Book Review Saturday: The Sewing Answer Book

I picked this book up from the library. Honestly, one of the reasons I was drawn to it was that it is only about 5 inches tall and I thought it was cute. But this one ended up being a great choice.

This book promises to offer solutions and answers to all of your sewing problems and questions, and it definitely delivers. It's incredibly well-organized and well-written. It's great to flip through and learn some new things or to reference when you have a specific concern.

The Sewing Answer Book not only deals with sewing-related issues, but also fabric- and machine-related issues. I learned a ton about choosing and sewing knit from this book. I also learned how to improve some of the techniques I already know, like sewing facing and zipper insertion.

Even though I have to return it to the library, I'm probably going to buy a copy for myself.

Amazon.com, The Sewing Answer Book, $11.49.

Sewing Tips: Free Sewing Journal Page

I make a lot of adjustments when I use a commercial clothing pattern. I'll usually add or take away length, add pockets, or add or remove fullness in various parts. But I'm always bad at writing down what I did and I inevitably forget when I go to use the pattern a 2nd time. Also, if I make a mistake the first time and forget to write it down, I'll probably make the same mistake again.

A lot of sewing books I read recommend keeping a sewing journal to write these kinds of things down. I'm not one to be able to buy a blank book and fill it up; I'd rather have a designated worksheet to fill out. So I made a sewing journal page, printed it and made copies, and I keep them near my sewing table for reference.

I decided to make this sewing journal page available for free. Hopefully it will help you out with keeping organized! Click here for the journal page.

Happy sewing!

And so it begins...

I've had the idea to start an Etsy shop with skirts for Sister Missionaries for a few months. After spending some time in careful planning, I decided the only thing I could do is jump in. I've made a few skirts to list, hopefully by next week, and I have plans to spend the rest of this week sewing. I've spent about 10 hours a day sewing this week so far, and my creative juices (surprisingly) have yet to run dry. Here's to hoping for success!