book data
433 ratings,
4.05
average rating, 91 reviews
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published
June 19th 2007
by Potter Craft
binding
Paperback, 144 pages
isbn
0307347214
(isbn13: 9780307347213)
description
Author Amy Karol, whose Angry Chicken is one of the best-loved craft blogs on the Web, brings stitchers everywhere a down-to-earth introduction to sew...more
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avg 4.05
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
A wonderful resource for those that have just discovered the joy of sewing. It's filled with simple projects for beginners, and takes the pressure off following strict directions.
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Read in October, 2007
I've checked this book out from the library about 4 times thinking it's either Amy Butler's In Stitches or Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing both of which have projects more geared toward someone like myself: Happily childfree. Pretty pictures, though, and some beautiful fabric options.
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Read in September, 2007
Fun ideas for beginning-to-intermediate sewers (seamstresses?). Some of the instructions were a little lacking--I had to figure out a few missing steps on my own--but I liked the variety of projects included.
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09/01/07
DeerDominique
is currently reading it
I've yet to complete a project from the book, I bought the book for the kids hat pattern specifically. It is a well done book, the projects would be great for an actual novice.
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Read in May, 2009
Lots of basic sewing tips (yes, even I learned something from them and I don't normally peruse those parts of the sewing books) and projects. Cute pillows, placemats, bags, aprons and yes, blankets. Once again I am hampered by my lack-of-time problem.
Bend-the-rules Sewing
Bend-the-rules Sewing
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07/18/08
Jaimee
added it
So far, I've made the bibs, the charming handbag, the pleated beauty handbag, and the no-cash wallet.... and they've all been relatively easy and fun to do. Amy Karol has written this in a generally clear way (although the hand-drawn diagrams could sometimes be clearer) and the projects are fun to do.
I really like that everything takes only a little bit of time and fabric to accomplish- it really is encouraging to have finished projects to spur you onto trying something new. It's ve...more
I really like that everything takes only a little bit of time and fabric to accomplish- it really is encouraging to have finished projects to spur you onto trying something new. It's ve...more
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Read in February, 2009
I'd heard lots of great things about this book, and now that I've tried one project, I understand why. Amy Karol really knows what she is doing, she really cares about teaching others, and she's really good at it. Miles away from the average dry/boring/tedious sewing book. Get it!
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Read in May, 2009
Another great sewing book, this one focusing on accessories (and a couple of pieces of kids' clothing) for those who aren't interesting in sewing clothes just yet. Karol goes over some basics of sewing and fabric, and then jumps into her patterns. They include the clutch shown on the cover, some great tote bags, and several other projects for your home. All of them are very cute, and I really enjoyed the chatty style of the pattern descriptions. The patterns themselves are presented at the back ...more
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Read in January, 2008
A nice little book. I got a couple of good tips that I will use in the future. Overall there wasn't much that I haven't seen or done already, but the baby smock pattern is sweet and fast. An easy walk through on how to make bias tape two ways was good.
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I recently discovered the new book, Bend-the-Rules Sewing, by Amy Karol. I am most definitely a "bend-the-rules" kind of gal when it comes to crafting. If there's a shortcut that won't ruin the integrity of my work then I'll take it!
If the name Amy Karol sounds familiar, it's probably because you've seen her blogs, Angry Chicken and Tie One On (about all things aprony). Speaking of aprons, there's some great ones in this book!
In fact, there are 30 great designs ...more
If the name Amy Karol sounds familiar, it's probably because you've seen her blogs, Angry Chicken and Tie One On (about all things aprony). Speaking of aprons, there's some great ones in this book!
In fact, there are 30 great designs ...more
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This book is a great book if you're a beginning sewer. It has fun, cute projects with instructions that are mostly easy to understand. Some of the projects are not to my taste, but I am glad I have this book in my sewing library.
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Read in March, 2008
I changed my review of this book after trying a few of the projects. The book is full of lovely photographs & cute fabrics & is written in a fun way. There are some great tips for a beginner (including not using vintage sheets for fabric, as they are fabric blends that will not press well). However, the project instructions are very unclear. Some of the measurements are incorrect, which could lead to a lot of frustration for a beginning sewer. The ideas are good as jumping off points, but h...more
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Read in May, 2009
Checked this out from the library but now I think I have to buy it and keep it around. I want to get started on 4 or 5 projects in it right away! It also goes about teaching you to improvise in the right way.
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Great for beginners, easy but cute projects. As the title suggests this book helps you know when you can bend the rules and when you should stick to them in sewing. I love this authors blog as well.
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Read in May, 2008
In recovering from art school, I'm wanted to learn some sewing basics and this is a good book for it. Do-able,sometimes overly simple, projects and brief good 'nough directions.
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Read in January, 2008
recommends it for:
everyone
this is just the greatest book for beginners, like myself for instance...I learned a LOT! Love Amy's blog as well!
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Read in February, 2009
very artsy and creative with good ideas.My eyes started to glaze over at the explanations of sewing, though.
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Read in November, 2008
recommends it for:
anyone who is interested in learning to sew!
If I was a brand-new to sewing person, this book would be absolutely perfect. I love her enthusiastic approach to spreading the word about how much fun sewing things for yourself, your family and home is. She admits that it probably isn't cheaper these days, but that it is still worth doing if you want to. All the basic info is in here, tools, basic seams and construction techniques, even some surface design ideas. There were a few ideas for handbags that I found to be useful and new to me, ...more
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Read in November, 2007
recommends it for:
beginning or hobby sewers
This is by far the best, clearest, easiest book to get you sewing if you have never done it before, or you are rusty at it. It is a beginner's guide with tips and tricks about sewing machines, zippers, seams, interfacing, fabrics, threads, and sewing tools and terms. The tone is informal, there are lots of illustrations, and a ton of great simple projects (coasters, handbags, tote bags, makeup bags, kid's clothing, pillows, placemats, and much more) that will get you salivating to make gifts for...more
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Read in July, 2007
I'm still what I'd consider a novice sewer, and some of the projects in this book seem a little beyond my current skills. But the book itself is really well made and thought out, and the pictures of the finished projects are lovely. I've already made one of the "vintage" aprons, and the small quilt is up next (as soon as I get through the knitting project I've ignored all summer, that is). I do like the author's overall idea that sewing should be less structured and more creative. So w...more
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