Fabric Time Traveler destination: Today! A great read for Indie Desingers

September 4, 2007

Indie designers, check out this book!

Bend-the-Rules Sewing : the essential guide to a while new way to sew
by Amy Karol

(fresh patterns, 30 cute designs, great for beginners, learn the basics, have fun, sew with abandon, it's easy!)


I found out about this book because Revival Fabrics was listed in the back as one of the resources for vintage fabrics.

As I flipped through the pages, I realized that it was my kind of book and was happy to be listed as a vintage fabric source.

My mother was a professional seamstress for 40 years and had a knack for following sewing patterns to the letter. She measured twice, cut once, and her garments turned just as they should. She also could take two different sewing patterns and sew up a beautiful combo. For my wedding dress I picked two different bridal gown sewing patterns; I liked the quarter length sleeves from one pattern, and just had to have the full Cinderella ballroom skirt on the other. Whiz-bang, just like that, my mom put the two together, and I had my dream wedding dress. Ok, so not so whiz-bang for my sweet mom, she also made the bridesmaids dresses as well as her own mother-of-the bride outfit.

On the other-hand, I'm not as three-dimensionally blessed as my mom was with directions. I'd rather look at a sewing pattern, turn it this way and that, and then create my own patterns from scratch. I can't recall a single project that I followed the directions of a sewing pattern down to the letter. Let's just say that I'm inspired by instructions and directions.

And that is why I adore this book! Colorful photos, humorous chat from the author, and non-fussy instructions. Now, if you are the straight-and-narrow-follow-the-directions type of sewer, this book may not be for you. But if your mind wanders to the fork in the road and you ponder which way to go and realize that each way could be an adventure, read the book. The author notes on the cover that it is a great book for beginners, but more advanced sewers will have enjoyment from it as well.

To check out this book & read reviews, you can find it on Amazon:

Bend-the-Rules Sewing