Sew Everything Workshop

Sew Everything Workshop

4.11 of 5 stars 4.11  ·  rating details  ·  242 ratings  ·  57 reviews
The Book A lively how to and why to sew tutorial that marries attitude and instruction while teaching everything you need to know:
How to find the right machine, and become one with it
Essential skills, from winding a bobbin to sewing a dart to customizing a pattern
Preparing a workspace
The Ten Fabric Commandments
Laying out and cutting patterns
With step-by-step instr...more
Hardcover, 256 pages
Published November 29th 2007 by Workman Publishing Company (first published November 8th 2007)
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Amy
Sep 10, 2008 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: the beginning seamstress
This is an excellent book for a beginning seamstress. The book begins with a little info about the author, Dianna Rupp, followed by some info on how to start your own sewing circle, and then 10 reasons why the author likes to sew. It's a nice intro to the book which then continues onto subjects like preparing your work space and what supplies you'll want to add to your personal sewing basket, and how to go about purchasing a sewing machine.

If you've lost the manual to your sewing machine, you'r...more
Erika
Dec 22, 2007 Erika rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Beginning Sewers
Great beginning projects, all patterns are included, and the author gives some great information for first time sewers. Unfortunately, the author has some strange advice on buying a first time sewing machine, which I do not agree with. She also mistakenly groups Bernina in with other sewing machine companies, saying that a brand name means nothing because machine companies change brands all the time as companies change hands - which makes quality a moot point. Too bad she didn't do her research...more
Elizabeth
I am sew loving this book! I've decided to relearn how to sew; it's been almost two decades since I touched a machine. Maybe it's the knitting? Inspiring me to make things and this is the next step.

The book starts at the very beginning - machine parts, types of fabric, etc. It is casual and hip but thorough. For example, upon looking my new sewing machine over, my husband asked, "But I don't understand how it actually makes a stitch." Well, wouldn't you know? There's a diagram and a description...more
Lindsey
This is a fantastic, fantastic sewing book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning how to sew.

The first half of the book contains the sewing-book-standard information on what supplies you need to buy and how to basically use a sewing machine. I really appreciated the detail about how a sewing machine works. Without getting too boring and technical, she explains how a sewing machine makes a stitch and gives tips like how to easily tell if your tension is too high or too low (or...more
Rachelle Nicolette
Disclaimer: I am friends with Diana.

When I was first learning how to sew, I took classes at her studio. This book really captures the spirit of the studio: fun and casual yet instructional. Her tone is very approachable and the projects are really adorable.
Alicia
I love this lady! I signed up for her class on craftsy and the book was on the supply list. I would definitely recommend this book AND the class for beginners. I know nothing and when she explains things she does not assume your knowledge on sewing so she is easy to follow. Sometimes while I'm sewing I will have her class playing in the background. Something about her puts me at ease when I sew and everytime I watch her class or read her book, I learn something new.

Out of the 25 projects, there...more
Pam
Well, I have read all the theory in the book (which says something about how fun it is to read considering it's instructional) & now I just have to start applying it! Kinda nervous but excited.

The books reads in a nice conversational tone, and being spiral bound will probably come in handy later when referencing certain sections & techniques.

Lots of 'beginner' sewing books tend to have awful patterns I have no interest in or ones that seem crazy advanced for someone trying to start out s...more
Toffeeelmo
Just started sewing my first project from the book (the wrap skirt) and am very impressed with the quality of the pattern and the in-depth instructions. The simple pictures that show how your project should look after each step are particularly useful for someone just starting to sew on their own. My only criticism is that several projects aren't as young or as modern as I would like but I suppose that's just a matter of personal taste!
Mimi
Loved, loved, LOVED! While I normally read how-to books by opening and jumping around to wherever I choose I actually started this one from the beginning. She has sooo much information for those that want to sew by pattern. She lays down the rules but also allows for some room to add your own touch. I feel a lot more confident about going to the fabric store and picking something out to make. Her included patterns are fun, too!
Judy
Jan 30, 2012 Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: sewing
This book is awesome for the beginner. The patterns are pretty basic but it helps you get started without overwhelming. My friend, who has been a seamstress for years, also agrees this is a great book to get started with. The book comes in a cute spiral/ring hard binder form with a pocket on the inside that includes the patterns. It may seem a bit bulky but will stay on my shelf for quick references.
Heather
I was lucky enough to take sewing classes with Diana Rupp using the patterns from this book. They are very clear and adorable, and I love how in the beginning, she talks about all of the different kinds of material that are out there.
It's a book that tells you where to start, and I think it makes a lot of sense. I also very much adore the Tokyo Tie bag!
W.L
LOVE IT! Anyone who wants to learn to sew, or is just trying to brush up on sewing because they haven't sewed anything in a long time will love this book! It has full sized pattern pieces inside. The author explains every single thing in detail, you WON'T get lost at all. I would never even think of giving up this book. Love it!
Mirela
I haven't attempted to sew anything yet. But I love this book! It's so amazing! I'm very happy with my purchase! Although I would've loved more details and instructions on how to alter and tailor clothing rather than making new stuff. I cannot wait to start sewing all the patterns in this book! :)
Heather
If you are looking to learn how to machine sew and can buy only one book, this is it. Clear with an upbeat conversational tone. The numerous beginner projects at the back are all things you would actually want to make, not just exercises to practice learned skills.
Sarah
Love this one--the best I've found so far in helping with my new hobby that I am loving. Very helpful, and the projects are cute and do-able. I am bound and determined that I will have made the cape (the cape! there's a pattern for a cape!!) by wintertime.
Taryn
Okay, so I haven't actually finished this book, but it's SO good. I am loving the front material: the instructions about sewing machines, sewing, etc. I haven't found a manual that I click with as well as this one. I really want to buy it.

The patterns aren't amazing to me, but the front chapters are enough to warrant five stars.
Jenny
This is the book that taught me to sew and that I still refer to today. It's easy to follow and written in a down-to-earth way. I highly recommend this to anyone just learning how to sew!
Wendy
I have had a sewing machine for nearly five years. I have sewn maybe five things. This book has changed things. I bought it for myself, pulled out the old machine, revisited the manual, revisited the fabric store, became mesmerized with infinite possibilities, took over the dining room table, and I am now officially a threadbanger.
Jennyslash
So far, everything that I've tried to make from these patterns has worked out just fine. The instructions are fairly straight forward.
Shelly
I think this is a terrific starter book. Diana Rupp has very clear instruction and well fitting patterns.
**The Yoga pants are very baggy
erin
fun projects WITH patterns! and the instructions are easy to read/understand for novices like me
Shushlibrarian
I would like to revisit this book. There is a patern for yoga pants that I would like to try.
Olivia
Jan 06, 2010 Olivia is currently reading it
we'll see if this helps my seamstressing.
Nan
Mar 02, 2012 Nan rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: beginning sewers, people interested in making their own clothes
This was my first really good learn-to-sew book. Lots of essential information presented clearly with a fun tone. The projects/patterns are great learning tools, but the clothes, at least, are probably not fitted/interesting enough that you'll want to take the time to make them at a certain point. But luckily by then you're ready to move on to standard commercial patterns. I'd recommend it as a first book for those interested in making their own clothes/learning to read sewing patterns. It's a g...more
Leah
Thanks for lending this to me, Melanie!
Juliehoward
Dec 26, 2008 Juliehoward marked it as to-read
Sew Everything by Diana Rupp
Casey
THE BEST book for beginners!
A. Gamble
I'm learning to sew with a machine (as opposed to by hand) and have found this book very helpful. It is clearly, yet cleverly, written and helps explain complicated processes in a simplistic manner. The projects are cute and explained well, but I have not used any of the patterns yet. I do turn to it frequently when working on projects from other sources, though.

Things I've made from this book (an ongoing list):
1. Pincushions. Very easy and fun, teach a variety of basic skills, and make great gi...more
Haley Moore
Very helpful!
Julianne Verzola-santos
This book is perfect for those who doesn't know anything about sewing. The author's approach is not boring and I actually learned something. It also comes with 10 free patterns you can work with.
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