dk books

Customer Review:

Review by: Nerys, 24 January 2010

'The Sewing Book covers a wealth of information, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and those who already sew and want to learn more. It''s three sections cover Tools, Techniques and Projects are laid out in a graphic and easy to follow style, making things I thought daunting, such as curtains and pleats, look achievable!
I haven''t sewed anything more than a button on for years but would like to sew more. This book has a huge amount of information and easy to follow instructions which have inspired me to get to work on some clothes for myself and my baby. Alison Smith, the author, is obviously passionate about sewing and her teaching experience shows in the instructive narrative. Anyone looking to take up a new hobby which is practical and fulfilling will enjoy this.'

Customer Review:

Review by: Naomi, 19 January 2010

'The Sewing Book is an essential comprehensive guide, a must have for your sewing kit. From beginners to the seasoned seamstress there is guidance on hand for many a technique. The clear instructions on each technique along with examples of how to use them are made even easier to follow by the ample use of simple clear photographs illustrating each technique. Each technique has a starred difficulty rating, making it easy to identify which techniques to start with and those to progress to.
The directions are so simple that my 12 year old daughter can understand and follow them, however the 5 star rated techniques might take us some time to work towards as we are only just embarking on the world of sewing!
There are various projects in the back of the book using the techniques shown, these too are rated so I''ll be starting with the easier ones first, but can''t wait to progress to the more complicated ones, like making a Kimono. The best feature of this book for me is the guidance towards clothes making. The detailed instructions on how to measure a body, read and alter a pattern with tips on how to mark the pattern on the fabric to make it easier. That along with the explanation of different fabrics and how to work with them is the ideal starting block. It then goes on to show you techniques for different necklines, sleeves, ruffles, waistbands, godets to name only a few - infact just about anything you''ll need to make any piece of clothing imaginable!
This sewing book concentrates on the techniques, therefore showing ways of sewing with or without a sewing machine. There is a useful section on different tools a basic sewing kit and a advanced sewing kit should include. It also goes on to explain how to use different stitching by hand and machine.
This book has helped me immensley in grasping the basics, however I don''t think this book will be wandering far from my sewing kit as i will be refering to it for years to come, as hopefully I become a more competent sewer progressing to the more difficult techniques made to look so manageable by the clear conscise instructions in this book. '

Customer Review:

Review by: Gemma White, 19 January 2010

'The Sewing Book is a fantastic addition to any creative household, whether you are a beginner who is looking to learn a new craft, a student who wants help progressing with their studies, or a more advanced individual who is looking to learn some new techniques.
After a brief introduction the book is broken down into three main sections – Tools, Techniques and Projects.
“Tools” aims to introduce you to the equipment you will be using for your new sewing projects, all in an easy to understand photographic format, with details on their purpose, along with a comprehensive breakdown of a sewing machine showing all its accessories detailing their functions. It also discusses the different types of fabric available, their uses and the best types of needles & thread to use with them, which as a beginner I found extremely helpful.
The tools section continues, explaining how to measure and cut patterns to ensure a correct fit, along with giving you the necessary information on pattern markings so you can read pre made patterns.
“Techniques” is an amazing section. I can’t list all the techniques it offers, so you will have to take my word for it, but they are addressed in detail from page 88 until page 303! It would be worth buying the book for this alone, as it is a valuable and informative guide that I feel would be brilliant for reference in future projects.
Techniques is divided into further subsections for ease of use, gathering similar based skills together, with a star rated difficulty level, allowing for beginners to learn the new techniques based on how much they know, without feeling overwhelmed and advanced users can highlight those techniques that would be more suited to their abilities.
In “Projects” the book begins with those that I feel are more suitable for a beginner such as a drawstring bag, cushion and apron. It then progresses to some beautiful, yet slightly more challenging ideas like the kimono and roman blind. With most projects having four photos per page, I find this generous compared to other books I have read, and makes the projects easier to follow. This section finishes with a brief directory and glossary to help you understand the meaning of some frequently used terms.
The Sewing Book aims to guide you through the whole sewing process, concentrating on helping you to master the techniques for future use, while also offering projects that are well thought out and a great basis for what will ultimately be a satisfying craft, and a stylish way to customise your wardrobe and your lifestyle! '

Customer Review:

Review by: Elaine Arrowsmith, 18 January 2010

'I''d like to rename this book, The Sewing Bible. It is quite simply brilliant. Dorling Kindersley books are known for their clear, unfussy layout, excellent photography and straightforward instructions - and this book does not disappoint.The colour coding for each section ( Tools, Techniques and Projects,)makes it easy to find your way around the book and the detailed Index ensures that it is simple to locate any information you need. There is a very good Glossary which defines sewing terms in sensible, jargon-free language, which is an enormous help to those just beginning sewing.
However, this book is not simply for the novice needlewoman. After explanations of simple sewing techniques, more complex tailoring and alteration ideas are introduced with step by step photographs to support the instructions.I particularly like the section on Projects, which also appealled to the teenagers who have learned how to use the sewing machine with me this year. They poured over this book declaring it to be, " Easy to understand, with great pictures which inspire you to want to make some of the items." The Polar Fleece hat and scarf are especially popular.This wonderful reference book is solid and reliable. It should be in every school where sewing is taught and in every home where sons and daughters fancy being ceative with Mum''s sewing machine. I am sure it will be well thumbed and much used by anyone who buys it. It''s a heavy book but worth every penny as you''ll be able to throw all your other sewing books away - this book has it all!'