Essential Sewing Reference Tool by Carla Hegeman Crim – Book Review + Giveaway
The Essential Sewing Reference Tool: All-in-One Visual Guide by Carla Hegeman Crim captures in a single volume answers to our what-is-this and how-do-I-do-that questions we often ask ourselves while sewing. Whether you’re a veteran sewist or new to the craft, this handy all-in-one guide covers the nuts and bolts of sewing tools and techniques with easy to follow instructions, illustrations and photographs.
I was excited when Carla contacted me about the book she’d written. I knew she was the perfect person to author this type of reference guide. The first time I sewed a Sis Boom pattern (Carla authors the patterns and instructions for Jennifer Paganelli’s designs) I was really taken with the ease of construction and thoroughness of the illustrations. Carla has a knack for knowing where we’re most likely going to need a little visual assistance and there always seems to be the perfect illustration to explain it. The Essential Sewing Reference Tool is written with same quality curation for detail.
The book includes the following sections:
- tools & supplies
- stitches & seam treatments
- ruffles & bias tape
- zippers & buttonholes
- sewn accessories
- home dec
- garment making
- sizing charts for all ages
Within each of these sections are detailed visuals including charts, photographs and illustrations. What I like most is the level of detail Carla shares. Following is a great example. Whenever I use this method to create bias tape it’s a complete mystery to me how to determine the size of the fabric piece I need to begin with in order to create the quantity I’m going to need for the project. Generally, I create WAY TOO MUCH because there’s no way in heck I want to do it again and not have enough. This chart is genius!
The Home Decor section is fabulous. It includes detailed instructions for making the basics like pillows, pillow cases, a comforter, bed skirts, curtains and table linens. We don’t buy patterns for that kind of stuff and have to figure out the dimensions and material needed ourselves. Charts with sizes and yardage requirements are included. Again, brilliant! And I like math. I just don’t like making math mistakes and coming up short on this type of project.
Carla has written a thorough and well curated reference guide. Both sewing veterans and new sewists will appreciate the trusted and detailed content contained in the book. The Essential Sewing Reference Tool is sure to be a long-time friend on your sewing room book shelf.
Discover more about Carla on her blog The Scientific Seamstress.
Sis Boom and Scientific Seamstress downloadable patterns available in the shop.
***
Stash Books provided me with a review copy of this book and is also offering a copy for giveaway (international winners will receive an e-book).
Leave a comment sharing what sewing technique you’d like to understand better.
I’ll draw a winner next week.
Happy Sewing! Kathy
87 Comments
As a beginner, there’s so much I’d like to know better. Sewing curves and inserting zippers are just two of those things. Thanks for the giveaway!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d like to get better at finishing seams
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I need start shirring!
Told it’s easy… I just haven’t tried it yet. Need to get a move on and learn how to! 😀
Thanks for a great giveaway!!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I am new to garment sewing, and anything that can give me clear, concise details and help is what I am looking for. So I am not sure I can choose 1 thing but this early stage of my garment sewing I’m going to go with making a blouse/top.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d like to learn more in general about garment sewing.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Would like to better understand and master fine finishing techniques. Love sewing and the learning curve that goes with the action. There is always something new to do and enjoy.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’m interested in garment sewing:)
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Fancy seams are my downfall right now. And I still need to practice cutting and sewing curves.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I would love to know more about garment making and how to adjust patterns to help them fit better! Thank you for your review and for the giveaway!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Hi,I’d love to know how to install zippers better! Thanks for sharing!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Thank you for hosting this giveaway. I have been gathering fabric for little girl’s dresses for over 30 years but I would love to see if there is a better, faster way to do it.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I need to figure out how to get the tshirt neckbands perfect for my girls. Sometimes they’re right on. Sometimes they’re a miss.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Bound button holes!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Great review.
View CommentI would love to learn how to instal zippers without puckering
March 7, 2014
I’d like to learn more about inserting an invisible zipper. Thanks for the generous offer.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Ruffles.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’m at that stage that I know enough to be dangerous and not quite enough to wing it or figure it out on my own without pictures. I’ve been looking for a good sewing reference book – I’m hoping this is the one!
I definitely want to know more about garment sewing and things like setting in sleeves.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Thanks for the giveaway! I want to learn foundation piecing better! 🙂
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I sew for a living but I still need help – I’m useless at blind hemming. I’d love some clear and concise instruction
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I always need help with anything clothing related. I try and try, but just don’t get it. this book sounds like an excellent resource…
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
zippers, bias tape, finish seams! !!!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I want to learn more about clothing alterations. 🙂
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I need to learn more about the fine details of finishing garments so they look pretty on the outside AND inside! And I would love to win this book!!!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I would like to do better facings and buttonholes.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Collars have always been a bugger for me…perhaps there is some collar magic in this edition? 🙂
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Love to get better at sewing knit garments. Thanks for the chance to win.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’ve never quite dared try and sew my own clothes – I keep meaning to take the plunge!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I would like to learn them all better. 🙂
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d love to learn more about flying geese and sewing curves… it would be nice to have such a handy little helper in the house 🙂
View CommentThanks for the great giveaway!
March 7, 2014
Zippers! I have been sewing for a long time, but I still scratch my head every time I need to put in a zipper. And I have not found a good explanation in any book or magazine I have…
View CommentThank you for a chance!
March 7, 2014
I would love to learn how to fix a garment that doesn’t fit right. All too often, I’ve sewn garments that don’t fit or look right, despite filtering the pattern correctly.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d like to be better at buttonholes. They always freak me out!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I would like to feel comfortable with zippers.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d love to learn more about sizing 🙂
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d like to know more about making quality Home Dec items, especially decorative pillows.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’m new to garment sewing so anything helps!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
The sizing chart for all ages would come in handy when sewing for children. This sounds like a great book.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
My buttonholes and zippers never come out as I would like them to. Would like to read that chapter!
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d love to learn it all! But especially zippers. They kinda scare me.
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
Interfacing and stabilizers
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d like to learn to make a pretty rolled hem for scarves etc…
View CommentMarch 7, 2014
I’d love to master cutting continuous bias binding!
View CommentMarch 8, 2014
Oh, that matematical list was great!
And I love to read and learn about everything regarding sewing!
Looks like a great book!
View CommentMarch 8, 2014
Buttonholes! I have been sewing since I was 12 years old but have largely avoided designs that required the addition of buttonholes. Those I have made resulted in varying degrees of success.
View CommentMarch 8, 2014
Looks like a great book! Don’t know if this would be in there, but I’d like to know more about upholstering. Thanks so much!
View CommentMarch 8, 2014
I need help with buttonholes! I avoid making garments with buttonholes.
View CommentMarch 8, 2014
I have such a hard time figuring yardage. I think this would be the perfect tool to help with that.
View CommentMarch 8, 2014
sizing charts for all ages and choosing the right fabric due to my size 16, Viole isnt for me, neither is a bunch of floral prints. I have several patterns and have made a few things, not that I would wear out, and you couldnt tell which was the front or back. I am tackling some ” drawstring pants ” this weekend, not for PJ but for my trip to Greece, I am short too..
View CommentMarch 8, 2014
You had me at the bias tape chart — fabulous. I’d like to use her information and on home sewing.
View CommentMarch 8, 2014
I’ve never done a buttonhole….
View CommentThanks for the chance to win!
March 8, 2014