I’ll admit, I read a lot of sewing books. Not only do I find it a good way to entertain myself in the evenings, but also a great learning tool. Consequently, I write a lot of reviews for books – many are positive since I wouldn’t buy the book in the first place if it wasn’t something that I was already interested in, but very rarely do I GUSH. I recently purchased Sew Everything Workshop, mostly because I love the idea of an ‘all inclusive book’ – tips, patterns, instructions all in one place. Little did I know how wowed I would be when I opened it up.

Even though this book is designed for beginners, I found myself reading it from cover to cover (alright, I did skip the section on selecting a sewing machine…. it’s too late for that!). Diana Rupp writes in such a fun and friendly manner I couldn’t help it! Besides, skipping over these sections would mean that you would miss interesting sidebars (like movies that revolve around sewing), great tips, and ‘small’ projects not included in the table of contents (who wouldn’t want a WWMD? (What Would Martha Do?) inspiration banner hanging in their sewing room?).
I found that beginner guide was very well written and covers all the basics. The book is broken down into several sections, “Gearing Up” (setting up your space, selecting a machine), “Ready, Set, Sew” (basically, getting to know your machine and it’s stitches as well as how to practice sewing), “Material Matters” (a good, quick section on types of fabrics and their uses, drape, and coordinating colors), “Layout and Cutting” (everything you need to know before cutting into that fabric, from measuring yourself to learning how to read the back of the envelope), “The Sewing Playbook” (how and why to press, making beautiful seams, shaping, interfacing, zippers, buttonholes). The final section of the book “Hand-Sewing 101″ discusses how to thread and knot the needle, basic stitches,how to sew a button, and mending by hand.
The fun part of the book, of course, is putting all that knowledge into good use by making one of Diann’s projects! There are 25 projects included, 10 with paper patterns that are neatly tucked away inside it’s own little pouch inside the book. Some of my favorites include the Cuddle Up Cardigan, Tender is the Nightie, the Flouncy Tank Tip – and those are just the clothes! Also included in the book are instructions for several bags, a man’s tie, a sewing machine cover, an apron, and even a quilt.
If you’re shopping for a beginner sewer or happen to be a novice yourself, the Sew Everything Workshop should definitely be somewhere on your reading list. If you’re a more advanced seamstress, this book is worth the read as well – not just as a ‘refresher’, but because the projects are just so attractive! I’m hoping that Diana Rupp will have more in store for us in the future, possibly a book with more advanced techniques – in the mean time, I’ll have to get to work on some of her fun designs!