Joined in 2023 
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a) The Great British Sewing Bee ("From Stitch to Style" version) - lots of all round useful techniques and clothing It's World Book Day tomorrow and we're thinking about our most treasured books. Like loooads of other sewists, I (Louise) used Tilly's first book, Love at First Stitch, as a tool when I first started sewing. And because of that, it's a book that will always have a very special place in my heart :) The book includes patterns for the Brigette Scarf, Margot Pyjamas, Delphine Skirt, Megan Dress, Clèmence Skirt, Mimi Blouse and Lilou Dress. Build your skills and confidence one project at a new techniques are introduced when you need them. Fancy making your own clothes but have no idea where to start? Tired of overwhelming sewing manuals and frumpy projects? Love at First Stitch offers a refreshing approach to dressmaking for modern makers, taking you from the basics of threading your sewing machine through creating gorgeous garments that you’ll love to wear. Let Tilly Walnes inspire you with her jargon-busting tutorials, down-to-earth attitude, and adorable dressmaking style, showing you that making your own clothes is so much more enjoyable than buying them.
The final project can definitely be described as a show-stopper. The Joni dress features a stunning twist front in the bodice that is surprisingly simple to make. You can test your skills with a stretch velvet and/or a sequined skirt while Tilly guides you through the process. The book starts off with a pattern that can be made in three ways - the Safiya trousers, playsuit or dungarees - which has become a hit with lots of makers. Tilly's hints and tips for making sewing part of your lifestyle, adding your own special touch to any sewing project, and even how to polish your signature style.
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What did you think of this book? Did it help you as a beginner or as a more experienced dressmaker? a) Learn to Sew with Lauren (Lauren Guthrie) - is brilliant and gives all the basic information along with some clothing,
Tilly's first book captures the spark that is ignited when you first sit at the machine. Everything is so new and exciting, and nothing is off-limits. Love at First Stitch will take you through all the essential things you need to know when you are getting into sewing, and will guide you through projects that will help you build up a handmade wardrobe while learning sewing skills that you will count on later in your sewing life. Basically it's like taking a dressmaking course, but in book form. I love the fact you get patterns for each items, you only need to buy materials to sew the clothes. I've so far almost finished the Megan dress (just waiting for my zip to come in) and nearly finished the Clemence Skirt, both with no major problems. Next up is the Tabitha T-shirt and dress which is a staple every wardrobe needs. Made from knit fabrics, Tabitha is speedy to make and requires minimal fitting. a) Reader's Digest complete guide to sewing (1970's version) - you could be a professional tailor with this along with
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Make It Simple does what it says on the tin. It helps you find ways to make your sewing more approachable so you can fit it into your busy life. The sewing shortcuts, lifestyle tips and sewing techniques include: Plus, instructions for drafting your own simple patterns for the Brigette scarf and Clemence skirt. WHAT CAN I MAKE?- The book includes six main patterns - a skirt, a top/dress, a T-shirt, a hoody, a pair of joggers and a dress. All the patterns have multiple ways you can make them so you can get so much out of each style. The book is brilliant for getting you acquainted with different types of knit fabrics - so you will get comfortable with using and understanding how to work with them.
For full context, my mother taught me to sew when I was 14, so I've been dressmaking for a good... uh... good grief, over half my life?! In any case, I am not the target audience for this. This book is for absolute beginners. After that you move on to sewing your first garment - the Margot pyjama bottoms, then you will learn a valuable skill - how to insert an invisible zip with the Delphine skirt. b) Vogue Sewing (1980's version) (I found both the 1970's version and latest reprint were a bit confusingly laid out) - I Key techniques, such as inserting an invisible zip, stay stitching, shaping with darts, setting in sleeves, gathering, French seams, stitch in the ditch, buttonholes, lining a garment, slip stitching and loads more! c) Elementary Sewing Skills Merchant and Mills - very simple very basic and is just dressmaking skillsNext up is the Clemence skirt which is a gentle introduction to pattern drafting - plus, you'll discover the wonders of gathering and how to finish a garment with beautiful French seams. I've also returned to the tutorials within the Mimi blouse a few times in my learning. This blouse requires you to sew buttons and buttonholes, which again are more key skills that beginners can master with practice and with the very helpful steps in the book. These are patterns that you can also return to any time, as you fancy them or as you get a new idea. There's been a couple of times when I've looked at a shirt pattern and thought to myself 'I'll just make a Mimi' instead, because I know it is achievable. The Bertha cardigan is a me-made essential. The oversized shape and batwing sleeves that are inserted on the flat mean making to wearing time is practically nothing! It's filled with information but not crammed in as to make it boring, Tilly tells you how to do each skill but only as it is needed for the project. So by the time you reach the final project you've slowly built up your skill set and have two skirts, a blouse, pj bottoms and a dress under your belt, oh and a cute head scarf (great for those who can't sew straight lines).
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