September is National Sewing Month! MHL has a robust selection of books in our crafts section. Here are some books we recommend for sewists, whether you're just starting out or whether you've been sewing for years. You can also use your library card to access CreativeBug, which has videos and tutorials for all kinds of creative projects, including sewing.
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Sewing : face masks, scrub caps, arm slings, and more : practical projects for comfort and care
by Angie Herbertson Sewing Face Masks, Scrub Caps, Arm Slings, and More features 14 easy and intentional sewing projects and patterns that are thoughtful, practical, and important. From face masks and scrub caps to arm slings, fidget blankets, and so much more, you'll not only learn how to sew and practice basic sewing skills, but you'll create items and accessories that are crucial for those who need them most. |
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Radical sewing : pattern-free, sustainable fashions for all bodies
by Kate Weiss Radical Sewing is a guide for learning how to make your own clothes. Kate introduces you to the basics and best practices of garment sewing for yourself at home, as well as advice and info on things you wouldn't even know to ask about sewing. Topics include hand sewing, picking out a sewing machine, adding pockets to anything, sewing a button so it stays on, altering your clothes to fit your unique body, and so much more! Regardless of your sewing experience, gender, or body type, this illustrated guidewill empower you to make your wardrobe your own. With loads of encouragement to try things out, all you'll need to do is experiment and break the rules to create the clothes and outfits that you want to wear. |
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Merchant & Mills sewing book : hand-sewing techniques, machine know-how, tools, notions, projects, patterns
by Carolyn N. K. Denham Introduces basic sewing techniques, discusses fundamental tools and materials, and features fifteen projects that put tailoring skills to the test, including a maker's apron, flight bag, classic shirt, and pillow cushion. |
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Gertie's ultimate dress book : a modern guide to sewing fabulous vintage styles
by Gretchen Hirsch The popular sewing blogger and author follows up her crowd-pleasing Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing with an essential collection of dressmaking techniques and 23 patterns for making frocks for a variety of occasions. |
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Sew eco-friendly : 25 reusable projects for sustainable sewing
by Debbie Shore This book will help you to make 25 small but meaningful life swaps to help reduce waste. For example, trade in your disposable face wipes and replace them with washable pads; make beeswax fabric wraps and elasticated covers so that you never have to buysingle-use plastic food wrap again; make a sturdy shopping tote to replace single-use plastic versions. Packed with all the easy-to-follow instructions and friendly sewing tips you expect from Debbie Shore, this book also contains hints and tips for face scrubs, bath salts and more to use with your new projects, or to make a perfect eco-friendly gift. |
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Mend it, wear it, love it! : stitch your way to a sustainable wardrobe
by Zoe Edwards Have you ever thrown good clothes away simply because you didn't know how to mend them? Have you got clothes that you can't bear to part with, but need a fresher look? Then this book is for you. With fast fixes and complete makeovers, Mend It, Wear It, Love It! has everything you need to mend and care for your clothes, and stitch your way to a more sustainable wardrobe. |
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Modern mending : how to minimize waste and maximize style
by Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald demonstrates a variety of techniques to mend damaged clothing in a sustainable manner. |
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Breaking the pattern : a modern way to sew
by Saara Huhta Scandinavian fashion has long been admired for its stylish, clean-lined cuts and aesthetic. Breaking the Pattern is a dressmaking book that showcases the beauty of Scandinavian style. This book shows you how to create a coherent capsule wardrobe--complete with a collection of 20 garments that are easy to make, wear and combine with each other. The Finnish sewing duo behind the dressmaking fashion label offer up an enticing selection of tops, dresses, skirts, and trousers for the modern seamstress. You will build your skills as you work through the book and with plenty of variations suggested for each garment, there's lots of room for you to add your own personal touches and quirks to each design. |
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Home-Made Vintage : Over 40 Quick and Easy Sewing Projects
by Christina Strutt If you long to give your rooms a vintage air and country-cottage appeal, you will love the retro floral prints and timeless designs of Home-Made Vintage, your perfect guide to creating handmade, easy elegance in your home. The book offers simple-sew projects to transform every room into the romantic retreat you've always wanted. In this step-by-step guide, Christina Strutt shows readers how to make a wealth of projects for the kitchen and bathroom, conservatory and bedroom - and for giving as gifts as well. |
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101 Ways to Craft Through Quarantine : Quick & Easy Projects to Stitch, Sew, Knit, Bead & Fold
by David & Charles Keep calm and craft! Want to try your hand at making gorgeous homemade goodies in lockdown? This fun collection of quick-an-easy projects includes sewing, embroidery quilting, appliqué, knitting, crochet, papercraft, beading and cake decorating. |
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50 Fat Quarter Toys : Easy Toy Sewing Patterns from Your Fabric Stash
by Ame Verso A celebration of handmade toys, featuring fabulous stuffed animals, handmade baby gifts, Christmas makes and more - all made using fat quarter cuts of fabric - the most popular way that sewers buy fabric. This fun collection features beautiful photography, step-by-step diagrams and templates for over 50 handmade toys. All the toys are made using simple sewing techniques alongside patchwork, applique and embroidery. |
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Bags : sew 18 stylish bags for every occasion
by Anna Alicia Whether you're a beginner crafter or experienced maker, this book will help you build on your skill level as you learn to make a range of bags from a simple drawstring tote to a stylish colour-block rucksack. |
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The hero's closet : sewing for cosplay and costuming
by Gillian Conahan A skilled crafter and avid cosplayer presents a DIY guide to creating unique and fantastical homemade costumes that provides an abundance of inspiration, technical tips and advice on pattern selection, alterations, fabrics and more for creating an awesome costume. |
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Stitch camp : 18 crafty projects for kids & tweens - learn 6 all-time favorite skills : sew, knit, crochet, felt, embroider and weave
by Nicole Blum A modern introduction to six classic fiber crafts instructs today's tweens on key skills through a range of hands-on, step-by-step projects for such items as woven patches, a knitted backpack, a crocheted bracelet and an embroidered merit badge. |
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Sew home : learn design basics, techniques, fabrics & supplies : 30+ modern projects to turn a house into your home
by Erin Schlosser Must-have guide to sewing for your home, with DIY window treatments, linens, and more! The first home decor sewing book you need to buy! Interior design basics plus technique-based projects for all skill levels, 31 projects covering DIY window treatments, linens, storage solutions, rugs, pillows, and more, Customize your space with tips from a professional designer. |