Merchant & Mills Sewing Book

by Carolyn N.K. Denham, Roderick Field

Making curtains neednt be left to the professionals ; withEasy to Make! Curtains & Blinds you, too, can create stylish window dressings for your home.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion, Reference

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Maaike van Stratum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een boek van stoffen- een patronenboer Merchant & Mills, een ontzettende hipstertoko qua stijl. Maar stiekem heb ik daar wel een zwak voor. De informatie is degelijk, maar vrij basic, niet veel nieuws als je al wat kan naaien. Maar prachtig vormgegeven, en met toch een paar leuke projecten om te maken erin.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Merchant & Mills Sewing Book: Hand Sewing Techniques / Machine Know-How / Tools / Notions / Projects / Patterns
Author: Carolyn N.K. Denham
Publisher: Pavilion Books
Published: 5-7-2014
Pages: 176
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies
Sub-Genre: Sewing, Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts, Nonfiction
ISBN: 9781910231012
ASIN: B00I5X4UJ6
Reviewed For NetGalley and Pavilion Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 3.5 Stars


From Gathering your tools and ensuring you have everything required for your projects. When you ready to start your project concentrate and follow the old adage, measure twice, cut once. Yes, I know it is used fir cutting metal and wood, but it works on fabric projects as well. You also need to make sure you mark as directed. There are a few missed markings on the arc copy I received that I hope are fixed in the final copy.


My rating of "Merchant & Mills Sewing Book: Hand Sewing Techniques / Machine Know-How / Tools / Notions / Projects / Patterns" is 3.5 out of 5 stars.


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[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book, contains lovely patterns for useful and timeless projects like bags and pillow covers and a few garments. The garments, however, are not anything I would use much (a very tailored wrap/shawl and a funnel next fisherman’s top) and the pattern sheets are not full size so you’d have to get them enlarged at a copy shop anyway. It is kind of an intro to sewing and covers all the basics in the first section (materials needed, basic techniques) but not really deeply enough so I’d still need to look into them further elsewhere. I’m still rating the book fairly highly just because it’s beautiful and there are quite a few really nice projects in it.

[Liga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the Merchant & Mills fabric and haberdashery that the shop sells so I decided to buy the book, as I have only recently decided to pick up sewing again. The largest disappointment was that the book didn't offer the full scale patterns (you have to take them to the printer to scale them up), the aesthetics and designs of some of the projects weren't to my taste but overall a good book that helped me slowly get back into sewing.

Good for complete novices as well, but I would suggest to get a book that covers all range of topics and in a bit more depth.

[stevegahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good patterns

Good inspiring read for the newly interested, but i decided quite quickly i needed another book to explain the basics in more detail,a referance book, and chose sewing for dummies to complement this book.

[Hopkins Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous resource for sewing principles and practices!

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to buy for boatneck shirt

[Aidan Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was it really pretty? Absolutely. Did I learn a lot about sewing? Sort of. This book is more an aesthetic object than a practical guidebook.

[Jec · Rating 4 out of 5]

love this book....great tips and ideas...one i would purchase

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the simplicity of this book and all the basics it covers.
Practical tips and projects.

[Vicky D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a better book for next step (after beginner) sewer.

[Peta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book with good basic information about sewing and the equipment.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regalo e che regalo! Felice come un ratto nel formaggio, tutto é perfetto: forma e contenuto.
e sto già stampando i patterns che voglio cucire e cercando le stoffe...
Insomma invoglia proprio a mettersi alla macchina da cucire, anche con il caldone che fa:)

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

The Merchant and Mills sewing book is a one-stop, fully illustrated guide to beginner sewing. Foundations are introduced in the first half of the book and the second half gives various sewing projects in order to learn techniques. The book finishes at 118 pages and is meant as a beginner reference and not as a sewing bible. This is a good starting point for creating better sewing skills and quick reference. One of Merchant & Mills bigger, more comprehensive sewing books can then be used as the main reference once skills area achieved.

The book breaks down as follows: Part one: 1) Sewing tools. 2) Haberdashery. 3) Basic sewing techniques/construction. 4) Patterns. 5) cloth. 6) Pressing and ironing. Part II has the projects: calico bag, tailor's ham and sleeve roll, ironing board cover, hussif, maker's apron, bolster pillow, pillow cushion, button cushion, throw, document bag, flight bag, duffel bad, tote bag, tailored shawl and fisherman's top. As can be seen on the list, the emphasis is on accessories and not clothing.

The book is copiously illustrated with photographs and drawings. There are also superfluous illustrations/photographs thrown in (e.g., a soldier's helmet for the hussir) that I found distracting since they were the same size as the image of the item I was making. I felt they cluttered up the book and added nothing. I'd rather have one larger image of the item I'm making rather than two small images, only one of which is the item.

Along with the techniques are call out boxes of tips or other information (e.g., the difference between ironing and pressing, how to cut cloth, zipper feet) that were also useful.

The book has a very British feel to it that admittedly, to my American perspective, seemed a bit cold. Words such as 'bespoke' to describe a custom zipper foot likely added to that feel of a Saville Row tailor. At the same time, though, I never feel like I am being talked down to or that the information is being distilled to the lowest common denominator person.

This book makes a great present idea for someone just starting to learn how to sew. It is definitely meant for adults, though, and not younger grade school children. But I found it very useful and was able to follow the directions easily. Note that the patterns in the book need to be blown up to full size to be used. But they can also be downloaded full size from the website (best idea).

Reviewed from an ARC.

[Sue Online · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever held a book that just seemed… perfect? The perfect look, the perfect heft, the perfect contents, the perfect pictures? When I saw this book in the bookstore, there were a pile of them on a table. I picked it up and the first thing I did was stroke the cover like I was petting an animal. The thickness of the cover really caught my eye, and I ran my finger along the edge as if to size it up.

Inside are pages and pages of the love of sewing. From pinking shears to loop turners, from cawkins to the rather suggestive looking French curve, it’s all there in simple terms and kindness. I think I can safely say that yes, this is a kind book.

Some books I’ve read recently about sewing are dismissive of the novice in both terminology and tone. Not the Merchant & Mills Sewing Book, it is for people who, well, who want or need sewing books. And for people who don’t give two whits about sewing but want a really nice book in their hands. If you are into sewing, check out the book. If you are into books, just hold the book in your hands. You might fall in love.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good sewing book. It was broken into two parts, both of which were packed with information. I think it would be a good book to give to someone just starting out sewing. Although I think that even someone more experienced at sewing would enjoy it. I know I did!

The first section went over the basic equipment and tools you would need in sewing. All the basics in easy to understand language.

Part 2 of the book has 15 projects to make. They are perfect to get you started sewing. Simple but you will feel as if you accomplished something as you improve your skills. I will warn though that the patterns use the metric system.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to sew. I reviewed the ebook but I would love the hardcover book to add to my sewing book collection.

* I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Merchant & Mills Sewing Book is an informative title sharing basics, tips and tricks on everything from tools to techniques. The book covers all of the basics from using patterns to choosing the right fabric sand altering to fit your shape. It also talks you through techniques such as gathering, seams, darts and topstitching helping you to learn the whole start to finish process of sewing your own creations.

Also included is a tutorial section with lots of useful projects to try out ranging from an apron to various bags, an ironing board cover, a shawl and several others. The tutorials are set out in a clear to follow format with a photograph of the finished product and illustrations accompanying the bullet point step-by-steps.

This book would be a great little resource to have around for basic dressmaking and sewing techniques and tools.

*Review copy c/o Netgalley

[Kasey Cocoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sewing loving friend read through this book and afterwards informed me it would make a nice coffee table book but she could not recommend it for any serious sewing. I didn't like all the seemingly random photographs mixed in among images of what you were supposed to be making, or the small sizes. Being a beginner with sewing I didn't like the feel if the book for my needs, hence why I asked my sewing friend to look at it. We both agree there are plenty of other books out there on sewing and many just for people as green as I am. This is my opinion which may not mirror your own and that's ok. I received an evaluation copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cas H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merchant & Mills Sewing Book by Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field is a blend of patterns and instructions which will definitely keep you busy.
I loved the explanation on how to make alterations to patterns before they are sewn. I liked the explanation on fabrics and which fabrics are best for which projects. I love the fact that everything in this book seems easy. I know it is not all easy, but is explained in a way that many people will be comfortable with.
Take a look at this book, it will be worth it.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

[Lafrog8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the best thing about this book is that it made me discover their website and the fabulous and unusual fabrics on offer (especially hard wearing fabrics for making bags). Re the book, the projects are a bit different from the ones usually offered in sewing books and I really enjoyed that. Would I buy the book? Probably not. Would I borrow it again? Yes, probably - I really like The Hussif project (ever ready portable sewing kit) - one day, when I have a bit more time (!) I'd love to make something like that.

[Marilyn Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this book. It gives some great tips and ideas for anyone from beginning to experienced sewers. I am referring to it constantly as I sew on my different projects. Anyone that needs a "hands on" tutorial, this is the one to get. I heartily recommend it to everyone that likes to sew. I do have to say that the two patterns offered in the book, were not really practical to reproduce and use. But for a good, basic step by step book for projects, I think this is a good one.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good resource. I enjoyed the quality of the binding/printing, and also the droll humor infused throughout (indispensable tools are pictured in relevant areas. For pressing? A fingerprint is shown to indicate using your fingers), and that many of the project patterns were for things that would actually help in your sewing practice (a pressing ham, an ironing board cover, etc.)

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative sewing book with patterns for a couple of the projects in the back. Ideal for the beginner as the projects are not to taxing. Dislike the pictures throughout this book but the diagrams are great.

[HadiDee]

Like this a lot - a good beginners book with some interesting projects. Not one I would be but definately one I would borrow from the library again

[Anu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opravdu povedený estetický kousek. Nicméně pro začátečníka po obsahové stránce možná tento průvodce nebude dostačující.