Book Review: Sewing Solutions Tips and Techniques for the Savvy Sewist by Nicole Vasbinder; Interweave Publishing

Have a sewing mishap? Sewing Solutions has you covered! Even the most experienced sewist encounters problems, snags, and little glitches. When you need answers, you’ll find no better resource than Sewing Solutions, from expert teacher and author Nicole Vasbinder.

 

Organized by stages, you’ll find:

• Detailed Advice about the sewing process, including pros and cons, and basic considerations of working with a variety of tools and materials.
• An easy to follow layout that provides basic information as well as step-by-step techniques for making bias tape, attaching and sewing trims, buttonholes, zippers, hems, and more.
• Troubleshooting tips that advise how to deal with common sewing obstacles.

Whether choosing the right tools, reading patterns correctly, and everything in between, Sewing Solutions will prove to be an essential sewing companion.

My Review

 

This book hits right on the money. Whether you are a beginner needing to know the basics of sewing, someone who has the basics down but wants to know OTHER certain things (like how to translate pattern envelopes), or an expert who just needs a touch-up.

I’m the middle-man in sewing expertise. I’m not a beginner, but yet I’m not an expert either. There are a few EXTRA’s that I really needed to know about- such as the different types of clothing patterns.

I’ve made just about every type of bag, wallet, tote, and toys you could imagine- but I have issues with clothing. I’m scared to use that much fabric and mess it up. There’s only a slight difference between a size 2 and 4- I don’t want to cut it too short and then be stuck with fabric that’s too small to do anything with.

So I really needed help with fitting. I would have loved to own this book when I first began my sewing adventure. They break everything down, tells exactly what it is, and how to work with it.

There are two sections to this book. The first section is nothing but the sewing tools, notions, trims, and miscellaneous items you need to begin sewing. What they are and what they do are both explained so that you know WHY exactly you need them!

The second section is solutions and tips to fabric, patterns, sewing, embellishments, fitting, and finishing. This is what I needed the most help with was the fitting and finishing.

 

Section 1

Chapter 1 is Sewing Tools.  This is the chapter that tells all about the different types of sewing machines, where you can get them (AND make sure you test your machine before taking it home), and how often the machine should be cleaned and what will happen if it isn’t cleaned.

How to insert and wind bobbins, the different stitches, all about Serger machines, and different sewing feet (basic feet, zipper feet, button feet..). The difference between Machine and Hand sewing needles and what the numbers on them mean.

Chapter 2 is notions and trims. This is once you have the basics down pat and are ready to move on to the next level. Notions refer to all sewing materials EXCEPT for the fabric. These are the tools that you use to get the job or project done!

Knowing the difference between the different threading and what projects they are good for is something that EVERY seamstress should know. Then there is the applique, beaded and sequined trims and how to properly sew them onto your project.

This was something that confused me when I first began sewing. I knew how to applique (straight applique), but they have reverse applique as well (which is trickier).

What is bias tape, what is it used for, and can I make my own? These are all questions that are answered in this chapter. As well as attaching braided trims, elastics, and lace.

Did I mention piping, welting, corded edges, pom poms, fringes, and ruffles? These are all covered as well. She doesn’t leave OUT anything in this book. I love that it is broken down into comprehensive wording so that even a beginner can understand.

What about ribbons and rick-rack, Closures, fasteners, D-rings, and eyelets? Hooks, eyes, Snaps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners? All this can be very confusing at first, she tells in detail how to apply each and whether they can be stitched right onto the fabric.

Chapter 3 is marking, measuring, and cutting tools. Besides just your sewing machine and thread, there are other tools that you need. You need to measure, mark, and cut your fabric so you get a precise project fitting. Accurate marking makes it easier to cut, the right (fabric) scissors make it easier to cut, and measuring makes it easier to get it right!

All the tools you need to begin may become a little confusing at first. What are they, what do they do, and the different types of each tool are all listed in this book.

• Tailors chalk
• markers and pens
• tracing wheels
• transfer paper
• basic and specialty measuring tools.
• Cutting Tools
  • Rotary cutters, scissors, self-healing mats

Chapter 4 is miscellaneous tools. These are all the smaller tools that you need that will definitely be of help to you. Pins, seam ripper, point & loop turners, bodkins, seam sealant, bias tape makers, patterned paper, pattern notchers and awls, and dress forms.

These are the tools that you’ll be looking for when you’re in need. The pins hold your completed pattern together why you sew that it doesn’t come apart. A seam ripper helps to tear the seam if you accidentally messed up. Point turners help push the sides out of a purse for instance. These are all really helpful things, and it’s a good idea to know what they are before making the sewing journey.

 

Section 2

There is more to sewing then just grabbing a fabric and starting a project. First you need to know WHICH fabric is best for what project. You don’t want to use linen or something that is lightweight for a purse. You want it to stand-up to wear and tear and not be flimsy and fall apart.

Fabric is made by weaving, pressing, or knitting yarns, threads, or fibers together. So you need to look at the anatomy of the fabric and what you’re choosing before you start a project. Read the pattern and see what type of fabric is needed before you begin.

There are more than 40 different varieties of fabrics and they are all very different. This book breaks down what each are and how you can tell which type of fabric it is.

I didn’t know that if you clipped a small piece off the fabric and burned it you can tell what it is by the way it smells when burning and what the ashes look like. That was very interesting to me, and I’ve already used it a time or two already!

Do you know the difference between interfacing and lining? The different types of each? That there are 7 main things to look for when choosing the right fabric?

The 7 things to look for:

• Drape of the fabric.
  • How does the fabric drape on the body? Does it cling to the curves of your body? Stand away from the body?
• Difficulty of the fabric
  • Use simple fabrics for difficult projects and save the difficult fabrics for the easier stuff, don’t make it harder than it has to be.
• Durability.
  • Everyday items should be used with fabrics that can stand lots of use- don’t use a fabric that pills and frays.
• Expense
  • use low-priced fabrics for projects that need a lot of yardage.
• Hand
  • How does the fabric feel against your hand? Scratchy fabrics won’t work against the skin because they are irritating. They need lining- or choose a softer fabric.
• Plaids and Prints
  • Will there be a lot of seams that interrupt the the print?
• Sheer Fabrics
  • Does it need to be lined? That will add extra time.

Chapter 6 is all about patterns. The front and back of a pattern envelope has important information so that you choose the right size and pattern for your liking.

This breaks down how to clearly decipher the envelope so that you can easily read the information without getting confused or irritated. Each has certain pattern symbols and terms that need to be read without problems.

You’ll easily learn how to see the different pattern pieces. This will help you determine WHICH pattern you actually need to cut (especially helpful if it’s clothing) because it will need to be fitted to your body.

It also shows how to choose the right fabric for certain patterns, and how to lay them so that the grainline matches up with the pattern. I love the little extra tips in the book which help a beginner. TIP: Tissue paper patterns can be hard to work with because they are so flimsy, Iron fusible interfacing to each piece so it’s easier to work with and easier to cut out!

I never even thought about doing that, but I KNEW I hated working with the tissue paper patterns. They are very hard to cut out properly because they are so thin that they rip. Overtime they start to wear and tear as well, which makes it hard to maintain proper pattern cut-out. This is GENIUS!

This is definitely a must-have reference book for anybody wanting to sew or someone who already knows how but needs extra information! This is STAYING right beside my sewing machine from now on. There is tons of invaluable information!

Even if you are an expert, you might need a refresher every now and then- you never know. This is the perfect size to fit right in a sewing drawer or beside your machine! Never be stumped again!

 

About the Author:

 

Nicole Vasbinder owns and operates StitchCraft and an independent accessory line, Queen Puff Puff. A founding teacher of Stitch Lounge in San Francisco, she currently teaches at Stonemountain and Daughter Fabrics. Her designs has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Adorn Magazine, JoAnn Magazine, Venus Zine, and Craft. She lives in Petaluma, California.

Buy It: You can buy the Sewing Solutions- Tips and Techniques for the Savvy Sewist for $19.95

Check out ALL Interweave publishings amazing titles, both new and not!

 

Jessica Renee

Book Review: Singer Simple Sewing by Beth Baumgartel; Creative Publishing

This comprehensive at-your-fingertips reference is an essential addition to every sewer’s library. With more than 1,000 detailed illustrations, SINGER Simple Sewing covers all the need-to-know basics for garment construction and home décor. There’s also an entire section on mending and repair to help you recycle your favorite items with quick and reliable fixes.

No matter what type of sewing project you’re working on, SINGER Simple Sewing will help you sharpen your skills and find smart solutions to make each of your projects the very best.

I began learning to sew in high school home economics class. I learned how to make pillows, blankets, and even a pair of pajamas. I didn’t own my own sewing machine back then though, so when I finally did get mine I was a little rusty.

Being able to review the Singer Simple Sewing Reference book has been amazing. Even though I’ve been sewing (with my own machine) for close to 4 years now, there were still parts of sewing that had me stuck in a rut.

Mostly I just made whatever came into mind when I pulled out the fabric. I was very limited in selection though. I could only make small items such as purses, laptop bags, and random items.

I couldn’t put a piece of clothing together or do anything hard because following patterns was difficult for me. There were other things such as the different machine feet ((I wasn’t sure what was necessary to buy and what I could wait to purchase later).

I love that this book comes with it’s own DVD. You can insert it into your computer or DVD player and see the video’s that accompany the chapters in this book. It shows how to start with your machine, getting ready to start sewing, how to change presser feet, and more. It makes it a lot easier to understand (especially if you’re a beginner.)

Looking through the book was amazing.. they cover anything and everything that has to do with sewing. This is the perfect book for a beginner, but even if you aren’t *like me* there is something to be learned.

The beginning of the book consists of everything there is to know about different parts of the sewing machine and the tools that are needed to begin sewing. The tools contain everything from machine & hand needles, interfacing fusibles, pressing, cutting, & marking tools, to lining.

The detailed illustrations that come with each page make it that much easier to see what you need to do or what is what in sewing tools. The best thing about it that it doesn’t just describe what these things are, it actually tells you how to use the items.

There when I began sewing the differences between fusibles, interfacing, and stabilizers had me confused. This book is amazing because it breaks down what each one is, what they are used best with (i.e. heavyweight interfacing is best for toys, crafts, and accessories), and how to apply them.

The part that helped me best was the “Working with Patterns” part. Taking a pattern and making it your own is quite difficult to begin if you don’t understand HOW to work with the pattern. This part of the book breaks down why there are  different sizes on the pattern and how to make sure that you cut and sew them so that they fit YOU. They even show you how to measure yourself so that you know WHICH of the several patterns is more to your body type.

It breaks down each and every notch, dotted line, solid lines, and everything in between. This made me feel more confident just looking at a pattern. It helps to feel like you can accomplish and tackle something before you ever even try. If you’re frazzled before you begin, it won’t take long for something to go wrong.

No matter what you’re trying to accomplish or learn, you can do it with this book. Making ribbons & tassels & bias binding, forming gathers & adding darts, inserting elastic into a casing, pleats, ruffles, and hems.

If you look at a piece and think you might skip it overall because it tells you that you have to do something that you’re scared of, be scared no more my friend! I used to think that shortening a zipper would break my machine needles, so I didn’t even give it a try. This book firmly and efficiently shows how to shorten  a zipper so that it functions after you’ve shortened it to size!  And it even shows how to insert it if you are stuck on that part too. Amazing!

There is a whole chapter dedicated to showing how to sew up home décor items. This shows how to choose the right fabric and go about sewing shower curtains, bedding, napkins, regular curtains, tablecloths, placemats, and so much more! You’ll be sewing you’re heart away in no time!

The last part of the book is completely about mending and repair. This shows you how to examine a piece and thoroughly decide whether it’s able to be mended or thrown out. Whether it be stressed seams, holes in clothing, patching pockets, adding decorative trim, adding buttons/snaps/zippers that have popped off, repairing lining, or adding extra fabric to clothing that’s gotten too tight- this book nails it right on the head.

Whether you’re a beginner, want to become handy around the house, start your own seamstress business, or know someone who does—this is the perfect book for them or you!! If you buy it for someone else, they will thank you until the end of their days! It is a very helpful book! I love it!

BUY IT: You can buy Singer Simple Sewing: The Complete Illustrated Machine-side Reference of Tips and Techniques for $18.97

 

Jessica Renee