Create a Sewing Reference Library
Ivana Musura | Date posted: June 10th, 2012
It’s safe to say that most sewers have learned the skills they possess from a sewing teacher or by attempting new (and different!) projects. Having a good source of information can make all the difference between outstanding quality sewing and merely mediocre sewing, whether this information comes from a teacher, a mentor, or a sewing reference book.
Learning techniques and skills that you will easily be able to remember happens over a long period of time. But even if you have been sewing for years, and can probably recite sewing steps in your sleep, you, too, can always learn something new. If you haven’t practiced a certain technique over and over or are not constantly sewing the same type of clothes, chances are, you might not remember all the steps of a certain technique. That is why a good sewing book with plenty of diagrams and step-by-step instructions is very helpful.
Think of your sewing book as a cookbook. It’s full of recipes that you might have made a thousand times, but it’s great to have on-hand to double-check the ingredients, add new ones, or refine the old recipe. Just like sewing. Sewing reference books are not only useful for reminders and reinforcement, but act as a sewing encyclopedia. Whatever your questions may be, a good sewing reference book will have the answers you are looking for.
Some great sewing reference books that are a part of my library: McCall’s Sewing Book, Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, and The Dressmaker’s Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques by Lynda Maynard. What are your favourite sewing reference books and why? Share your answers below!
Ivana Musura
Ivana Musura has been surrounded by fashion ever since she can remember. She has been sewing since she was 10 years old and continued to boost her creativity by making custom outfits and accessories to...