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alannajane's review
5.0
First off, this book is gorgeous. I am certain that the colour art will translate beautifully to the physical page, while also being subtle enough to stand the test of time.
Next, if you want a book that teaches everything you want to know either about starting to sew, or just to sew clothing that fits you and your loved ones better, this is THE BOOK I will now be recommending to my friends.
*WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK:*
* This book is easy-to-read, grounded, simple - and yet - teaches the reader everything you need to know to get started. The basic tools and techniques are super well explained.
* The author breaks down which tools are absolutely necessary, versus what is extra nice to have and what you might only use very rarely. These lists being separated makes sewing more accessible than it otherwise might not have been for some, and I really appreciated that. And while some may argue that an actual sewing machine isn’t at all necessary (clothing can absolutely be sewn by hand), this is a book on machine sewing. If you are a hand-sewist and want to use the book’s patterns and alteration methods in your work, you will still get much out of this book.
* I especially love that the author gives you ten things to try fixing when the your sewing machine doesn’t have the greatest tension BEFORE trying to adjust the tension dials. These things are so often overlooked, and will make you and your machine much closer friends than you otherwise would have been. This list will save you oodles of frustration and second-guessing your abilities. If you are new to sewing, I recommend highlighting this page or making a copy of it and hanging it up near your machine.
* I read through the patterns and they seemed really well explained. I do also love that Sonya includes lots of little ways to alter the patterns to help with fitting.
WHAT I DISLIKED OR THOUGHT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE BETTER:
* The publisher did not provide the actual patterns to try (obviously not the fault of the author). I would have loved to review how the actual sewing instructions held up while actually making. I read through them and they seemed GREAT, but sometimes things come up while actually making that you don't notice while just reading through. I did love that Sonya includes lots of little ways to alter the patterns to help with fitting. Once I get a copy of this book and try actually sewing one of Sonya's patterns, I will update this part of my review.
Basically, this book is a beautifully put together and well thought out best friend for all those who want to start sewing their own clothing.
I would love to thank the author and amazing sewist Sonya Philip, the publisher Roost Books, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
Next, if you want a book that teaches everything you want to know either about starting to sew, or just to sew clothing that fits you and your loved ones better, this is THE BOOK I will now be recommending to my friends.
*WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK:*
* This book is easy-to-read, grounded, simple - and yet - teaches the reader everything you need to know to get started. The basic tools and techniques are super well explained.
* The author breaks down which tools are absolutely necessary, versus what is extra nice to have and what you might only use very rarely. These lists being separated makes sewing more accessible than it otherwise might not have been for some, and I really appreciated that. And while some may argue that an actual sewing machine isn’t at all necessary (clothing can absolutely be sewn by hand), this is a book on machine sewing. If you are a hand-sewist and want to use the book’s patterns and alteration methods in your work, you will still get much out of this book.
* I especially love that the author gives you ten things to try fixing when the your sewing machine doesn’t have the greatest tension BEFORE trying to adjust the tension dials. These things are so often overlooked, and will make you and your machine much closer friends than you otherwise would have been. This list will save you oodles of frustration and second-guessing your abilities. If you are new to sewing, I recommend highlighting this page or making a copy of it and hanging it up near your machine.
* I read through the patterns and they seemed really well explained. I do also love that Sonya includes lots of little ways to alter the patterns to help with fitting.
WHAT I DISLIKED OR THOUGHT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE BETTER:
* The publisher did not provide the actual patterns to try (obviously not the fault of the author). I would have loved to review how the actual sewing instructions held up while actually making. I read through them and they seemed GREAT, but sometimes things come up while actually making that you don't notice while just reading through. I did love that Sonya includes lots of little ways to alter the patterns to help with fitting. Once I get a copy of this book and try actually sewing one of Sonya's patterns, I will update this part of my review.
Basically, this book is a beautifully put together and well thought out best friend for all those who want to start sewing their own clothing.
I would love to thank the author and amazing sewist Sonya Philip, the publisher Roost Books, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
annieb123's review
5.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Act of Sewing is a tutorial and general technique guide aimed at beginning sewists by Sonya Philip. Due out 27th April 2021 from Roost Books, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.
It is indisputably true that choosing the right clothes can affect our comfort, mood, life, even our personality. Choosing the wrong clothes or suffering through clothes that make us feel uncomfortable can even have a huge impact on the way other people interact with us. Getting educated and empowered to change the things we can change and make informed choices about what we consume and *how* we can go about gaining the technical expertise and confidence to change the things we can change is almost stunningly empowering and freeing.
I started sewing as a child. I bought fabric and made many of my own clothes as a teen because my available monetary resources would stretch further and because I live in a body which falls outside the normal ready-to-wear bell curve. Clothes available off the rack have never fit me properly and I've never been wealthy enough to have professionally tailored bespoke clothing - so sewing was a good fit for me.
This is a very good book for consumers who want to have body-positive, well fitting, well made clothes which make them feel comfortable and are a good outward expression of the wearer's personal style and personality. The book includes four full sized patterns for 4 basic wardrobe staples (top, skirt, trousers, & shirt) as well as understandable and accessible tutorials for alterations and fitting information to make clothes really wearable and comfortable.
The book is mostly illustrated with simple line drawings with a retro feel. There are some photographs, but not many. Readers who are beginners to sewing might well need to seek out additional resources in the form of videos, teacher/mentor, or online learning for some specific points. The descriptions included in the book are well done, but I am (alas) a very visual and hands-on learner and a purely descriptive explanation is unfortunately usually not enough to master the concept for me. That being said, I adore the author's straight talking genuine warmth and humor! I can imagine that she would be a *really* fun teacher from whom to take a workshop.
I would heartily recommend this one to sewists (beginner to advanced). It would also make a superlative selection for public or school library acquisition, maker's groups, classroom instruction, community theatre/wardrobe or continuing education workshops, library sewing groups, outreaches, volunteer/charity sewing, and similar. I intend to acquire a copy at release for my own sewing room.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Act of Sewing is a tutorial and general technique guide aimed at beginning sewists by Sonya Philip. Due out 27th April 2021 from Roost Books, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.
It is indisputably true that choosing the right clothes can affect our comfort, mood, life, even our personality. Choosing the wrong clothes or suffering through clothes that make us feel uncomfortable can even have a huge impact on the way other people interact with us. Getting educated and empowered to change the things we can change and make informed choices about what we consume and *how* we can go about gaining the technical expertise and confidence to change the things we can change is almost stunningly empowering and freeing.
I started sewing as a child. I bought fabric and made many of my own clothes as a teen because my available monetary resources would stretch further and because I live in a body which falls outside the normal ready-to-wear bell curve. Clothes available off the rack have never fit me properly and I've never been wealthy enough to have professionally tailored bespoke clothing - so sewing was a good fit for me.
This is a very good book for consumers who want to have body-positive, well fitting, well made clothes which make them feel comfortable and are a good outward expression of the wearer's personal style and personality. The book includes four full sized patterns for 4 basic wardrobe staples (top, skirt, trousers, & shirt) as well as understandable and accessible tutorials for alterations and fitting information to make clothes really wearable and comfortable.
The book is mostly illustrated with simple line drawings with a retro feel. There are some photographs, but not many. Readers who are beginners to sewing might well need to seek out additional resources in the form of videos, teacher/mentor, or online learning for some specific points. The descriptions included in the book are well done, but I am (alas) a very visual and hands-on learner and a purely descriptive explanation is unfortunately usually not enough to master the concept for me. That being said, I adore the author's straight talking genuine warmth and humor! I can imagine that she would be a *really* fun teacher from whom to take a workshop.
I would heartily recommend this one to sewists (beginner to advanced). It would also make a superlative selection for public or school library acquisition, maker's groups, classroom instruction, community theatre/wardrobe or continuing education workshops, library sewing groups, outreaches, volunteer/charity sewing, and similar. I intend to acquire a copy at release for my own sewing room.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
rc_cola's review
5.0
An essential sewing companion for beginner and expert sewists alike. Philip offers approachable explanations of modifications for all bodies' needs with body-neutral language. The four patterns included are easy building blocks to create timeless styles, and worth the purchase on their own. You'll feel empowered to sharpen your skills and sew your own wardrobe.
misslezlee's review
3.0
I didn’t win a free copy in the Goodreads Giveaway I entered but I was intrigued enough to purchase my own copy. I haven’t used any of the patterns included in this comprehensive manual, yet, but I did consult it for a fraying neck binding I redid on a favorite dress. With the included patterns you can make an entire capsule wardrobe that’s as funky and individual as you choose.
wombatjenni's review
4.0
I have not yet made anything from this book, so this review is solely about the contents of the book, and I'll update it once I get my hands on the patterns.
I've been following Sonya Philip on IG for a while now: she's the kind of a crafter I love, who encourages people to explore what really fits their bodies and moods. Like Philip, my entirely life I have had issues finding clothes in the store that fit me. There's always some weird compromise I have to make ("Fine, I guess I'll roll up these cuffs or something...") or try the other alternative: torture your body into fitting a standard. There's nothing wrong with it if you already fit the standard--man, life will just be so much easier! But it has taken me a couple of decades to really pause and think: who am I pleasing if I'm trying to make my body fit into store-bought clothes? And why won't I just get or make clothes that actually fit who I already am, and make myself feel good that way?
What a revolutionary thought, right?
But back to the book. Philip offers extremely basic patterns for shirts, pants, and skirts, and then shows you how to modify them with a variety of sleeves, lengths, and what to take into account when you're making patterns for yourself. The modifications then lead up to more complex-looking patterns that are actually just combinations of what you have already learned (a jump suit!). The promise of a well-fitting garment in the colors and patterns that I love is super attractive, and I can't wait to get my hands on these. I already have the fabric ready to go....
I've been following Sonya Philip on IG for a while now: she's the kind of a crafter I love, who encourages people to explore what really fits their bodies and moods. Like Philip, my entirely life I have had issues finding clothes in the store that fit me. There's always some weird compromise I have to make ("Fine, I guess I'll roll up these cuffs or something...") or try the other alternative: torture your body into fitting a standard. There's nothing wrong with it if you already fit the standard--man, life will just be so much easier! But it has taken me a couple of decades to really pause and think: who am I pleasing if I'm trying to make my body fit into store-bought clothes? And why won't I just get or make clothes that actually fit who I already am, and make myself feel good that way?
What a revolutionary thought, right?
But back to the book. Philip offers extremely basic patterns for shirts, pants, and skirts, and then shows you how to modify them with a variety of sleeves, lengths, and what to take into account when you're making patterns for yourself. The modifications then lead up to more complex-looking patterns that are actually just combinations of what you have already learned (a jump suit!). The promise of a well-fitting garment in the colors and patterns that I love is super attractive, and I can't wait to get my hands on these. I already have the fabric ready to go....
beeostrowsky's review
Packed with practical tips (don’t use vintage thread—it gets brittle; make notes for your future self about your progress on a project), The Act of Sewing teaches the basics in clear language and explains the importance of habits that veteran seamstresses take for granted. Tracing your patterns with chalk before cutting, for example, might reveal that your fabric’s design aligns with body parts you don’t want to emphasize.
After walking the reader through four simple garments (a top, a shirt with set-in sleeves, a skirt, and trousers), The Act of Sewing describes and illustrates how to adjust the width and length of the patterns, as well as more specific changes to the shoulders, bust, and crotch.
The following chapter is a smorgasbord of optional tweaks to add to your repertoire and make your clothing fancier (different necklines, sleeves, cuffs, yokes, and plackets), better fit for your body (gathering, pleating, tucking, and ruching) and more useful (belt loops and a variety of pockets).
The final chapter brings everything together (literally: top + skirt = dress! top + trousers = jumpsuit!) and encourages the reader to experiment with combinations of the patterns and techniques in the book to create clothing that’s distinctively your own and eminently practical for the way you live.
I strongly recommend actually sewing along with the author’s instructions for the four provided patterns (whether you intend to wear them outside the house or not); it will help you understand the instructions in the later chapters.
I am grateful to NetGalley for a free preview copy.
After walking the reader through four simple garments (a top, a shirt with set-in sleeves, a skirt, and trousers), The Act of Sewing describes and illustrates how to adjust the width and length of the patterns, as well as more specific changes to the shoulders, bust, and crotch.
The following chapter is a smorgasbord of optional tweaks to add to your repertoire and make your clothing fancier (different necklines, sleeves, cuffs, yokes, and plackets), better fit for your body (gathering, pleating, tucking, and ruching) and more useful (belt loops and a variety of pockets).
The final chapter brings everything together (literally: top + skirt = dress! top + trousers = jumpsuit!) and encourages the reader to experiment with combinations of the patterns and techniques in the book to create clothing that’s distinctively your own and eminently practical for the way you live.
I strongly recommend actually sewing along with the author’s instructions for the four provided patterns (whether you intend to wear them outside the house or not); it will help you understand the instructions in the later chapters.
I am grateful to NetGalley for a free preview copy.
buntatamilis's review
5.0
[Putting this accessibility and sizing info up top! All patterns range from XS (full bust 32", waist 29", hip 34") to 5X (full bust 56", waist 53", hip 58"). ]
I go through craft books regularly, flipping through them at the library, photocopying patterns, noting further resources. Rarely am I compelled to purchase for my own collection.
I requested my local public library to purchase this and after a thorough read-through this will be joining my personal library soon!
I've been an avid follower of Sonya Philip for a few years, being a massive fan of her 100 Acts of Sewing work. I own three of her existing patterns (shirt no.1, pants no.1, and dress no.1) and tbqh I expected this book to be a remix of those. While the patterns included do seem to be extremely similar, this book goes way beyond what we've seen before.
If you've ever sewn a 100 Acts of Sewing pattern, you'll recognize the simple shapes and clean lines of the 4 patterns included with this book: pants, skirt, a top with grown-on sleeves, and a top with inset sleeves. Included are steps in completing each pattern as expected. The REAL MAGIC comes in the rest of the chapters, happily the bulk of it, where we are walked through any possible kind of adjustment or creative tailoring we could imagine.
This book is perfect for bold beginner and inspired intermediate sewists. I think advanced sewists would already have this knowledge but might appreciate the easy-to-follow instructions and technical drawings. The Act of Sewing is front loaded with key info for the beginner: tools, tension issues, how to choose fabric at a shop, common terms, options for finishing seams, and even how to make bias tape!
I also HIGHLY recommend reading through Philip's website, instagram, and her column at Mason-Dixon Knitting for inspiration.
I go through craft books regularly, flipping through them at the library, photocopying patterns, noting further resources. Rarely am I compelled to purchase for my own collection.
I requested my local public library to purchase this and after a thorough read-through this will be joining my personal library soon!
I've been an avid follower of Sonya Philip for a few years, being a massive fan of her 100 Acts of Sewing work. I own three of her existing patterns (shirt no.1, pants no.1, and dress no.1) and tbqh I expected this book to be a remix of those. While the patterns included do seem to be extremely similar, this book goes way beyond what we've seen before.
If you've ever sewn a 100 Acts of Sewing pattern, you'll recognize the simple shapes and clean lines of the 4 patterns included with this book: pants, skirt, a top with grown-on sleeves, and a top with inset sleeves. Included are steps in completing each pattern as expected. The REAL MAGIC comes in the rest of the chapters, happily the bulk of it, where we are walked through any possible kind of adjustment or creative tailoring we could imagine.
This book is perfect for bold beginner and inspired intermediate sewists. I think advanced sewists would already have this knowledge but might appreciate the easy-to-follow instructions and technical drawings. The Act of Sewing is front loaded with key info for the beginner: tools, tension issues, how to choose fabric at a shop, common terms, options for finishing seams, and even how to make bias tape!
I also HIGHLY recommend reading through Philip's website, instagram, and her column at Mason-Dixon Knitting for inspiration.
graypeape's review
5.0
This is a great reference for sewers of all skill levels. Philip offers lots of basic information- tools and materials that are necessary, nice to have, or optional, the ins and outs of fabrics, working with patterns, etc. We move on to patterns; there are four basic patterns in the book, two tops, a skirt, and trousers. The instructions go over all the things you need to know about making these patterns, and covers a good variety of techniques. In part two of the book, we learn about adjusting the patterns to suit our taste- lengthening, shortening, different types of sleeves, and so on. There's a section on modifying, embellishing, and combining patterns, and a glossary at the end. There is so much helpful information in this book, and it takes you through a progression of techniques that make it easy to learn, because you're using the same base patterns throughout and progressively adding more to them. It's all explained clearly and comprehensively enough that I feel even someone like me who hasn't touched a sewing machine in 40 years could do it! This would also be a great and useful reference for any level sewer to have on hand.
#TheActofSewing #NetGalley
#TheActofSewing #NetGalley
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