Book Description
Author Amy Karol, whose Angry Chicken is one of the best-loved craft blogs on the Web, brings stitchers everywhere a down-to-earth introduction to sewing, including thirty projects so adorable and cool they’ll inspire anyone to pick up a needle and thread.
Written with Amy’s characteristic warmth and flair, you’ll find information on basic equipment and supplies, advice on choosing and using fabrics, and a fantastic section on techniques. In addition, Amy walks readers through easy, inspiring patterns designed for the fashion-savvy crafter. Playful, modern projects, which include pillows, aprons, and purses, help novices master sewing skills while providing immediate sewing gratification—and confidence. Best of all, Amy explains what’s easy, what’s hard, and when not to sweat the small stuff.
With its best-friend tone, solid reference section, and supercute projects, this is the introduction to sewing that you won’t want to be without.
Customer Reviews:
Love this book!.......2007-09-27
I love this book...the author has such a simple way of explaining things...i will be ordering a sewing machine soon and cannot wait to get started...i would highly recommend this book for beginners like me!
This book made me sew!.......2007-09-20
I bought the book because I'm a fan of the author weblog...And I wasn't disappointed at all! Since I bought it it's on my bedstand and I read a bit of it everynight before sleeping. Made me learn how to use better my sewing machine, and pushed me to sew a few hours every day. All the problems I had for years because I learnt to sew in a too strict way were solved. I'm really enjoyinfg sewing now!
It's full of ideas, the editing is just oh so perfect, I love the fresh pictures. For the moment it's my favourite craft book ever :)
cute, cute ideas, great for beginners.......2007-09-18
wonderfully put-together book; great for beginning sewers. Very basic, well written instructions and great ideas. Would love for this author to write another, more advanced book.
Pretty Nice.......2007-09-14
I liked this book. I have a bit of sewing experience, and it was able to lay some new things out for me in a way that I could understand it (except for bias tape, that explanation was crazy!), and the patterns are cute and nice and Quick! The only problem I would mention, and the only reason I didn't givbe this 5 stars, and because all of the patterns this book includes have to be enlarged to use them. That is such a pain!
Excellent Guide for Intermediate Sewers.......2007-09-11
So I've done the beginners basics classes and I've learned how to read sewing patterns (this is VERY important to know if you buy this book). I don't make cloths, but love making soft toys, totes & bags, and pillows & home decor items, ect....which this book is full of. Now I'm in about my third year of sewing, you know not a beginner anymore but not quit as experienced as I would like to be. This book was exactly what I needed. The sewing basics section at the beginning was a fairly quick read, taking me an evening at a slow, off and on pace and amy is very funny and captivating in the way she writes. I found that what I already knew she gave me a fresh look on, and what I did not know her directions and diagrams made for an easy understanding. All the patterns are extremely cute and dispite other reviews, I found them easy to read and understand, but if you like things very text bookish, amy does not write this way. Her directions are written more like she was speaking with you, I personally perfer this method of writing and have an easier time comprehending the directions this way. As long as you've learned to read patterns correctly, I don't think you should have any problems at all following her direcitions on the patterns in this book, but again if you like things very text bookish and get caught up on numbers and measurements this may not be for you. A perfect cutting measurement is not really important with many of her projects, just a rough estimate,a ruler, and some creative license will be necessary for most of her patterns. Which I think is just peachy because I'm all for anything that will give me Creative freedom, but does not leave me alone to figure it all out for myself. I also think this book will be very good for someone that wants to start making there own patterns but it not quit sure where to start with that process, it's not really a section in the book but after reading it you pick up on whats important in making your own patterns, which was very exciting for me personally. And I think a lot of the patterns will be very easy to rework into your own unique patterns. Anyway thats my .02.
Book Description
Embroidery machines are the hottest trend in home sewing, with over 400,000 machines in use. The possibilities are endless when it comes to embellishing everything from kids' wear to table linens. This guide provides essential information that goes beyond the basic instruction manual for owners of a home embroidery machine or combination sewing-embroidery machine.
Taking the guesswork out of using a home embroidery machine, this book covers the entire embroidery process from choosing designs, threads, stabilizers and needles to hooping, design placement and stitching techniques. Simple projects are made easy with step-by-step instructions, allowing readers to experiment with their new skills and embroidery techniques. A handy troubleshooting section helps solve problems along the way. Includes a bonus CD featuring 6 exclusive embroidery designs digitized by award-winning Lindee Goodall, owner of Cactus Punch®.
- Includes a free CD with 6 exclusive designs—a $35 value!
- Tips and techniques for stitching decorative designs onto purchased or sewn items
- An inspiring gallery of project ideas
Customer Reviews:
Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop, and Stitch Decoratine Designs.......2007-08-23
I was very helpful to me. I'm just a beginner with a newer machine. I could not relate to some of the information. But it did help me with the basics.
Critical info for beginners.......2007-05-25
This is a great book. I am new at machine embroidery and found this book a wonderful reference book for what kind of stabilizer to use and an overall great "how to" for beginners.
Embroidery.......2007-03-16
This is a great book for beginners as well as more advanced machine embroiderer's. I particulary liked the designs on the included CD.
excellent book.......2007-02-06
A great book for anyone who has never used an embroidery machine and does not know where to get started. I purchased this book for less than the cost of a class at the dealer store. Well worth the money.
A must have........2007-01-11
This is an excellent source of information, straight and to the point.
If you are going to do any machine embroidery it is a must have guide.
Book Description
Thousands have embraced EMBROIDERY MACHINE ESSENTIALS as the must have resource for successful machine embroidery. Now, Jeanine Twigg's new Companion Project Series builds on the success of her original book. Each companion book contains 48 pages filled with creative embroidery machine techniques, 20 easy to stitch projects and a CD with 20 exclusive embroidery machine designs.
Customer Reviews:
Not as expected.......2007-07-26
I wouldn't go high on this book. It doesn't teach you much, only describes some simple techniques and ideas on what can you use embroidery, for example on a cushion cover (like you didn't know that before). To use the given designs that came on a cd-rom, you have to have a special software that costs you a small fortune. I am giving it 3 stars for the colors and designs only.
very good book.......2007-02-22
I have three of Jeanine Twigg's books on machine embroidery. They are all excellent resources featuring plenty of illustrations, great ideas, and clear instructions. Plus, the free designs are great!
Embroidery Machine Essentials: Basic Techniques: 20 Designs and Project Ideas to Develop YOur Embroiderey Skills.......2006-04-03
This is a wonderful book for beginner machine embroidery students. The ideas given are varied and very easy to follow. I highly recommend this book. This is part of the Jeanine Twigg's Companion Project Series. All books in this series have been most helpful and easy to follow.
Great book.......2003-10-21
I loved this book and my Grand daughter loved it too as soon as we got it home and read a bit, we were trying out some of the great designs. It really is a fun book even if you have been embroidering for a while.There is always something new to learn.
Another great book.......2003-07-21
A great follow-up to Embroidery Machine Essentials. Clearly written and easy-to-follow instructions. If you know the basics and want to progress, this is a great project-driven book to invest in to work on your techniques.
Book Description
So many people dream of creating their own style, doing some simple repairs, or making a few accessories. This book is for all of these people, and teaches everyone how easy sewing can be.Sew Fast Sew Easy includes: Patterns and instructions for a simple envelope pillow, a fashionable skirt, and a hip tote bag Tips on creating your sewing survival kitwhich tools are needed and why Hints on how to buy and use a commercial pattern Understanding fabric personalitybuying the right fabric for a project Complete glossary of terms How to overcome fear of sewing machines Rules of cutting and hand-finishing.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect!.......2007-10-12
I got this book and learned how to sew in elastic. I'm now making my own bathing suits. Living in Southern California I go through a lot of bathing suits and they're not cheap! I'm extremly happy with my amazon purchase.
If you WANT to learn to sew, get this book!.......2007-10-11
This is one of the best sewing books that I've come across. I bought it for my 14 year old daughter who wants to learn to sew. Going over the projects and the information in this book, it covers everything you'll need to know to start sewing. My daughter loves it and is having fun with sewing. I'm getting her the Rip It! book as well. And nice job on the news video below!
Sew Fast Sew Easy's sewing class bring worldwide attention to the craft community.......2007-10-10
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3MDFIJ3C3O7W9 Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
A company that knows their stuff. www.sewfastseweasy.com.......2007-10-09
So I bought this book for my girlfriend who wanted to learn to sew after becoming obsessed with project runway. After receiving the book I did a little research on the company. They offer sewing classes to the public in New York City and have been for the past 15 years. I found that they had online video classes and my girlfriend took the men's underwear video. She wont stop making me briefs and I love it. She also made some lacy tanga panties for herself from another one of their videos. Thank you Sew fast Sew easy!!
Totally Tubular.......2007-10-08
This book is radical. My mom got me a couple sewing books. This is by far my fav. The other she got me, "sewing for dummies" was boring and didn't include patterns to work on. This book taught me a lot and I moved on to the Rip It! book which I also love. Do the skirt pattern and add a belt, it's so hot right now. I love wearing the clothes I've made to school. You won't be dissapointed
Amazon.com
From the intelligent pages of Threads come 33 articles on essential sewing skills that originally appeared in the "Basics" column of the magazine. Each section, by an expert contributor, focuses on one specific aspect, beginning with pre-sewing considerations like pattern layout and cutting, followed by the particulars of sewing notions and how to use them. The final chapter shows how to achieve success with various types of seams, insert a zipper, build darts and pleats, make bias strips, and more. Many sewing books presuppose an existing skill level; this one carefully demonstrates just how to build that skill. --Amy Handy
Book Description
SewBasic gives readers complete and detailed information on 25 basic skills every sewer is supposed to have but often doesn't. Experts with practical experience, ranging from home sewers to top designers, give instructions on a variety of sewing topics, including making piping, cutting out a pattern, laying out a pattern on a napped fabric, and understitching. Terms are explained and techniques are described in easy-to-follow steps, along with 75 color photos and 80 color illustrations. SewBasic assembles a wide range of practical information into one volume for quick reference.
Customer Reviews:
If you're new to sewing - get this book.......2007-03-30
An excellent book for people learning to sew. With good illustrations and step by step instructions, it made a lot of things very clear to me.
Put simply - I found this book to be an essential guide in aiding me in doing things correctly. The ABCs of sewing.
"Sew Nice...".......2006-11-08
I purchased this book to use as a "text book" for a beginning sewing class I was teaching. I was very pleased with the book and my students purchased it also after using my copy during class. It has exactly what I wanted for them: clear and concise directions with good pictures for technique illustrations.
Sewing With Confidence Book.......2006-08-15
I found the book basic, and that is why I ordered it. It is a fine book for back-to-sewing people like me.
Great for beginners & teaching beginners.......2005-08-27
Good for beginners, especially distractable students. The pages are not too full of information and the type is larger instead of smaller which is good for children. It includes color, which appeals to kids, without going overboard. After a child/beginner has gained basics, then a more detailed book is definitely good to "graduate to."
This would not necessarily be a reference book. Once the skills are learned, a person might move it off their shelf.
I feel a 4th grade student would understand most of the info and need help with understanding some of the techniques.
I learned a few new techniques from it. (I teach sewing) I am recommending this book to my students, along with other real good reference type sewing books.
"Tailor tacks" is illustrated better than what I have seen so far. I found "Directional Sewing" to be very informational!
"Understitching" is also very well explained.
It's a guide for further reading.......2005-01-17
This book contains reprints of articles on sewing. Each article is only 2 or 3 pages long, and that includes one or more photos or illustrations, so the result is not too much detail. Use this text as a guidebook--if you cannot grasp a particular skill--by reading this book--look elsewhere for more info., more detail, more illustrations--you'll know what to look for. Further, each writer is telling you how they do it. Yes, there alternatives to their way--like using a ruler and a "French Curve" when tracing patterns; you can buy some "bias tape" or you can make your own--stuff like that can only be gotten by reading everything you can get your hands on! That's if you had no one to show you how to sew.
Book Description
Embroidery machines have captured the imagination of sewing enthusiasts everywhere, and now, Jeanine Twigg's second Companion Project Series book combines fleece-- the most in demand fabric-- with embroidery! Fleece offers the perfect canvas for embroidery creativity. Twigg has teamed up with industry expert Nancy Cornwall to present another exciting Fleece adventure.
Cornwell begins with the basics-- covering the "how tos" for machine embroidery success, and then she cleverly explores new territories as embroidery designs to create surface interest with a variety of techniques, such as trapunto effects, "embossing," applique, and terrific new ways to take advantage of embroidery and fleece to create surface texture.
Readers will learn how to use one design for a multitude of fleece embroidery techniques and how to create spectacular effects by using different elements of a motif.
Amazon.com
For those of you who have managed in the past to find the right pattern and the perfect new fabric, only to give up in frustration when the fabric doesn't behave like anything you've used before, Fabric Savvy is here to help. Author Sandra Betzina, host of Home and Garden TV's Sew Perfect, has wrestled with just about every fabric out there, and she's lived to tell about it.
Perfectly suited to beginning and experienced sewers alike, this excellent guide devotes, in alphabetical order, two pages to each of 85 fabrics. For every material Betzina highlights a multitude of topics, including fabric facts (bulky/drape/breathable/how fabricated), suitability (types of projects), sewing tips, lay-out (and why it matters), interfacing, stitch length, seam finish, closures, and hemming. The categories are thorough, as is the scope of fabrics addressed: waterproof breathables, tencel, and lame, to name a few, along with 14 types of silk and 8 wools.
Color photographs accompany the descriptions of fabrics and projects, while helpful illustrations further explain the techniques used. Finally, Betzina offers a glossary of fabric terms and a thorough listing of contact information for fabric and alternative pattern companies, making Fabric Savvy a necessary resource for any sewing enthusiast. --Molly McElroy
Book Description
Fabric Savvy is a handy, spiral-bound reference on virtually every fabric imaginable--from the newest to the old favorites. It's a must for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed in a fabric store by all the fabric and notion choices. Fabrics are listed alphabetically for easy reference. Specific information for each fabric includes preshrinking instructions, layout, marking, interfacing, needle and thread options, stitch length, seam finishing, pressing, topstitching, closures, hemming, and more!
Customer Reviews:
A must for sewers.......2007-08-23
A must for your references. Sandra has all the information you need to handle fabrics. Very useful especially when sewing unfamiliar fabrics.
I can't review the item if I don't receive it!!!.......2007-03-31
I still have not recieved the item ordered on 2/28 and today is 3/31. I will be waiting and not placing any more orders from there!!!!!!!!!!
Great Resource for Sewing Various Fabrics.......2006-01-22
This was a great book for providing tips on sewing various fabrics. It contains a 2 page spread for each of the "85 different fabrics" available to the sewer. It includes info about recommended thread and needles, presser foot to use, best cutting method, pressing instructions, closures to use, facts about the fabric and the most suitable garments to make with the fabric.
In the back of the book, starting at page 174, there is an appendix which describes (with illustrations) the various seams, detailing, closures and hems. What would have made this a 5-star was if the book contained slightly more information for the advanced beginner sewer, such as:
~ how to determine the nap on fabric like velvet
~ covered swimsuit fabric
~ glossary of terms used in the book, i.e. mush layers together to marry naps or marry sequins; underlining with silk organza (does this mean put in a lining?)
There is a glossary, but it does not address some of the terms scattered throughout the book. I am giving this book a 4.5 star rating.
An irresistable resource for anyone with a sewing machine.......2005-11-06
Even if you mostly sew with ordinary fabrics, like cotton, it's worth owning a copy of this book. There are plenty of times when you stop in the store and finger a particularly lovely bit of satin, and wonder what's involved in sewing it. This book gives you a clear, brief summary of the essentials -- from which needle to use, to which presser foot, to the items for which the fabric is most appropriate. It takes the pressure out of fabric choice, and makes me feel more confident that yeah, I *could* make seat cushions with that $20/yard ultrasuede.
I hemmed and hawwed (so to speak) over buying this book, but I'm glad I did so.
excellent shipping.......2005-08-22
received book three days after ordering from Abebooks, Bradenton, Fl. just across the state from me. Amazing!
Excellent book, could not do without it.
J.P. Orlando , Fl.
Book Description
The fourth in the Companion Project series, this book opens
up a whole new world in machine embroidery with appliqu?
techniques. Author and appliqu? expert Mary Mulari shares
standard appliqu? techniques, as well as her personal techniques
not found anywhere else! Beginners, as well as more advanced
embroiderers, will benefit from Mulari?s advice and learn more
about the art of machine embroidery appliqu? with over 20
fabulous projects, included on a CD-ROM.
Over 100 color photographs accompany clear, step-by-step
instructions for creating gorgeous appliqu? designs using a
variety of techniques. The book showcases designs from other
resources to inspire creativity and demonstrate the possibilities
of the craft. Also featured are a chapter on using software for
editing and creating appliqu? designs, and a resources guide for
supplemental information on the craft, where to find
materials, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Very well & simply written; I use it over and over! .......2006-09-05
The instructions are well written and easy to follow, and the patterns are varied enough that you don't need any other doll patterns.... although I have several of Joan Hinds' other books and they're very good too.
What works for me:
I bought one of those slim less-than-a-dollar slip-in photo albums, and use each photo spot to hold a pattern, alpabetically by piece. (Actually a copy of the pattern; I don't like to cut up originals)The spine is labeled and it's very neat on my shelf.
Joan Hinds' other books have the pattern pieces numbered; and that's even easier to organize. I have an album for each book, and numbered each page in permanent ink. Then each piece was filed in its own little spot, visible, safe, and easily accessed. I found this more efficient than storing pieces by outfit, because several outfits share pieces. It took me less than 45 minutes, start to finish, including tracing ALL of the patterns & cutting them out.
Overall, a highly recommended book and series!
well written patterns and ease of sewing.......2006-02-25
This is the third book of patterns by Joan Hinds I have purchased to clothe my daughter's American Girls dolls. All of her patterns have well written instructions and come with full size pattern pieces. The sewing is not complicated, I am able to complete an outfit in a couple of hours, I think most of the projects would be suitable for beginning sewers. The best part is most of the clothing can be made with rements of fabric. I usually cut out several outfits at a time and then do the sewing for them all at once, it alleviates the need to continue pulling out the pattern sheets.
A word to the wise.......2004-05-27
The book looks wonderful - but it came without the patterns. I would suggest that you ask the seller to double check the book to make sure the patterns are included before shipping.
Fun and Easy clothes.......2003-02-18
This book is great for making quick and simple doll clothes. I have had a lot of fun making a great variety of clothes for my granddaughters AG doll. Let you imagination go and there is no limit to what you can do with these patterns. Some days I think I have more fun than my granddaughter.
Sweater Snagged My Attention.......2003-02-02
I bought this book for the sweater pattern, and I'm extremely pleased with the easy directions, clear photography and stylish patterns.
I made the doll sweater, turtleneck and jeans then adapted a toddlers pullover sweater and made the same sweater for my grandaughter. If Jordan and her AG doll aren't the cutest things in their matching creations. This book was worth the price just for the sweater design.
Customer Reviews:
Clear instructions for the beginner.......2006-07-31
Finally a book with clear instructions and pictures. I would recommend this to anyone just starting to sew....I didn't feel like throwing up my hands half-way through as I have with other "step-by-step" beginner books.
A comprehensive and thoroughly "user friendly" instructional guide to the art of fabric sewing and textile crafting.......2006-06-05
Step-By-Step Sewing Course: Essential Techniques For Making Over 150 Creative Home Projects is the result of the collective efforts of the Reader's Digest editorial staff and offers the novice needle-crafter a comprehensive and thoroughly "user friendly" instructional guide to the art of fabric sewing and textile crafting. Enhanced with a wealth of step-by-step illustrations, Step-By-Step Sewing Course offers sewing students as wealth of practical tips and expert guidance through a series of more than 150 outstanding sewing projects ranging from quick and easy bedspreads, tablecloths with lace panels, and decorative window treatments for every type of window, to shower curtains and bath mats, pillows with romantic ruffles, duvet covers, padded fabric headboards, gift bags for special occasions, and so much more. An ideal addition to personal, school, and community library needlecraft reference collections, Step-By-Step Sewing Course is very strongly recommended as an ideal "how to" guide to the fun and skilled standards of sewing.
As a novice seamstress.......2006-05-09
I found this book to be a delight! The beginning section on "Sewing Techniques" covers everything to get you started in home sewing from knowing your sewing machine to selecting fabric. The book continues with sections on Beginner, Intermediate, and More Experienced Projects. Techniques at the various levels are also explained in detail. The pictures are very helpful and easy to understand. I can't wait to begin a project from this book.
Bright color photos each step of the way.......2006-04-20
Learn to sew by doing -making gifts and custom furnishing with the home - with the help of the easy STEP-BY-STEP SEWING COURSE from Reader's Digest Books. There're no obstacles to success here: bedspreads, tablecloths, duvet covers and more are presented along with tips on what equipment is needed and how to use it, while pages packed with bright color photos each step of the way assure completed projects and in-progress projects are equally successful. Plenty of other guides cover sewing and present projects - but few with the bright color and ease of STEP-BY-STEP SEWING COURSE.
Books:
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- Celtic Knots: Mastering the Traditional Patterns (Celtic Design)
- Censorship: The Knot that Binds Power and Knowledge (Communication & Society)
- Chairmaking & Design
- Classic English Design and Antiques: Period Styles and Furniture
- Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools
- Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga with Kids
- Contemporary Lampworking: A Practical Guide to Shaping Glass in the Flame (2 volume set)
Books Index
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General
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