Binding: Hardcover
EAN: 9780297851172
ISBN: 0297851179
Label: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Manufacturer: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Number Of Pages: 224
Publication Date: May 11, 2006
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Studio: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating:

- Fantastic
I bought this book having read all the reviews. I have sewn in the past using patterns but haven't done anything in about 8 years due to having 3 small children who couldn't help going through my sewing box every time I got it out! Now with the youngest at preschool I thought I would give it a go again.

I love how chatty this book is and having read it from cover to cover I bought myself a lovely piece of linen with applique flowers on it and made the 'My Favourite A-Line Skirt' (page 111) in about 2-3 hours and it looks fantastic. I had developed a bit of a zip phobia when I was sewing before, but followed the instructions and even that looks great. I drew the pattern onto a piece of brown paper (making it a bit longer in the process) so I could keep it and I will definately be making more skirts.

The only thing I would have liked in the book was a pattern for trousers, but I may have a go at that myself!

Rating:

- Dull and uninspiring
I couldn't warm to this book for a number of reasons. Mainly because there is no real information contained within the book. There is a lot of writing and narrative by the author, but there just doesn't seem to be any real substance. I was looking for a more technical book but this is very basic and the ideas just don't appeal to me. Also, the lack of photographs is a real shame, maybe if there had been a visual representation of what the author was explaining then I would have found this book more useful. I was hoping for something fresh and creative but this seemed a little 'dumbed down' and is probably best suited to a young audience.

Rating:

- Great fun!
After entering the foray of the sewing world a few years ago by thowing myself into a load of far too complex patterns I gave up. Some of the things I made were at best a good effort and at worst horrific garments that I wouldn't put my dog in! My efforts were eventually relegated to my numerous sewing boxs alongside a pile of lovely fabrics I'd had so much hope for and stuffed away at the back of the spare room. After reading the reviews I thought this would be a perfect way back in and I was right.

Her book has some lovely inspirational ideas, and are explained so simply it makes you believe you can do anything it shows you how to do. It's very well laid out, very pretty to look at and made me chuckle throughout.

After reading it I was itching to have a go at something so this weekend, I dug everything out and made a beautiful (if I do say so myself) bag. It's so lovely, I decided to do something I've thought about doing for ages - make a dress freehand, without a pattern or anything. The end result is, well on the slightly shapelss side and won't be seen on catwalks any time soon but the whole process reminded me what sewings about. Having fun, and not being too worried about making mistakes which are themes througout the book.

If you're looking for somewhere to start, or have been a little disappointed with previous projects I highly recommend this little gem.

Rating:

- Fab!
I love this book too. I am new to sewing as well, but for years I have been falling asleep with these designs and ideas flashing in front of my eyes for things I want to create. And this book is so inspiring, giving you 'cheats' ways to do things. I haven't made anything from it yet, but I only read it 2 days ago. Roll on the long bank holiday weekend...

Rating:

- Takes the scare out of sewing
I got a sewing machine for Christmas and was all set to sew away but got totally frightened by the snooty instructions in the 70s sewing books I bought from charity shops. But this book has made me realise I don't have to sew the perfect hem or fret about overlockers and I'm already on my way to finishing an apron and I'll soon be starting on my very first basic dress. It's full of funky ideas that won't break the bank. If you're a seasoned dressmaker this probably isn't for you. But anyone new to sewing who doesn't know where to start should buy it as a great demystifier.

Try searching the Internet for "Yeah, I Made it Myself: DIY Fashion for the Not Very Domestic Goddess" or Ebay for "Yeah, I Made it Myself: DIY Fashion for the Not Very Domestic Goddess".

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