channels.
   
   This is one of the rare books that show you professional-done garments and reveal all their making secrets. Even if you're an advanced sewer, I still think you'll find many good tips here. Maybe a pure beginner would not be able to appreciate the value of the information given.



5. I have done a lot of sewing. I did make bridesmaid dresses and altered brides dresses. It was very interested to read about the different technics in the making of a good bridal dress. I hope I will get to make one in the near future and than I can use this book for the fine touches
   This book is not for beginners.
   Lucie Zandstra

1 comments about Sweater Renewal: Felting Knits into New Sweaters and Accessories.

1. Pay a visit to your older relatives or garage sales and thrift shops and search for old wool sweaters and stock up because you will need them for the projects in this book. It does not matter if they are moth eaten, because the holes will disappear or add character when felted.
   This book is a guide to redesigning, recycling, and renewing your wool sweaters; you'll transform knits that have been felted into eco friendly sweaters, bags, and accessories.

5 comments about Pretty Little Potholders (Pretty Little Series).

1. First of all the designs are too cute in this book. I especially liked the Butterfly Flutter, Girly Garden, Pompoms and Pearls, Handle with Flair, and my daughter liked Little Bunny Foo Foo. You will need a copier for this book, and I would suggest at 200% to 400% enlargement. The directions are very simple. My 12 year old daughter is just learning to sew, and she can understand these simple steps. I also bought A Is For Apron book, and they make a wonderful pair together. We plan on combining designs from each book to make Christmas presents for the ladies in our family.



2. If you are ready to get really creative by thinking of potholders as mineature works of art, then you will adore this book. The photographs are clear, colorful and inspirational. The directions will take you step by step through each project, but you will certainly find tons of inspiration here to come up with designs of your own!
   
   The major plus of working on potholders is their small size, which will afford you a small canvas on which to lavish the most luxurious details. There is something here for the beginner and the most advanced sewer, although you are certain to learn as you go!
   
   You'll soon have an awe-inspiring collection of these useful but beautiful household items that need never languish in a drawer again!



3. For the most part this book should have been called 'Pretty Little *DECORATIVE* Potholders.' Too many of them have items on them that are fairly incompatible with a hot pan. The aforementioned metal hanger on the sweater potholder, beading on another, and plastic buttons on several.
   
   Still, despite that (you can always leave those bits off or substitute some appliqué or lace) there are some very clever and cute potholders featured. The butterfly is adorable (minus the buttons), and the recipe card one is very clever (minus the button). The instructions took a second reading and a good hard look at the picture to decipher on a few of them (admittedly, the butterfly is one of the more complicated ones) but the slight frustration is worth it. And, yes, some of them are a little finicky, but I think the end result would definitely be worth it.
   
   Perfect for a person with a lot of scraps who's in need of some nice, but quick, presents.



4. I first got this book from the library & bookmarked most of the pages. Then I remembered to look it up on Amazon and there it was, at a great price, too! Although it arrived just when they promised, it wasn't fast enough because I was painfully anxious to get it in my hot little hands. No reflection on the seller, just my impatience. The seller is great!
   This book is so EXCELLENT, with well-written instructions, marvelous ideas that are original and fresh. I LOVE THIS BOOK, so it MUST be illegal-- how could anything this good be otherwise?!? My sewing machine is going to be smokin' from all the goodies I'll be making now!



5. I am a fan of the "Pretty Little" series, and this is probably my favorite. So many cute ideas to "snaz up" the humble potholder. Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas this year?

5 comments about The Ultimate Serger Answer Guide: Troubleshooting for Any Overlock Brand or Model (Creative Machine Arts Series).

1. If you are new to serging or even experienced, you will find this book a valuable asset in your sewing library. I am new to serging and have found it to be a very helpful. Most owner/instruction manuals tell you how to thread and use your machine but don't get into a lot of detail about the actual how-to of serging or problem-solving. This book covers everything from needles to sewing with various types of threads to troubleshooting with lots of illustrations and photographs.
   
   There is a reason why people buy sergers and never use them. Unlike sewing machines, sergers are a little more complicated and can be down right intimidating, so good reference books are a MUST! This book, along with "The New Singer Sewing With A Serger", have been very helpful to me. Sergers are great machines and reference books such as this will give you the confidence and ability to get through problems and master your serger.



2. My wife was a first time user of a serger that I bought her for Christmas (I know - great Christmas gift - but it was what she wanted!) - anyways, she tells me that this book is very helpful for providing a lot of useful hints past the basic instructions you get with a new serger - she would recommend it for anyone who usually needs just a little more hints tht a basic instruction guide provides



3. I am looking to buy a serger, and this book is helping me decide what features I should look for. I find this book to be very informative and is layed out well for easy skimming. This book came to me highly recommended, and I now can highly recommend it.



4. I had borrowed this book from the local library and knew I had to have one on hand as a reference guide. It's primarily a trouble-shooting book, (you won't find creative techniques or project ideas) so if you know that up-front, you can't find a better book of its type. It covers everything from understanding and making adjustments to tensions to telling you where to look for typical causes of malfunctions. (I could have saved a trip to the repair shop a few months ago if I had this book and known my breaking needle was caused by improper threading -- who'd have guessed!?) It also has a wonderful section of photos showing the use of unexpected threads in the loopers to create decorative finishes and giving tips and difficulty ratings for those finishes. For me, this was a must-have reference book.



5. I recently bought a serger. I have have never used one before and donot have technical backup from the dealer (I bought online). Anyway this book is one of three I bought on serging and it is the best and indepensible to anyone who owns a serger. The photographs and information are clear and easy to use. This book and your manual are all you need to get the best out of your serger in my opinion.