Product Description

The Book A lively how to and why to sew tutorial that marries attitude and instruction while teaching everything you need to know:

• How to find the right machine, and become one with it
• Essential skills, from winding a bobbin to sewing a dart to customizing a pattern
• Preparing a workspace
• The Ten Fabric Commandments
• Laying out and cutting patterns
• With step-by-step instructions and full-color photographs and illustrations throughout

The Projects

• Cuddle-Up Cardigan
• Tender is the Nightie
• Foxy Boxers
• Canine Couture Coat
• Cape Mod
• Power Tie
• Tokyo Tie Bag
• Lucky Scrap Scarf
• Naughty Secretary Skirt
• Founcy Tank Top
• Knockout Knickers
• And more!

The Patterns Includes ten original patterns—an $80.00 retail value—rated from One Spool (easy) to Three Spools (advanced Beginner) and designed to build skills.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11097 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• 256 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780761139737
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"This is the sewing book I've been waiting for! Like the hippest home-ec teacher on the planet, Diana Rupp guides readers through every step of the process. It's fun, it's inspiration, it's everything you need to know."
—Debbie Stoller, author of Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook

About the Author
Diana Rupp founded and runs Make Workshop in New York City, the hot Lower East Side craft school that teaches everything from how to use a sewing machine to spinning your own yarn. She lives in Brooklyn.

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Customer Reviews

Best Book for Beginners
I am an experienced veteran sewer and am teaching my daughter (13) and my niece (11) how to sew. This is their manual, I bought it for both of them. After years of complaining about there being NO good books that teach you to sew, finally Diana Rupp has written a fantastic book that sounds like a real person (who is hip and funny) is teaching you one on one. The projects are great and her lesson progression is brilliant...you just want to keep reading. The book is geared to adults who want to learn how to sew, I will need to work with my girls on some of the stuff, but I consider this THE HOW TO SEW BOOK for the world. Don't waste your money on any other sewing book--this is the one.

Better for teens, but very comprehensive
This is a thorough introduction for the complete beginner, with a hip feel and nice photography. This would be a great book for a teenager, or for someone who wants to start sewing Etsy-like craft items. People who already sew, but are largely self-taught, might also benefit from her overview of the basics, from the properties of different fabrics to the correct use of common tools. She also teaches good habits like caring for your machine and proper pattern cutting. The text is chatty (reminiscent of Stitch n' Bitch), and her instructions are clear, linear, and non-threatening. For example, I looked in three books to learn how to insert an invisible zipper, but her explanation was the winner.

She includes a dozen-odd patterns and leads you by the hand through each project. The projects are functional and done in cute fabrics and colors, such as hobo bags, a pencil skirt, and a scarf. That said, as a curvy 36 year old woman, I didn't want to actually make any of the garments. Since they're beginner styles, they're mostly boxy (the kimono wrap) or trendy (the juniors tank top); they don't include any curved darts for fitting difficult shapes. The oilcloth sewing machine cover was darling, but after glancing at the photo I was able to figure out how to make one on my own.

I ended up returning mine after reading the front part, because I just wasn't going to use the patterns and I've moved beyond the absolute basics. Still, I would definitely recommend it for the right audience!

BEST FOR: Teens and 20s, total beginners, craft sewing, project ideas, group sew-alongs.

The best in a sea of beginner sewing books.
I can't recall ever having written an Amazon review. I have to for this book because it really is worth purchasing.

I've been sewing about 1.5 years. I've done reconstructions, baby quilt tops, and tote bags. From easy patterns I've done a couple of skirts and baby/little girl dresses. My goal is quality, of course, but also speed. The minute I saw S.E.W. I knew I had to have it. I happened to be in a bookstore with a friend and we agreed to exchange books, on the spot, as early Christmas gifts. I got S.E.W. and am glad I did. Not only are the projects cute and fashionable, but they're the kinds of things that leave room for the maker to add his or her own personal flourishes. They're stylish, yet classic pieces. Very interpretable.

I made the wrap skirt (in one night!) in brown corduroy. It turned out so well that I'm planning 2 more. My friend, who bought the book for me, is going to make one too.

No beginning pattern book is going to teach couture sewing, that's for an expanded skill set. The magic of Diana Rupp's approach is that someone with limited sewing experience can comfortably and confidently complete a great looking piece of clothing, a household item, a toy, etc. in a reasonable amount of time and while actually enjoying, rather than becoming frustrated by, the process.

Buy this book. You should.