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Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 Patterns
The Book A lively how to and why to sew tutorial that marries attitude and instruction while teaching everything you need to
248 pages, Spiral-bound
First published November 8, 2007
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615 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 17, 2011
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 on how, exactly, the machine makes a stitch. But it's not all serious; there are little break out boxes: What Would Martha [Stewart] do?"
I also love that the "projects" start with simple things in the beginning chapters. Like, who would have thought to practice stitching in a straight line and experimenting with speed by practicing on a sheet of lined paper without thread? And I thought that I would use this book more for the manual part, less for the patterns. But, wouldn't you know, I flipped through the projects in back and want to make, well, almost all of them, including the clothes.
What a fun read! I'm looking forward to progressing with this book and my sewing.
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 on how, exactly, the machine makes a stitch. But it's not all serious; there are little break out boxes: What Would Martha [Stewart] do?"
I also love that the "projects" start with simple things in the beginning chapters. Like, who would have thought to practice stitching in a straight line and experimenting with speed by practicing on a sheet of lined paper without thread? And I thought that I would use this book more for the manual part, less for the patterns. But, wouldn't you know, I flipped through the projects in back and want to make, well, almost all of them, including the clothes.
What a fun read! I'm looking forward to progressing with this book and my sewing.
June 3, 2008
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.
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.
September 20, 2018
ISBN-13:9780761139737
Workman Publishing
New York
$26.95 U.S. / $33.95 CAN.
www.workman.com
Workman Publishing
New York
$26.95 U.S. / $33.95 CAN.
www.workman.com
June 10, 2010
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 slow. The patterns in this book actually seem interesting, fairly simple & nice enough I could see myself wearing them or gifting them.
Wish me luck!
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 slow. The patterns in this book actually seem interesting, fairly simple & nice enough I could see myself wearing them or gifting them.
Wish me luck!
December 23, 2007
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 on that one...
August 4, 2019
Very informative and great for the beginner sewist.
Patterns are a touch dated and not terribly size-inclusive.
Patterns are a touch dated and not terribly size-inclusive.
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November 9, 2019Blue the o utbesew
Assault
Assault
August 8, 2016
UPDATE:
I've been sewing for a few months now and I went back to check out the patterns from this book.
I confirm there wasn't one that I'd be even half tempted to make as they all seem really badly fitted or the design is just really dated and clunky. You're a lot better off downloading one of the many free beginners pdf patterns (like from So Sew Easy) and just following the tutorial.
So that's 4 stars for the info, 1 star for the patterns.
This is a good book if you'd like to read up on the basics of sewing.
The patterns? Not so much...
I ended up starting with the tote and heavily adjusting the design, the clothes all seem really ill fitting in the photos and quite frankly fugly. If I do end up using any patterns I'll be adjusting them quite heavily.
To sum up, useful for beginner sewers, by no means the holy grail of sewing info.
I've been sewing for a few months now and I went back to check out the patterns from this book.
I confirm there wasn't one that I'd be even half tempted to make as they all seem really badly fitted or the design is just really dated and clunky. You're a lot better off downloading one of the many free beginners pdf patterns (like from So Sew Easy) and just following the tutorial.
So that's 4 stars for the info, 1 star for the patterns.
This is a good book if you'd like to read up on the basics of sewing.
The patterns? Not so much...
I ended up starting with the tote and heavily adjusting the design, the clothes all seem really ill fitting in the photos and quite frankly fugly. If I do end up using any patterns I'll be adjusting them quite heavily.
To sum up, useful for beginner sewers, by no means the holy grail of sewing info.
November 20, 2012
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 are only 4 I am not crazy about or would bother making. However, the other 21 are great! I love the boxer shorts, naughty secretary skirt, hobo bag, pillows, curtain, quilt, and tie to name a few.
Out of the 25 projects, there are only 4 I am not crazy about or would bother making. However, the other 21 are great! I love the boxer shorts, naughty secretary skirt, hobo bag, pillows, curtain, quilt, and tie to name a few.
December 8, 2008
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!
January 30, 2012
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.
August 9, 2012
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!
September 11, 2015
I have literally just started learning how to sew, and this book came highly recommended in a lot of blogs. So so happy I got it. Diana explains everything clearly, and her enthusiasm for sewing is contagious:) I've made the zippered pencil case as my first project from this book, and it was great to have a usable item that I've actually sewn! Will definitely be making more projects from this book. Two thumbs up.
October 22, 2011
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in conjunction with taking the author's Craftsy interactive web course (which I highly recommend). The author's writing style is engaging and witty, the instructions are clear, and the projects are modern and relevant. Overall, this book is a very useful resource for both the beginning sewist or sewist returning to the art after a long absence.
March 25, 2013
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.
The patterns aren't amazing to me, but the front chapters are enough to warrant five stars.
January 14, 2008
This would be very, very good for a beginner. Any detail you would have a question about for starting is covered.
The patterns are ok for beginners. I am using it to teach my 10 year old to sew better. There is nothing I would wear but I am an avid sewer.
The patterns are ok for beginners. I am using it to teach my 10 year old to sew better. There is nothing I would wear but I am an avid sewer.
May 3, 2008
Excellent explanations, tips and instructions. Best book I've found yet for beginning sewers or those who want to advance a bit. Great resource for understanding different fabrics and techniques. Fun projects and patterns come with the book!
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February 26, 2008This is a fantastic read for a novice as well as an experience sewer. The writing is down to earth, witty, and very informative. The patterns are appealing, but be forewarned that you must draft some of them yourself on pattern paper. Highly recommended.
March 4, 2008
I learned how to sew using only this book and my sewing machine manual. Tells you how to do everything you will need to know from how to sew a seam to adding zippers, making darts, etc. No expensive lessons needed. It rules!
March 31, 2008
This was a really cool little cook. I liked how it was spiral bound and easy to follow. I have a sewing machine but didn't know how to use it. I only knew how to sew by hand. Very informative. The projects weren't boring or outdated.
August 19, 2008
A This book is awesome for beginning sewers. Unlike most sewing books that have UGLY UGLY patterns (well, this still has a few!), there's some rad bags I want to sew, a lot of great tips, written in an easy-to-read fashion. It is inspiring me to start sewing again.
December 2, 2008
Great beginner sewing craft book - various skill level projects (that are cute and not '80's throw-backs), includes a handful of patterns, and has a good intro section. I've done one project so far, but looking forward to trying teh next one...
October 7, 2009
I'm LOVING it. It's truly a beginner book. So easy and simple to follow and any jargon is explained. The spiral bound is nice, let's you lay it flat to read (so far that's all I'm doing) but later on for help with the patterns (10 are included!).
July 1, 2009
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.
January 5, 2010
I am learning a lot of different techniques and lessons from this book so far. I throughly enjoyed this book. I was able to take a lot of notes because this book is written in easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow language.
August 25, 2010
I love this book! It was the first book I really used to help me tackle this new sewing endeavor I've begun and I'm forever thankful! It's easy and fun to read and I'm looking forward to reading more... and making more of the patterns. The pin cushion looks great on my sewing table! :)
July 13, 2011
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.
January 17, 2013
Diana Rupp is great at explaining the basics of sewing. Although I'm not all that keen on the projects that came included with the book, I'll probably work through them just to learn the principles as Ms. Rupp describes them. An entertaining, readable book from start to finish.
February 21, 2014
It's a bit of a challenge when you're a newbie and the patterns are all too small- that is my one complaint. Otherwise, this is a very good book for a beginner and makes everything seem less daunting.
July 5, 2014
The book is presented as a complete beginner's sewing workshop. Step-by-step, the reader is taken from the beginning and walked through the steps to create a finished sewing project. Included are patterns for 10 projects, plus more projects are included in the text. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews