Book Review- A Guide to Sewing

A Guide to Sewing

By igloo

This was the very first sewing book I ever bought myself. I found it reduced at 'the works' and boy am I glad I did.
Although I originally bought it for it's projects, I actually found that the guides at the front where the most useful parts of the book. The book has a really detailed guide about types of fabric, types and sizes of needles and threads. As well as lots of hand drawn instructions on various had stitches. I think the aim of this book is to give a brief introduction to sewing for complete beginners but I think it goes well beyond that and gives beginners and wide range of information that comes in useful time and time again.

In terms of projects, I have successfully completed the infinity scarf, the coin purse, the Retro Cushion, the headscarf top, the pillow case dress and drawstring skirt.

I found that the project instructions lacked visual sources and relied far to heavily on text. Although the hand drawings that accompanied the instructions on occasion, where a pretty little touch in terms of the graphic appeal of the page, they did little to help explain the method being used.
Overall I'd recommend this book for beginners that want to get a deeper understanding of materials, threads and needles.

Book Review- Learn to crochet

Learn to Crochet

By Coats

Edited By Sally Harding

This book was my very first crocheting book. My Mum bought it for me once I had mastered the basics of chaining, slip stitch and double crochet.
The books primary aim is to teach the reader how to crochet with a set of simple and clear diagrams. I found that although the diagrams helped, I did need the assistance of a few YouTube videos on occasion. As a result I feel that the book would have better achieved it's aim by coming with a DVD that had video tutorials that accompanied the diagrams. However I was able to teach myself the finer details of crochet through this book and have referred to it many times since.
I have also lent this book to a friend who was learning to crochet about a year or so ago and again the book was greatly appreciated for it's quick over view of crocheting techniques and terminology.

I have personally successfully completed several projects in this book. The include: the striped cushion, scallop cushion, cotton afghan, wool afghan and hand towel edging.

Sally Harding has also written Crochet Step by Step, which has an average of 4.9/5 and 4.3/5 ratings on the book people and goodreads respectively.  This seems to be a much more detailed book, with it explaining 100 different techniques and stitches compared to Learn to Crochet, which only explains 20.  However having not read this book myself, I can't comment on whether the book better addresses the staticness (for want of a better word) of the diagrams.

Half Yard Christmas

Disclaimer: All of the following opinions and ideas are my own. I have not been rewarded in anyway to review this book. I simply found it very useful and interesting and so wanted to share it with you guys. 

So today I'm going to be talking about a book that was given as a birthday present to me (so don't even think about asking me how much it cost! :) ). With Christmas getting close it's the ideal time to start thinking about making Christmas decorations and Christmas gifts. Which is where the Half Yard Christmas by Debbie Shore comes in handy.

This book is great in giving Christmas ideas of what to do with your left over pieces of fabric. It also gives a step by step run through of  how to make each item shown, in a detailed and clear way.
The book is split into different themes and styles of Christmas decorations, with my favourite style being the Scandinavian style. I mean who doesn't love a cute little gnome decoration? But the rustic styled Christmas also interested me as well.

I've been totally inspired by this book and already have that lovely warm Christmas feeling inside.
Earlier this week I asked if you're ready for Christmas. If you're not then you should seriously consider having a look at this book.

I hope this has inspired you!