Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking

by Tilly Walnes

Simple, elegant, and a little groovy, Love at First Stitch is all you need to start making the dresses of your dreams--with 7 complete full-size patterns.

Fancy making your own clothes but have no idea where to start? Tired of overwhelming sewing manuals and frumpy projects? Love at First Stitch offers a refreshing approach to dressmaking for modern makers, taking you from the basics of threading your sewing machine through creating gorgeous garments that you’ll love to wear. Let Tilly Walnes inspire you with her jargon-busting tutorials, down-to-earth attitude, and adorable dressmaking style, showing you that making your own clothes is so much more enjoyable than buying them.

• Build your skills and confidence one project at a new techniques are introduced when you need them.
• Step-by-step photographs take the head-scratching out of sewing.
• Includes 7 full-scale, multisize patterns, ready to be traced and used again and again.
• Tilly’s hints and tips for making sewing part of your lifestyle, adding your own special touch to any sewing project, and even how to polish your signature style.

Tilly Walnes demystifies dressmaking for the generations that have never been taught to sew. Written for novice stitchers by the author of the popular sewing blog Tilly and the Buttons , this book presents the sewing basics in an informal style, with Tilly's friendly and encouraging voice cheering the reader on throughout. Instead of overwhelming the novice dressmaker with theory, this book is about learning by doing. Each chapter presents practical tips and inspiration to guide you through creating a made-to-measure garment from one of the seven versatile and adaptable patterns included with the book, which can then be personalized to suit your individual style. Peppered throughout the book are Tilly's top sewing tips, including everything from what to look out for when buying--or borrowing--your first sewing machine, to how to behave in a fabric shop so that you appear like an expert, to techniques for pressing perfection.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Art, Fashion, How To

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2014

Reviews

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book months ago and scanned through it for tips while I was making a skirt. I've even taken the time to trace off the patterns in preparation for sewing that I've not yet got around to (as with reading, I want to sew all the things, but only have so much time.) But now I have finally sat down to actually read it. Tilly is wonderful, warm & funny. The book has great photos and graphics. I really love the layout of the book. Unlike my gripe with Gertie's books, this one flows so well. You are taken step by step, start to finish. Setting up your machine, learning a technique, then sewing up a pattern that uses that technique. While you could jump around in the book, it likely works best if you start at the beginning and work through, building up your skills as you learn something new with each chapter. The patterns are adorable, with a subtle vintage feel (but nothing too obvious or in-your-face, very wearable for someone with a modern fashion sense.) Great book for a beginner.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really cannot say how much I love this book! Having followed Tilly's blog and appearances in sewing magazines her book was a no brainer to buy. Not only does it succeed on a style front but it also delivers amazingly simple looking tutorials which even a novice like me could be confident to try without -too much- failure. Along with the Great British Sewing Bee book the patterns cover patterns that can be customised and developed the more confident your sewing gets.

[Jordan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently have decided to teach myself how to sew. I am desperate to make my own skirts with pockets. So you can imagine my excitement when I found this at half priced books with the patterns still inside. I haven’t tried any of the patterns yet. But I found the instructions very readable and understandable. I will be embarking on this journey as soon as I get my grandma’s machine serviced!

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly just looked at this as a look book. I don't know how to sew. I'm probably gonna just scan the images of outfits in here to reference when searching for more cute femme clothes. I just wanna look like a cross between Jessica Day and Dita Von Teese. That's all.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a few patterns I’d like to make!

[Mette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't made any patterns from this yet, except for the headband (sort of) but the book is such a pleasure to read! Love the way that it's structured and all the invaluable information in there. I can't wait to make everything and might update this review afterwards.

[Lan Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a phenominal book - the pictures are so helpful and I really appreciate the order that projects are laid out in, with each project building on and introducing new steps compared the the previous project. I am also working on projects in book order, which is great b/c I am building skills and confidence. It’s also a bit frustrating b/c I find myself not feeling very excited for some of the projects but wanting to keep to the fidelity of the process. That’s more of a me thing though so I don’t want to take away from how wonderful this book is for a novice-but-getting-proficient sewist.

[Ma Ajam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book. Good sewing advice. I made the pyjama pants and love them. But this is just about the only pattern I will make. None of the others appeal to me. They are very 60's inspired. Lovely to look at but would not wear them. I wish there was a basic boxy tunic pattern included. You know...two pieces sewn together, teaching me how to do a simple neckline. But instead you get a skirt, a dress and a blouse, none of which I want to do.
Still, a lovely book, full of good advice. This is why I give it 4 stars

[Niranjana Sundararajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started sewing about a month ago and I absolutely fell in love with the craft! It was definitely love at first stitch for me! :D

This book is perfect for both beginners and intermediate sewing enthusiasts. The language is fun/simple, the patterns are adorable, the tips are great and I just love the enthusiasm she has for the craft. I haven't gone through it all but I'm so glad I bought it!! If you have a new found love for sewing, definitely a great book to start off with.


PS- Can't wait to be like Julie Andrews and stitch matching outfits for everyone in the fam!! ☺️lol!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good for novice sewists and fans of The Great British Sewing Bee.

[Benedict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the two other books by Tilly Walnes, creator of simple yet stylish pattern brand 'Tilly and the Buttons', but was yet to read this, her first book, and a real beginners guide to dressmaking and sewing.

For full context, my mother taught me to sew when I was 14, so I've been dressmaking for a good... uh... good grief, over half my life?! In any case, I am not the target audience for this. This book is for absolute beginners.

From how to thread your machine and select fabric, to your first projects on to slightly more advanced techniques. This does take a very gentle learning curve from the very start to probably an advanced beginner level. Its hard to judge from my more experienced viewpoint but none of it seems impossible for even a newbie, and it gently increases the difficulty and complexity as it goes through the patterns.

The book includes patterns for the Brigette Scarf, Margot Pyjamas, Delphine Skirt, Megan Dress, Clèmence Skirt, Mimi Blouse and Lilou Dress.

So ultimately not much for an experienced sewist in this, but I'd say its damn near perfect for a beginner.

[Susan Collinsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for what it is - an introduction for beginners at sewing. Instructions very clear and well arranged. Tone is upbeat and encouraging without extraneous "you can do it!" and "Isn't this fun!" She has a nice range of patterns, as well as a few variations on each one. You could build a wardrobe with this one book.

I do wish the patterns included marks for bust, waist and hip, but it seems to be the norm for independent pattern companies (those outside the big 4) to skip those.

The topic of how to adjust for fit is given only 3 pages, but she clearly states that the subject can be complex and is beyond the remit of this book. So that's fair.

[Frances Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self-taught seamstress there was a LOT that I didn't know (and there still is lol). I bought this book when I was in a sewing slump. I was discouraged because my projects kept turning out frumpy, sloppy, or both. Even when the outsides looked alright, the insides were messy and embarrassing! This book walked me through the basics and the skills I sorely needed to take to the next level! HIGHLY RECOMMEND for anyone needing that sewing high of a completed project you just can't stop wearing!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently working on the Clemence skirt (with pockets!) and I am so excited about it!

I can't wait to get a chance to work on more projects. As a beginner I really appreciate how well Tilly breaks down each step with pictures. I've been stockpiling vintage patterns for a year and have made one disastrous attempt. After reading her book cover to cover (and a few pages over and over), I feel much more confident!

[Bianca1977 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former collegues got me this book als a birthday present a few years ago. I loved it immediately, but my daughter was stil little then and I didn’t have much free time on hand. Now that I am looking into old hobbies again, I picked this up and it is really great! Clear instructions for the beginning sewer and fun projects. I have it in Dutch, I can imagine the original English version is even more fun to read!

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat een goed boek is dit! Voor iedere beginnende naai(st)er: met dit boek begin je met een hoofddoek en aan het eind van het boek kun je een gevoerde jurk maken. Toegegeven; aan die jurk ben ik bij lange na niet toegekomen, maar wel aan een pyjamabroek. Helemaal zelf gemaakt. Dus.

Leuk, met humor geschreven, met meerdere patronen om op te oefenen, en met elk project krijg je weer een paar nieuwe naaitechnieken aangereikt om toe te passen.

[Jacqueline M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very solid book for those interested in getting into garment making. The author is clear and the patterns are cute and each builds on previous skill. While I read the whole thing, I've only actually sewn the first three patterns which came out quite nicely. I would recommend this one and Tilly's blog to anyone who would like to start sewing their own clothes.

[Climbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is so beautiful and well illustrated. This is the perfect book for beginners. I found the techniques explained in the book so so helpful! It’s such an enjoyable read. The author is obviously very passionate about sewing. I would love to make a mini blouse, Delphine skirt, and Lilou dress.

[Jaz Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sewing book for the novice sewer. My only wish was a section on how to hem clothes for fit your body. However, I always get compliments on the clothes that I made from that book and for that it get a 4/5 stars rating.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sure that this book has good information in it, but I found the grid and zigzag patterns behind the text made it very difficult and tiring to read. My eyes started to spin! About one third of the text has this distracting feature. I guess the graphic designer got out of control on this one.

[Sue Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naturally a major benefit of this book are the patterns included which give the reader a great start in learning to sew clothes. As a digital version does not include these, t he introduction has encouraged me to buy the paper version.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an experienced sewist, and someone who generally like to push my craft boundaries, this book was a bit too easy for me. I think it would be great for an intrepid beginner who is wanting to learn how patterns work and possibly draft their own. Lots of photos and plenty of inspiration.

[Chantille · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures are very clear and the instructions are comprehensive. It also comes with removable patterns in a folder on the inside back cover which is nice. I did not make any of the projects but if I do I'll update my review with how it all goes.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

100-percent THE most delightful book I have purchased in a long while. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for beginners. I learned a lot of skills from it, although I didn't make everything in the book in the end.

[Lafrog8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for beginners but also lots of very clearly explained techniques and their alternatives. Some pretty clever design ideas to make a garment your own. Definitely worth a read (re-read).

[Jec · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book for those of us who love to sew ...

[Gianna Lorandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all the patterns in this book, they are right up my street. Tilly is great at explaining techniques and the pictures are so helpful.
A must for a beginner!

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worth revisiting for
Clemence Skirt
Mimi blouse
Margot pajamas

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from Tilly. Easy to read instructions with patterns in the back cover.