::Book Nook:: The Complete Book of Sewing

I've got a lot of sewing books in my collection. I probably don't use them enough, but they are really great for times when I get stuck.

When I'm looking to buy a new sewing reference book I usually turn to the internet and probably the blogasphere first and foremost. I find it really helpful when sewists review books and it's even better when they provide pictures of the best bits of the book. I've definitely been swayed by a great book review blog post to buy a book to two.

I'm kicking off with The Complete Book of Sewing by Alison Smith*. It's the first sewing book that I ever bought. I've neglected this book for awhile, but as I was going through the book to write this post I rediscovered how great it was.

Book Cover

The table of contents gives you a peek into the sections of the book...

Table of Contents

...but the real gems for an insight into the content of each section are the 'section opener' pages with a comprehensive list of what is to be found in each section.

Section contents

I had forgotten how comprehensive this book was and have earmarked a few pages for quick reference (I'm not a 'dog ear'er, I prefer to use mini post-its with a scribble with the page peeking out the top.)
The machine feet directory is fantastic to remind me of the machine feet available to use for different purposes.

Machine Feet Directory

There is a really great section dedicated to the comparison of body measurements and where they are on sewing patterns. Really great visual reference for those interested in getting a better fit on their garments.

Body Measurement and Pattern comparisons

Here is a close up of the bust point measurement and pattern comparison. The book then goes into how to make flat pattern adjustments.

Bust Point Measurement and Pattern comparisons

The section on fabrics is good, but not comprehensive. It is still a good reference for common fabrics and what they are commonly used for.

Fabric Descriptions

One of the gems of the fabric section is this Fabric Care table. A good starting point when looking into how to care for particular fabrics with a few great tips.

Fabric Care Table

Instructions for techniques are clearly described and there are colour photos to help understand what to do.

Instructions for a slashed pocket with a flap.

Peppered throughout the book are these 'Tip boxes'. This is a great one about seam guides. I really like the tip about a Corner guide there on the far right.

Seam Guide Tip Box

Where relevant in each section of the book there is a directory of various styles and types of what is being covered in that section. For example, there is a directory of the types of darts outlined in the 'Forming Darts' section. I find the directories inspiring and if you're a more advanced sewing it might give you ideas for how to change a TNT pattern.

Directory of Darts

The book does have a section on 'Professional Techniques' which goes over some tailoring and dressmaking techniques. This would be a great source of information for a sewist who is wanting to explore this area of sewing.

Professional Techniques Section

I really like the glossary as well. It would come in very handy to a sewing newbie who wanted to look up sewing terms they weren't familiar with. There is also a comprehensive index at the back of the book for quick reference.

Glossary

Overall I think this is a fantastic general reference book for sewists of all levels. There are comprehensive instructions and pictures throughout the book. For the new sewist it is a fantastic guide and for the experienced sewist it is a great reference and source of inspiration for new 'professional' techniques to learn.

The Complete Book of Sewing* is available on Book Depository (free worldwide shipping).

Do you have this book? Do you like it?
Do you dog-ear your books or is that a big no-no?
Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you :)

Until next time,


*Affiliate Link. I bought this book using my own money or with gift certificates from friends or family. All opinions are my own. More information regarding affiliate links in this post.

The photos used in this post were taken by me of the book 'The Complete Book of Sewing' by Alison Smith. All images remain the property of their original owners.

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::Show & Tell:: More Books

I've bought the Sew U Home Stretch book. Blogger have been raving and referencing this book for yonks and for aaages I'd been looking for it online. Having not been able to find it for sale anywhere I gave up.

But! When Kestral mentioned the book was on sale I jumped online and snapped up the Sew U Home Stretch and Built by Wendy Dresses books.

I zoomed through Sew U Home Stretch as soon as I got it int the post.

I've only just finished Built by Wendy Dresses.

I have yet to make anything from either books, but both have been very inspiring.

Until next time, I hope you're reading something that you've been excited about too,
Vanessa xo

::Show & Tell::Books

Back in February I thought I'd treat myself to a few of my favourite things. Reference books :)
I'd seen Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book mentioned on the blogasphere somewhere. I want to get familiar with different fabric types seeing as it was my birthday I thought "I'm going to get it because I can and you only live once".

While I was buying books; I've been doing some research into a few knitting topics lately. Knitting techniques to make knitting faster, like continental knitting. Also, knitting socks, but I'm pretty sure that I'd suffer Second Sock Syndrome. So I've been looking into ways to knit 2 socks at the same time.
I came across the technique of knitting 2 socks using the magic loop (I think that's right). Anyway, I bought 2 books on the topic, both by the same author - Melissa Morgan-Oakes,
2 At A Time Socks

Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks

I decided that I was going to start knitting practice socks over the Easter long weekend. I didn't have a suitable circular needle so the Thursday before Good Friday I traipsed down to Tangled Yarns at Newstead after work and got myself a set of 4mm KnitPro Sympfonie needle tips and a 150cm cable (the book recommends a 100cm cable, but I thought maybe having a longer cable might make things easier)

If you follow my facebook page (like my page if you wanna :) )you'd have seen I've just finished knitting the practice sock out of the first book, 2 At A Time Socks. They are over on Ravelry.

I think I'll knit the practice socks from the second book in the same colours and give them to the Mister's nephew.

If you're interested in knitting 2 socks at a time Very Pink knits has a couple of great videos.
Knitting 2 Socks at-a-Time, Magic Loop, Parts 1-5
This tutorial is good if you have a super long circular needle.
2 Socks at-a-time on 2 Circulars
(Techniques to note: German Twisted Cast on; New Heel turn)

Until next time, I hope your on a creative kick,
Vanessa xo

::Book Nook:: Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing

I've been reading Gretchen's blog Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing for awhile now and I still really enjoy it. It's a wealth of sewing knowledge and tutorials and is one of those blogs I have to read when there is a new post. I was pretty excited that she was going to have a book published, but I wasn't moved to order it on pre-sale. I'm a believer in instant gratification when it comes to buying books (well as instant as it gets when you order online and it takes a week for the book to get shipped to me :) ) I'm just no good at the looong wait.

As I mentioned when I first posted about this book I was drawn in by the posts other seamstresses where writing about the book. I saw all the rave reviews from other sewing bloggers. I. JUST. HAD. TO. HAVE. IT!!! I jumped online and did a bit of price comparison (Book Depository usually beats everyone else by the time you add in other online book stores shipping fees)

Gretchen's introduction really set the scene for the book and the design really tied in nicely with the whole 'sewing retro' theme of the book. I enjoyed how the book progressed through the various chapters in part 1, touching on the areas of sewing techniques; stabilising and tailoring; patternmaking; and fitting.

This was a fantastic lead in to Part 2: Wardrobe and wowzers what a great wardrobe it is! The pictures of construction steps accompanying the instructions for each of the patterns are a fantastic aid in visualising how each garment is put together. However I do wish there were a few more pictures with the instructions for some of the variations Gretchen has included in the book.

I found that I read the book fairly quickly, but I must admit I skipped over the instructions for the Suit Jacket and the Coat Dress at the end. I'm not really up to constructing a super tailored garment just yet.

Things I didn't like about the book:

• The pattern envelope at the front. Not really related to the content I know, but it was a little annoying when reading the book. I think I'd prefer it at the back. My pattern envelope has come unstuck from the front cover :( - Oh well I'll just have to stick back on.

Pattern Envelope

• There aren't enough pictures in some of the sections. I think that more pictures in the tailoring and fitting sections would be beneficial, however I should be able to find out more from fitting or tailoring reference books. I do wish that there were more pictures when it comes to the pattern variations, this is something I won't be able find anywhere else.

Things I liked about the book:

• Fantastic patterns of course! I really like the separates and the dresses. You really can't complain about how many you get either. I mean there are 10 patterns in this book-TEN!
• The weight of the pattern paper. It's really sturdy and looks like it would stand up to multiple tracings. 
• I really enjoy the writing style. A reviewer on GoodReads commented that she didn't like it, however if you read the blurb on the back and the introduction Gretchen explains that this books is really an extension of her blog and therefore she has written in a similar style.
• The book design and styling was fun and is pretty great too.

The Pattern Paper

Items I want to make (the important part : P ):

• The Pencil Skirt; 

Would be great for work!

• The Portrait Blouse; 

Wonderful for casual and work wear

• and the Straight Waistline Full Skirt variation The Scalloped Waist Skirt

Would be great for social outings. Maybe work too.

• The Shirtwaist Dress

Love, love, love - one for work and casual

• and the Peter Pan Collar variation of the Bow-Tied Blouse.

I'll have to see if the high neckline works for me.

I'm really glad I bought this book and it is a fantastic addition to my collection.

What are you reading these days?

Until next time, I hope you're engrossed in a fantastic book
Vanessa xo

::Show & Tell::Book Nook:: New Sewing Books

I'm not usually the type to shriek with excitement about getting a purchase in the mail; but when I received a couple of books I'd ordered online in the mail I did. :)

I had downloaded the Kindle Sample of The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting earlier this year and I decided that it would be a really great resource. I didn't want to order it there and then because I often find I buy things on a whim and never use them. So my trick is to put off buying something and if I keep thinking about it I must really want it. :)

After reading the reviews on the blogasphere about  Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing I had to have it! I thought I may as well buy it and The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting at the same time seeing as the it was still on my mind.

I ordered them from Book Depository on  September 8th and they arrived at my office on the September 15th. Pretty good shipping time frame if you ask me; especially seeing as shipping is free. I would usually wait until I got home to open the packages, But I was so excited I ripped them open there and then.

I've had the books for a month now (wow time flies!). I've only just finished Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing so I'll post shortly on my thoughts on the book. I'm still making my way through The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting and I'm finding it really interesting and I think it will be really helpful in future too.

If you want to have a look at what I'm reading I can be found here on Goodreads. I've found Goodreads to be a really great way of tracking what I've read and what I want to read.

How do you keep track of your books?

Until next time, hope you are a reading a great book at the moment,
Vanessa xo