I Can't Live Without....

Sewing books

This is my small but rapidly growing collection of sewing books. I love them all and have a long list of projects from them.

 

       My first one was the 'Encyclopaedia of Sewing Techniques' by Jan Eaton. I love this book not only because it was my first serious sewing book and a gift from my mother, but also because it really does have everything you need to know in order to get it right when you sew. It has everything from knowing your sewing machine to different seams, pleats and darts. From embroidery to patchwork, quilting and dressmaking projects. The illustrations look a bit outdated but hey it is an edition from 1986 and I think it adds to the lovely vintage feel to the book.

From old to new. The latest addition to the family is....

and....

(sorry this picture came out a bit blurry oops)

 

        These two are unfortunately only temporary additions as I got them from the Library but after having a mooch through with a cup of tea and a cake, I fell instantly in love with them and I just knew I had to have them. So they have been added to my watch list on Ebay. The 'Stitch Step By Step' book is full to the brim with embroidery stiches, needle work designs and something I have not come across before 'Florentine Stitching'. Embroidery is something I have wanted to do since forever so I was so excited when I found this book with a step by step picture guide to tons of different stitches. I can't wait to try them. I have also fell in love with Florentine stitching it is so beautiful and I love how it has quite a retro feel.

        'The Busy Girls Guide To Sewing' is a definite must have if you are trying to set up a craft business. Not only does it have some lovely easy and quick projects like aprons, folders and covering a pouffe.  It has tons of advice on how to set up a craft business, how to find supplies and so on. I would definitely recommend this book.

 

As for my favourite book. It is a tie between...

The Great British Sewing Bee and...

Reader's Digest, Complete Guide to Sewing

       

        The Great British Sewing Bee book is new, modern, full of lovely pictures from the show and there are so many projects. It is easy to use and great for all levels. With step by step pictures and then projects to put your new skills into practice, this has to be the easiest sewing book I have ever used. Plus there is the added bonus of free sewing patterns in the back of the book.

        My joint favourite is the all time sewing bible.... Reader's Digest, Complete Guide to sewing. It was a gift from someone I once knew and really is the book every seamstress should have. Again the illustrations are dated but who cares when there is so many stitches of wisdom in this book. I could loose myself in this book looking at all the skills, tips, advice and how to's. It is easy to understand with step by step instructions that are accompanied by an illustration. The only way to describe it is The Sewing Bible.

 

So those are a few book from my collection. What are your favourite craft books? It could be anything from woodwork to paper craft. Let me know what your go to book is for your skill.

 

 

Keep Crafting everyone

Speak Soon

xxx



How to Make a Pencil Skirt

Here is the perfect first garment to make if you are a beginner. I chose a thick cotton fabric as it is easy to use, versatile and a flattering fabric to wear. It is a greyish navy colour. The fabric was given to me from a friend and I had planned to make a skirt from it for a while but was convinced that I didn't have anything to wear with it, I soon realised that this colour goes with so many things. I made it for a special event and wore it with a magenta blouse and pale pink kitten heels. I made it longer than the average pencil skirts that you will find in the shops because I love the 40s style and think that the lengths of the skirts in the 40s were so flattering I just had to make one that length. I had taken photos of the process but they were bad quality, so if any of you can recommend a good and free photo editor or have any tips for taking good photos then please let me know. I would really appreciate it. So heres what to do..........

1) Cut the fabric
The pattern I used was placed on the fold. Iron the fabric and put a fold down it. Place the pattern on the fold and pin it down. Cut out the front piece, the back piece and the waist band. Mark on the darts and seam allowance.

 

2) Darts

Make sure you tack the darts in place first so that the fabric does not slip and you end up with a wonky dart. Then sew the darts and unpick the tacking. It is best to use a contrast colour for the tacking to make it easier to unpick after. 

 

3) Seams

Tack one side then mark where the zipper will be on the other side. Tack up to the zipper marker then you are ready to sew. I always find it best to check the fit at this stage as it saves having to undo lots of work later on if something has gone slightly wrong.

 

4) Insert the zipper

Again always tack it first. Once the zipper is tacked in, I try the skirt for fit again as the zipper can make all the difference. To insert the zip, I used a centred zipper. Although the Sewing bee book recommended an invisible zipper and for side seams a lap zipper is more professional, I felt that the centred zipper sat better on me. (Plus this is the first zip I have ever put in, so I am thrilled at the result).

 

5) Waistband

Now it is time to add the waistband. Press the seam allowance of the waistband, then measure up the middle of the waist band with the side seam. With right sides together, pin, tack and sew the one edge of the waistband to the skirt. Press the waistband in half and then pin tack and sew to the inside of the skirt. Using slip stitches close the ends of the waistband.

 

6) Hem

This is the simplest part. Measure and then turn up the hem. Turn it over twice so that it remains neat.

 

And voila...

You have a simple pencil skirt. I created this skirt from the Great British Sewing bee book, which I absolutely love. Have a go and show me the results. I am currently doing another pencil skirt with lace over the top of it. I will post the results of that one soon.

 

So keep sewing folks...

Speak soon.

=D