Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching

by Heather Ross, John Gruen (Photographer)

More than just a pair of days, a weekend is also a state of mind―a feeling of relaxation and freedom to immerse ourselves fully in a favorite activity. In Weekend Sewing, designer Heather Ross presents creative projects for clothing, accessories, and home items that can be made in a weekend or less. Some, like the Quick Garden Gloves and Ruby’s Bloomers, take a few hours; others, like the Weekend-Away Travel Bag and Trapeze Sundress, require a day or two―but all of them capture that weekend feeling.
And because weekends are often the most fun when they’re social, Ross features ideas that encourage us to share our stitching and our time, such as a recipe for soup to simmer while sewing, then serve to guests later in the day, and tips for transporting a sewing machine to a friend’s house for an afternoon of social stitching.
The sewing instructions are beautifully illustrated, and patterns for the projects are included on pullout sheets.

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

160 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

Heather Ross is an illustrator and fabric designer. She lives in New York City and the Catskill Mountains.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of this book. I like the presentation, the projects, the illustrations and photos, and the extras. However, I've dubbed this book "Weekend Tracing". If the idea is that these are quick projects that can be completed in a few weekend hours, then you better be prepared to spend a weeknight tracing the patterns from the master pattern sheet. If you haven't seen what this looks like, it's a treasure map of several patterns drawn on the same sheet of paper in different colours, and it's double sided. I've only made one project from the book so far - the shirt dress - and there are several errors in it. No marking on sleeve piece for the basting line. Neckband bias strip an inch too short (this could have been my heavier fabric, but annoying nevertheless), no instructions on how to make double fold bias tape. Waistband pattern much narrower than shown in project photo. Last button placed too low for shortest length (the hem comes up to cover the button hole - don't add the last button hole until you've hemmed it and are sure that you want it!). And I had to take the waist in by about 4 inches, even though I made the size that corresponded to my waist measurement. That being said, I'm a novice sewer and perhaps these are things that a more experience sewer would take in stride. I consider this a worthwhile, inspiring book, but be prepared to take some things into your own hands.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these projects and ideas! They were inspiring!

[library lola · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really really WANTED to like this book, but I didn't care for it. The photographs are beautiful, however I found the patterns to be way to simple (like sewing a loop and a button onto a dishtowel) to much to complicated (like the pattern for the fabric outdoor tent). At least one third of the book is dedicated to clothing for women, but it has limited sizing. The section for children consists of dresses made from two rectangles...one gathered for the skirt and another sewn together to form the top. Now, I understand that this is intended to be quick and easy projects, the difficulty is that any/all of the pattern in this book can be found for free easily on the internet.

Maybe a VERY beginning level seamstress would enjoy this book, however I have read many other reviews online at Amazon.com with other readers complaining about missing instructions, incorrect measurements and confusion, so I would hesitate giving this to a beginner. If you are interested in this book I would try and check it out at a local library first or be sure to thoroughly read online reviews both here and at online booksellers before purchasing.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this book out hoping for some small projects for my re-discovered creativity and I found some really cute patterns in it. I especially liked the patterns for unique things like a makeup bag, a checkbook cover, slippers, and cute children's clothes. None of the adult patterns were very appealing to me. I'd like to try a few of the projects but I'm a bit hesitant because most of the reviews talk about pattern errors...not such a great thing for a pattern book. She also included recipes which was kind of weird.
In addition to the patterns the author includes basic sewing tips, necessary tools, creative storage ideas for sewing in small spaces, and an illustrated glossary of sewing terms.

[Wendy Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

As many others have indicated, this is a very pretty book by a clearly talented designer that is unfortunately full of baffling errors. I also was surprised by the inclusion of odd content randomly inserted such as "sewing sounds" and very simple recipes, which didn't add to the book's content at all and felt very out of place. The projects also range from very simple to fairly skilled.

My full review is here:
www.handmadenews.org/article/index.ph...

And includes links to the "errata" section of the author's website where she offers some corrections, as well as to a couple of free patterns available online. I've heard varying feedback on the smocked dress, but not much on the gardening gloves. A shame, as Heather Ross' fabrics are charming and some of the projects are very cute.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun book for people who love to sew and want some inspiration or fun projects to try. Me and my little cousin loved going through and picking out projects to try. She was even able to make one of the bags on her own. These are fairly simple and it includes patterns for the projects in the front sleeve of the book. Too bad we got this at the library so we had to trace the patterns.
I definitely recommend this especially to a hobby sewist.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very lovely to look at. Most of the projects are a little “easy” for me at this point in my sewing journey, and I have a lot of patterns. She discusses various fabric properties - helpful. She mentions the affordability and reliability of vintage mechanical machines (AGREE! It’s all I sew on!) but then waxes poetic about her heirloom Featherweight with the mint-green finish… the model shown goes for about $700 these days because it’s a highly-sought-after collector’s item rather than a household appliance. This could be offputting to a brand new sewist; a fine, durable vintage machine can be gotten for less than $100. Sizes aren’t especially “inclusive,” the finished garment measurements (including wearing ease) for the shirt dress is 40” bust, 32” waist, 43” hip. I would have to make significant increase adjustments in the pattern for this to fit me, and I’m not even “plus sized”.

[Amberwench · Rating 3 out of 5]

Projects range from "I can sew a square!" to a full-on tailored shirt waist dress. Book delivers as promised: pleasant collection of weekend projects for any level of experience.

[Cyndi]

Nothing really to excite me here...

[Wendy Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

would be so nice to own a copy as a reference book :)

[Pumpkin+Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book actually convinced me to make a skirt. Well, two skirts actually, but of COURSE I haven't finished one of them almost a year later, but one of these days...

I love the variety of projects available in the book, and the variety of audiences to sew for. The sizing seems a little wonky, however. My five-year-old just swims in her size small pajama pants, and her daddy's matching pajama pants are actually super wide on him, too. However, I had to add extra panels to the size large yard sale wrap skirt to make it fit me, and I despair of even trying the peasant top. And none of us really seem to be at any sort of extreme size-wise, so...

But the baby kimono top? Made a BEAUTIFUL baby shower gift. The book doesn't include a pattern for matching baby bottoms, but I made some from the sleeves of the blouse that I cut up to make the kimono top, and everything worked out pretty cute!

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was the perfect book for my level of sewing experience, I have made some quilts and a few garments, but I am still learning. "Everyday Sewing" has simple patterns and more advanced. I liked that there were illustrations of each step. However, I didn't realize that there were errors in the instructions/ patterns. I started making the Trapeze Sundress, and ran into several errors, the number of pleats is not consistent across the steps of the instructions, the pleat placement is not clearly marked on the pattern and the illustrations do not accurately depict the shapes of the pattern pieces. I have had better luck buying individual patterns from designers such as Amy Butler from the fabric store.

Here's a link for corrections to the patterns/instructions: http://www.abramsbooks.com/weekend_se...

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm in a fun sewing club that meets on Monday nights, and we just tackled the toiletries bag project. I think that it's going to end up looking really cute but the project instructions/pattern has already had multiple flaws - not the least of which being that it says to buy 1/8 of yard of fabric when at minimum you need a fat quarter and better to have a 1/2 yard. It gets worse from there. So we're figuring it out but it's been really frustrating.

The book itself is beautiful but I don't know that I'll attempt to make many more from it just because I've been so frustrated with the project. The reviews on Amazon are full of complaints about other projects too...

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of terrific ideas to play around with. This is the most visually appealing, realistic, and thoughtfully composed collection of "projects" that I've seen to date. There are a lot of children's clothing projects, which I am not personally interested in, but I understand that there is a sizable market there. As regards the complaints about inaccurate patterns, I haven't encountered any problems yet, but I did notice that the author has at least attempted to ameliorate the issue and has posted corrected patterns on her website. Granted, I only borrowed this from the library, so I'm not too invested in it.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am rating this book with only 2 stars because of the information in the book, not the ideas. The final products pictured are awesome. However the patterns lack accurate information and details. The actual patterns are missing all the marking the author references in her directions, they are crudely drawn as well. The written directions are not much better with a few patterns calling for the wrong yardage and measurements. Editing and testing before this book was published must have been overlooked.

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first sewing book I got REALLY excited to buy after I started my addiction to sewing and craft blogs. What a disappointment, with the first edition riddled with typos (typos are REALLY frustrating in a sewing book where "1/2 yard fabric required" should actually be "2 yards fabric required" Argh.) For a beginning sewer, it was tremendously frustrating.
I still have yet to finish another project in the book, but I have bookmarked the publisher's "errata" page in Safari if I need to do something else. Grrr.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too bad I don't have time to sew my own clothes. I can't believe my mom had time to sew clothes for me! There is more than just clothes in this--purses, bags, tents, picnic blankets and baby blankets. Gorgeous to look at!

Weekend Sewing

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great ideas. It's a library book so the patterns are not included. I found good info on sewing and sewing machine basics. The reviews I've read on the actual sewing projects are mostly low due to inaccuracies in the patterns and directions. I won't be buying my own copy but I've learned a few things that will help me in choosing fabrics, thread and needles. There are also good ideas for setting up a sewing area. I would recommend this book on those reasons.

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While many of these projects are not particularly new and fresh, it's nice to have so many gathered in one place. I actually traced the pattern and made the summer blouse, and it turned out pretty nice. I lengthened it to make more of a tunic or dress, with good results. As I read through the comments about this book on GoodReads, I see a lot of criticisms of the book. Personally, I think it's a fine resource, and one that I will probably be buying.

[Vicki Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the aesthetic of this book and I was pleased with the couple of patterns I tried so far: the pajama pants and the baby bloomers. A lot of the projects are things I could figure out on my own or are things that I wouldn't wear or have my kids wear so it's probably not a book I'll buy. I'm glad it is available at my library though.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such great projects, and I was amazed at how much I learned that I didn't know before! Example: the toddler pants have instructions on how to make adjustable waist elastic. Brilliant! Also the elastic thread smocking technique that has been such a hit this year was totally foreign to me before I picked up this book.

Special plus: I own an AUTOGRAPHED COPY!!! *geeked*

[Jaime David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Heather Ross' fabric design and this book has some great pictures. I have made the apron,pajama pants, and baby bloomers. I have a little issue with the sizing and the errata seems to still have some issues. I bought fabric to do the pj pants based on the book and it was not enough. The illustrations are quite lovely, as to be expected.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book makes me want to sew things and make things, but there are significant issues in the instructions. If you Google, you'll discover people's edits and corrections, which make things more plausible. The pictures are lovely, but I'm annoyed by having to double-check each project to see if the instructions are viable or not.

[Kimberli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the simplicity of this book for a beginner. Simple tips. Good resources (many in NYC) including some mail order resources. 
Projects include: Apron, Guest-room Pillow Cases & Guest Slippers, Dop Kit, Adult Sundress, PJ pants, Baby Soakers, Child's Smocked Sundress, Boy's Button Front Shirt
Book good for Sewing level: Beginner and above

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nifty book of quick and simple sewing projects. Sometimes the illustrations aren't as clear as I would like but the written instructions are very thorough (I can sew, I just don't have a lot of time to sit in one place long enough, so not having a picture doesn't really bother me). I really want to make the wrap dress, trapeze dress, and market bag.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

already picking out fabric to make the trapeze dress which looks like the perfect summer by the pool dress. I love that she included more adult dress patterns. most of the new books out there only seem to cater to teens and 20's

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book of pattern. I think you need to know a good bit about about sewing before attempting these. I really wish that it came with separate pattern pieces instead of having to trace everything to create your own patter piece.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just about projects that can be completed in a couple days, Weekend sewing is all about a relaxed attitude, as well. Nice variety of projects for home, clothing and kids. Really nice illustrations.

[Di · Rating 2 out of 5]

Darling ideas, but the instructions weren't as clear as I would have hoped. In some cases, the directions said one thing, and the photos showed another. There's an errata on Ms. Ross's website, but it does not cover everything I might hope for.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pros:

1) lovely photos - sunny, happy kind of photos
2) cute projects - there are some that are just too cute for words (like the little baby "kimono" shirt)

The cons:

1) hand-drawn diagrams - I'm obtuse but I can't decipher them
2) no step-by-step diagrams - again, I'm obtuse