Review: Weekend Sewing

A quick note before we begin: you’ve probably already seen Weekend Sewing mentioned on other blogs, because Heather Ross and her publisher organized a blog tour. If you’d like to learn lots more about this book, Heather, and her work, visit the links on the STC Craft/Melanie Falick blog.

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There are so many sewing books on the market now, and boy, are they ever not created equal. I learned to sew from my mother, and from Home Economics classes (remember those?). Both of them stressed the importance of the technical details that make a quality handmade garment. Too many modern sewing books gloss over things like proper pattern layouts and seam finishing for a more quick-and-dirty approach that would make Mom and my Home Ec teachers cringe.

So I’m very happy about Weekend Sewing. Heather Ross has created a truly beginner-friendly sewing book, with projects that gradually increase in complexity. You know, sewing is really not that difficult – but if you take time to learn to do the small things right, you’ll love your finished projects all the more.

This tablecloth is a good example of the kind of beginner projects in the book – things based on straight seams and large pieces of fabric, but which produce lovely, useful objects and give a beginner a sense of accomplishment.

But, more about the projects in a moment. Let’s talk about these patterns, which are bound into the inside covers of the book. There are full patterns for every project that needs one, in a range of sizes. For each pattern, there are detailed body measurements to correspond with each size.

The book contains 29 projects with full instructions. (I know, you may have noticed that the cover refers to “More than 40 Projects and Ideas.” That number includes things like recipes and tips for setting up a home sewing studio.)

For each project, Heather Ross gives wonderfully helpful advice on the best fabrics to choose. I love her characterization of fabrics having two primary traits: drape (slinkiness) and body (stiffness). One of the most common errors a new seamster can make is to sew a pattern with a fabric that’s not suited to it. I think this book makes great strides in helping a beginner past this hurdle.

(Love, love, love those gloves!)

So. as I mentioned, the projects increase in complexity, so a new seamster can grow her skills with this book. It’s nice to see a great array of well-designed projects: there are housewares, bags, accessories, clothes, and projects for children.

I think the clothing projects in Weekend Sewing deserve special mention. They’re beautiful! And yet, reading the pattern instructions, the construction of each garment is actually quite simple, and very well-explained.

I adore this little trapeze dress. I need one. That is all.

Oh – and also this shirt dress. Such nice, clean lines. I think this is probably the most complex project in the book, but again – explained in such a way that it looks very manageable.

And I’m sending huge kudos to Heather for the great illustrated instructions that accompany each project. They add so much clarity to the construction process.

I don’t mean to shortchange the chapter on childrens’ projects, but since I have no kids and rarely sew for kids, all I can say is that this group of projects is cute, and offers both beginner and more advanced designs. (This little kimono is so charming.)

Lastly, the chapter on sewing basics is beautifully written and illustrated. Reading Heather’s advice on choosing a sewing machine, understanding its settings, cutting out a pattern, and understanding the tools of the craft, I could almost hear my Mom’s voice explaining the basics. If you know someone who wants to learn to sew, this book is an excellent place to begin.