Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 Patterns

I have been sewing since I was seven years old, many of those years spent in high level competitive sewing. I know how to sew and taught myself through books. My daughter is wanting to sew, and since I already teach her so many things, I thought perhaps she could learn from someone else. The problem is that many sewing teachers have a "whatever" attitude about sewing which leaves the students to do what they want and make it acceptable. I was looking for a book which would teach a bit more about sewing and leave the student with a better idea of what to do for GREAT sewing, not just adequate so so quality.The sewing books I used as a child are all out of date now and I wanted something a bit more relevant to pass on to my daughter, but if she wants to refer to the other books, she still can.WHAT IS THIS BOOK LIKE?This book comes with a spiral binding on the back cover and the spine is like a three ring notebook. On the front cover is a large envelope with 10 patterns in it. These patterns are full size so you don't have to trace them out bigger The book lies flat when open so you don't have to keep opening it up or weighing it down to use it.The contents of the book start with motivation and getting the student geared up for sewing. There is a lot of enthusiasm for sewing and information about how to get motivated and fine ideas on the internet and through other means. There is a lot of information about tools needed, and how to look for what you need in tools and a sewing machine.Through the book, there are little boxes which have inspirational ideas to try as you learn to sew your first seams. A tea towel, a cross stitch sampler, and a sewing machine cover up are some examples of this.Fabric, notions, patterns, layout, and preparation to being sewing are covered with photos, drawings, and to the point illustrations and explanations, some laid out in colored boxes for easy reference should you want to go back to them. Everything is laid out well so you will get what you need to know from this book to start sewing.ARE THE PATTERNS REALLY JUST FOR TEENS?I have to say after reading some reviews, I had expected these patterns to be awful and unsuitable for anyone but the beginner teen who can not find anything else to make so they have to start with blocky icky stuff. I was pleasantly surprised when I found some of the patterns included in this book to be truly appealing, yes even to me. Had I not known how to sew, I would have gladly begun with this book.There are basic patterns in this book which mean that you don't have to waste money on typical beginner patterns from manufacturers such as aprons, sleeping pants, nightgown, or basic bags or purses. That in itself makes this book worth the investment.The sizing is pretty good too:SMALL- B35-37, W29-31, H37-39MEDIUM- B38-40, W32-34, H40-42LARGE- B41-43, W35-37 H43-45That is a great range for larger people. Many sewing books only seem to address the smaller size ranges, leaving out larger people. I was surprised that this one did not do that!PATTERNS I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE IN THIS BOOK THAT ARE HIGHLY APPEALINGcardigan (think robe)yoga pants (easily used to sleep in)nightieboxerspencil skirtcapeknickersgirly go to dresscurtainsquiltapronmen's tiedoggie coatTHE BOTTOM LINEThis book met my expectations WAY above what I thought it would. The layout is fantastic, easy to follow and great for reference again and again as you endeavor to sew. This can be used for sewing by anyone of any age and the patterns are geared more for medium to larger people as compared to many other programs I have seen in the past. The money saved by decent patterns in this book make it worth the price many times over. The instructions are well laid out and there are a lot of photos, illustrations, and drawings to help any sewer be able to learn on their own without having to depend on a teacher.I highly recommend this book to kids, teens, and adults who really want to learn to sew and need a good solid place to start. The book is easy to use, and the spiral binding make it lie flat when open.

I'm a very novice sewer, but I want to become more skilled and comfortable with the sewing machine, so I've been checking out various books. I had taken a basic sewing class at G Street Fabrics (in the DC metro area), so I had some very meager starting skills. I knew, however, that if I didn't keep going I would soon forget everything and my machine would end up gathering dust. This is the second book I bought, and I really like it a lot.* It is very informative for novice sewers, with excellent instructions and good photographs, information about various stitches and fabrics, tools to get started with, etc. Best of all, it includes some actual patterns on real pattern paper, just like you might purchase at any fabric store. They range from easy novice patterns to those that might appeal to a slightly more experienced beginner. Not all of the patterns appealed to me, but enough do to make it well worth the price when you factor in the tutorials. For example, included in the book is a pattern and instructions for making a stuffed elephant toy. I really liked being able to make something as a birthday gift for my toddler nephew, and it turned out beautifully, and made me look more experienced than I really am. I also want to try the cardigan and yoga pants, and the secretary skirt, all of which look like things I would really wear. However, the wrap skirt and flouncy tank top hold no appeal for me. However, they might for a much younger novice sewer. There are also a few items for men, and some functional items, like a butchers apron. Something for everyone, I should think.eta: *One Price Does Not Cover All* Diana Rupp also teaches a class on Craftsy. In addition to going over some general information, she walks you through making two items from the book (a skirt and a pillow), and I have enjoyed it very much. However, the class is NOT included in the purchase price of the book, nor vice versa. Because both the class and the book have the same title, I think some people think one price covers all. I did not know about the class when I purchased the book, so I did not have that problem, but I think others might.

I never write reviews but am writing one this time. I bought this book on a whim five years ago after deciding somewhat out of the blue I was going to teach myself to sew. This book (and a handful of YouTube tutorials I looked up) was invaluable. Are the patterns fashion forward? Not really, but they are classic, and if done in the right fabrics, can look pretty great. What’s more important than trends are the skills each project teaches. Each one builds up your skill set, so that by the time I’d completed five or six I felt ready to move on to regular paper patterns. Five years later I still sew regularly and make a lot of my own and my kids’ clothes, and I still use some of her patterns as a base (the girly go-to dress, the nightie, the tunic, and the two skirt patterns are all great “base” patterns for when you’ve built your skill level up and want to experiment with drafting your own modifications and embellishments). Sewing has been the only hobby I’ve stuck with and it’s so rewarding. If it hadn’t been for the clear and concise language, solid projects, and great photos and illustrations, I never would have gotten off the ground.

Been looking for this book for 18months as I needed to learn patterns from understanding the details of one to layout etc and this book is so much more! Its amazing! Really opened my eyes and has everything in that I would probably have to do on a 12 month course at college its exceed all my expectations. Its a sewing bible! I can use a sewing machine but its even opened my eyes on that. Everyone needs this book it has everything you need to know in it.

Sew Everything Workshop by Diana RuppConsidering the vastness of the subject, these 240 pp in 7.5 x 9" format, spiral bound between hard covers, is a mere short story. Nevertheless Ms. Rupp has chosen her words so well that she has me feeling that I comprehend all I need to know about the craft to make any garment and drapery that does not demand a Bond Street tailor.In her kaffee klatch conversation, Ms. Rupp begins by explaining every necessary tool, continues with the care and handling of a sewing machine, and then gets into a few dozen of the most common and practical fabrics. From projects simple enough to delight a child, she progresses step by illustrated step to teach the cuts, gathers, and stitches of garments looking tailor made. I do believe that a beginner of ordinary aptitude will be ready to tailor a jacket by the time one practises all the lessons, although I should expect that it will have to be done twice to work out all the puckers in the seams and pulls around the shoulders.I have never read a better organized, articulate, and inspiring teacher. Moreover, she advocates that beginners form sewing clubs to make the art a social activity. Clubbing is surely the best way for students to learn and advance their interests; professional scholars call their clubs a college.SEW is a rare and wonderful education by a rare and wonderful young teacher. She gives me the feeling that I always knew how, but did not know how I knew.TP

It's obvious that the author, who runs a successful sewing workshop, loves her craft and knows all about it, and has poured her heart and distilled that knowledge into this book.Also, the appearance of the pages (colors, layout, photos) and her fun and warm tone make your first attempts at learning how to sew less of a drag (which learning "anything" always is... come on!)–her enthusiasm is contagious.Last but very importantly, the book has everything you need to know, covering from the basics of the sewing machine to materials and fabrics, to simple how-to tips, and includes patterns and very simple yet rewarding projects (an apron, a pencil case, a patchwork quilt, handbags...).If you would like a generous friend who knows her stuff to take you by the hand into sewing, Diana Rupp is her and S·E·W is the map.

This is by far the best "learn to sew" book for beginners. It is colourful, easy to read, the coil binding is also a nice touch to easily keep the pages open. The book goes into the basic knowledge necessary to start sewing including equipment, types of fabric, pattern symbols and parts of different types of sewing machines so that those looking to buy can make an educated decision on what machine might be best for them. The book also includes a lot great pictures and tips for the novice sewist. It also comes with a vast assortment of very easy to slighty more difficult patterns with instructions for people to try (and as stated before in other reviews, they are ones that I would actually consider making). As a home economics teacher myself, this book is full of helpful hints, tips, pictures, that actually have made me a better teacher. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in getting into sewing.

I am a complete beginner to sewing. I know what a needle and thread is and I know how to hand-sew a button that's come loose but that's it. I refused to take home economics at school because I was a Tom boy and Tom boy's don't sew! Right? WRONG.. 12 years later and this Tom boy wants to sew her own clothes and be able to make special gifts for friends and family. So I turn to the sewing machine.. I started off my quest with The Colette Sewing Handbook, which is for beginners but unfortunately was a bit too advanced for the likes of me. I managed to follow a couple of the projects but was finding the experience quite taxing and the fruits of my labour were far from wearable.I then found a course on Craftsy by Diana Rupp and her book on Amazon.. But reading through the description of the book I thought it sounded too basic. I had already figured out how a sewing machine worked, how to thread a sewing machine and sew a seam so surely this would not tell me anything new? But yet again I was wrong. I bought this book in the end because I thought it would be good to use alongside the course and the price of it had dropped a little..And it has been my best friend ever since. I read it during my 30 min lunch break at work. It follows me wherever I go and it sits with me when I'm re-learning all the things I thought I'd already learnt about the sewing machine. It's still early days , I haven't gotten to the projects section yet but I wanted to write a review just to say how amazing this book is. It's well written, it goes through the basics and helps you build a good, thorough grounding in your sewistry (I'm not sure that is a word). I'm looking forward to the projects and am hopeful that they will come out well..