Love At First Stitch...The Review

With so many craft books on the market it can be hard to know which one is best for you.

First of all you need to consider what level you are at. Are you a beginner or are you a more seasoned sewer? What sort of projects do you want to sew? Clothes for yourself and your family or treats for around the home? And think how you prefer to learn. Do you enjoy learning different techniques first or do you find it easier to learn as you go? Once you have answered these questions you will have a better idea of what book is best for you.

"There are still too many to choose from!" I hear you say. So over the next few weeks let's review a few popular books that are currently on the market to help you along the way.

Book: A Stitch in Time
Author: Tilly Walnes

The front cover of this book is so inviting. It's fresh and modern but still with a retro feel. It claims to offer a "refreshing approach to dressmaking for modern makers" and that it takes you "from the basics...to creating gorgeous garments that you'll love to wear." The question is though does this beautiful book really do what it says it does?

Simple Answer: YES!

The Details: After being told when I was a young teen that I shouldn't attempt even a simple pattern because I didn't have the skills made me feel pretty pants. However, my view was, and still is, I will only learn by attempting to make a garment... A learn as you go sort of attitude. I love that this book follows the same principle.

Each chapter is a new project and with each project you learn specific skills to make it, inspiration to make it your own and tips on how to make sewing a lifestyle.

If your a beginner you might be put off some sewing books by the technical terms and phrases. That is not a problem you will find with this little beauty. It's written with such simple language that it is easy to understand no matter what your skill level is. It also explains why you are doing or not doing certain things which helps you to increase your sewing knowledge.

However, this book is not just for beginners. As you progress through the book the projects progress with you. It continues to challenge you and increase your confidence and courage when it comes to sewing. So if you are already an experienced sewer you can be sure that there are some stunning patterns for you to try too.

Some other favourite features are the recommended reading and resources that provide you with other blogs, books and people in the sewing world that you can connect with for more information. The patterns that come with the book are great too as so many books only have a scaled down version of the patterns which can be off-putting for a beginner. 

A personal favourite though is the "my story" page. Her story is so down to earth and really inspiring. It helps you to see her as a normal person who was once upon a time a beginner too.

Conclusion: Where has this book been all my life?