The Savvy Seamstress Blog & Instagram Tour
Book Review by Anne Whalley
"The Savvy Seamstress" by Nicole Mallalieu
If I wasn't asked to review this book I would have just put it on the shelf with my other sewing books ... for the day when I have a bit more time. That shelf!
The Savvy Seamstress is a fresh inviting book with an easy to read style. I felt like I was getting all the inside secrets and loved reading about how I could add Designer details with a professional finish. Nicole has broken the processes into small achievable steps that keep you on track. I have a few "tried and true" patterns that I like to reinvent so I don't feel like I'm wearing the same garment all the time. I'm really looking forward to using the different design ideas in the near future.
Sharpening the axe helps cut trees down faster. Reading these industry tips IS going to change how I prepare for sewing, it will change how I think about the pattern itself and the sewing journey. I'm looking forward to remembering the new ways to do tasks with a real understanding of why I need to change. I admit I didn't think I was going to learn anything from another sewing book because I sew a lot. I'm a fast and pretty efficient Sewist, but I'm changing some hows and whats that I do from now on. This is a very helpful book for all levels of Sewists.
There are plenty of sewing books in book shops & there are plenty of them in my bookshelf too. This book will be closest to my sewing chair... so I can refer to it often.
The Cutting instructions was the part of the book that really got my attention.
Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. When you start the sewing project you cut out the pattern ...
I cut my patterns out on the floor. It is a real workout ... The Savvy Seamstress is all over cutting out tips & these tips are going to be applied to my future cutting process.
May I say clear and doable instructions.
I've never really thought about cutting out any other way. The carpeted floor is my spot for cutting out my patterns. I use the TV Controls and cup coasters to hold the paper pattern pieces on the fabric. I actually have a large cutting out table ... that I use for everything except cutting out my patterns. A new day is dawning! Changes
https://youtu.be/zbnJo88kuP8
The Savvy Seamstress is full of crystal clear information covering the basics I would not normally have thought to read. I'm impatient and want to jump in and work it out as I sew a garment. There's a first time for everything.
I have the gadgets. I have the Sewing books. I knew I needed them that's why I bought them. Time to sew usually means sewing time. The Savvy Seamstress pulls the loose ends together. I feel like I have been waiting for this book ... waiting a very long time.
Thanks Nicole for clear and great visual explanations of the short cuts too that will enhance my future sewing experiences.
Of course there are many other subjects covered in The Savvy Seamstress. See below for the links to the other reviews and check them out.
If you would like to win a copy of The Savvy Seamstress:
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I will draw the winner this week, notify you by email & Instagram and a copy of The Savvy Seamstress will be sent to you!
I highly recommend this book.
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