Over 100,000 copies sold 'A tapestry of strong characters and accomplished writing' Herald Scotland It is 1911, and Jean is about to join the mass strike at the Singer factory. For her, nothing will be the same again. Decades later, in Edinburgh, Connie sews coded moments of her life into a notebook, as her mother did before her. More than a hundred years after his grandmother’s sewing machine was made, Fred discovers a treasure trove of documents. His family history is laid out before him in a patchwork of unfamiliar handwriting and colourful seams. He starts to unpick the secrets of four generations, one stitch at a time.
Essential tips and ten quilting projects to build your skills and confidence—from the beloved sewing teacher and British television personality. This book is packed with hints and tips for successful quilting and will walk you through every aspect of your sewing journey. It begins with a section on Sewing Room Essentials: a peek in Debbie’s sewing room, a guide to all the tools and materials you might need, a labelled diagram of a sewing machine, and in-depth sections covering various types of wadding/batting and interfacing, fabrics, and threads. The book contains a comprehensive trouble-shooting section to reassure and guide beginner sewists when they encounter problems, along with a glossary to demystify any unfamiliar terms. The second section, Sewing Room Techniques, covers all the skills you need to know, such as pressing, chain piecing, English paper piecing, different quilting styles, and binding, and explains them step by step. The book features ten projects that build up in difficulty, incorporating the techniques you learn as you go. Start simple with a place mat and then build up your skills as you create an English paper-pieced tote, a baby quilt, and a clutch bag. This is the ideal book for the beginner sewist looking for in-depth and helpful guidance, or for the more experienced sewist looking to brush up on their skills—from the woman named “Sewing Designer of the Year” in the Immediate Media British Craft Awards.
"Knowing which machine is right for you is a great first step to learning how to sew, but knowing how to use that machine inside-out is crucial in order to get the best out of it. Sewing Machine Secrets is an indispensable resource for sewers at all levels, showing the reader how to choose, use, and maintain their sewing machine, mastering sewing techniques and learning handy tips along the way. Without being brand specific, this book discusses the functionality of each machine type (sewing, embroidery, overlock, etc) along with its attachments and accessories; explaining what you should look out for when choosing a machine, how to care for your machine, and also-most importantly-how each feature and foot can be used and manipulated to help you better your sewing skills, providing handy tricks and secrets along the way. Whether you're just starting out with your first sewing machine or have been sewing for a while and want to build on your skills, this book gives you practical advice and tips to help extend the life of your sewing machine and master techniques you didn't think you could do. The book is divided into two sections: machines and feet. Section one deals with all the aspects of sewing machines; providing an overview of each type and identifying what each machine is best suited to, what its advantages and limitations are, necessary accessories as well as optional accessories, how to maintain and replace parts, and instructions on how to use it. Section two uses a more technique based approach, identifying the most versatile and commonly used feet, then providing step-by-step techniques for all the results you can achieve with these, along with tried and tested tricks for getting the most out of the machine, including uses you may not have known about"--
The ultimate coverstitch guide to help you master the coverstitch machine and create beautiful, professional-quality, garments. Fully illustrated step-by-step instruction on everything from hemming knits and sewing necklines to jeans making and sewing underwear. Includes chapters on accessories, needles, thread and troubleshooting.
For those who have mastered the basics and want a challenge, Serger Secrets provides instructions for adding more than 50 techniques to the sewers arsenal. Complete with troubleshooting tips and dozens of inspiring photographs of completed garments, Serger Secrets is guaranteed to bring out the creativity in any designer.
Featuring hundreds of instantly useful sewing ideas, techniques and methods for sewers of every skill level, these arecreative answers to sewing problems b y Threads readers that ensure easier, faster and better sewing for everyone. Among the tips and tricks are improved ways to work with sewing machines and sergers, machine stitching for trimming and finishing, and more.
Even the best sewists will encounter problems, snags, and little glitches in their work. Expert sewist and author Nicole Vasbinder's Sewing Solutions is an indispensable reference filled with invaluable advice you can trust. Organized by stages, you'll find: • Detailed advice for the sewing process, including pros and cons, and basic considerations of working in each step. • An easy-to-follow layout providing basic information as well as step-by-step techniques for making bias tape, sewing trims, buttonholes, zippers, hems, and more. • Easy-tonavigate color-coded cross-references available for quick referencing. • Troubleshooting tips that advise how to deal with every sewing situation. Whether choosing the right tools, reading patterns correctly, or everything in between, Sewing Solutions will prove to be an essential sewing companion.
With just a sewing machine and some inexpensive materials, you can learn how to make your own unique and beautiful bras, knickers and camisoles. Work your way up from super-easy, Tie-side knickers and Wedding Garters that can be customised in endless ways, to sewing with silk, tulle and other delicate fabrics. With more than 25 projects that can be personalised to suit your shape, size and style, from a Skirted Lace Thong and Chiffon Camisole to a Silk Soft-cup Bra and Roll-on Suspender, explore the vast scope for personal, creative expression in traditionally private items of clothing, whether making them for yourself or as a gift.
Sewing secrets from the fashion industry Look over the shoulders of sewing experts as they show you how to cut and sew the professional way. From sample rooms to production sewing factories, the authors gleaned the best and the fastest garment-sewing techniques and treatments. Sew fast. Sew smart. Make clothes that look better than ready-to-wear. Hundreds of step-by-step photographs and easy-to-understand directions help you: * Master bound button holes * Imitate professional seam finishes on your machine * Create an innovative button placket * Eliminate ease stitching and basting * Sew a lined vest in three hours without any hand stitching * Choose a pocket and waistband that's right for you * Use industry techniques to interface like the pros * Make clothing that fits perfectly no matter what your size
