Book Review Friday- "The Sewing Book" by Alison Smith *Lots of pics*

Just giving you another review of one of the books that I have bought recently. This time it is the Alison Smith book "The Sewing Book" or maybe a more accurate description would be "THE Sewing Book". Yes, THE. This book is good, very very good. I have it on my bedside table when I am trying to figure out a plan of action with a project. Alison Smith herself is experienced to an enviable level of expertise. She knows the lot and this is shown in how she writes, from the basics to the couture. The easy way and the fabulous way. The new school and the old school. Its all in here... and I like it.

When I was first given my sewing machine, I quickly went on amazon.co.uk and bought this book (I need books, books and more books when I start a new hobby) and, as previously reviewed, "The Dressmaker's Bible". Never before has the Bundana hit jackpot on two purchases at the same time. Where the 'Bible' loses brownie points in my view for being lacking in important details, this is spot-on. Broken up into 3 chapters of 'tools', 'techniques' and 'patterns', you'd be hard pushed to find something sewing that isn't covered in this book.



Tools

This is again the usual explanation of all things haberdashery and the equipment that you are more than likely to find yourself buying once you are hooked on sewing. What is quite superb is the fabric section, every single fabric (I reckon) is here, pictured and explained with its properties, weaves and general uses. Excellent and seeing as it is only 10 pages of information, it's already worth its money spent on the book by this excellent section. My eyes were suddenly opened with the amount of fabric available out there! WOW! I take my hat off to the author for this, it is excellently written and left me with no hanging questions after reading it (no-one is going to remember them all, but it was a good idea to familiarise myself with them all). THEN... jackpot again, a thorough and EXCELLENT section of patterns- what they are, why they mightn't fit and a concise and explanatory section of how to increase or decrease the pattern of pretty much any piece of clothing.

Techniques

Thorough, precise and fab. This chapter was very helpful when I was inserting my first invisible zipper. That is a yardstick that I have been using with these books! The tone of this book is very clear. I often find with 'how to' books that they start with some very simple tricks, explanations and goals... then BAM, into really technical and almost incomprehensible instructions. This book does not do that. You are taken by the hand and talked through the whole process. I truly believe that nothing in Sewville is impossible. It just takes courage, madness and passion to get anything done. There is no exclusivity in sewing, you are all welcome... just give it time and patience. I could talk about everything that instructions are given for in this chapter... but basically, its everything. Darts, tucks, pleats, gathers, facings, collars, sleeves, waistlines, belts, pockets, linings, interfacings, mending, couture techniques. I am able to read and understand EVERYTHING in this section (I would like to add that I cannot DO everything, no no NO... just understand) and as it comes up in my dressmaking development, I will turn to this book time and time again. 

Projects

I think that this book has a strange direction in the projects. When you start reading this book, you find it 80% based towards dressmaking in its techniques, tips and chapters. THEN, the projects have very simple and basic dressmaking projects. It is rather an anticlimax if you are a purist dressmaker.

When I originally reviewed this book, I gave the other non-dressmaking projects a slating. They are not as bad as I niavely stated. They were just not dressmaking! As I have now diversified I have noticed that they have too! You can have step-by-step instructions for the whole of your family and home. With the benefit of KNOWING that if you follow the very clear instructions that Alison Smith gives you will produce something that will be very good quality. They are safe and satisfying projects!

      1.  Drawstring Bag (For a flower girl or hamper addition?)

2.     Book Cover (for a diary or precious notebook?)

3.     Cushion

4.     Childs Skirt

5.     Apron

6.     Sewing Aids

7.     Hessian Bag

8.     Baby Towel

9.     Door Hanging

10.  Roman Blind

11.  Man’s Tie

12.  Place Mat

13.  Kimono

14.  Baby Blanket

15.  Bolster Pillow

16.  Jewellery Roll

17.  Polar Fleece Hat and Scarf

18.  Café Curtain

...BUY THE BOOK

No, that is not my conclusion... well, it is basically. I doubt there is a seamstress out there who would not benefit from this book. I use it with every pattern that I get, I plan and research what method I will use and swot-up like a good one. This book and maybe a few more points of contact is pretty much all you need. I am green as grass with sewing, this is only my opinion but I truly believe that it has come on leaps and bounds with this book.

Good Points:

• Clear, concise and I'd say exhaustive of the techniques of sewing your own clothes
• Clear pictures and diagrams are very informative
• Able to pass any Bundana test of ''I bet it hasn't got this in it.... oh, it has''

Bad Points:

• Pretty avaerage project section
• Very large book, not as sewer-friendly as the 'Dressmaker's Bible'

I bought mine from : Amazon UK

*Tip* This book fluctuates in price massively on Amazon. I have kept my eye on it, best price seen £11.50... currently £16.50, so be careful! Use that £5 on a metre of gorgeous fabric! 

                                                Bundana

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