Sew Smart

Whether you want to create a tailored jacket, sew a collar that lies flat, fashion a one-of-a-kind special-occasion outfit or learn the subtleties of working with faux leather, the information is in this book. You will also find detailed instructions based on Clotilde's years of experience and sewing expertise. It's like having Clotilde in your sewing room to answer your questions as you plan and create each new clothing project.

Information on fiber content and its importance to the appearance and performance of a fabric and tips and helpful hints on selecting fabric. It also features specific information for each kind of fabric, telling how best to prepare and cut that fabric. Over 50 projects with step-by-step instructions and photos are included.

Quilting shouldn't be a pain in the neck! Stay pain-free with this quilter's survival guide to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Ever been unusually sore after a marathon day of crafting? There's no need for pain! This guide will make sure you have the right posture, techniques, and stretches when putting in those dedicated hours on your next project. Expert Rose Parr will teach you the methods behind ergonomics with useful visual guides, endless tips, healthy recipes, and contributions from the best quilters in the industry! Certified health and ergonomics specialist Rose Parr shares her expertise on how to sew smarter, healthier and happier Includes exercises, stretches, recipes, and tips to keep you in prime sewing form Keep your mind sharp and your body ache-free!

Sewing never goes out of style, and today it is more popular than ever! Sew Retro offers twenty-five stylish, vintage-inspired sewing projects—beautiful bags, essential skirts, unique pillows, and more—that are a pleasure to sew, thanks to easy instructions, helpful diagrams, and a pocket of ten full-size patterns. This fun, inspirational book also uncovers sewing’s colorful history, from the introduction of the sewing machine to the modern DIY movement, and features interviews with today’s hottest fabric and pattern designers, including Amy Butler, Betz White, Barbara Brackman, Emma Brennan, Judie Rothermel, and Kathy Miller of Michael Miller Fabrics. Filled with gorgeous project photography and quirky vintage illustrations that bring the 1920s, 1940s, 1950s, and beyond to life, Sew Retro celebrates sewing yesterday and today. Learn more about Sew Retro and enjoy bonus projects and tutorials at www.sewretrothebook.com!

Learn quilting basics from a YouTube sensation and practice your skills with 12 fun projects suitable for all skill levels. Her instructional videos have inspired thousands to start sewing. Now for the first time, sew-lebrity Laura Coia shares written patterns for the most loved video tutorials on her “Sew Very Easy” YouTube channel! Learn the basics of quilt making, from cutting and pressing to borders and finishing. Then practice your skills with a dozen beautiful projects—quilts you’ll come back to time and time again—all suitable for beginners and beyond.

If sewing with friends sparks your creative passion, jump-start your next retreat or sew-in with the projects in this well-curated collection. Organize your sewing tools and supplies with nine make-ahead projects; then choose from seven more projects to stitch for fun, alongside your friends. Twelve expert designers share their inspiring ideas for sewists on the go. Make everything from equipment totes, a needle case, crafter's apron, and sewing machine mat to striking quilts, place mats, a pillow, and table runner Enjoy retreat anecdotes and advice from the pattern designers Relax and rejuvenate as you create something fabulous for yourself or your creative friends

Outlines methods for quick cutting, piecing, and applique, and includes directions for such projects as wall quilts, holiday decorations, pillows, baby accessories, and sweatshirts

Experienced sewing instructor and blogger Barbara Emodi shares her sewing wisdom to help readers get started, get started back up, or hone their existing garment-sewing skills. Not a sewing reference book as much as a book of experience, this is a book that will make a novice sewist say, “Oh, so that’s why you do that,” make a practiced sewist think, “Now that’s a neat trick,” and make a very experienced sewist smile and say, “That is sooo true!” Take advantage of her thoughts, tips, and tricks on the benefits of sewing, the importance of fit, basic techniques, available tools, patterns, and materials, and so much more. • Droll, well-informed, readable, interesting, and useful— the how-to book of sewing wisdom you always wanted • Get the inside scoop on sizing and alteration, patternless sewing, what to sew and what to buy, and many other topics, with mini lessons sprinkled throughout • Tips and ideas on choosing and using the best fabric, gear, and sewing machines