Book review: Burdastyle sewing handbook

Book Index/Chapter headings;

Chapter 1: Getting Started
Setting up sewing spaces, sewing toolkit, using a sewing machine.

Chapter 2: Using patterns
Selecting your size, tracing off patterns and adding seam allowances

Chapter 3: Let's start sewing
fabrics, finishing techniques, closures

Chapter 4: The skirt
Includes the skirt pattern and 2 variations.


Chapter 5: The blouse
Includes the blouse pattern and 2 variations


Chapter 6: The dress
Includes the dress and 2 variations


Chapter 7: The coat
Includes the coat and 2 variations


Chapter 8: The bag
Includes the bag and 2 variations


Does this book have clear illustrations or photographs?
Yes, the instructions are quite good for the patterns too. I really enjoyed the page at the end of each chapter that includes another 13 or 14 variations of that pattern.


Would you recommend this book as a MUST HAVE?
I like the style of writing, and I like the variations on each pattern, it really shows you don't need an arsenal of patterns if you are creative with some basic ones. I will admit though that none of the patterns except for the coat really jump out at me personally and my favourite coat variations (no. 10 and 13) have got no extra elaboration on how to make them! (I reckon 13 is just shortened into a jacket and 10 looks as if the darts have been rotated out to make an a-line coat skirt)

I thought the basic sewing information included was good and I like the information on sewing a curved princess seam, its how I do it now but I wish I'd known it when I started sewing.

I ordered mine online and to be honest I don't know if I'd have bought it if I could have flipped through it first (Ah, who am I kidding I have a sewing book addiction - I can never say no to adding another one to my library!). It seems to be focused towards beginners/advanced beginners and if you were just starting out or hadn't been sewing for long I would maybe recommend it to you but also tell you to get a good fitting book and a good basics book like Readers Digest Complete guide to Sewing or The Vogue sewing book, which have a lot more beginner sewing information but just don't come with the patterns.

So in summary: A good basic book but unless you like any of the patterns included, I would recommend having a flip through it before you buy.

Book Review: Colette Sewing Handbook

Book Index/Chapter headings;

Chapter 1: Getting Started
General basic information like different hand and machine stitches, gathering, darts, installing zippers. I really like the information on using 3 lines of gathering stitches for a more even gather as I've only ever used 2 lines.

Chapter 2: A Thoughtful Plan
Making a sewing plan including dressing for your shape, colours, making a mood board.

Chapter 3: A Precise Pattern
Information on pattern markings, marking out and cutting out.

Pattern: Meringue Skirt

Chapter 4: A Fantastic Fit
Some very basic information on fitting. I'm actually a tiny bit disappointed in this section, I know this isn't a specialised fitting book but I feel that the information is so brief that it's not overly helpful. There's information on how to do the basic alterations but not how to tell if you need that alteration. All in all, if you need help fitting get a good book like Fit For Real People.

Pattern: Pastille Dress

Chapter 5: A Beautiful fabric
Basic information on fabric types.
I like the tip about using a Fabric Stabilizer spray for fabrics such as Chiffon (I've just got to find it for sale here now!)

Pattern: Truffle Dress

Chapter 6: A Fine Finish
Includes making bias tape and different seam finishes and some basic information on lining.

Pattern: Taffy Blouse

Chapter 7: Keep Learning

Pattern: Licorice Dress

A note on the Patterns: As usual the instructions for the patterns are beautifully clear and the illustrations are lovely. Very easy to follow and I love that the book is spiral bound so it lays nice and flat when you are sewing.

Does this book have clear illustrations or photographs? Yes - the whole book is beautifully presented

Would you recommend this book as a MUST HAVE?
Even though this book is aimed towards beginners it tends to just touch on a lot of things and doesn't quite go into enough detail. I really wish she'd been able to include a more comprehensive fitting section, but hopefully its enough to interest a beginner to then get some specialised fitting books.

Having said that though it is a beautifully presented book and I like Sarai's relaxed writing style. The patterns are the main reason I bought the book and I am very happy with them, it's great value if you just work off the patterns themselves (5 patterns at $18 each = $90 value) and I must say that it is the best sewing book I've bought that includes patterns. Its not a craft book it is a proper dressmaking book (no cushions or slipcovers in sight!).

So in summary; Buy it for the patterns and the sheer beauty of the book and photos.