Mar 10
As the introduction to this book says, you can never have too much sewing knowledge. This book contains over 250 tips, techniques and trade secrets to make your sewing easier, more professional and more fun whatever your level of expertise. A quick glance at the chapter headings will give you an insight into what this book contains. Starting off with tools and equipment, it continues through materials, stitches, sewing techniques and finishes up with decorating fabrics. As with a lot of other Search Press titles the book starts off by showing you how to get the most out of it by looking at page layouts, and what they contain. One of these is a useful fold-out flap at the back with a conversion table for seams, and other highlights include "fix it" hints, "try it" inspirations and "make it" staged projects. Whether you want to know what needle to use for a particular fabric, purchase the best iron or find out how to do applique it is in this useful book, which certainly taught this person (who designs for a sewing magazine and has taught dressmaking) a fair number of things. At the same time it is a great friend for anybody new to sewing, and I wish that I had owned it back when I started as it answers so many questions. Naturally everything isn't in here, but I don't think any single book is that big for a huge topic like sewing. Highly recommended for the keeper shelf.
* Myshelf.com *
Feb 10
The book jacket of the Compendium of Sewing Techniques, by Lorna King, describes the book as being 'just like having your own personal sewing guru on hand 24 hours a day'. It is difficult to argue with this description. Lorna King shares with readers her tips and techniques for producing great sewing projects. Years ago, we would have been taught these skills at school, however today it is experienced sewing artists such as Lorna King who pass their knowledge on to others. This book has a wealth of information packed into its pages and is recommended for people new to sewing and looking to learn the basic foundations as well as for more experienced sewers who are looking to hone their sewing skills.
* Suite101.com *
Apr 10
Covering five key topics that will take the reader through everything they need to know about sewing; from using the right tools and materials to finishing tips for neat, professional results. Tools and Equipment presents an overview on sewing basics from needle know-how to troubleshooting for sewing machines. Material Matters tackles the problem of selecting the correct fabric for the project; whilst In Stitches explains hand and machine stitching for functional or decorative use. The chapter on Sew Techniques covers the technical aspects of sewing for all skill levels and Decorating Fabrics offers inspiration on ways to embellish and soft furnishings. Easy to follow, step-by-step techniques are well organised. The Try This and Fix It boxes highlight useful inspirations and troubleshooting ideas.
* Sew Today *
Apr 10
Containing 250 tips, techniques and trade secrets, this book will become an invaluable reference guide to use again and again. It covers a huge range of techniques used in dressmaking, soft furnishings, upholstery, patchwork, quilting, embroidery and crafts. The easy to follow instructions are illustrated with step-by-step photographs and diagrams where appropriate, helping you achieve professional finishes every time. Look out for the 'Try It' and 'Fit It' panels throughout the book which offer inspiration and ideas.
* Classic Stitches *
Apr/May 10
Provides an indispensible compendium of technical know-how and troubleshooting tips for all the sewing techniques you will ever need. Included are 250 tips, techniques and even some trade secrets. The world of sewing covers a huge range of skills and whether you are new to sewing or experienced, you can never have too much fabric or too much knowledge. Sewing is a skill built upon through decades of practice and all the tiny pieces of knowledge build together to establish a thorough understanding and expertise. This is a thorough and diverse guide, covering pins to re-lining a handbag, and well worth a read.
* Fabrications *
May 10
Those who enjoy the articles from Sewing World contributor Lorna Knight will be pleased to learn about her latest publication just bursting with over 250 sewing tips, tricks and techniques that are relevant to all types of stitching including fashion, home decor and embellishment. It's an easy book to dip into as everything is laid out in categories starting with tools and equipment, followed by a guide to fabric and threads. The stitch section covers both hand and machine stitching and progresses on to sewing techniques including pleats, hems, linings, interfacings and pockets. Those who love to embellish will find plenty of inspiration in the 'decorating fabrics' section with ideas for couching, quilting, applique, ribbon embroidery and beading plus techniques for making fabric flowers, tassels and fringes. The book includes an assortment of quick and easy projects plus lots of trouble shooting tips for when things don't quite go to plan.
* SEWING WORLD *
Issue 2
This book offers superb tips and tricks to make your sewing easier, as well as comprehensively teaching all the basics for beginners. From sewing machine troubleshooting, to exploring different materials and different hems, "Compendium of Sewing Techniques" surely lives up to its title. As well as techniques, the book offers quick tutorials to practice your new knowledge; instructions are easy to follow and fully illustrated for an enjoyable read. The Resources section could be a little more detailed to include more suppliers, though materials used are widely available, making this section almost surplus to requirements anyway. An essential addition to any craft book collection for any machine or hand sewer.
* Popular Crafts *
May 10
Lorna Knight's Compendium of Sewing Techniques is sure to expand the skills of anyone who reads it and it will become an indispensable part of your sewing arsenal. With tops on everything from fabric to thread and a wealth of techniques, you'll always find a use for this clever little book.
* Sew *
June 10
This book is aimed predominantly at covering practical sewing techniques (mainly dressmaking and home furnishings) but there is a wealth of guidance in here, that I defy even the most hardened embroiderer not to find something useful inside.
As with other titles in the 'Compendium' series, the book is laid out clearly and in short but sweet chapters containing concise instructions on 'how to' everything from hemming and serging to edging and pleating. There is a lot of useful information on the practicalities of sewing by machine and hand, and a lot of interesting tips on different raw materials you come across in sewing, but may never have actually learned about (all the different machine feet and what they do, for example). There are also 'Make it' and 'Fix it' sections which tackle small projects and troubleshooting.
I found this a very useful book, in providing details that I'd never realised I should know (and am now much the wiser for knowing) and will prove very handy as a reference when undertaking day-to-day sewing (when there's not a heat gun in sight).
* Workshop On The Web *
