SEW ... The Garment-Making Book of Knowledge

I’ve known that Barbara was writing a sewing book almost since she decided to write it. Occasionally she’s posted a pic to Instagram showing what she was sewing for the book which was released on May 7th. Of course I ordered it as soon as possible and received it a couple of weeks ago. The name of the book is, “SEW The Garment-Making Book of Knowledge: Real-Life Lessons from a Serial Sewist.” And I can honestly tell you that even though Barbara says she wrote the book for the new and/or returning sewist I’m an experienced sewist and I learned a few things too, as well as, having a few things I knew reinforced. I love the format of the book. Each chapter has a name. One of my favorites is “Chapter 7 - The Gear Side of Sewing” OMG isn’t that a great name to describe all of the equipment we acquire for sewing?! So each chapter has a description then mini-lesson to help you learn a skill. The thing that absolutely thrills me is Barbara’s Tips which are at the end of every chapter. Each one is written in Barbara’s voice - at least I can hear her speaking - and is full of interesting things that you learn from experience. Things that she’s sharing for all sewists to know. Okay let me back up and give you some other chapter names…“Why Sew,” “If it Fits, They Will Wear It,” “Choosing and Cutting Fabric” and another fave, “Sewing for Joy” - each chapter is chock full of information along with the tips, and mini-lessons! Sewing Terms are called Sewing Speak! Now as a beginner or a returning sewist wouldn’t you have loved a book that explained in detail what all those words that sewists threw around meant? Barbara explains them so that there are no questions…at all. If you are acquiring your own sewing library and not just relying upon the internet, this would be a good book to add to it.–Carolyn Yummy “Diary of a sewing fanatic”

Barbara Emodi sews, writes, and teaches in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She has taught sewing classes in Australia, Canada, the United States, and online and has written extensively for a number of sewing magazines. Visit her website and blog: sewingontheedge.blogspot.com