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Improv Sewing: A Freeform Approach to Creative Techniques; 101 Fast, Fun, and Fearless Projects: Dresses, Tunics, Scarves, Skirts, Accessories, Pillows, Curtains, and More
These 101 creative sewing projects can all be completed in less than a day--some in less than an hour! Playful and inventive, the projects include clothing for all ages, accessories, home decor items, and furnishings. Most feature embellishments and decorative effects -- simple touches that personalize a project with charm -- and use interesting textural fabrics, such as j...more
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
May 8th 2012
by Storey Publishing, LLC
(first published April 24th 2012)
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Improv Sewing by Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut is a collection of projects and patterns that you can make on the fly and sew using a standard sewing machine.
It's my favorite kind of sewing book. It doesn't depend on couture techniques or fussy cut detailed patterns. The patterns are made of simple lines and easy to create in the size you need. They leave some things unhemmed because knits don't come unraveled. Lots of embellishment techniques to create a look for yourself, your child or your ho...more
It's my favorite kind of sewing book. It doesn't depend on couture techniques or fussy cut detailed patterns. The patterns are made of simple lines and easy to create in the size you need. They leave some things unhemmed because knits don't come unraveled. Lots of embellishment techniques to create a look for yourself, your child or your ho...more
When I found out that the authors of Improv Sewing: A Freeform Approach to Creative Techniques would be signing copies of their book at Book Expo America, I was intrigued. (Check out the photo of the back of my head waiting in line. I'm the one with the red lower in her hair.) The word Improv in the title hinted that this wasn't your regular how-to sewing book. Authors Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut explain in the introduction that they want sewists to relax and focus on creativity and not dwell...more
This book newly added to my collection of crafty titles is one of my absolute favorites. It combines clear instruction with fun designs, leaving you free to fly creatively. I love that the folks who are photographed wearing various projects are not "model perfect" but instead are human-shaped and thus beautiful. I am also thrilled to have an index of careful instructions on how to size these designs (and any the reader may come up with using these designs as a base) for those who are human-shape...more
This book really makes me want to break out the sewing machine and try a few projects. The instructions are clear, and the projects are simple without being boring. There are all sorts of ways to dress up the easy patterns, but the clean lines look fine on their own. This book makes it easy for anyone to make their own dresses, skirts, tops and accessories, as it shows how little is actually required for each project and gives quick but insightful advice on how to complete the pattern. I'll be k...more
Improv sewing as a technique is about sewing to fit your own level-- time, skill, materials, etc. Nice to have a book that encourages you to think beyond the pattern and instead teaches techniques that can be applied more based on your interests and creativity. Lots of jersey knits and comfortable clothes. That said, I prefer the applique and home products over most of the clothes pictured in the book.
I appreciated the authors' relaxed approach to sewing. "Don't worry if your seams are not perfectly straight" "Leave the ends unhemmed if you want" ect... It's good advice for people easily intimidated by sewing. There are quite a few simple but wearable clothing & gift projects that a beginner could easily handle.
Just what I've been looking for -- a book with uncomplicated directions for making your own clothes. I had to return it before I could make anything, so I can't in good conscience give it 5 stars, but I'll be buying a copy and may come back to revisit my review.
I loved the different projects in this book. I really liked the pictures and the tips. I also liked that the authors emphasized experimentation and making mistakes. A great boost for the not-so-experienced sewer!
What makes a good DIY book? Good pictures. Appealing projects that stretch you - creatively & skill wise. Projects that you see yourself doing.
This book has tips and ideas that meet me where I'm at.
This book has tips and ideas that meet me where I'm at.
I haven't gotten into it very deeply yet, but it seems perfect for me. It focuses on having fun sewing, not on getting details perfect, and presents projects that are prettier with that approach. If I allow my perfectionist tendencies an inch, they tend to take a mile instead, so I prefer to avoid giving then that inch.
Excellent!
Love the aesthetic.
Future reference book.
(too bad about the ugh scarf they chose to feature on the cover, though.)
non-fussy diy / hip / artfully, openly simple
upcycling
easy patterns (clothes, home, accessor.)
applique
tutorials
inspiration, esp. for little details
pretty pictures
sewing on paper
free-motion machine-sewed designs,
machine-stitching meandering/wavy lines
Notes to Self:
curtains w/ button flowers p. 150
embellished jersey baglet/pouch p. 120
linen placemats style (for other purpose...more
Love the aesthetic.
Future reference book.
(too bad about the ugh scarf they chose to feature on the cover, though.)
non-fussy diy / hip / artfully, openly simple
upcycling
easy patterns (clothes, home, accessor.)
applique
tutorials
inspiration, esp. for little details
pretty pictures
sewing on paper
free-motion machine-sewed designs,
machine-stitching meandering/wavy lines
Notes to Self:
curtains w/ button flowers p. 150
embellished jersey baglet/pouch p. 120
linen placemats style (for other purpose...more
Pretty nuts and fun if you have access to a good source of jersey knits. Very approachable. The author/designer has a very distinct style ("I'm wearing something 'funky' to the farmer's market!"), but if you like it, you can make it. This reminds me of Alabama Stitch Book but way less irritating.
I liked this book so much I ordered my own copy!
I plan on making some cool dresses and skirts, scarves and tops.
I plan on making some cool dresses and skirts, scarves and tops.
Awesome book... Love it so much I bought it from amazon.... BRILLANT
Fun projects that aren't too difficult. Fun, modern designs.
I didn't realize how much sewing was involved - not for me.
One of the better sewing books I've read. Some cute ideas.
O
Good ideas, not polished or refined, but not intended to be a book of tailored things. more quick stuff that you can make easily and quickly using mostly jersey fabrics.
I like the style and the look, but I just can't be bothered with jersey in general. Definitely liked some of their cardboard and fused plastic ideas, though!
This book really helped me begin to get over my fear of sewing. It has been 24 years and I'm just trying to get back into it. I'm working to become a "fearless" sewer.
Jun 18, 2013
Massielita
marked it as to-read
Jun 02, 2013
Luminous
marked it as to-read
May 25, 2013
Anastasia Garcia
added it
May 24, 2013
Jen
marked it as to-read
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