Xmas present suggestions – help!
I’ve been asked for my Xmas wish list so “Santa” knows what too get me.
Now before anyone argues it should be a surprise and I’m ruining the spirit of present giving, we’re talking about a list of suggestions of which I’ll only get one or two which will of course keep an element of mystery involved.
And please don’t think I’m unaware that I am a very lucky lady to get gifts at all. I am always grateful for anything I get from the lovely people in my life. Regardless of price! It really is the thought that counts and I always try to put time, effort and humour into my presents for others too.
I also believe anything hobby specific that people wouldn’t be able to just wing buying are fine to set out details for.
So that’s what I’d like help with… the sewing related items.
Patternmaking for a Perfect Fit: Using the Rub-off Technique to Re-create and Redesign Your Favorite Fashions by Steffani Lincecum (Paperback, 2010).
Recently promoted by Sunni, this could solve some of my woes about hanging onto old dresses that just fit sooo well. I like the idea of this but not sure if the instructions will be clear enough for me.
Anyone able to offer a review?
Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book by Clive Hallett and Amanda Johnston (Spiral Bound 2010)
This book contains swatches of lots of fabric so you can learn how to recognise them better.
I’m always struggling with this as pictures dont really help and most of the time the fabric I buy it’s unlabeled. Bit of overkill given the price but guess if someone wants to treat me to something I can’t bring myself to buy, that would be nice right?
Any other suggestions?
I have the Sew U Home Stretch book, Famous Frocks and the Colette Handbook. I wasn’t keen on the Burda Sewing Handbook. I also have the Cath Kidston craft books!
I’m definitely not good enough to tackle Gertie’s book yet. And Sew Iconic been getting horrible reviews.
Am I missing out on any good sewing biographies? I loved Edith Head’s Hollywood. If I was into tailoring I think Bespoke: Savile Row Ripped and Smoothed would be good. If I was a spoilt brat I’d ask for The Little Black Jacket but I think that’s a bit costly for a coffee table book no matter how awesome it looks.
I’m tempted by a rotary cutter and mat to stop my slippy and knit fabric going all over when I cut them. I love my fiskars scissors so my first instinct is their rotary cutter. Is that a good assumption? And then what about size of blade and mat?
I have heard you should try holding the cutters to pick the best handle for you but all the cutters I’ve seen were shrink wrapped.
I would love a knicker making kit. I was so jealous when lovely ladies from the sewing community met up in Bath for their class.
The sublime stitching patterns make me want to take up embroidery again.
Gone are the days of sweet little flowers. There are so many cool designs out there!
And I would love some project runway boxsets on DVD so I can watch again. Gosh I love Tim
And now my brain is running dry! Other suggestions are welcome!
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I liked Sew Iconic – but I’ll admit I’ve not made any of the projects yet. So many patterns and so little time! The Edith Head book sounds great, I think I’ll put that on my wishlist!
i have the fiskars rotary cutter and love it, i bought it as was only one that was advertised as being able to move the blade for the lefties! I shopped around, samuel taylors in town was about £18(i think) and the mats ridiculous, think I paid £12 for the cutter and about £2 for the mat off of amazon, was by far the cheapest! I got A3 mat, but I have only used it for quilting not clothes making.
I have asked for lots of sewing related items too…just to look at and admire until I am finished on my masters – then I hope to really get stuck in! Ordered 3 patterns from vogue while they have had their out of print sale on – such a shame the delivery is so much but still very cheap for vogue patterns 🙂
i am so jealous of all this sewing 🙁
I have Gertie’s book, and it’s fantastic (but you probably know that from all the reviews!). I think I will grow into this book, and there is just so much good advice and tips in it, I’ve already used it to draft a Peter Pan collar. Oh, and the patterns are gorgeous.
Re a cutting mat, I would go with the biggest you (or Santa!) can afford, mine is 18×24 inches, and I’m sorry I didn’t get the one that’s bigger. As for rotary cutters, I’m not the person to give advice – I’m hopeless with mine!