There's no doubt about it, Lisa Comfort, the rather glamorous owner of Sew Over It, is too cute for words! But what's her second book like? Well, starting with the obvious, Sew Over It Vintage is pure eye-candy, with a modern-vintage aesthetic and beautiful photography. It's also written clearly and eloquently, a must when appealing to such a wide audience. The book's 30 projects range from customising, dressmaking, accessorising and home decorating, catering to all manner of stitching abilities.
The dressmaking section is my favourite, for obvious reasons, with 10 projects giving a nod to the 1920s right through to the 1960s. With tops, skirts, dresses, lingerie and outerwear to choose from, there really is something for everyone!
But wait, Lisa's book has an interesting twist...it doesn't include any patterns at all. Yep, you heard me! Instead, you're introduced to basic patternmaking and you make most of the patterns either from a drafted bodice block or by using key body measurements. If you're a lazy dressmaker (like me) or a little inexperienced this may sound like a deterrent, but Lisa holds your hand throughout the process and you get to learn some really interesting and transferable skills. No need to panic just yet though, as you can always start with the simpler dresses which only involve attaching a self-drafted skirt to a shop-bought top!
I'm not usually a fan of books that spread themselves too thin across the content, but Sew Over It Vintage offers a lovely range of projects overall. The customising chapter has 4 cute projects including adding a brooch embellishment or peter pan collar to tops, as well as adding fur cuffs and a collar to a coat, and glamming up a Breton top.
If you're big into accessorising there are lots of fun projects to choose
from like making a fascinator and having a go at a lace necklace. The
other projects include a clutch bag, a fur hat, a handbag, a veil and a men's
tie.
Finally, if you fancy turning
your home into a vintage-inspired haven why not try your hand at a fabric lampshade or patchwork pouffe? Or you could choose between doily placemats, an applique quilt, lace lanterns, or 3 different types of cushions.
Admittedly, Sew Over It Vintage is a much more involved book on the dressmaking front than others of its kind, but basic patternmaking knowledge is always good to have in your back pocket. And there's such variety in the projects on offer and required skills, that you can build your confidence up as you go along.
But don't just take it from me! Find out what other bloggers taking part in The Sew Over It Vintage Blog Tour have to say about the book throughout the week:
Wednesday 17 June - Did you make that?
Thursday 18 June - Handmade Jane
Friday 19 June - House of Pinheiro
Saturday 20 June - What Katie Sews
If you like what you see, you can get a free copy of Lisa's book if you subscribe to Love Sewing magazine.
Hello there! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after looking at
ReplyDeletesome of the posts I realized it's new to me. Regardless, I'm definitely happy
I came across it and I'll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!