School of Sewing: Learn it, Teach it, Sew Together Paperback – October 27, 2014

Used this book in a class I took on beginner sewing. Projects worked delightfully well, especially the pillow case and zipper bag.I liked this book so much I bought a copy as a gift to a friend who is an expert seamstress for her to teach her grandchildren. Worked well there, too.Would highly recommend.

I bought this book because I wanted to improve my sewing skills in a methodical, structured, and non-intimidating way. After researching many options I settled on this one because it offered the best mix of projects, with each project gradually building in difficulty and techniques. It’s well-balanced, succinct, and relatively compact. And the step-by-step photographs are fantastic, which is especially helpful for visual learners.In addition to instructions for 12 beautiful and useful home decor and accessories projects, there's a good part of the book that covers things like choosing a sewing machine (which was very helpful when I was deciding on my machine), fabrics, colors, notions, and pressing. It doesn't dwell too long an any of these things, but gives just enough detail and advice to get started.I am completely in love with this book and carry it with me all around the house, re-reading sections, planning my projects, drooling over the photos of fabric. I also really like the story of the origin of this book -- how the author brought together a group of new sewers and taught them one project at a time how to develop their sewing abilities and confidence.This isn't the only sewing book you'll need (for example, it doesn't cover garments, and it's not an encyclopedia of all sewing techniques) but if you're looking to get started with sewing I highly recommend this one.

I bought this book because it was recommended in a homeschooling group on Facebook. We are using it for part of our Home Economics class for my 9 and 7 year olds who have shown a huge interest in sewing. I love that this book goes over everything you need, talks about the parts of the sewing machine, where to get one, what fabrics to use, what needles and threads to use. It goes over EVERYTHING, and not in a boring way. The pictures help to visualize everything too. We are on page 45 of the book so we haven't started with the patterns but I glanced through them and they look awesome. Buy this book, you won't regret it.

This book is great for an instructor-led class for beginners... but after doing a few of the projects in class, I decided to tackle others, and found that the instructions are not quite detailed enough if you are truly a newby. One issue in particular is in the items requiring zippers. Some zippers are measured by over all length, and some measured by ZIPPER length. This distinction is not made in the instructions, and it is treated differently in two different projects. If it's assumed that an experienced sewist will be available to answer questions, it's a great book to learn a progression of techniques and skills.Update: I had some questions while following a lesson, and asked on the author's blog. She graciously replied. Added a star.

I was just starting my journey into sewing. Before I bought a machine and supplies, I wanted to read some books to get an idea of what I would need. I came across this book, and it's the first one I read. I found it really helpful to know what's necessary to have and what's nice to have later on.There is a huge sewing machine shortage right now due to Covid. I took the author's recommendation and contacted a local sewing machine shop. They had one Janome in stock that is similar to the model the author recommends. It's the "school" version (I think the dimensions are made to fit into school sewing tables but otherwise the buttons and controls seem to match the one the author uses). I bought the machine because they only had higher end models in stock and it would be at least a month before anything else came in.With the instruction booklet and with this book, I was able to thread my machine for the first time and take my first practice stitches! I'm going to pick up some fabric this week to try the pillowcase project. I may not make all of the projects in the book, but I like how it's organized for the beginner in mind. This is a great overview book! I look forward to using it in my upcoming sewing projects.

I have found this book to be so very helpful in learning how to sew. I've made a few of the patterns from the book and I was able to follow the patterns without too much fuss! Now I have a pillow case that I ADORE! A super cute and functional purse and a lovely clutch with a wristlet key fob! There are more patterns in the book, but these are the ones I've made this far!She covers everything from different presser feet and fabrics and the various interfacing, to basics of the sewing machine to what to look for or consider when buying, hand sewing, and more! I've found it very useful for improving technique and I may even make some Christmas gifts for the family with the patterns!I even alter patterns sometimes and use her techniques because they're just better or are easier. Very helpful indeed!

This book was used in a beginner sewing class I took. I found the photos hard to reconcile sometimes because the fabrics needed more contrast.

Excellent book with great projects