Me and My Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Guide

by Kate Haxell

Overview

Accessible, good-looking and jargon-free, this book contains everything you need to know to sew well using your sewing machine and nothing more. There are no scary couture-type techniques that real sewers never use, no painstaking procedures that don't actually make your sewing easier, or help it look better, and no complicated methods of doing anything. Instead you will find easy-to-understand, practical and decorative techniques that make sewing simple, even if you have never used a machine before. There are lots of clever tips plus shortcuts that can make things faster and easier to do, with clear advice on when you can use these speedy methods and when it really is better to do something the traditional way. Everything is illustrated with clear step-by-step photography and finished samples, with variation samples where appropriate. As well as techniques, there are some easy projects you can make on your sewing machine and although they are simple, they don't skimp on style.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781607050780
Publisher:	C & T Publishing
Publication date:	05/16/2010
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	765,332
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Kate Haxell learned sewing from her grandmother at a young age, creating eccentric outfits for her compliant dolls. After obtaining her art degree, she went to work for Country Living, then moved into book publishing and editing. Kate's previous books include Decorative Knitting, The Seed Bead Book and First Knits. She lives in London.

Editorial Reviews

This helpful sewing manual covers much more than its name implies. Me and My Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Guide by Kate Haxell for C&T Publishing introduces all the basic sewing techniques. While quilting and patchwork are only mentioned briefly, this is a great beginning resource for the new sewer in your life. Includes patterns for seven simple projects and a useful glossary.

June 1, 2010 - Small Quilts

I've been sewing for a long time, but I was self taught, and I'm still at a beginner level. This is exactly the book I need to improve my sewing skills! If you are a self taught sewist, this book is a wonderful resource that is able to answer your questions. I like Me and My Sewing Machine because it explains techniques that aren't common sense, and that I'm probably doing wrong. This book will help you sew projects that are beautifully crafted and durable. The information in the reference section is invaluable, and the patterns are cute, easy to sew, but will still help you work through new techniques. I wish Me and My Sewing Machine had been available years ago!

June 24, 2010 - Connecting Threads

With complete instructions for tried and true techniques, from the basic set-up to the finishing touches, an illustrated guide to how a sewing machine works, and advice on the accessories needed to achieve the desired results, this is a great book for the newbie sewer.

June 1, 2010 - Notions Magazine

A must-have for new seamstresses, or those who want to become new seamstresses, and a great reference for anyone who is looking to brush up on their sewing skills.

12/16/14 Kiki Magazine

Me and My Sewing Machine is an excellent reference manual to carry in your store. Excellent step-by-step photography along with easy-to-understand instructions detail the various kinds of seams, how to put in a zipper or hem, and it even includes patterns for some fun projects.

American Quilt Retailer Magazine

Craft publisher C&T launches its youthful, funky new imprint with this volume, an accessible introduction to sewing with a sewing machine. Haxell (Stitched Toys) takes readers through all the basics of sewing, from selecting the right machine to identifying its parts to basic stitching. It's surprising that the projects don't take a more teen or YA-friendly approach to go with the rest of the book's presentation, which is very accessible to younger crafters. Though Creative Publishing's Singer-branded sewing books are still tops in this category, this is a nice quickie introduction for novices.

Library Journal