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erb325's review
5.0
Well written and a great reference book for anyone who wants to learn more about sewing.
notbambi's review
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
This is a nice little compendium of hand sewing and mending techniques, with explanations of when to use them. This book does not have projects per se, it's more of a technical reference. Explanations and photos are clear and attractive. Unsurprising for Bernadette's interests and Youtube following, there are tips for using vintage patterns and materials, and many of the photos feature vintage sewing accessories. She ties this in to sustainability of high quality garments in the past, but she doesn't act like wearing polyester is a moral failing on the part of the reader - she just notes (accurately) that it is petroleum-based and is convenient for being machine washable, unlike many natural fibres. Her take on sustainability generally seems to be that with proper construction, care, and mending, any garment can last a very long time.
This had some interesting techniques that I haven't really seen much of in sewing reference guides, such as burn and bleach tests to determine what material a fabric is made of, or hand sewing button holes, or stitches for adding structure to garments. She also includes one-page highlights of people who have interesting aesthetics and make their own clothes in a vintage way. The interviews weren't something I was interested in, but I can see the appeal to a certain type of reader (the dude who wears a hanbok every day in the United States is kind of an icon, though).
This had some interesting techniques that I haven't really seen much of in sewing reference guides, such as burn and bleach tests to determine what material a fabric is made of, or hand sewing button holes, or stitches for adding structure to garments. She also includes one-page highlights of people who have interesting aesthetics and make their own clothes in a vintage way. The interviews weren't something I was interested in, but I can see the appeal to a certain type of reader (the dude who wears a hanbok every day in the United States is kind of an icon, though).
miss_blackbird's review
4.0
While reading I heard her voice in my head.
Need to make handsewn clothes NOW.
Need to make handsewn clothes NOW.
aurahwhitethorne's review
5.0
I’m in love. Bernadette has successfully provided me with an easy to access reference for all of the sewing techniques I’ve been wanting to learn. I’ve highlighted nearly every page, and have tabs all over this book already. Excited to go forth and make things!
I don’t rate a lot of books 5 stars: many get a solid 3 or 4. But the incredible attention to detail Bernadette has place this as a solid 5 star book for me. Stunning photography, excellent descriptions, graphs and visuals to go along with it. A glossary. A reference page. An index. I already know this book will be referenced countless times over the course of many years for myself and many others.
I don’t rate a lot of books 5 stars: many get a solid 3 or 4. But the incredible attention to detail Bernadette has place this as a solid 5 star book for me. Stunning photography, excellent descriptions, graphs and visuals to go along with it. A glossary. A reference page. An index. I already know this book will be referenced countless times over the course of many years for myself and many others.
elanorh's review
informative
medium-paced
4.5
Excellent book for sewists who are interested in hand-sewing or hand-mending/darning techniques, and historical accuracy. Really good advice, detailed photographs, and terminology so that if you are still struggling with the ideas, you can look for videos (preferably, hers!).
However - if you're looking for more modern information, you're going to need more information than this provides. It's still a good information source for textiles and hand-sewing though!
However - if you're looking for more modern information, you're going to need more information than this provides. It's still a good information source for textiles and hand-sewing though!
erinbeever's review
4.0
This would be a pretty handy book to have as reference if you want to start repairing/strengthening your clothes, or if you already sew but want to improve your skills. Sewing can be a pretty expensive hobby but this is all about hand sewing techniques so it's absolutely within reach for whoever just has a needle and thread. It also has a few essays throughout written by a diverse group of people about what making their own clothing means to them.
flori_faith's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0