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Product Description
Product Description
This book takes the mystery out of the sewing machine, holding first-time stitchers by the hand and showing the easiest ways to get the most from their machine. In the climate of 'make do and mend', sales of sewing machines have soared, but many are only accompanied by a difficult-to-understand technical manual. Here, Jane Bolsover provides a comprehensive guide for beginners. Starting with an essential overview of the sewing machine, learn how to thread it and wind bobbins, why tension is important and which needles to choose. There's information on the basic sewing kit you will need, plus advice on which fabrics to choose and how to cut out. The chapters then build into a complete sewing course, and at the end of each chapter is a simple project to consolidate the skills you have just mastered. The projects include items for the home, including a cushion cover and a lampshade, stylish accessories, such as bags and scarves, plus great clothing basics, such as an A-line skirt and a simple shift dress. Also included at the back of the book is a full-size pull-out paper pattern section.
About the Author
Jane Bolsover has over 20 years' experience as a designer and writer specializing in sewing and crafts. As well as creating sewing and craft projects for magazines, Jane has written seven books on soft furnishings and patchwork, and edited many more. She has also appeared on mainstream television several times. Jane now works as a consultant for a major textile and craft show company, where she organizes craft demonstrations, workshops and feature displays.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book differs from many of the 'get to know your machine' books in that rather than just talking you through your machine and it's functions it has a series of workshops that teach you different functions and skills with a project to make in each one.
The book starts off with an introductory section that explains how the machine works, other sewing tools and equipment you might need and explaining the different types of fabric and when to use them. The workshop section teaches you different techniques and then gives you a project at the end of each section to practice your newly acquired skills. Subjects covered include Seams, Hems, Stitches, Bias Binding, Fastenings, Zips, pockets, darts, gathers and pleats.
The book itself is easy to follow with large colourful diagrams and plenty of written instructions too throughout. I like the fact that the projects are not just your general women's clothing and gifts or small home accessories. There are useful sections on making curtains and blinds as well as a guide to understanding patterns. It also contains 7 full size pull out patterns in the back of the book.
This book is perfect for someone who has just got their first machine but would also teach a few new tricks to those who have been using a machine for a while.
The book starts off with an introductory section that explains how the machine works, other sewing tools and equipment you might need and explaining the different types of fabric and when to use them. The workshop section teaches you different techniques and then gives you a project at the end of each section to practice your newly acquired skills. Subjects covered include Seams, Hems, Stitches, Bias Binding, Fastenings, Zips, pockets, darts, gathers and pleats.
The book itself is easy to follow with large colourful diagrams and plenty of written instructions too throughout. I like the fact that the projects are not just your general women's clothing and gifts or small home accessories. There are useful sections on making curtains and blinds as well as a guide to understanding patterns. It also contains 7 full size pull out patterns in the back of the book.
This book is perfect for someone who has just got their first machine but would also teach a few new tricks to those who have been using a machine for a while.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased this book after buying a sewing machine like several other reviewers and like them I wanted a book which not only taught you the techniques but also gave you some projects to work through and put them to practice and in that respect this book fits the bill. There's several nice projects, giving you a wide variety of nice items at the end including bags, scarves, aprons, curtains, blouses and dresses many of which were items I really wanted to own (rather than just made to meet the criteria of testing my new skills).
However, I was surprised to find given the universally good reviews on Amazon that I frequently found sections of the book (particularly the "teaching" sections) very confusing. I had to read text many times in some sections and even then I resorted to "having a go" in order to work out exactly what was meant. The diagrams were sometimes helpful but I also found these hit and miss. I think the main issue is that in each "step" you will be given multiple instructions, usually with one diagram which relates to only one of the instructions - often you don't know which! I usually end up either referring to another book to cross-check what I think is meant or looking up videos online.
I don't think myself to be someone who usually struggles with such things, so was surprised to see no one else had mentioned this on Amazon. I am potentially comparing this to a wonderful knitting book (Knitty Gritty - by Anneta Patel) which I recently learnt to knit with and it's coming up short against that quite high standard.
In summary, this is a nice book with some nice projects but unless you are already familiar with the basics or are willing to do a lot of re-reading and cross-checking as I have done then I feel there may be more clearly written texts available for the novice sewing machine owner.
However, I was surprised to find given the universally good reviews on Amazon that I frequently found sections of the book (particularly the "teaching" sections) very confusing. I had to read text many times in some sections and even then I resorted to "having a go" in order to work out exactly what was meant. The diagrams were sometimes helpful but I also found these hit and miss. I think the main issue is that in each "step" you will be given multiple instructions, usually with one diagram which relates to only one of the instructions - often you don't know which! I usually end up either referring to another book to cross-check what I think is meant or looking up videos online.
I don't think myself to be someone who usually struggles with such things, so was surprised to see no one else had mentioned this on Amazon. I am potentially comparing this to a wonderful knitting book (Knitty Gritty - by Anneta Patel) which I recently learnt to knit with and it's coming up short against that quite high standard.
In summary, this is a nice book with some nice projects but unless you are already familiar with the basics or are willing to do a lot of re-reading and cross-checking as I have done then I feel there may be more clearly written texts available for the novice sewing machine owner.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is just what I was looking for. I did Needlecraft at school but have done little on a machine since so when I bought my machine I was very rusty. The manual with the machine only tells you how to use the machine - how to change a needle, change the tension, change the stitch but it does not tell you when or why you would do that - but this book does. It also discusses materials, threads etc. So far it has been ideal. I am very pleased and making great progress...
Most Recent Customer Reviews
very good
I'm a starter in sewing and this book does help, it shoes details and explains in a way that I understand, Thanks
Published 10 days ago by Paula
Just what I needed
I've just bought a sewing machine and the manual for it has been translated into English, only not very well. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Vanessa Jackson
Easy to follow
This is a great book for absolute beginners as far as I'm concerned! It's easy to follow with all the basics needed to get started. Read more
Published 1 month ago by kayelle28
Great for starters
I love this book. It explains everything you need to know about sewing and using a machine in a simple way.
Published 1 month ago by M.A. Leal
Great Reference Book for Sewers
This is a great reference book for sewers to have on hand. Good illustrations and easy to use layout. Highly recommend this sewing book.
Published 1 month ago by bead and knot maker
lovely book
Really pleased with this book. It has 'projects' in it with patterns and 'how to do' instructions for cushions, skirt, handbag, scarf and curtains (which is why I bought it). Read more
Published 2 months ago by saleb
Mum loves it
I bought my mum a sewing machine for Christmas but she was struggling to remember many basic techniques and info. She had just decided she fancied making things as a hobby. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Daisy
Sewing book for beginners
If you have a sewing machine and have never really known what to do with it this is the book for your. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mildred
excellent
thought that i would right a review just to say how great this book is. its really informative and has lovely patterns included. Read more
Published 3 months ago by cj
Very useful refresher, or for a complete beginner
I haven't used my sewing machine in over 20 years, but recently was moved to get it out and have it serviced. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lucia
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