Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking

Product Information

Tilly Walnes demystifies dressmaking for the generations that have never been taught to sew. Written for novice stitchers by the author of the popular sewing blog Tilly and the Buttons, this book presents the sewing basics in an informal style, with Tilly's friendly and encouraging voice cheering the reader on throughout. Instead of overwhelming the novice dressmaker with theory, this book is about learning by doing. Each chapter presents practical tips and inspiration to guide you through creating a made-to-measure garment from one of the seven versatile and adaptable patterns included with the book, which can then be personalized to suit your individual style. Peppered throughout the book are Tilly's top sewing tips, including everything from what to look out for when buying--or borrowing--your first sewing machine, to how to behave in a fabric shop so that you appear like an expert, to techniques for pressing perfection. Dressmaking basics like pinning, using a sewing pattern, cutting out, transferring pattern markings and understanding clothing construction WHAT CAN I MAKE? - The book includes five main patterns - pyjama bottoms, a skirt, two dresses and a blouse. Also included are two simple patterns you draft yourself, guided by Tilly, for a scarf and skirt. All the patterns have multiple ways you can make them so you can get so much out of the book.

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 :) 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. 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. 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. 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 #wardrobebuilder project

Love at First Stitch offers a refreshing approach to dressmaking for modern makers. With jargon-busting tutorials and a down-to-earth attitude, the book takes you from the absolute basics of threading your sewing machine through to creating a wardrobe full of gorgeous clothes that you'll be proud to say you made yourself. 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. Love at First Stitch offers a refreshing approach to dressmaking for modern makers. With jargon-busting tutorials and a down-to-earth attitude, the book takes you from the absolute basics of threading your sewing machine through to creating a wardrobe full of gorgeous clothes that you'll be proud to say you made yourself. The Juno pyjamas are another favourite design from the book because they are oh-so-comfortable. They use the Tabitha top pattern and legging-style bottoms that are as cosy as they look! You can also turn them into adorable shortie PJs for the summer months. The most involved project in the book is the 60s-inspired Olive pinafore dress. This make will add new techniques to your sewing skills, such as double-pointed darts, an all-in-one facing and press-on snaps as an alternative closure.

Build your skills and confidence one project at a time: new techniques are introduced when you need them. 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. From how to thread your machine and select fabric, to your first projects on to slightly more advanced techniques. This does take a very gentle learning curve from the very start to probably an advanced beginner level. Its hard to judge from my more experienced viewpoint but none of it seems impossible for even a newbie, and it gently increases the difficulty and complexity as it goes through the patterns.What did you think of this book? Did it help you as a beginner or as a more experienced dressmaker? 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!

In Stretch!, Tilly takes you through all you need to know about sewing with knit fabrics and how it behaves. The book is the perfect guide for anyone who has never sewn with knit fabrics, or anyone wanting to perfect their stretchy sewing skills while making a set of gorgeous handmade outfits. I've read the two other books by Tilly Walnes, creator of simple yet stylish pattern brand 'Tilly and the Buttons', but was yet to read this, her first book, and a real beginners guide to dressmaking and sewing. Simple, elegant, and a little groovy, Love at First Stitch is all you need to start making the dresses of your dreams--with 7 complete full-size patterns. 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.

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! WHAT CAN I MAKE? - The book includes six main patterns - trousers/dungarees/playsuit, two dresses, a T-shirt, cardigan and pyjama set. All the patterns have multiple ways you can make them - giving you 24 projects in total - them so you can get so much out of the book.

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. Build your skills and confidence one project at a new techniques are introduced when you need them. 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.Love at First Stitch is also available in Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, North American English, Norwegian and Swedish. 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. As you can see, the designs start simple enough for novice stitchers and get increasingly more challenging - in a good way - as you build up your skills and confidence. By the time you get to the Mimi blouse in chapter 6, for example, you'll be stitching a Chelsea collar, buttonholes and adorable pleated sleeves.