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Improv Sewing: A Freeform Approach to Creative Techniques; 101 Fast, Fun, and Fearless Projects: Dresses, Tunics, Scarves, Skirts, Accessories, Pillows, Curtains, and More
Add charm and personal style to your crafting. Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut offer 101 fun project ideas that will have you incorporating decorative touches and texturally interesting patterns into your sewing repertoire. Each project is designed to take less than a day, meaning that before you know it you’ll be whipping out dozens of dazzlingly high-style creations that showcase techniques like pattern-making, appliqué, doodle-stitching, and more. Get inspired and turn old T-shirts into fashion statements and forgotten pillowcases into works of art.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2012
17 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 25, 2013
This book might have been better titled "Sewing for Lazy People" or "Sewing for People who Don't Like to Sew." In other words, I'm glad I got it from the library, and I won't be rushing to buy my own copy.
First, the good: the authors have a fabulous design aesthetic. The choice of colours was great. The little flourishes and embellishments were consistently pretty and very well-presented. The non-clothing projects looked both relatively easy to do, and attractive. So you may very well want to buy or read this book. Before you do, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Am I 15? At the very least, am I under 23?
2. Am I thin, athletic, or otherwise lacking in body fat?
3. If I look at myself sideways in the mirror, am I relatively symmetrical? That is, am I fairly small in the chest and the rear?
If so, you're in luck. These clothes may look just fine on you. If not--if you are, heaven forbid, over 23, curvy, well-endowed, fleshy, a mother, or otherwise possessed of bulges and folds that you would rather not advertise to the general public--the clothes in this book will likely make you look as if you are smuggling small bean bags in your underwear.
Why?
It's the patterns.
Rather, it's the lack of patterns. They would have you go to a thrift store, buy a jersey t-shirt that fits perfectly, cut it up, and then use half of it to make a "torso pattern" that you use for both front and back.
Let's consider the problems with this approach:
1. If you are over 23, not-thin, busty or hippy or both, you will not find a jersey t-shirt in any thrift store for love or money that fits properly. So your pattern will suffer from the outset, and there is not a hint in here as to how to modify that pattern to correct any fitting issues.
I have a set of jersey t-shirts both professional and casual, and I suspect you do as well. If you are over a b-cup--definitely if you are over a c-cup--and your t-shirts fit in the waist, you will notice that it stretches in horizontal bands across your back. That is a shirt that is too small across the chest. The two-flat-and-equal panels of stretch-fabric approach can only accommodate so much in the way of shaping, and most companies make their clothing to fit a b-cup. The farther you are from that norm, the less likely you are to find something that fits, unless it has a lot of shaping--in which case, it won't have two-equal-front-and-back panels that you can base this pattern off of.
2. Do I need to say this? Women are not equal in the front and back. It's one of the interesting things that make women's bodies different than men's bodies. Where in god's name are the boobs going to go?
3. Jersey is stretchy and it can be very forgiving when made well, but when made half-assed it can highlight every lump and fold you have for the entire world to see. The dresses truly do look great on the models in the book. The models in the book however are young, slim girls without any of those interesting squishy bits that most of us accumulate through time. Where the models are a little larger--and I do mean little--the downside of their entire approach is clear (for instance, the picture on p. 38 shows a dress that is clearly too small through the hips and bust and too large around the waist). I also suspect these models are wearing some super-strength foundational undergarments. There are, after all, no panty-lines, which is pretty exceptional in a book filled with stretchy skirts.
When I tried to picture myself in the clothes as shown in the photos, I felt first faint, and then faintly nauseous. Might as well run down the street in my least flattering underwear.
There is no shame in not wanting to sew your own clothes. For heaven's sake, there is an entire enormous industry dedicated to convincing you that you don't have to. So go ahead and buy crappy ill-fitting jersey clothes, if that's what you want to do. But why on earth you would spend more time and money on picking out fabric and making a pattern and sewing it up and then, maybe, embellishing it in one of the ways they demonstrate, only to get a crappy shirt or dress that fits just as badly as what you can get in the store for less money beats me. If you're going to go to all the trouble of choosing fabrics and styles and drawing patterns and sewing, isn't it worth the extra 30 minutes to find a pattern that will fit properly and take the time to shape it well?
First, the good: the authors have a fabulous design aesthetic. The choice of colours was great. The little flourishes and embellishments were consistently pretty and very well-presented. The non-clothing projects looked both relatively easy to do, and attractive. So you may very well want to buy or read this book. Before you do, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Am I 15? At the very least, am I under 23?
2. Am I thin, athletic, or otherwise lacking in body fat?
3. If I look at myself sideways in the mirror, am I relatively symmetrical? That is, am I fairly small in the chest and the rear?
If so, you're in luck. These clothes may look just fine on you. If not--if you are, heaven forbid, over 23, curvy, well-endowed, fleshy, a mother, or otherwise possessed of bulges and folds that you would rather not advertise to the general public--the clothes in this book will likely make you look as if you are smuggling small bean bags in your underwear.
Why?
It's the patterns.
Rather, it's the lack of patterns. They would have you go to a thrift store, buy a jersey t-shirt that fits perfectly, cut it up, and then use half of it to make a "torso pattern" that you use for both front and back.
Let's consider the problems with this approach:
1. If you are over 23, not-thin, busty or hippy or both, you will not find a jersey t-shirt in any thrift store for love or money that fits properly. So your pattern will suffer from the outset, and there is not a hint in here as to how to modify that pattern to correct any fitting issues.
I have a set of jersey t-shirts both professional and casual, and I suspect you do as well. If you are over a b-cup--definitely if you are over a c-cup--and your t-shirts fit in the waist, you will notice that it stretches in horizontal bands across your back. That is a shirt that is too small across the chest. The two-flat-and-equal panels of stretch-fabric approach can only accommodate so much in the way of shaping, and most companies make their clothing to fit a b-cup. The farther you are from that norm, the less likely you are to find something that fits, unless it has a lot of shaping--in which case, it won't have two-equal-front-and-back panels that you can base this pattern off of.
2. Do I need to say this? Women are not equal in the front and back. It's one of the interesting things that make women's bodies different than men's bodies. Where in god's name are the boobs going to go?
3. Jersey is stretchy and it can be very forgiving when made well, but when made half-assed it can highlight every lump and fold you have for the entire world to see. The dresses truly do look great on the models in the book. The models in the book however are young, slim girls without any of those interesting squishy bits that most of us accumulate through time. Where the models are a little larger--and I do mean little--the downside of their entire approach is clear (for instance, the picture on p. 38 shows a dress that is clearly too small through the hips and bust and too large around the waist). I also suspect these models are wearing some super-strength foundational undergarments. There are, after all, no panty-lines, which is pretty exceptional in a book filled with stretchy skirts.
When I tried to picture myself in the clothes as shown in the photos, I felt first faint, and then faintly nauseous. Might as well run down the street in my least flattering underwear.
There is no shame in not wanting to sew your own clothes. For heaven's sake, there is an entire enormous industry dedicated to convincing you that you don't have to. So go ahead and buy crappy ill-fitting jersey clothes, if that's what you want to do. But why on earth you would spend more time and money on picking out fabric and making a pattern and sewing it up and then, maybe, embellishing it in one of the ways they demonstrate, only to get a crappy shirt or dress that fits just as badly as what you can get in the store for less money beats me. If you're going to go to all the trouble of choosing fabrics and styles and drawing patterns and sewing, isn't it worth the extra 30 minutes to find a pattern that will fit properly and take the time to shape it well?
June 27, 2012
Improv Sewing by Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut is a collection of projects and patterns that you can make on the fly and sew using a standard sewing machine.
It's my favorite kind of sewing book. It doesn't depend on couture techniques or fussy cut detailed patterns. The patterns are made of simple lines and easy to create in the size you need. They leave some things unhemmed because knits don't come unraveled. Lots of embellishment techniques to create a look for yourself, your child or your home that's unique and artistic.
It starts with an introduction to fabric types and tips for sewing using a sewing machine with those fabrics, how to clip seams , use foldover elastic and ideas for thrift store shopping.
The instructions are very complete. If you're a novice sewer, you'll want to read through the chapters in order to understand how to put together the basic patterns before you get into the embellishments.
The clothes I wear the most are comfortable jersey knit skirts and dresses, and I like things that are easy to make and can be made with thrifted finds. Chapter 2 is Finding Your Fit- starting with how to take measurements, then using a well-fitting teeshirt your willing to cut up to use to make basic patterns. You will learn how to make a pattern for an a-line skirt that will fit perfectly with an elasticized waistband and how to make dress patterns with different necklines using the teeshirt pieces. The patterns use jersey knits for easy sewing.
Chapter 3 is Five Basic Designs. While there are several projects for children in this book, these patterns are for adults. They explain different sleeve types, and the patterns are easy wear casual pieces with lots of style. Tunics that can be dresses and skirts that could easily become wardrobe staples. Two of the skirts use woven fabrics. My favorite is the three panel wrap skirt.
In Chapter 4, Ruffles, Pleats and Trims, you'll use your basic pattern pieces with techniques like ruffles, ruching, shirring, binding and pleats to make dresses and shirts. My favorite project in this chapter is a toss up between the very feminine ruffled dressy dress and the ruffled wrap.
Chapter 5, Lines, uses lines of thread machine sewn for embellishing. This chapter has some clothing, but it also has a bunch of great home accessories that also make good gifts. My favorite projects are the nesting boxes made of canvas with great contrasting thread details and the meandering cardigan made from an old long sleeve teeshirt.
Chapter 6, Doodling, Sketching and Writing, doodle stitching with your sewing machine. Creating images and designs, this chapter has an introduction which explains the basic method. There are great home decor projects in this chapter, as well as a tubular constructed sun dress with a nice detail of leaf embroidery. My favorite projects are the fiddlehead dress with it's delicately spiraled fiddlehead fern shapes, and the potluck dish cover.
Chapter 7, Applique, has both regular applique and reverse applique projects. The scarf from the cover is in this chapter. My favorite projects are the colorful All-Weather Applique Mobile, and the easy to sew Hoodie Scarf which also makes a wonderful gift.
Chapter 8 , Stenciling, one of my favorite techniques, these are freezer paper stencils for nice sharp lines. A monogrammed shaving pouch that makes a nice gift for men and a soft knit wrap skirt stenciled with an umbrella are my favorites from this chapter.
Chapter 9 , Beyond Fabric, is non-fabrics. Sewn paper, plastic, cork, Tyvek and vinyl. I love the pencil pouch that could be made using a favorite sketch and the wind spinner made from card stock.
Chapter 10 is Upcyling! One of my favorite things in the world. Felted sweaters make long mitts, cotton fabric from old shirts and dresses to make very pretty potholders and other wonderful projects. My favorite is the wrap skirt made from 3 men's dress shirts.
Chapter 11 is Instant Gifts, Instant Gratification, super quick to sew items that make great gifts for friends on short notice. These use techniques from the previous chapters to make small, fun gifts. The loose leaf paper machine stitched to look like notebook paper can be hand embroidered with your personal note. I like the idea of stitching that with something like "Michael + Shala= True Love 4-ever" for a newly married couple. The jersey shawl is really easy to make and customize and that's my other favorite project from this chapter.
It finishes nicely with the templates for the decorations, a resources list and a complete index.
[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my craft blog- Don't Eat the Paste. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
It's my favorite kind of sewing book. It doesn't depend on couture techniques or fussy cut detailed patterns. The patterns are made of simple lines and easy to create in the size you need. They leave some things unhemmed because knits don't come unraveled. Lots of embellishment techniques to create a look for yourself, your child or your home that's unique and artistic.
It starts with an introduction to fabric types and tips for sewing using a sewing machine with those fabrics, how to clip seams , use foldover elastic and ideas for thrift store shopping.
The instructions are very complete. If you're a novice sewer, you'll want to read through the chapters in order to understand how to put together the basic patterns before you get into the embellishments.
The clothes I wear the most are comfortable jersey knit skirts and dresses, and I like things that are easy to make and can be made with thrifted finds. Chapter 2 is Finding Your Fit- starting with how to take measurements, then using a well-fitting teeshirt your willing to cut up to use to make basic patterns. You will learn how to make a pattern for an a-line skirt that will fit perfectly with an elasticized waistband and how to make dress patterns with different necklines using the teeshirt pieces. The patterns use jersey knits for easy sewing.
Chapter 3 is Five Basic Designs. While there are several projects for children in this book, these patterns are for adults. They explain different sleeve types, and the patterns are easy wear casual pieces with lots of style. Tunics that can be dresses and skirts that could easily become wardrobe staples. Two of the skirts use woven fabrics. My favorite is the three panel wrap skirt.
In Chapter 4, Ruffles, Pleats and Trims, you'll use your basic pattern pieces with techniques like ruffles, ruching, shirring, binding and pleats to make dresses and shirts. My favorite project in this chapter is a toss up between the very feminine ruffled dressy dress and the ruffled wrap.
Chapter 5, Lines, uses lines of thread machine sewn for embellishing. This chapter has some clothing, but it also has a bunch of great home accessories that also make good gifts. My favorite projects are the nesting boxes made of canvas with great contrasting thread details and the meandering cardigan made from an old long sleeve teeshirt.
Chapter 6, Doodling, Sketching and Writing, doodle stitching with your sewing machine. Creating images and designs, this chapter has an introduction which explains the basic method. There are great home decor projects in this chapter, as well as a tubular constructed sun dress with a nice detail of leaf embroidery. My favorite projects are the fiddlehead dress with it's delicately spiraled fiddlehead fern shapes, and the potluck dish cover.
Chapter 7, Applique, has both regular applique and reverse applique projects. The scarf from the cover is in this chapter. My favorite projects are the colorful All-Weather Applique Mobile, and the easy to sew Hoodie Scarf which also makes a wonderful gift.
Chapter 8 , Stenciling, one of my favorite techniques, these are freezer paper stencils for nice sharp lines. A monogrammed shaving pouch that makes a nice gift for men and a soft knit wrap skirt stenciled with an umbrella are my favorites from this chapter.
Chapter 9 , Beyond Fabric, is non-fabrics. Sewn paper, plastic, cork, Tyvek and vinyl. I love the pencil pouch that could be made using a favorite sketch and the wind spinner made from card stock.
Chapter 10 is Upcyling! One of my favorite things in the world. Felted sweaters make long mitts, cotton fabric from old shirts and dresses to make very pretty potholders and other wonderful projects. My favorite is the wrap skirt made from 3 men's dress shirts.
Chapter 11 is Instant Gifts, Instant Gratification, super quick to sew items that make great gifts for friends on short notice. These use techniques from the previous chapters to make small, fun gifts. The loose leaf paper machine stitched to look like notebook paper can be hand embroidered with your personal note. I like the idea of stitching that with something like "Michael + Shala= True Love 4-ever" for a newly married couple. The jersey shawl is really easy to make and customize and that's my other favorite project from this chapter.
It finishes nicely with the templates for the decorations, a resources list and a complete index.
[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my craft blog- Don't Eat the Paste. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
December 10, 2013
I'm so glad that I found this book. I've been sewing for less than a year and I really love it. The ideas in this book are so pretty and so simple. I work in a very casual environment but I like to wear dresses and skirts. This is a great compromise. I'll be honest and say that I haven't tried a pattern yet (due to lack of time, not lack of interest) but I have fabric waiting in the wings once I get done with some holiday projects. This book does not deal with patterns, and that works for me. I am between a size 16/18 and I like to look feminine and curvy. The idea behind most of these items is to base the shape off of a favorite tee-shirt. I have an old "boyfriend" style tee from Target that I will sacrifice for this project. I think it is going to work great and I am really excited to get started!
December 28, 2012
This book newly added to my collection of crafty titles is one of my absolute favorites. It combines clear instruction with fun designs, leaving you free to fly creatively. I love that the folks who are photographed wearing various projects are not "model perfect" but instead are human-shaped and thus beautiful. I am also thrilled to have an index of careful instructions on how to size these designs (and any the reader may come up with using these designs as a base) for those who are human-shaped. I have been looking for such a book for a long time. Yay!
May 1, 2015
I liked this book for the ideas for embellishing and fancying up the clothes I already have. I don't think some of the clothing patterns work for adult women and their curves but ever since having children, I was already using some of the techniques to upcycle worn clothes to make cute things for them. If you don't feel comfortable sewing without a pattern, this is a good book to start out with.
August 9, 2016
This book is fantastic. It makes me wish I felt comfortable in women's clothing. (I'm genderqueer.) I would wear the hell out of almost everything in this book if I was more feminine. I must must must show this to my sister; I bet she'll wear a lot of it, so maybe I can at least make some of the patterns for get.
August 20, 2018
This book is a guide to fun techniques for creating/upcycling simple clothing, household goods, and gifts with four basic patterns and basic machine stitches. Roughly executed at times, but that is the point - everyone needs to start somewhere, and this gives you some useful items along your journey . A little 2012 "put a bird on it" vibe here and there, but plenty of novel ideas as well.
April 6, 2012
I loved the different projects in this book. I really liked the pictures and the tips. I also liked that the authors emphasized experimentation and making mistakes. A great boost for the not-so-experienced sewer!
January 6, 2019
What makes a good DIY book? Good pictures. Appealing projects that stretch you - creatively & skill wise. Projects that you see yourself doing.
This book has tips and ideas that meet me where I'm at.
This book has tips and ideas that meet me where I'm at.
January 21, 2014
Cheerful, inspiring, and fun.
January 27, 2014
I Want this Book!
A lot ideas for knit fabric but hey, it is a fun fabric to work with.
You do not have to be prefect!
A lot ideas for knit fabric but hey, it is a fun fabric to work with.
You do not have to be prefect!
October 28, 2014
What Andrea McDowell said!
July 23, 2016
Loved the pattern for a heavy knit dress with 3/4 lengths sleeves. :) Simple and easy.
May 31, 2021
2.5 rounded up. As my interest in sewing increases, I've begun looking for ideas, especially about how to modify the clothing I already own into something more unique. This book looked too tempting to pass up on the library shelf, but after reading it once and flipping back through more interesting sections on a second pass, I'm really not convinced that most of these 'time saving' methods will produce clothes that are worth wearing in the long run. I think I'd rather spend my time adjusting a tried-and-true pattern to produce something that will fit well and wear well for years. Maybe I'll give some of the dress ideas a try for summer house dresses.
For me what warranted bumping it up from a 2-3 star rating is some of the decorative applique ideas. I have no experience in doing applique, though some interest in trying it and as an art teacher who has students interested in fashion, I definitely think some of my students will like modifying their clothing with some of these techniques. I can see them applying these concepts to pre-worn jeans that have worn through to just being holes as these ideas would give them new life. I would never modify my clothing like this unless it had already worn through - teens might feel differently. One idea that I also legitimately found useful is the idea of doodling with the sewing machine and I really like the templates that the authors included in the back of the book. Even if I don't end up using those exact templates, it gives me a good grounding of what is technically possible and a place to start.
For me what warranted bumping it up from a 2-3 star rating is some of the decorative applique ideas. I have no experience in doing applique, though some interest in trying it and as an art teacher who has students interested in fashion, I definitely think some of my students will like modifying their clothing with some of these techniques. I can see them applying these concepts to pre-worn jeans that have worn through to just being holes as these ideas would give them new life. I would never modify my clothing like this unless it had already worn through - teens might feel differently. One idea that I also legitimately found useful is the idea of doodling with the sewing machine and I really like the templates that the authors included in the back of the book. Even if I don't end up using those exact templates, it gives me a good grounding of what is technically possible and a place to start.
October 4, 2020
I DNFd this because I was so frustrated by the lack of *basic* pattern drafting knowledge from the authors.
For example, they think that you can change the flare of a skirt by simply drawing a different angle from the waist to the hip. This is a super common mistake make by people who sew but don't actually understand darts. As another example, they don't understand how an armhole should change for sleeves vs sleeveless.
I'm not surprised they use jersey for everything, because it can stretch and make up for the fact they cut the same thing for the back and front (there is a reason the models have small breasts). It also makes it do they don't need to finish hems.
I think this would be a great book for a teenager who is new to sewing and wants to play. But if you actually want to make clothing that fits, skip this.
For example, they think that you can change the flare of a skirt by simply drawing a different angle from the waist to the hip. This is a super common mistake make by people who sew but don't actually understand darts. As another example, they don't understand how an armhole should change for sleeves vs sleeveless.
I'm not surprised they use jersey for everything, because it can stretch and make up for the fact they cut the same thing for the back and front (there is a reason the models have small breasts). It also makes it do they don't need to finish hems.
I think this would be a great book for a teenager who is new to sewing and wants to play. But if you actually want to make clothing that fits, skip this.
November 15, 2018
This book is good for inspiration but ultimately I think many of the projects, upon closer inspection, would look too homemade (instead of handcrafted) for my taste. Many of the garments are only for slim folk - bumps and bulges would be too apparent in such unstructured jersey knits. I found the lack of fitting instruction really maddening! Right off the bat with Design #1 - you should not just "add sleeves" to a garment that was meant to be sleeveless (the armhole will be too small) nor should you go sleeveless for a garment designed with sleeves. This kind of lack of knowledge will cause your work to not look great. That said, the authors give permission to shortcut the very basics of sewing garments - like hemming - and have many creative home accessory projects as well!
October 24, 2025
This cute book has a variety of unstructured garments suitable for casual and children's wear. It has a very arts and crafts feel with naïve style and things to sew for the house. Leaning into unstructured and recycled materials with a focus on knits and felts it will suit the creative person who just wants to get something sewn up quickly without worrying about patterns, directions and couture finishes.
May 10, 2017
Love this book for just getting something done without the hassle of patterns and perfection. Very inspirational to get creative!
October 5, 2021
A great introduction to pattern-less garment and project sewing for upcycling.
March 2, 2022
Outstanding. Accessible, low risk projects and plenty time basic tips and encouragement. After renewing 3 times I bought this the book.
June 20, 2012
When I found out that the authors of Improv Sewing: A Freeform Approach to Creative Techniques would be signing copies of their book at Book Expo America, I was intrigued. (Check out the photo of the back of my head waiting in line. I'm the one with the red lower in her hair.) The word Improv in the title hinted that this wasn't your regular how-to sewing book. Authors Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut explain in the introduction that they want sewists to relax and focus on creativity and not dwell on perfecting technique.
Read more on my blog http://www.mycupofcreativitea.com/201...
Read more on my blog http://www.mycupofcreativitea.com/201...
January 26, 2013
Excellent!
Love the aesthetic.
Future reference book.
(too bad about the ugh scarf they chose to feature on the cover, though.)
non-fussy diy / hip / artfully, openly simple
upcycling
easy patterns (clothes, home, accessor.)
applique
tutorials
inspiration, esp. for little details
pretty pictures
sewing on paper
free-motion machine-sewed designs,
machine-stitching meandering/wavy lines
Notes to Self:
curtains w/ button flowers p. 150
embellished jersey baglet/pouch p. 120
linen placemats style (for other purposes) p. 116
basic pillowcase p. 107
great ideas for mending, hiding stains/holes/P brand name
Love the aesthetic.
Future reference book.
(too bad about the ugh scarf they chose to feature on the cover, though.)
non-fussy diy / hip / artfully, openly simple
upcycling
easy patterns (clothes, home, accessor.)
applique
tutorials
inspiration, esp. for little details
pretty pictures
sewing on paper
free-motion machine-sewed designs,
machine-stitching meandering/wavy lines
Notes to Self:
curtains w/ button flowers p. 150
embellished jersey baglet/pouch p. 120
linen placemats style (for other purposes) p. 116
basic pillowcase p. 107
great ideas for mending, hiding stains/holes/P brand name
February 23, 2012
This book really makes me want to break out the sewing machine and try a few projects. The instructions are clear, and the projects are simple without being boring. There are all sorts of ways to dress up the easy patterns, but the clean lines look fine on their own. This book makes it easy for anyone to make their own dresses, skirts, tops and accessories, as it shows how little is actually required for each project and gives quick but insightful advice on how to complete the pattern. I'll be keeping this in mind the next time I feel crafty!
April 22, 2013
Improv sewing as a technique is about sewing to fit your own level-- time, skill, materials, etc. Nice to have a book that encourages you to think beyond the pattern and instead teaches techniques that can be applied more based on your interests and creativity. Lots of jersey knits and comfortable clothes. That said, I prefer the applique and home products over most of the clothes pictured in the book.
January 19, 2017
I haven't gotten into it very deeply yet, but it seems perfect for me. It focuses on having fun sewing, not on getting details perfect, and presents projects that are prettier with that approach. If I allow my perfectionist tendencies an inch, they tend to take a mile instead, so I prefer to avoid giving then that inch.
August 9, 2012
I appreciated the authors' relaxed approach to sewing. "Don't worry if your seams are not perfectly straight" "Leave the ends unhemmed if you want" ect... It's good advice for people easily intimidated by sewing. There are quite a few simple but wearable clothing & gift projects that a beginner could easily handle.
June 27, 2012
Pretty nuts and fun if you have access to a good source of jersey knits. Very approachable. The author/designer has a very distinct style ("I'm wearing something 'funky' to the farmer's market!"), but if you like it, you can make it. This reminds me of Alabama Stitch Book but way less irritating.
April 8, 2019
I enjoyed the simple to follow tips presented for common ready-to-wear sewing projects. The book was catered to beginners. Each article was very practical with Pinterest worthy images per demonstration.
August 26, 2012
Just what I've been looking for -- a book with uncomplicated directions for making your own clothes. I had to return it before I could make anything, so I can't in good conscience give it 5 stars, but I'll be buying a copy and may come back to revisit my review.
September 5, 2013
again, haven't made anything from this yet but am SUPER excited to. it's not so much about specific projects as how to make a basic pattern that will fit you and adjust it to make different garments. which you can then customize with a variety of cute elements. as a beginner, this appeals to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews