I originally asked for this last year when it was offered by Amazon Vine. After waiting three months for the ARC to show up, the one I received was unusable due to extremely poor printing quality in terms of some pages having far too much ink and others nearly none at all, missing pages and numerous other issues. Since removing the item from the Amazon Vine queue is not possible without a review, I had to wait for the actual book to come from my local library system in order to be able to review it. That took time due to a long list of patrons in front of me and various other issues.
With the subtitle “Basic techniques for sewing, applique, embroidery, quilting, dyeing, and printing, plus 150 inspired projects from A to Z” this book is designed to be the primary resource for all your sewing needs. At 400 pages plus a CD containing project patterns and templates it is very comprehensive.
After a brief introduction and multi-page fabric and thread glossaries, there is a brief section on how to set up your sewing area. This is not designed for those who work out of a sewing basket and occasionally pull the sewing machine out of a closet somewhere. The sewing area depicted in this book is designed for those who can dedicate the space and can set it up much like a workbench area out in the garage.
The large section on “Basic Techniques” follows beginning on page 24 and is divided into six sub sections on various topics of interest. The first subsection is on “Sewing” and includes explanations of supplies needed, preparing fabric for sewing, the different types of items on a sewing machine, basic stitches by hand or machine, and how to sew various things by hem, seam, etc.
The book then moves to “Applique” starting on page 39 and uses the same setup as the proceeding sub section. After describing the basic supplies needed and how to do applique by hand and machine, the section moves on to ironing the applique.
Page 44 marks the start of the “Embroidery” section following the same format previously described in the earlier sections. As the other sections did, the text here is supplemented by both color photographs as well as black and white drawings.
“Quilting and Patchwork” begin on page 62 using the same format outline. The book showcases examples of a basic patchwork quilt, before moving on to one with a star design as well as more complicated ones. Also included is a helpful and detailed section on how to repair a patchwork quilt.
Suppose you want to change the color of a fabric. This is where “Dyeing” comes and that section begins on page 76. Not only does the book cover how to hand dye fabric, there are detailed instructions along with the always present photographs on how to over dye fabric as well as achieve the faded look you want as well as several other helpful tips.
That section naturally leads into the concept of “Printing.” Beginning on page 84, Martha Stewart takes you through the process using stamps, blocks, and stencils to create the design you want.
Now that you have the basics out of the way you are ready, for “Projects A to Z” beginning on page 90. Handmade stuffed animals such as the “menswear bunny” (cut pieces from an old suit) on pages 93 and 94 and “sock dogs” (pages 99-101) start off the by far largest section of material in the book. For over 340 pages this section details the above mentioned whimsical items, practical things like the “multi pocket bulletin board” on pages 267 and the useful such as the very pretty and no doubt warm “state-bird embroidered quilt” ( pages 290-291),among others. While aimed at folks new to sewing or with little experience, those with plenty of sewing experience will want to pick up this book to check out the many interesting projects.
The last section of the book is designed to be information resource contenting lists of materials advanced sewers use, their techniques, examples of the material found on the CD, a list of sources, etc. An 11 page index and one page listing of photography credits bring this 400 page book to a close.
Comprehensive and extensive, detailed in terms of text and pictures, this book is definitely a worthy resource to have. While those with experience may only be interested in the numerous projects and varied projects, those with more limited experience will find this book to be a very worthwhile and valuable resource.
For those folks who want to know how the reviewer used the book---I did not do any of the projects or do anything beyond read and review the book. The continuing worsening of my health situation that has now spread into my arms and hands makes it impossible just like it is now impossible for me to assist my wife with any of her sewing and craft projects.
Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic techniques for sewing, applique, embroidery, quilting, dyeing, and printing, plus 150 inspired projects from A to Z
Martha Stewart
Potter Craft (Crown Publishing Group—division of Random House)
March 2010
ISBN# 978-0-307-45058-6
Hardback
400 Pages (plus pattern CD)
$35.00
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2011
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