Stitch N' Bitch for sewers complete with 3 full Simplicity patterns from downtown fashion darling Wendy Mullin.
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reviews
Sep 17, 2008
Drea
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Alright, at first glance this is a great book to introduce sewing to beginners. The patterns are a nifty addition, for sure. There is a good discussion of tools, getting set up to sew, and terminology.
However, once I started in following the instructions for the patterns themselves, they have the same problems that all other commercial patterns seem to have - no details and vague illustrations. I've been sewing for over 20 years, and still couldn't make heads or tails of some o More...
However, once I started in following the instructions for the patterns themselves, they have the same problems that all other commercial patterns seem to have - no details and vague illustrations. I've been sewing for over 20 years, and still couldn't make heads or tails of some o More...
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Feb 02, 2009
Jennyslash
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I've sewn for over four decades and I have collected quite a few books on clothing design. I purchased this one because I was interested in her designs and I had read some positive reviews of the book. I have not made up any of the patterns, however, because the seam allowances are not consistent and I have not felt like wasting my time figuring out what the designer had in mind. Here's the problem: the text says that a smaller seam allowance has been included for certain pieces and that this in
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Oct 26, 2008
Kristina
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The patterns and instructions in this book are cool. The pattern pieces required a lot of alteration before I could get a good fit for myself. The S, M, L pattern options are too general for the various body shapes and sizes, and new sewers are likely not to get a great fit if their patterns require alteration unless they know how to do this. If I could make a recommendation for future books like this - provide a download option for multiple, specific sizes. This way you can get a better fit and
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Mar 06, 2011
Meredith
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This is a great book for new DIY sewers who don't mind getting their hands dirty. The point of the book is to give you a foundation that will allow you to get running and make cool things by showing you the basics of construction and assembly.
The patterns included are great basics and are building blocks to modify and play with. I like to think of them as the shells or forms that you can use as a canvas. That's why they're so generic, and shouldn't be taken extremely literally (unles More...
The patterns included are great basics and are building blocks to modify and play with. I like to think of them as the shells or forms that you can use as a canvas. That's why they're so generic, and shouldn't be taken extremely literally (unles More...
Sep 12, 2009
Darcy
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This book was incredibly useful when I first started sewing. It explains a lot of the basics, and if you are learning entirely on your own, then I can't recommend it enough. Especially useful (for me) were the chapters on reading and cutting patterns and the sewing basics (hems, curves, bindings, etc.). If you aren't taking a class and don't have anyone to show you how to sew, then SEW U is an excellent place to start. Especially nice is the fact that the book includes three basic patterns (skir
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Mar 11, 2010
Alex
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Sew U is a sewing guide for beginners. It comes with three basic patterns--skirt, button-down shirt, and pants--and provides ideas for making a significant chunk of your wardrobe based on those three basics, changing them up by using different fabrics, trims, embellishments, and notions, as well as modifying the pattern. The first few chapters also contain basic sewing know-how (how to hem, what sort of needles to use, seam allowances, etc.) as well as great ideas on storing and organizing sup
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Dec 03, 2007
Alyssa
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I used to live down the street from the original Built By Wendy and was always impressed with the quality of her construction and creativity behind her designs. This book is just as great as her shop and it brings her projects to the hands of the hip new sewing generation.
The book offers three basic patterns (pant, skirt and button down shirt) with ideas for variations on each. This is a must own manual for all DIY sewers!
The book offers three basic patterns (pant, skirt and button down shirt) with ideas for variations on each. This is a must own manual for all DIY sewers!
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Nov 22, 2008
Becca
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This is a great how-to sew manual for beginners. It includes three basic patterns - for a skirt, shirt, and pants. There are tips and suggestions for customizing fit and style and great ides for personalizing garments using various details.
This was easy to read and understand and had lots of clear diagrams to clarify instructions. But one drawback is the limited sizes of the included patterns. They only go up to size 12. Other than that, I highly recommend this guide.
This was easy to read and understand and had lots of clear diagrams to clarify instructions. But one drawback is the limited sizes of the included patterns. They only go up to size 12. Other than that, I highly recommend this guide.
Mar 05, 2009
Bug
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this is an awesome book for any beginning sewer who has interest in making clothes. like most sewing book it only talks about sewing women's clothes. it comes with several patterns that if you where to buy the equivalents of separately would probably cost more than the book and then it has super clear easy to follow detailed instructions for how to use the patterns to make all sorts of tops and bottoms. i got the copy i read from my library but i think this book is so useful i am going to be buy
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Jun 08, 2009
Alison
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This book was fantastic. Mullin provides lots of useful tips and advice, helping you to demystify the pattern you've got in your hand (as well as all the buttons, dials and attachments that came with your sewing machine). She covers the basics of fabrics and how to cut them, and goes over the types of equipment you might want to get.
There are three patterns that come with this book - a basic skirt, shirt and pants. I didn't make any of those, but I think they would be a good resourc More...
There are three patterns that come with this book - a basic skirt, shirt and pants. I didn't make any of those, but I think they would be a good resourc More...
Jan 26, 2010
Rae
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It's hard to remember now, but this was one of the very first "make your own clothes" books to come out (at least since the latest sewing revolution began). It's a great resource for basic sewing information, and has really great basic patterns (like Sew U: Home Stretch) that you can build on, only for wovens, not knits.
Jan 08, 2010
Brittany
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Written for beginners, this book is a great sewing guide. I've been sewing for more years than I can count, but I still learned some great tips from Wendy. The book comes with three patterns: skirt, button-up shirt, and pants. I can't wait to try her pants pattern. I love that she teaches how to make practical things someone would actually wear.
Feb 02, 2011
Inder
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I'm learning that one of the cheapest ways to get patterns for basics like pants, simple skirts, and shirts, is to buy one of these new basic sewing books that comes with patterns. This is a basic primer in sewing, but it also comes with patterns for cute pants, an a-line skirt, and a button down shirt, all from the "Built By Wendy" collection. Even if you already know how to sew, three really good patterns for $20 is a screamin' deal.
That said, if you want to learn to sew cl More...
That said, if you want to learn to sew cl More...
Aug 17, 2009
Lu
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This is The Best book for a beginning seamstress--specifically one who intends to sew clothes. I love, love, love this book (yes, that was the same number of "loves" that Mr. Darcy gives to Elizabeth in the Kiera Knightly Pride and Prejudice.)
Jan 04, 2009
Kim
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Big props to Wendy for sharing patterns! This book is a superb gift for a beginner seamstress. But it's also very helpful for more the more experienced; a good reference guide.
Feb 04, 2009
Jodi
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excellent sewing book for beginners or those more advanced ... i LOVED how she showed how to take patterns and tweak them to make many variations.
Oct 31, 2010
Tammy
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Really enjoyed this book; an excellent resource for the beginning machine sewist. Well photographed, great level of detail.
Mar 26, 2010
Jennifer
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I've read it. I liked it. Now I am going to use it to sew myself a shirt. I will update my review after the shirt is done.
Sep 13, 2010
Rachaelita
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I really liked how she explained things. I took it out of the library to see if it was worth purchasing. Definitely a great guide & reference. Onto the Amazon wishlist.
Mar 13, 2009
If you are a plus size - the patterns are not for you!
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Aug 13, 2008
Ladylike
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This book is targeted to the beginner sewer. Since I've been sewing for years, I knew most of the info already. However, the inclusion of 3 Simplicity patterns make this book worth it, even if you already know the basics. The suggestions for alterations of the patterns are useful as well.
My only major dislike for this book (and Sew-U Stretch) is that the patterns included stop at a fairly medium-ish size. Simplicity makes patterns in a much larger size range, so there's no reason n More...
My only major dislike for this book (and Sew-U Stretch) is that the patterns included stop at a fairly medium-ish size. Simplicity makes patterns in a much larger size range, so there's no reason n More...
Aug 04, 2011
Tisha
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This is a great "from the ground up" book with ideas to help kick-start the creativity.
Aug 03, 2008
m.k.
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This is a well-written, easy to understand instruction book for beginning to sew your own clothes. The patterns, unfortunately for me, didn't include my size (I'm a US 10-12 ). Built By Wendy does offer the patterns in larger sizes, so it would be possible to purchase the patterns separately and use them with the book, but I was annoyed enough to just give the book away instead.
May 08, 2008
Thystle
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An ok book for learning to sew. I learned some new things from the book, but I'm glad that it wasn't the first book I picked up. I think the strength of the book lies in looking at all the different ways to modify the 3 basic patterns (skirt, shirt and pants in order of increasing complexity) to make each unique. It also helps me to learn about how clothes are put together.
Jan 20, 2008
Kathleen
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This book rocks!!! It is by designer Wendy Mullin of Built By Wendy clothing. It contains 3 coooool patterns and it helped me to actually sew and complete my first blouse! If you have been a strictly skirts and curtains hack like myself, this book can help you take that leap into the world of collar stands, yokes, darts, and button holes, no problem!
Apr 18, 2008
Heather the Hillbilly Banjo Queen
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I wasn't all that excited about the patterns in this book. They weren't classic enough for me. Too trendy. If you want to sew trendy clothes, this is the book for you. It is written well and she explains how to sew perfectly. I just didn't like the patterns.
Nov 11, 2008
Kim
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Excellent resource book for beginner sewers. Has detailed guides and instructions, easy to understand and follow. Also contains basic patterns in the back of the book. Gives you a good list of basic stitches and terms.
Oct 07, 2007
amanda
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I'm still near the beginning, but it's great to have an accessible sewing tutorial. I mean, it starts from the very beginning! What you'll need, setting up your space, basics, patterns, etc. etc. Thank goodness!
Oct 22, 2009
Grace
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I really liked the format and the information in this book. It's thorough and well-designed. However, the patterns aren't designed to accomodate plus sizes, which is why I gave the book only three stars.
Mar 15, 2008
Jane
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this book comes with great patterns + although i am still learning to sew + have not made all the projects in this book, it gives me the confidence to know that I CAN! i <3 built by wendy!
