LIVE: Sewing books - the good, the great and those I avoid

[@thegreenpincushion510]

I really loved the live broadcast! Yes, please do more. Your review of the sewing books was extremely helpful. I have the Wendy Mullins book - Sew U and plan to purchase a few that you mentioned. You have a wonderful presence and it's clear you are an amazing teacher. I look forward to your vlog and blog posts each week. If you have any favorite fitting books or tips, it would be nice to hear more about them or to hear your own sewing journey story. Your fitting skills are excellent; the top you are wearing is spot on with the fit and fabric. I believe sewing books will continue to thrive and complement sewing blogs and videos. I am pleased Patreon has offered a way to support artists, crafters, makers. I have become one of your patroons (yeah!) and plan to become a patreon for a few more sewers. Thanks again for sharing your talents, skills and sewing gifts with our community.

[@Thelaststitch]

Thank you for your super kind words, they boost my confidence for sure :-) I was so nervous beforehand plus there were some technical snafus before the stream was running properly, so I was so stressed out at first. But now I can definitely see myself doing another one the future, it was so fun to chat and interact. I could talk sewing for hours with like minded folks! And thank you so much for being a Patreon supporter, it means so much too me and I agree with you, it is a great format. I support a fellow sewing creator too and will add more to my list. Sharing our sewing knowledge to others is a passion for us sewing content creators, but we also put a lot of time, money and effort into making that happen. That why we are so grateful when people like you choose to support us so that we can keep bringing out the sewing goods :-)

[@Penguinandpear]

I have quite a few books for sewing but find I dont use them very often - its much quicker to look something up online. However, I like that I have a reference library- you never know when the internet isnt going to work and not all information is online in a readable format - good topic for discussion!

[@Thelaststitch]

I'm with you with the reference library and I also like of well organized a sewing book is compared to the world wide web :-) But we are very fortunate to have access to both now and the sharing of information over the internet has helped me develop my skills so much!

[@thegoodlife6061]

Thank you very much, because I just ordered the Readers Digest book. I am a beginner Dressmaker that sewed my first project of bedroom curtains. I was told that they the pattern is very hard for a beginner and I was very surprise to know that. My second project is a 1930 gown and I was told that is extremely hard for a beginner but I am getting professional help. My third project was a 1940 long sleeve blouse which I received a lot of compliments on an especially the collar, sleeves and button holes which my Brother Project Runway did all the work. Now, I really do not understand the patterns and it is getting on my nerves(smile), therefore, I am purchasing sewing step by step books on making dress, skirts, pants and jackets. Thank God for sewing book authors. I really enjoy your video and thanks for sharing. Happy New Year

[@Thelaststitch]

+The Good Life Wow, you are very industrious! I too love sewing vintage styles and they do require some proper techniques as you say, good for you! Getting a good sewing book will help a ton, especially if we don't use commercial patterns with a ton of picture instructions. And the Reader digest book has a lot of classic dressmaking and tailoring techniques so perfect for vintage styles!

[@leeannwicker937]

I have the Readers Digest book and use it quite a lot.

[@Thelaststitch]

Me too, it has so many tutorials that I can't see myself ever not finding something new I can learn from this book

[@fouroakswisconsin]

It was nice hearing your opinions on books. Quite enjoyed it! I think there will always be a place for sewing books. I feel the same way about paper patterns. We will probably see an upswing in preference for them both.

[@beatricenowell8207]

Just found your EXCELLENT channel! I have four of the recommended books reviewed in this video and I look forward to learning new techniques in the future from your current project. Accessing information from a server via the WAN is wonderful but not reliable for everyone. Internet access is not "world wide" at this time but books can still make an impact in remote regions.

[@breehall4300]

Loved your vlog- I love to read a good sewingbook then go to KZbin to see it visually - it's so much better to read a good technical book first and seeing being implemented on a live garment making process. So yes definitely need books .

[@Thelaststitch]

Agree! A book is also so much better organized, for sewing info on the web you have to do some investigating searches to find the best stuff and some tutorials are duds too. So the combination of both is probably the best way to learn

[@1SewSweet]

Great book video! I got some wonderful recommendations, Thank you! I also purchased Sewing Secrets of The Fashion Industry and love it!

[@Thelaststitch]

Happy to hear you got some good info from it! It was a lot of fun getting everyone's input, there are so many sewing books out these days so it is hard to know which ones are worth investing in!

[@raquelpuckett5913]

So sorry I missed this live! I really hope to be able to catch up the next time!

[@Thelaststitch]

Hope to see you next time! I will definitely do another livestream in the future

[@dlsgl407]

I really enjoyed this live video thanks very much.

[@Thelaststitch]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@christinesmith7391]

I love books, I've taught myself lots of things from a book. I own two shelves full of sewing books and enjoy reading them several times. My sewing bible is the Vogue Book of Sewing, it has every technique. Enjoyed your live chat!

[@Thelaststitch]

Thank you! I hear so many good things about the Vogue Sewing book, I should check it out! And I agree with you, I love sewing books too and they never get old!

[@kaylaEA_]

I received my Vogue Book of Sewing (1970 edition) a few days ago and have been reading it like a novel. I love vintage sewing books.

[@emcarver8983]

I love The Sewing Book by Alison Smith.

[@robyn3349]

I love a good sewing book! Vlogs and blogs are great, too. I think they serve complimentary purposes. I have read many of the same books as you, what a small world! I collect vintage books; more was expected of sewers in the old days. I enjoy the very new sewers on KZbin. If they sometimes lack in skill, they make up for it with enthusiasm! We should proudly wear our makes and not expect perfection. I aspire to the couture sewing books, z.b. Claire Schaffer. Also, I enjoy Japanese sewing books for inspiration. I will try to catch you live next time! Thank you, very enjoyable time!

[@jackiepurvis335]

Rob yN no sound

[@Thelaststitch]

:-) Perhaps good books have a tendency to find a place in our bookshelves. I really need to get the couture book from Claire Schaffer, she gets rave reviews everywhere and I have thought about buying for a long time. I agree about the enthusiasm of new sewists, it is very inspiring!

[@mi13estrellas]

Any suggestions on books or tutorials for swimwear and active wear sewing?

[@Thelaststitch]

Both Kwik Sew and Singer has books on sewing active wear and swim wear are old classics. I have the Kwik Sew book and it's a good introduction but not very detailed. Also both books are very old. My book about sewing activewear will hopefully be out before the new year and Melissa Fehr of Fehr Trade is also coming out with a book about sewing activewear (with patterns) in the beginning of 2018. Hope that helps!

[@mi13estrellas]

Last Stitch thank so much. I'm excited for your new book and love your channel 🙌

[@Aurora-uh9nk]

Just watching yr video ....Calm down......no problem we can hear u now !! sorry I missed yr live chat .... Love books and I have many my favorites are The Sewing Book by Alison Smith Very interesting topic and chat Tks so much .

[@Aurora-uh9nk]

I love books especially reference books , I like to see them on my shelf and know they r available for me whenever I want to sit down with a cup of coffee and my book ! Videos ..tutorials r great and so helpful but I still want to have my books .

[@Thelaststitch]

I'm the same, I like both, but there is something to be said to have a big reference sewing library and I learn new things all the time from my books, even though I have had them for ages.

[@viddy8379]

I'm from Melbourne, Australia. Its6.30am. I love your videos. I don't refer to them much now as I tend to you-tube instead. But my go-to ones are . The Readers Digest book you are showing, but the older version The other I have is the The Vogue sewing book of fitting adjustments and Alterations. The next one I use more now is 'Sucessful Sewing' by Eaglemoss publications, which was a weekly buy from the newsagents. I have an old knit wit book but it's not great for knits. I I would like a better book for knits and for my coverstitch machine which I have bought, Bernina. Thanks for the info.

[@Thelaststitch]

Thank you for the suggestions! The Vogue sewing books series seems to get a lot of great reviews so I think I should check them out! Connie Longs book Sewing with knits is really good and Serger Secrets talks a bit about coverstitching. But I agree, there are no good books on coverstitching. I have some plans on making an ebook on this topic in the future, interviewing coverstitching experts and let them share their knowledge. Maybe in 2018 :-)

[@viddy8379]

Last Stitch Hello again. I would love that re coverstitch book. I have a great blog spot for doing 'perfect collar points' which sews collar in a different t method like pros. see 'off -the cuff' blogspot.. And to also sewing in this way see, foursquarewalls.blogspot. Who also follows off the cuff method. It's fabulous!!!

[@kristinesutton846]

I do not see a list of all the books you are talking about. Would love that thank you 🙂

[@margaretfinnimore6258]

Love your top and really enjoy your you tube videos - still can't decide on my coverstitch purchase but enjoyed your intros to them. Still no sound - perhaps a technical fault - always a problem with live video x

[@desirekelegbia2295]

Hello. May you send me textbooks for the sewing stream?

[@Marisol9111-w3p]

I'm a newbie to sewing, i started sewing my own fabric bags. But would love to sew clothes what books do you recommend?

[@nnekaokonkwo8271]

I'm interested in books on fitting. What do you recommend?

[@Thelaststitch]

Check out Fit for real people by Patti Palmer and Alto, it's a fantastic book for all body types

[@margaretfinnimore6258]

wohoo - sound is working with a bit of feedback but great - hello

[@Thelaststitch]

Great, yes the sound was a mess in the beginning, but it works from 8-9 min in :-) Will improve next time!

[@margaretfinnimore6258]

no sound yet at my end!

[@berenicesue]

Can hear you!

[@Thelaststitch]

Yes, the sound was off for the first 8 min, but then it's working fine, I'm editing it out the silence ATM so the video will be all sound soon :-)

[@marthagreatrex1089]

Waiting for sound!

[@Thelaststitch]

Yes, the sound was off for the first 8 min, but then it's working fine, I'm editing it out the silence ATM so the video will be all sound soon :-)

[@lisaknottsberryfan7982]

Patternmaking for designers by Helen Joseph Armstrong

[@PsychicKathleen]

There is no sound Johanna - I wonder if there is for anyone else?

[@Thelaststitch]

Yes, the sound was off for the first 8 min, but then it's working fine, I'm editing it out the silence ATM so the video will be all sound soon :-)

[@PsychicKathleen]

Thank you! I did scoot along and found your sound! I have 4 books to recommend :) of course I just had to jump in (sorry I missed you live - it did say you would be live at 2 PM which I assumed was my time but wasn't!) The first book is Serger Essentials by Gail Patric Yellen - she also has a serious of good youtube videos on serging. Her book is basic but really helpful. The best book on fit I've discovered (recommend by my fit instructor here in Victoria is THe Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen - she has some videos online as well. The I have 2 books I think YOU especially would like Johanna because they are a little more advanced but SO good! One is Couture The Art of Fine Sewing by Roberta Carr and the other is The Dressmakers Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques by Lynda Maynard. Don't let "couture" scare you off - they aren't complex but if you want to elevate your sewing technique a notch they are inspiring and very easy to follow.

[@vfern11]

no sound for me either!

[@Thelaststitch]

Yes, the sound was off for the first 8 min, but then it's working fine, I'm editing it out the silence ATM so the video will be all sound soon :-)

[@nunciat57]

Sound?

[@Thelaststitch]

Yes, the sound was off for the first 8 min, but then it's working fine, I'm editing it out the silence ATM so the video will be all sound soon :-)

[@janicek6399]

FYI, you are not old LOL.

[@Thelaststitch]

+Janice K 😊

[@berenicesue]

No sound for me either !

[@Thelaststitch]

Yes, the sound was off for the first 8 min, but then it's working fine, I'm editing it out the silence ATM so the video will be all sound soon :-)