Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Simple Modern Sewing by Shufu To Seikatsu sha
Simple is definitely how I'd describe the designs in this book. They look extremely easy for beginners to tackle. I've decided to skip this one. The designs are plain, and baggy (to loose for my taste). Most of the models look like they're swimming in their clothes. I like japanese patterns and their loose fit, but the designs in these books did not appeal/inspire to me. I look to sewing books for inspiration, nothing grabbed my attention and stood out in this book. I did like that the directions for each pattern were accompanied by thorough diagrams.
*UPDATE*
I'd like to clarify, so not to offend anyone ...
I realize that all the patterns can be modified. When I say the models look like they are swimming in their clothes, it's because they do. Of course you don't have to wear the clothes like that, I just didn't find that appealing and wasn't sure why they decided to make the clothes look so ill-fitted. I've seen lots of Japanese sewing patterns that have good fits even though they are loose fitting. I would never discourage someone from picking this book. After all, this is just my opinion, and yours could be a whole lot different.
Posted by Tina 9 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Sewing
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook
I'm in the process of sewing the coat (Karin's variation) from this book. This mini review is based on this project.
Is this a good book for beginner's?
- I'd recommend this book for a beginner who has some experience in sewing. I would not recommend this book to anyone who has no experience in sewing. There is not enough detailing in this book for someone who has never sewn before.
- Based on the project I'm currently working on, no. There are not a lot of diagrams and the instructions are not worded to where they are easy to follow. I found myself re-reading many sections because I was lost on the wording. It was either unclear or could have been worded differently. (Example- The coat I'm working on is a sewer's variation of the original. Lots of pattern changes. One pattern piece calls for you to cut it in two, but does not give any direction to which pattern piece you will work on next. I had to re-read a few times to make a guess. Another example- The diagram showed one way, but the instructions said another.)
- Definitely yes. I borrowed this book from the library. This is the most modern and stylish sewing book I've come across. I plan to go out and buy this book for my own home library. Their are 5 basic patterns ... blouse, skirt, dress, coat, and handbag. Each basic pattern has 2 additional variations. At the end of each segment there is 2 pages of other sewer's variations. It will inspire your creative side and teach you to think out side of the box. This book is very project runway and not your grandma's old patterns.
Posted by Tina 2 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Sewing
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Sew What You Love by Tanya Whelan
30 surprisingly simple—yet delightfully charming—sewing projects
Grand Revival designer Tanya Whelan’s vintage modern aesthetic has made her fabrics and sewing patterns some of the most admired by sewers and quilters everywhere. In her first book, she presents a stylish collection of 30 easy-to-make sewing projects that are achievable by sewers of every skill level. Ranging from a pretty pleated clutch to a flirty French-inspired day dress and super-cute soft baby toys to a mistake-proof design-as-you-go quilt, each project comes with step-by-step instructions and illustrations, inspiring photographs, and helpful tips. These projects and patterns for children, adults, and the home are guaranteed to work well and produce a beautiful end result. Included are 3 pattern sheets enclosed in a handy pocket, providing everything you need to start stitching something you are sure to love.
With Tanya’s passion for sewing featured on every page, you’ll soon discover just how gratifying sewing can be. (Source)
These patterns were simple and easy for any beginner. I'm a fan of Amy Butler's and recommended those books to any beginner. This book is simpler and easier for beginners.
Posted by Tina 0 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Sewing
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Carry Me by Yuka Koshizen
Highlighting the extraordinary influence Japanese craft has imparted on the world of fiber arts, this brilliantly illustrated manual showcases the stylish sensibilities of eastern expertise in creating gorgeously sophisticated handbags. Revealing a balanced selection of cleverly constructed handbags, exclusive pull-out pattern templates, intricate details and instructions, and simple sewing techniques, sewers are shown how to create distinct and fashionable works of functional art, such as a wool tweed travel bag, a stylish denim bag with grommet and zipper details, a roomy tote with contrast lining and inside pockets, a handy laptop bag, a wool messenger bag with flower detail, and a soft luggage tote. With several concepts offering matching companion projects—such as change purses, drawstring bags, and wristlets—and accessible advice and information, this lively guide will inspire sewers of all experience levels. (source)
Each project comes with detail diagrams that look easy to follow as well as detailed instructions.
Posted by Tina 1 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Sewing
Friday, February 10, 2012
Design It Yourself Clothes by Cal Patch
This book has inspired me to get back into sewing. Sewing never went away, but I've had a hard time finding the time to dedicate to it. Thanks to this book, I started making the time again.
I'm not a fan of sewing books that are overly technical. I need something simple, fun, easy and quick to follow. This book was perfect for that. It gives you the basics for designing your own patterns. Now I can understand sewing patterns better. Which will come in handy when I need to modify them. It's a good book to have on hand for reference. There was a couple pages dedicated to creating patterns from existing clothes. I would have liked to see more focused on this.
I didn't care for the designs in the book (not my taste), but I didn't read this book for that. I read this book in hopes it would teach me to design my own patterns, which it did.
Posted by Tina 1 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Sewing
Friday, January 27, 2012
Sewing In A Straight Line by Brett Bara
This is a good book for beginners. I'd put this in the same category as Amy Butler's In Stitches. If you already have that one, then you might not need to add this to your library. I was looking for something new to inspire me and none of these projects did this. It was fun to browse, so my mini review is based on browsing (no in depth reading). If anything else, pick it up to look at the beautifully colorful pictures. Just because I wasn't inspired, doesn't mean you won't be.
Each project comes with step by step instructions and diagrams too.
Posted by Tina 0 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Sewing
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Hey Quilters :: iPhone Apps Just For You
*UPDATED*
Posted by Tina 3 comments
Categories: IPhone Fun, Sewing
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wish List Wednesday :: A Field Guide To Fabric Design
Posted by Tina 2 comments
Categories: Books Books Books
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
New Year, New Embroidered/Stenciled Appointment Book
Posted by Tina 1 comments
Categories: Embroidery, Paper Crafts, Stenciled
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wish List Wednesday :: Pulled by Mike Perry
Posted by Tina 0 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Screen Printing
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Open Studios With Lotta Jansdotter
Posted by Tina 0 comments
Categories: Books Books Books
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Bringing Some Love To My Walls
Posted by Tina 1 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Craft Projects, Paper Crafts
Friday, February 11, 2011
Cake Pops, Now Added To My Library
My sister surprised me with Bakerella's ...
Posted by Tina 1 comments
Categories: Books Books Books
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I'm Reading A Book by Julian Smith
Tynga from Tynga's reviews posted this funny video this morning. Enjoyed it so much I decided to share it here.
Posted by Tina 2 comments
Categories: Books Books Books, Finds
Friday, January 14, 2011
Gluten-Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Posted by Tina 2 comments
Categories: Gluten Free