A-Z of Smocking Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the book I should have had when I learned to smock six years ago. This is also a book I can use and learn from for many years to come.
Published by Country Bumpkin (of Inspirations and AS&E Magazines), A-Z of Smocking is a true reference manual for all levels of smocking. IT features a spiral-bound format - something rare but highly appreciated by anyone who actually attempts to use how-to books. The subjects covered include fabrics, preparation, pleating, needles, threads and over 50 stitches; issues like backsmocking, inserting, color choices, buttonholes in pleats, smocking on knits, picture smocking, geometric smocking, counterchange techniques, freeform smocking...and much more than I can mention in a short book review. There are frequently Hint boxes accompanying each subject. Everything is presented in clear, step-by-step layouts that leave little room for misinterpretation.
Unlike most reference manuals, it is gorgeous. A-Z of Smocking also features quality photos and whimsical artwork on nearly every page: in fact, the same photographs from AS&E Magazine's past issues. This book is everything you might expect from the makers of that attractive publication.
I would suggest getting one for yourself regardless of your level of smocking expertise. You never know when you'll have one of those distracted moments when you forget a stitch or technique. And if you are ever inspired to give a pleater as a gift to a beginner, it would make the ideal companion gift!
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

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Whether you are a novice or a professional the A-Z of Smocking will give you fresh ideas new perspectives renewed confidence and bring smocking within reach of anyone who can thread a needle. Quilters Resource Inc

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Teach Yourself Visually Sewing Review

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(More customer reviews)I credit this book with teaching me not only to sew, but in helping me recognize that I am a visual learner. Previous to finding this jewel I had read other sewing books, many highly recommended, and felt only frustration and confusion by the terminology (even in so-called "beginner" books.) For instance, I read the description/meaning of "selvedge" over and over, but it didn't actually click for me until I had this book. Here a simple glance at a photo told me everything I needed to know to identify WHAT the heck it was so I could get on with the actual sewing. No more wasting hours trying to decipher text on how to position fabric for a particular action, once again clear and large photos clarify the matter. I refer to this book constantly and I find it's well-organized, with a complete index.
If you find yourself stumped or frustrated by other "beginner" books, you may find that you comprehend and learn far faster from a tutorial with lots of photographs (step by step demonstrations) than endless paragraphs of text. I know it works for me and I have several wonderful completed projects now to show for it. I even added some "advanced" touches to my beginner projects thanks to this helpful guide. Kudos to Ms. Colgrove and the publisher for recognizing that visual learners need different tools.

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If you're tired of items that just fit so-so—sew, sew! This guide will have you expressing your personal in no time. You'll learn the basics of hand sewing and sewing with a machine and get detailed information about tools and fabrics. From there, you'll progress to sewing seams, darts, facings, zippers, fasteners, and more. You'll learn to use patterns and try your hand (and your sewing machine) on warm-up projects like a tote bag or a baby receiving blanket. Then it's on to more creative designs like a stylish messenger bag and fun, flanged pillow shams. If you learn by seeing and doing and want to create chic, unique accessories and home décor, this book is a perfect fit!

Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review
Each skill or technique is defined and described
Detailed color photos demonstrate each step
Step-by-step instructions accompany each photo
Helpful tips provide additional guidance

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Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine with 25 Built-In Stitches and 59 Stitch Functions Review

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(More customer reviews)I just bought this sewing machine about three weeks ago. I got it as a replacement for a Bernette that I used for about thirty minutes total that the repair man could not figure out how to fix. I am working on my fashion certificate and needed one right away. I picked this one partially because it was PINK!
This machine is easy to use - bobbin winding, changing stitches, portability, two-needle. I like a mechanical machine. I have not tried the buttonholer yet. A great first machine! This is my fourth. I like the reverse, the freearm, the size.
Petty annoyance - the presser foot is low when up, so when you need to know where your needle is going into the fabric, you have to knock the foot up with your finger so you can see - not a big deal. BIG deal - put the zipper foot on and then you have to adjust the needle width out of the zipper foot groove to get the seam close enough to the zipper, because the foot is wide(???) at the back and on the same level(???) as the foot itself. Maybe I'll just use invisible zippers.
If you are rough with things, do not buy this machine. Many of the parts are plastic, like the presser foot lever. We use that a lot.
I have sewn with many layers of denim, very light fabrics, and much in between with great success. Just change the needle after each project.
I hope I have given you enough information to begin to make an informed decision.



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Perfect for garment construction, craft projects, and basic mending, this versatile sewing machine features 25 built-in stitches, 59 stitch functions, an automatic buttonholer with stitch balance control, and free-arm sewing for shirt sleeves and pant legs. The built-in stitches include quilting stitches, garment-construction stitches, decorative-sewing stitches, stretch stitches, and a blind-hem stitch to make sewing hems a breeze. The unit also provides an automatic needle threader, built-in thread cutter, a quick-set drop-in bobbin system, and an automatic bobbin winding system. Built-in stitch length and width control, as well as an adjustable dial control for thread tension, make it simple to adjust stitches as needed. The included accessories and snap-on presser feet will help with quilting, zipper insertion, darning, buttonholes, and sewing on buttons. Other details include preset needle positions, a built-in light to illuminate the sewing area, a safety power and light switch, and a carrying handle for convenient portability. Accessories include a power cord, foot control, sewing notions, and a user manual. Lightweight and portable, the sewing machine measures 15-2/5 by 6-2/3 by 11-2/5 inches and carries a 25-year limited warranty.

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Serge With Confidence Review

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(More customer reviews)The book was thorough and detailed. Illustrations were good. However, the book was aimed primarily at people who have a top of the line Babylock machine (which I do not have). Many of the applications that she described did not apply to my machine and most of the projects were beyond my capabilities. I love Nancy Zieman and have a number of her publications, but this one is not a whole lot of use to me.

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-American Sewing Guild has 20,000 members -Written by well-known author and creator/host of PBS' "Sewing With Nancy"--the longest-running sewing show in television -Nancy Zieman's previous five books together sold more than 100,000 copiesTimesaving techniques are a big part of today's hobbies, and in this beginner's guide to serging author Nancy Zieman demonstrates the essential skills to quickly and easily creating stunning fashions, accessories and home décor projects. This book gives sewers:-Solid skills for operating multi-threaded, multi-needled sergers and completing sewing projects more quickly than with regular sewing machines-Guidelines to serging tools and terms-20 projects to enhance the home and wardrobe-Confidence to tackle more complex techniques and projectsSerging With Confidence empowers sewers to tackle a new skill, and seek out projects to challenge themselves.

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Complete Photo Guide to Sewing - Revised + Expanded Edition: 1200 Full-Color How-To Photos Review

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(More customer reviews)If you purchase this book, be aware that is was published under another name, "Singer Sewing Step by Step" in the early 90's. I'm glad that I checked it out of the library before purchasing, because I already own the other book...yes, it has some decent photos, but I would be cautious in recommending this to a beginner, as I was when I purchased the older version. Construction techniques are not thoroughly explained, usually only one or two pages of photos are devoted to any one technique (collars, sleeves, etc.). Personally, I was very frustrated by this. One would be better off using this as a complement to another book, such as the Readers Digest guide to sewing or the Vogue sewing book, both of which are excellent resources but lacking in photo illustrations. The book is a bit dated, too, but if you can get past that, it is not too bad.

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The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing – Revised is the one reference every sewer needs. Its 352 pages and 1100 photographs cover every aspect of fashion and décor sewing. Sections include choosing the right tools and notions, using conventional machines and sergers, fashion sewing, tailoring, and home décor projects. Included are step-by-step instructions for basic projects like pillows, tablecloths, and window treatments. Sewers from beginners to the skilled will turn to this book again and again.

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One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric Review

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(More customer reviews)I really want to like this book, but I'm still on the fence. I'm not new to sewing (I've been sewing for 20+ years and have a degree in fashion design), but I pre-ordered the book hoping to find some *new* ideas for quick, fun, projects.
I don't need instructions to cover a cork board or line a bookcase with fabric. Most of the other projects are the same old thing: aprons, laptop and CD sleeves, laundry bags, a yoga mat bag, a basic bias skirt, placemats, handbags, a sewing machine cover, pet beds and toys, lunch and trash bags. Over 30 (out of 101) of the projects are for children's items (clothing, toys, etc.). There are some fresh ideas though, I love the origami box and a couple of the women's summer tops are cute.
Overall, if you are new to sewing, you'll probably love this book and it would be a great place to start. It has a great section on basic sewing techniques and the book itself is beautifuly photographed and laid out. I like the spiral bindng and I appreciate that it came with pattern pieces for all but the most basic projects.
If you are not new to sewing, don't expect to find many new ideas here. However, it is a great collection of classic projects all in one place and nicely photographed.

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The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques Review

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(More customer reviews)I just opened and went through this book last night after weeks of trying to decide if it was apropriate replacement to The New Complete Guide to Sewing put out by Reader's Digest (I bought that book years ago only to have it sit on my shelf and collect dust because I found the diagrams confusing and I had trouble finding things in it) and I have to say it is. Since there is no way to look in this book, I thought I'd include the table of contents along with the comment that everything is demonstrated within the book is done in full color photographes on colorful fabric so that there are no confusing diagrams whatsoever. Also, it is a very bright and attractive book that I think would add inspiration and joy to learning to sew thanks to all the pictures, the appropriate spacing and pacing of the instructions along with them, the encouraging voice of the author as well as the wonderful quality of the paper and binding.
It is divided into three sections: Practical Techniques, Decorative Techniues and Using the Techniues though each section has its own list of projects.
Practical techniues:
Setting up a sewing space
Basic tools
Fabric
Notions
Starting Sewing
Pressing and steaming
Hand Stiches
Machine stiches
Seams
Notching a curved seam
Princess seams
Inset corners
Hems
Couture hems
Blind hems
Edgings, bindings and piping
Continuous bias strips
Mitered corners
Fastenings
Invisable zippers
Bound Buttonholes
Decorative techniques:
Frills and ruffles
Pleats, folds and tucks
Decorative box pleating
Trimmings
In-seam trims
Scalloped edges
Fabric manipulation (gathers)
Yo-yos (like the ones on the cuff on the cover)
Stich and slash (creating faux chenille)
American smocking
Quilting, aplique and patchwork
Hand quilting
Trapunto (a really cool looking way to use shapes and stuffing to give fabric texture)
Reverse applique
Patchwork
Embroidery
Using the techniques:
Curtains
Pillows
Dressmaking
Designing
Customizing and recycling
Repairs and alterations
More tools are covered at the back of the book and there is a fabric guide, templates for the projects, a glossary, a section for further reading and a list of suppliers back there before the index. My only comment on the projects included is that they are very cute and vintage looking, which is something I like about them, but someone looking for more avant garde designs won't find what they're looking for in here. All in all, I love this book already and I know that it's going to be a constant companion as I takle the world of sewing without taking lessons in a classroom setting or a family member to teach me.

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A complete course on sewing—from threading a needle to couture hemmingFinally someone has created every sewer's ideal companion: a comprehensive book on every aspect of hand and machine sewing—from the most basic to the most advanced—with a modern aesthetic and 20 projects to boot. From simple tutorials to in-depth masterclasses, Ruth Singer packs in lesson after lesson on both practical and decorative techniques.The Sewing Bible includes:• Easy-to-use instructions accompanied by hundreds of beautiful photographs detailing every stage of each technique•20 functional, fashionable sewing projects that illustrate many of the lessons—from an easy T-shirt transformation to a complex handbag—making this a how-to guide and pattern book in one•Extensive guides to fabrics and tools, and resources to help you choose the perfect materials and equipment for your projects•Advice on using organic and eco fabrics and working with recycled and vintage fabrics With more excitement than traditional sewing manuals, and much more depth than a book of projects, The Sewing Bible is an easy-to-use guide that's as attractive as it is comprehensive. This is the one book you need whether you're a beginner, an expert, or anywhere in between.

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Me and My Sewing Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. I was more than surprised at how well it was written and presented. I have been on the look out for a great, basic sewing guide to recommend to new sewers and I no longer need to search. This is the book! Everything is well written, in an easy to understand format. Kate tells you just what you need to know without a lot of extra fluff. Step-by-step photos for each technique are a true blessing. Even after sewing for 20+ years, this book will have a permanent home on my shelf.

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Accessible, good-looking and jargon-free, this book contains everything you need to know to sew well using your sewing machine and nothing more. There are no scary couture-type techniques that real sewers never use, no painstaking procedures that don't actually make your sewing easier, or help it look better, and no complicated methods of doing anything. Instead you will find easy-to-understand, practical and decorative techniques that make sewing simple, even if you have never used a machine before. There are lots of clever tips plus shortcuts that can make things faster and easier to do, with clear advice on when you can use these speedy methods and when it really is better to do something the traditional way. Everything is illustrated with clear step-by-step photography and finished samples, with variation samples where appropriate. As well as techniques, there are some easy projects you can make on your sewing machine and although they are simple, they don't skimp on style.

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Creative Publishing International-Sewing 101: A Beginners Guide To Sewing Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a solid book recommended by the Sewing Association & after getting this I can see why. There is an intro the machine and hand sewing and then the all important hemming lessons. From there you start with t-shirts! Yes we're off and running already with garments. I was not prepared for this thinking I would be doing pillows and potholders and other nonsense, but no let's get practical. Garments like t-shirts, wrap skirts, pull on pants/shorts head the list. They tell you how to read the pattern and then guide you thru making the actual garment giving you hints and tips to making an easy & wearable piece.
After garments we go home dec and do the pillows, curtains and shades. There are enough projects in here to keep you busy for about 6 months at which point you should know the basics & know where to go from there on your own. Daunting, eh? Well I was impressed and got going immediately. I got really psyched and I think a project a fortnight is doable. They recommend making more than 1 garment of each type to solidify what you know so unless you're very industrious a project a week is a rough haul. This book is easy, approachable and most importantly, inspiring, so much so instead of using my old high school one I actually bought a brand new beginning machine (A Viking Huskystar 207).
If you've been thinking about sewing buy this book and take the plunge. Until I got this book I never realised how much was based on the simple t-shirt (pj's, sweats, turtlenecks). Enjoy.

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-Covers the basic skills and techniques of sewing.

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Get the Most from Your Sewing Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)I found this book to be a quick study with fun, quirky projects. This is a great beginners books.
~XOXO~

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This book allows you to look at sewing machine features in a completely new light, where practical functions become creative goldmines. You will be delighted with a mix of feature spreads that burst with tips, ideas, tricks and inspirations, and creative projects that use the machine for sewing. The flexible ?dip-into? format makes for a highly accessible and inspirational book - funky page layout holds a wealth of must-know bite-size information.This is a ?go-to? book that will be referred to again and again for techniques and inspiration, even as your confidence and skills grow.

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