School of Sewing: Learn it, Teach it, Sew Together

by Shea Henderson

School of Learn it. Teach it. Sew Together.  12 Beginner Projects School of Sewing allows you to follow in the footsteps of a group of beginners who shared one goal- to learn to use their sewing machines. This book is an engaging, detailed lesson plan designed to guide you along that same journey, whether you are learning alone or as a group. It begins with easy-to-follow instructions for how to use a sewing machine and advice on buying fabric and tools and then progresses through 12 projects- one three-hour lesson a month, perfect for friends to learn together. Your own School of Sewing will be proud to show off or to gift these trendy projects, which include a pillowcase, zippered pouch, tote bag and patchwork quilt, each with optional details for "extra credit."
You'll **Winner of the 2015 IBPA Ben Franklin Gold Award in the Craft & Hobby category**

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2014

Reviews

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely different type of lean-to-sew book geared towards teaching students to feel confident in completing simple projects. While most books on the subject of learning to sew seem to be either huge volumes packing in as much information as possible or so simple that they only teach a small set of skills, this seems to be the perfect compromise. In this book you will learn well-rounded basics of sewing including tools of the trade, materials, and how to use your sewing machine - all while completing 12 sewing projects. Each of the projects, from the very first Speedy Pillowcase through to the final My First Quilt, are designed to teach basic skills - each one building on the skills learned in the last project.

Definitely a must-have for anyone wanting to learn to sew!

[Suzie Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

My two daughters and I each have a copy and we have been working through to projects from beginning to end. We are all slightly familiar with sewing but never have done button holes or zippers. This book is the best book! We bought it at Sarah’s Fabrics in Lawrence , KS where some of the pictures were taken from in the book. I highly recommend this book!!

[Karie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't made all of the projects in this book, but I have read through it all and worked through the first few. I like the concept of this book so much. However, as a newbie sewist trying to teach myself with this book, there are a few things that don't work for me.

1) Some really important instructions are in the margins and not completely obvious. I had to re-cut some fabric because of this.

2) The way it is worded seems to be geared more towards a knowledgeable sewist using this as a guide to teach others.

3) I really wish this was bound in a spiral or some other format that would allow the book to lay flat. Keeping this as a reference when it wouldn't easily stay open was very frustrating.

I do look forward to trying to finish actually making each of the projects; but I know I'll need a little extra patience and read completely through each project a couple times before getting going.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has 12 beginner sewing projects for adults. It was designed for a group of friends to meet and work on one project per month. The projects include a zipper pouch, a tote bag, even a quilt. Recommended!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good introductory guide. Some of the projects were great (for example the apron or the bags), but others were not very useful. Still, every project was introducing a new technique without using a lot of fabric or other resources. It certainly decreased the severity of possible mistakes. On the other hand, some techniques were not explained for the complete beginners and I had to seek additional resources on the Internet.

[Lafrog8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different type of sewing book: probably more for an experienced sewist who is keen to share their skills with less experienced sewists. It shows you the basic skills that are worth teaching as well as beginners projects. Although I have not read it in details it probably would be a great tool to help me teach friends (or my boys) a bit more about sewing.

[Robin Dini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing tutorial on the basics of sewing. I bought this as a refresher for my rusty skills. It was assigned as text for a local sewing group and I grabbed a copy to have as reference. The pictures and steps make this an essential must have at my sewing table.

[Madam Book Worm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that is truly for the beginner. I love how she simply explained the sewing terms and how clearly she explained the projects. I will actually do a couple of the projects in this books. The projects are listed in order to complete them as a beginner, starting with the simplest project first.

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a total beginner, the instructions in this book are not completely clear. You'll end up having to use your seam ripper and then look to the Internet for clarification.