At Mr X Stitch we love to review textile art and embroidery books for you. There are so many great books to discover, packed with needlework inspiration and textile techniques, so we dive into each book to find out what’s good, what’s bad and let you know why you should pick it up.
Introduction
As the introduction says ‘Sewing is no longer the preserve of housewives. More and more people are making or customising their own clothes, curtains or accessories but few have been taught the basic sewing skills.’
In basic terms, it is designed to be a companion to our sewing days, with all the basics covered. It is a sewing book giant, with 304 pages!
Who Is It Aimed At?
This book has been classed as easy to use, thus it is a great turn to for anyone interested in sewing. Have a question? Not sure how to pipe or even use a sewing machine? This book explores it all.
About the artist
Her website tells us that she has been a practising artist for thirteen years. She has a keen interest in historical textiles as well as the contemporary and has a Masters Degree in Museum Studies. This wealth of knowledge spills into her writing.
Content
Beautifully thick, its a case of where to start:
It is divided into certain sections, which makes it easier to find what we are looking for.
What makes it special?
The main highlight surrounds the book as a whole. It covers so many sections and so many topics. It is certainly not one to devour all in one go, rather it is designed to be a durable companion for all our sewing days over the years to come.
There are a few things we really enjoyed individually:
The way Singer presents the subject is really easy to follow and isn’t confusing. Certain techniques are backed up with step by step plans:
Photography
This book certainly has not been made to sit as a coffee table pleaser. It is a practical and educational guide. However that does not mean that it lacks appeal and the aspect of visible temptation:
What is wrong with the book?
This book has been designed to be more of a Stitch Bible. So if you are not that into sewing or if you want more inspiration than advice, then this may not be the one for you.
Conclusion
