Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking (bestselling sewing book, learn to sew, sewing for beginners)

Product Information

The Bertha cardigan is a me-made essential. The oversized shape and batwing sleeves that are inserted on the flat mean making to wearing time is practically nothing! Tilly's first book captures the spark that is ignited when you first sit at the machine. Everything is so new and exciting, and nothing is off-limits. Love at First Stitch will take you through all the essential things you need to know when you are getting into sewing, and will guide you through projects that will help you build up a handmade wardrobe while learning sewing skills that you will count on later in your sewing life. Basically it's like taking a dressmaking course, but in book form. Tilly Walnes demystifies dressmaking for the generations that have never been taught to sew. Written for novice stitchers by the author of the popular sewing blog Tilly and the Buttons, this book presents the sewing basics in an informal style, with Tilly's friendly and encouraging voice cheering the reader on throughout. Instead of overwhelming the novice dressmaker with theory, this book is about learning by doing. Each chapter presents practical tips and inspiration to guide you through creating a made-to-measure garment from one of the seven versatile and adaptable patterns included with the book, which can then be personalized to suit your individual style. Peppered throughout the book are Tilly's top sewing tips, including everything from what to look out for when buying--or borrowing--your first sewing machine, to how to behave in a fabric shop so that you appear like an expert, to techniques for pressing perfection. Plus, instructions for drafting your own simple patterns for the Brigette scarf and Clemence skirt. Dressmaking basics like pinning, using a sewing pattern, cutting out, transferring pattern markings and understanding clothing construction

a) Learn to Sew with Lauren (Lauren Guthrie) - is brilliant and gives all the basic information along with some clothing, b) Vogue Sewing (1980's version) (I found both the 1970's version and latest reprint were a bit confusingly laid out) - I The final project can definitely be described as a show-stopper. The Joni dress features a stunning twist front in the bodice that is surprisingly simple to make. You can test your skills with a stretch velvet and/or a sequined skirt while Tilly guides you through the process. Simple, elegant, and a little groovy, Love at First Stitch is all you need to start making the dresses of your dreams--with 7 complete full-size patterns.As you can see, the designs start simple enough for novice stitchers and get increasingly more challenging - in a good way - as you build up your skills and confidence. By the time you get to the Mimi blouse in chapter 6, for example, you'll be stitching a Chelsea collar, buttonholes and adorable pleated sleeves. b) Dressmaking Technique Bible (Lorna Knight) -very good handbook of individual step by step skills

The book starts off with a pattern that can be made in three ways - the Safiya trousers, playsuit or dungarees - which has become a hit with lots of makers. It's World Book Day tomorrow and we're thinking about our most treasured books. Like loooads of other sewists, I (Louise) used Tilly's first book, Love at First Stitch, as a tool when I first started sewing. And because of that, it's a book that will always have a very special place in my heart :) Love at First Stitch is also available in Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, North American English, Norwegian and Swedish. From how to thread your machine and select fabric, to your first projects on to slightly more advanced techniques. This does take a very gentle learning curve from the very start to probably an advanced beginner level. Its hard to judge from my more experienced viewpoint but none of it seems impossible for even a newbie, and it gently increases the difficulty and complexity as it goes through the patterns.In Stretch!, Tilly takes you through all you need to know about sewing with knit fabrics and how it behaves. The book is the perfect guide for anyone who has never sewn with knit fabrics, or anyone wanting to perfect their stretchy sewing skills while making a set of gorgeous handmade outfits. Tilly’s hints and tips for making sewing part of your lifestyle, adding your own special touch to any sewing project, and even how to polish your signature style.