When I was a girl I dearly wanted to sew. I wanted to make doll clothes, and then I wanted to make clothes for myself. In junior high, I made an apron and an A-line skirt with a zipper during Home Ec. classes but it wasn't until I was an adult that I learned how to really sew.
Had I a book like My First Book of Sewing, I would have been able to teach myself! Starting with simple projects, like a bandana or scrunchie. I would have been so excited!
The book starts at the very beginning: the tools needed, how to stitch by hand, the basics of the sewing machine, how to prepare and work with cotton fabrics, and decorating with embroidery and embellishments. Everything is illustrated and labeled with line drawings.
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| Stripped Scarf project from My First Book of Sewing |
The 20 projects range from the simple to the easy to learning more advanced techniques such as how to install a zipper, gather fabric, and make linings.
I shared the book with quilt group members who have worked with teaching children how to sew. Everyone thought the projects were spot-on to interest young sewers. And they thought the instructions were thorough and easily understood. One lady gave it "Five stars".
My favorite projects for young girls included scrunchies and headbands; I can imagine kids would find making them addictive, creating a whole wardrobe of hair accessories!
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| photo from My First Book of Sewing |
The drawstring bags could interest boys who want to cart about their toys--or gaming dice for the 'bigger boys'! My grown-up Gamemaster son has me make individualized drawstring bags for all his gaming friends to carry their dice.
Lined tote bags are so useful! Kids can carry their books in them, make them as gifts for family members, adults can use them for shopping.
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| Fox Pillow from My First Book of Sewing |
The tutu-style skirt would have been a girlhood favorite of mine! And our son as a child would have adored the Fox pillow.
Other projects include bandannas, triangle headscarves, and a scrappy scarf I want to make for myself. There are bookmarks, tissue pouches, a pillow cover, and fabric 'bins' for storage. A string of pennants could be made for every holiday. The lined pencil case and planner cover would be useful gifts, and also the apron.
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| Lucky Charms from My First Book of Sewing |
Perhaps my favorite project is 'Funny Charms,' other-worldly creatures made with small scraps of fabrics, strings, and buttons: adorable little, stuffed creatures. Each can be individualized in so many ways! Small enough to be pocket pals, I would want to make a whole family.
My First Book of Sewing is an English translation from the original French book. Measurements are given in metric and English system. Illustrations are based on a mechanical sewing machine.
The book suggests working with all cotton fabrics, noting they should be washed in hot water before use. Because some intense dyes (teal, dark red, magenta) do bleed it is good to wash fabrics before use. I use warm water myself and a Shout Color Catcher sheet to absorb the dye from the water.
My First Book of Sewing is a great resource for teaching children a love of sewing. It can be used in so many ways: in a home setting, homeschooling group, social organizations, after-school programs, and to create gifts for charities and fundraisers.
I tried the Stipped Scarf project. It took under an hour to make it! I used fat quarters and scraps from my stash.
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| Stipped scarf project from My First Book of Sewing |
I received a free book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
My First Book of Sewing
Author/Editor Catherine Guidicelli
Dover Publications
ISBN 10 048682909X
ISBN 13 9780486829098
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