Singer: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing by Nancy Langdon
“This is the one reference every sewer needs. Its 352 pages and 1,200 photographs cover every aspect of fashion and décor sewing. Choose the right tools and notions, use conventional machines and sergers, perfect your fashion sewing and tailoring, and produce lovely home décor projects. Step-by-step instructions for basic projects like pillows, tablecloths, and window treatments are included. Both beginning and highly skilled sewers will turn to this book again and again.”
Available format: Book, Ebook (Hoopla)
Sunday Sews: 20 Inspired Weekend Projects by Theresa Gonzalez
“Sunday Sews presents 20 irresistible designs that can be sewn on a weekend and enjoyed for a lifetime. Featuring minimalist style and unfussy lightweight fabrics, they are as functional as they are chic. Think drapey shift dresses, flattering tunics and skirts, tanks and tops perfect for layering, pretty aprons, go-anywhere tote bags, and gifts for children and loved ones. Step-by-step instructions and technical illustrations make construction a breeze, whatever the reader’s skill level; and lush photographs showcase the finished projects in clean, uncluttered settings. ”
Available format: Book, Ebook (Hoopla)
The Sewing Book by Alison Smith
“Provides comprehensive instruction on sewing, including stitch and finish techniques, mending, and sewing projects for both apparel and household goods.”
Available format: Book
Mend & Make Fabulous: Sewing Solutions & Fashionable Fixes by Denise Wild
“Give your clothes a new lease on life! Showing how to take classic mending techniques one step further to add personality and style to clothes, “Mend & Make Fabulous” is a uniquely comprehensive resource that combines visual inspiration with practical advice for the fashion-conscious sewer. The ability to repair and restore clothes is priceless, and “Mend & Make Fabulous” provides a comprehensive guide to all the classic mending techniques and then some: holes and tears; ripped or frayed seams; discoloration, stains, or fading; broken snaps and closures; and so much more. This book also shows you how to add some creativity to mending–fixing holes with studs or applique; hiding discolorations by dip-dyeing; concealing frayed hems by adding cuffs or trim–that will make clothes even more fabulous than they were the first time around.”
Available format: Book
DIY Wardrobe Makeovers: Alter, Refresh & Refashion Your Clothes by Suzannah Hamlin Stanley
“Unlock your closet’s potential with simple wardrobe fixes and refashions to express your style. These basic alterations and step-by-step restyling tutorials will help you fit and reassemble garments into newfound faves. No sloppy shortcuts here—learn how to alter sweaters, pants, and everything in your wardrobe for a more flattering fit. Take it in, take it up, or let it out—all on your home sewing machine. Spend less, look better!”
Available format: Book
Crafty Little Things to Sew: 20 Clever Sewing Projects Using Scraps & Fat Quarters by Caroline Fairbanks-Critchfield
“Adorable must-have items to sew in a session or two . . . even if you’re a total beginner!
Start a project–and finish on the very same day! From pouches and totes to baskets, these clever and crafty little things will make you feel like a superhero stitcher. Created by the bloggers of SewCanShe, the 20 projects include a quilty first-aid kit, cute magnets, headbands and hair baubles, travel iron mats, and more. Many are made with fat quarters of fabric–sold in precut stacks or bundles and easily purchased in stores or on the web. Newcomers will find so many pictures, diagrams, and tips that they’ll feel like the author is right there beside them.”
Available format: Book
Patternmaking for a Perfect Fit by Steffani Lincecum
“In Patternmaking for a Perfect Fit, Hollywood and theater costume designer Steffani Lincecum demonstrates the rub-off, a method of pattern drafting used by fashion and costume industry professionals that traces an existing garment or accessory without deconstructing or damaging it. Steffani starts with the basics, outlining two rub-off methods–tracing onto paper or draping with fabric–and explaining essential tools, materials, and sewing techniques. She then shows how to duplicate a skirt, a dress, a blouse, and a handbag, from rubbing-off the original, to creating the pattern, to cutting and sewing the new version, to making adjustments and incorporating a variety of other elements and details–not only refreshing your favorite fashions but replenishing your whole wardrobe with brand-new looks.”
Available format: Book
Creative Cosplay: Selecting & Sewing Costumes Way Beyond Basic by Amanda Dawn Haas
“An inspirational guide to the art of making designer-quality costumes. From how to research and decide what costume you want to make, to fabric selection, to sewing guidelines, to how to ultimately wear your costume at a convention or with friends-this book has it all.”
Available format: Book
Skirt-A-Day Sewing by Nicole Smith
“Sew a month of skirts using four classic styles– wrap, straight, flared, and high-waisted– as your starting point. Draft custom-fit patterns for all four styles (complete instructions included), and then play with seven variations for each skirt silhouette. Before you know, it, you’ll have 28 unique skirts, more than enough for every day and every occasion.”
Available format: Book, Ebook (Hoopla)
Apparel Sewing Basics
“Join Liesl Gibson as she shows you fundamental garment sewing techniques step-by-step in this informative and inspiring video workshop.|Join Liesl Gibson, founder and chief designer for Oliver + S contemporary sewing patterns and fabric for children’s clothing and Lisette sewing patterns and fabric, in her Brooklyn studio as she shows you fundamental garment sewing techniques step-by-step in this informative and inspiring video workshop. First Liesl helps you properly prepare to sew by gathering the right tools, selecting and pre-washing fabric, and preparing the pattern pieces. Next Liesl shows you all the basic seam techniques featured in most patterns from sewing curved and corner seams to gathering and ease stitching. Throughout the video Liesl shares her unique tips and tricks for successful garment sewing from her years of designer experience plus offers inspiring design advice through interview footage to encourage new sewers to be creative with their sewing.”
Available format: DVD
Teach Yourself to Sew: Season One
“Designed for beginners and a great refresher course for anyone who sews, step-by-step lessons will have viewers sewing in no time.”
Available format: DVD
Sew Many Bags, So Little Time by Sally Southern
“Includes projects that show how to make a range of simple bags, from shoppers and simple day-time bags, to evening bags, cosmopolitan weekend bags and even a laundry bag. This book focuses on fabric choice and embellishments, such as ribbon, buttons and beads. A girl can never have too many bags, and when she’s shopped the store dry, this is the book she needs to start making her own – fast! Step-by-step projects show how to make a range of amazing yet simple bags, from easy shoppers and simple day-time bags, to glamourous evening bags, cosmopolitan weekend bags and even a cute laundry bag. This book focuses on fabric choice and embellishments, such as ribbon, buttons and beads, as a way of ensuring the simplest of designs is as eye-catching and covetable as any designer ‘It-bag’.”
Available format: Ebook (Hoopla)
Sew Organized for the Busy Girl by Heidi Staples
“Fit sewing into your busy lifestyle with practical tips that will help you put hours back on the clock Heidi Staples, a creative mom of three, will help you organize your sewing space and works-in-progress so they are ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Revive your creative life and make the most of your time with easy-to-implement advice. Stitch up 23 projects, ranging from handcrafted quilts to home decor, children’s gifts, and attractive storage cases. With an arsenal of time-savers, you’ll finally finish those projects while enjoying a little “you” time at the sewing machine.”
Available format: Ebook (Hoopla)
Easy Home Sewing Projects by Charlie Moorby
“There’s something for everyone in this bright and inspiring collection of home sewing projects! Whether you’re moving into a new home, redecorating an old house, or just updating a room, you’ll find quick and easy projects here to make your living space simply beautiful. Designed to let you give your dwelling a speedy fabric makeover, this book offers inspirational ideas for every room. Transform the heart of your home with bright kitchen accessories, or create the perfect table linen setting. Create a bold boudoir with bright bedroom designs, make tactile toys for the nursery, or revamp your home office with a functional organizer. And don’t neglect the deck, with lovely al fresco accessories and more. Clear step-by-step instructions, beautiful project photography, and ready-to-use templates.“
Available format: Ebook (Hoopla)
Sew & Stow by Betty Oppenheimer
“Indulge your passion for sewing as you clear your life of clutter. Whatever your experience and wherever the mess, you can sew up a cloth sack or organizer to fit your needs. Gardening tools, groceries, shoes, toys, jewelry, and more will find new homes in these colorful and reusable handmade alternatives to mass-produced products. With Betty Oppenheimer’s easy-to-follow instructions for 31 fun and functional projects, you’ll be inspired to break out your needles and create a more organized, bright, and eco-friendly home.”
Available format: Ebook (Hoopla)
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