Built by Wendy Coats and Jackets

Built by Wendy Coats & Jackets

by Wendy Mullin
ISBN: 978-0-307-46134-6

2010

Published by Potter Craft

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Nothing pulls together—or changes up—a great outfit better than a stylish coat or jacket. It is the one piece in your wardrobe that you turn to again and again. Now, with the help of Wendy Mullin of Built by Wendy, even beginner sewers can make this fabulous wardrobe staple—using 3 patterns to customize 23 different outerwear options!

Maybe you already sew your own skirts, tops—or even dresses—yet the thought of taking on a coat or jacket still seems a bit daunting. In Built by Wendy Coats and Jackets, indie fashion designer Wendy Mullin puts those fears quickly to rest, with guidance and know-how that will give any level sewer the confidence needed to create the ultimate fashion essential.

Using three patterns for a fitted jacket, a basic jacket, and a straight coat, Wendy offers dozens of variations on these silhouettes so that you can step out in style in a statement-making bolero or a sophisticated, Chanel-like dinner jacket in boucle. Beginners can stick to the basic patterns, while Wendy helps more experienced sewers discover endless outerwear possibilities just by making slight pattern adjustments.

Full of easy-to-understand instructions and the secrets and shortcuts Wendy has learned as a designer and home sewer, this book’s creative projects and styling suggestions will show anyone just how simple creating a dream jacket can be.

Additional Resources:
Built by Wendy
Built by Wendy on Twitter
Built by Wendy on Facebook
Flickr

Other Reviews:
Craft Gossip
Sewing by the Seat of My Pants

Amy Butler's Style Stitches

Amy Butler's Style Stitches

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-6669-9

*Thank you Alyson for the opportunity to review*

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Celebrated designer Amy Butler's most coveted products are her handbag sewing patterns. In Style Stitches, Butler presents an array of new bag designs for her fans across the globe. The book offers 12 basic patterns with enough variations to achieve 26 unique looks. Ranging from chic clutches and delicate wristlets to pretty hobo bags and handy coin purses, with instructions for altering dimensions, straps, and embellishments to get the desired look, each project incorporates Butler's fresh, modern style and attention to detail. With illustrated step-by-step directions, a comprehensive techniques section, and a bound-in pocket filled with the patterns themselves, Style Stitches is an essential and fashionable addition to every sewer's library.

Amy Butler designs fabrics, home accessories, sewing patterns, and stationery goods. The author of Little Stitches for Little Ones and In Stitches, she works from Granville, Ohio, and distributes her products globally.

David Butler is a photographer and founder of Art of the Midwest, a multidisciplinary design studio in Granville, Ohio.

~Happy Sewing~

XOXO

Other Resources:
Amy Butler's Web Page
You Tube

The Party Dress Book

The Party Dress Book
by Mary Adams
Watson Guptill/Random House
Nov 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8230-3330-0

My Review:

From the Publisher:
The best dress. In any room. On any occasion. That’s a promise.

Attention fashionistas, glamourattis, and twirling enthusiasts everywhere: The Party Dress Book is the book you’ve been waiting for. Get an inside look at the inspiration, work, and techniques of creative dressmaking of celebrated New York designer Mary Adams. A unique combination of striking and wearable, Mary’s gorgeous dresses are a glam departure from the norm. In this book, you’ll learn the secrets to designing her trademark wearable decadence and how to sew your own delicious creations.

Start with Mary’s influences, process as a creative dressmaker, and essential techniques, and then move into step-by-step instruction on how to produce a scene-stealer of your own. With Mary’s straightforward, self-taught techniques, classic and customizable pattern, and inspired whimsy, making jaw-dropping dresses is simple and fun. The real work will be feigning modesty when you say, “Oh, this dress? I made it myself.”

Inside the Book (some of my favorites):

~XOXO~

*Thank you Carly for the opportunity to review*

Resources:
Mary Adams the Dress
Mary Adams the Dress - Blog
Facebook

2 Great Sewing Gift Books

Do you have seamstresses or crafters on your holiday list this year?  Well folks, this is your answer.  These books would make great gifts either wrapped on their own or added to cute baskets of sewing notions & supplies. Take a look...I loved them!

The Sewing Answer Book

by Barbara Weiland Talbert

Published by David & Charles

Sept. 2010

ISBN 13: 978-0-7153-3839-1

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Over 275 expert solutions to sewing questions, covering every machine and hand-sewing technique. It contains simple, step-by-step instructions for the trickiest techniques, suitable for both beginner and experienced sewers alike.

Readers will find everything from sewing patterns and fabrics, to seams, linings and fastenings. Complete with easy-to-follow colour illustrations and in a great small format this book is the perfect reference to keep by your sewing machine.

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Make Me I'm Yours...Sewing

Compiled by Cheryl Brown

Published by David & Charles

Sept. 2010

ISBN 13: 978-0-7153-3772-1

My Review:

From the Publisher:

A treasure trove of more than 25 great projects, simple enough for beginners but irresistible to all. Practical yet pretty hand and sewing machine projects are an ideal way to create gifts with lasting impact. Packed with ideas, needlecraft techniques, step-by-step instructions and handy tips to make it fun and easy. With ideas for you and your home, from beautiful bags to vibrant cushions, everyone will find a project they adore.

Inside the Book:

I hope you enjoy these two great books either for yourself or as great gift ideas!

~XOXO~

Sewing Clothes Kids Love - Book Review and Giveaway

Sewing Clothes Kids Loves
by Nancy J.S. Langdon & Sabine Pollen
Creative Publishing International
February 2010
ISBN: 978-1-58923-473-4
144 pages / 150 color photos
*Includes 10 full-size patterns


My Review:

From the Publisher: This is a book of colorful and imaginative children’s clothes to sew, designed with kids in mind. The authors are designers and owners of two popular pattern companies for kid’s clothes--Farbenmix and Studio Tantrum, known in the sewing community for their creativity, versatility, and fit. This collection of exclusive patterns, included with the book, offers step-by-step instruction for making boys’ and girls’ clothing with a variety of fabric styles and decorative embellishment--including embroidery, patchwork, and trims. The patterns for pants, tops, skirts, and dresses include variations for long and short hemlines and sleeves, various necklines, and adjustable lengths. The patterns are sized from 18 months to kid’s size 12.


Pictures from the book:

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Now for the GIVEAWAY!! CPI has graciously offered one lucky commenter a copy of Sewing Clothes Kids Love.  How to enter:

1. Leave me a comment with your email address. +1
2. Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway. Leave me a comment that you did. +2
3. Open to US/Canada Only, No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends Wed. March 17th.


Resourceful Links:
Creative Publishing International
Sewing Clothes Kids Love - Flickr
KlickundBlick
AMAZON


~XOXO~

*Thank you Catherine for this opportunity to review & giveaway*

Review: Design-it-Yourself Clothes by Cal Patch

Design-it-Yourself Clothes
Author: Cal Patch
Potter Craft Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-307-45139
159 pages

I bought this book for two reasons:
1. I was tired of store bought patterns not keeping up with design trends
2. I wanted to learn pattern making for a better fit

This book goes into good detail without getting too technical and overwhelming.

 Author Cal Patch was a clothing designer for Urban Outfitters and Free People (one of my favs!) before going on to create her own label, HodgePodge.

4 out of 5 stars

XOXO-

AMAZON

**Be sure to check out Potter Craft and sign up for their newsletters. You will receive information about new books, receive free patterns and giveaways.**

A Perfect Fit

A Perfect Fit
Author: Lynne Garner
Publisher: David & Charles
2009
ISBN-13: 978-0-7153-35-17-8
128 pages, Color Photos & Illustrations

My Review:  This book is about creating personalized patterns for a limitless wardrobe. The book is divided into 5 chapters:
1. Getting Started: this includes measuring your body, supplies needed, calculating fabric and sewing techniques.
2. Draping Using Basic Blocks: this includes principles, bodice, fitted sleeves and the basic skirt.
3. Making your Paper Blocks: this includes pattern making, darts, dress block, loose sleeve block and trouser block.
4. Creating your Wardrobe: this includes tops, sleeves, skirts, trousers and dresses.
5. Extra Elements: this includes pockets, facings, necklines, waistbands, cuffs and collars.

I love the illustrations and pictures in this book. The instructions are laid out clean and precise with helpful pictures.  However, I think I need the pattern making book that comes before this one. I found myself re-reading, getting confused and having trouble understanding the instructions. I must note that I am a "simple seamstress". I currently sew with McCalls easy patterns. So, if you have sewing experience and want more creativity in designing your wardrobe, then this book is for you.

4 out of 5 stars.

From the Publisher: Using quick, easy-to-understand techniques this book brings the traditional couturier's method of creating bespoke garment patterns into the world of the home sewer. Unless you are one of the standard sizes dictated by garment pattern manufacturers (and very, very few women are), you will need to adapt a shop-bought pattern to make it fit you. Draping calico on your body following Lynne Garner's detailed step-by-step instructions results in a pattern block that is shaped to your body and works well in fabric. Learn how to then adapt your basic bodice, sleeve and skirt blocks to create a literally limitless number of gorgeous tops, trousers, skirts and dresses, all of which fit you to perfection. All you need to start your own Perfect Fit wardrobe is some calico, pins and a sewing buddy to help you out (you can return the favor so you both have bespoke pattern blocks).

Links:
www.rucraft.co.uk
Amazon
Amazon UK
Video Review


XOXO-
*Thank you Marie for this opportunity to review*

One-Yard Wonders and a GIVEAWAY!

Photographs © John Gruen from One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, 
used with permission from Storey Publishing

Author: Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins

Photographer: John Gruen

Storey Publishing

2009

Specs: 304 pages, 8 x 8.5

ISBN: 978-1-60342-449-3

My Review: Exactly what the title says, "One-Yard Wonders".  This book is about creating and sewing projects with one yard of fabric.  The book is divided into 11 chapters: Sewing Fundamentals, Dwell Redux, Household Affairs, Craft Organization, On the Go, From Head to Toe, Carry it All, Outfit your Small Wonder, Accessorize your Little One, Playtime and your Furry Friends.  There is also an envelope included with pattern pieces, a glossary, resources and applique pieces section.  Did I mention the the book is spiral bound? I just love when a craft book goes above and beyond and makes my life easier by laying flat.  This book truly includes it all.

Photographs © John Gruen from One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, 
used with permission from Storey Publishing

The publisher would only let me share with you 3 photographs. Trust me, I wanted to share a lot more. There is so much in this book I want to sew and give as gifts. There is so much in this book I want to sew and keep. How many times have you gone into a fabric store and shopped the remnants for bargains or what about those left over fabric yards from other jobs?  Not only do you save money with these projects only using one yard but it opens up a whole new world for all those left over fabric scraps.

Photographs © John Gruen from One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, 

used with permission from Storey Publishing

They say that the best reviews are short and sweet. That after about 200 words people lose interest.  So let me get to the point.  Buy this book for the following reasons and you will not be disappointed: the projects come with easy to follow instructions, the projects are fast to complete, the projects are simple,  the projects will save you money on materials, the projects make fantastic gifts (& keepsakes), there is a project for just about anyone included in this book. Buy this book.

Photographs © John Gruen from One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, 

used with permission from Storey Publishing

Projects of note that I can't wait to complete: Clothespin Apron (pg. 51), Origami Organizer (pg. 88), Toddler Pinafore Smock Top (pg. 188), Toddler Art Smock (pg. 214), Dog Walking Coat (pg. 272), Feline-Friendly Tepee (pg. 276). There are over 100 other items to choose from. What will you be sewing?

5 out of 5 stars

From the Publisher: Look at all you can make with just one yard of fabric! 101 fun and stylish sewing projects range from clothes and accessories to toys, home decor, baby items, pet beds, bags, and much more. All projects require no more than a single yard of fabric, and most can be completed in just a few hours. Simple step-by-step instructions, plus templates and pattern pieces where needed, make it easy to create something wonderful!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

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Giveaway Time!! 

Leave me a comment with your contact information & one lucky person will win a copy of "One-Yard Wonders".

Contest ends Monday, Jan 8th.

Limited to US & Canada only.

&
Click the picture to enter Storey Publishing's Yard of the Month Contest. Win free fabric for a year!

XOXO-
*Special Thanks to Alee from Storey Publishing for allowing me to review and giveaway a copy*

The Perfect Handmade Bag & a GIVEAWAY!

The Perfect Handmade Bag

Author: Clare Youngs

CICO Books

September 2009

Specs: 128 pages, 200 color photos

ISBN: 9781906525811

My Review: This book was fun!  When I first received the book, I spent my time looking over all the colorful pictures and step-by-step instructions. I then marked a couple of the bags that I liked the most. After I narrowed my list down to about 6, I studied the projects and picked what I thought would be the easiest to complete.  I chose "burlap & print shopper, (pg. 58)" for my review project.  This is a great bag to take to the grocery store, the beach or to store kid's toys.  I did not have burlap for this project but used a sturdy outdoor Waverly fabric and a houndstooth print.  The book talks about recycling, so I used what I had! My one complaint with the finished product is that the seams on the inside of the bag are un-finished. Not a big deal but it would look better had the instructions included a way to finish them. There was only 5 listed instructions and 5 materials listed for this project.  I thought the instructions were simple but basic sewing skills are going to be needed. This is a picture of my "print shopper."

The book is divided into 5 chapters: purses, shoulder bags, shoppers & totes, evening bags and kid's bags.  There is also a detailed techniques and templates chapter.  The book has some great ideas for recycling materials. I especially liked the "packaging tote (pg. 62)."  The bag is made from recycled labels, stamps, postcards, paper bags, graphics from fruit crates and old tickets.  The ideas are endless!

If you love to create, sew or craft, then this book is for you.  There are 35 step-by-step projects for totes, bags and purses. Plenty to keep you busy!

From the Publishers: Give fabric a new lease of life with one of these fantastically chic recycled bags. In today's modern, environmentally conscious society, with its emphasis on reusing and avoiding plastic bags, a practical bag has become an essential part of everyday life. However, practical doesn't have to mean boring, as any of the 35 fun and functional projects in this book show. Every bag is designed to make the most of materials that are readily available and easily recyclable. Try turning a dish towel into a smart shopper to carry all your groceries in, or use an old hessian sack to make a sassy bag to take to the gym. You will soon be able to transform an old blanket or a few scraps of discarded clothing into a unique bag in no time at all. Each project comes complete with beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions and there are designs suitable for all skill levels. You are certain to find the ideal bag for you or the perfect gift to give to friends and family.

5 out of 5 stars!


You can order The Perfect Handmade Bag by Clare Youngs from Amazon.com and you can learn more about Author Clare Youngs from her website.

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Because I love my followers SOOOOOO much, I am giving away my handmade shopper bag!  One lucky follower will be the recipient of my handmade, slaved over a hot sewing machine bag.  Winner will be picked Friday. Make sure you are a follower to qualify for my giveaways.

XOXO-