Hot Gift: Sew It Up: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques
December 18, 2009 by Natalie · Leave a Comment
Two Christmases ago I got a sewing machine from the boyf and then found myself a little flummoxed about what to do. I’d actually loved using my mums sewing machine as a teenager but was at a loss about how to do things ‘properly’, so with only an occasional use, it gathered dust until last Christmas when the boyf surprised me with Sew It Up: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques.
Honestly, if you need a boot up the bum and a major shot of confidence, textile designer Ruth is your woman. She explains over 200 sewing techniques in a jargon free way, with great photos and how to’s which also include twenty masterclasses and twenty contemporary projects.
I’ve become addicted to making cushion covers (really simple plus lots of room for experimenting) plus now that the curtain rail is finally up, I can finish off the curtains for the girls room.
We’ve gifted several people with this book and I keep it close at hand when beavering away on projects. A must have if you’re a novice and really want to get to grips with your machine and making oodles of stuff without being impeded. I cannot recommend it enough!
RRP £19.99 and £12.61 on Amazon
My other recommendations are Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter (there’s a general one with stuff for the home where I’ve learned to do stuff like pillowcases and there’s also a baby one), plus I also love the ‘Cute’ books by Aranzi Aronzo where a lot of the stuff is super simple, with some having minimal sewing involved – great if you have a penchant for felt and making soft toys.
