When a reader first opens the book Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching by Heather Ross, they will immediately notice something different. Mainly that the book is much more than a collection of patterns. Weekend Sewing is a lifestyle book – for all those who enjoy sewing and the cozy weekend feeling it brings.
How-To Book Offers Patterns and Inspiration
Offering 40 projects from totes to dresses (adult and child patterns) and even a pup tent and matching pillow, Weekend Sewing has the patterns covered. (Ross designs both fabric and patterns, so much what is offered is new and inventive). But what makes Ross’ first book unique is the way those patterns are represented. Ross tells stories of coming up with each of the patterns, like a dress she created the morning of her wedding for her niece to wear as her flower girl.
She also offers a “soup to sew by” recipe and music suggestions for better listening while ironing, pinning and stitching. All this creates the feeling of a relaxing weekend including a trip to the farmer’s market and plenty of time to make an apron, sew a baby gift for a new little person or create comfy pajama bottoms for the whole family.
Simple Projects Can be Completed Quickly
The patterns included are meant to be sewn over a weekend, although many (like the Drawstring Travel Bags) can be made in just an hour or two by a more experienced seamstress. For those who are less experienced, Ross includes suggestions for setting up a sewing station and for purchasing a machine.
The author does assume that readers have a basic knowledge of sewing. (For those who have not the initial hurdles, “Bend-the-Rules Sewing” by Amy Karol gives a wonderful and fun foundation, plus beginning projects).
Photos, Illustrations and Tone Make Sewing Easy
This book is ideal for those who know the basics and want to create functional wardrobe pieces for themselves, fun frocks for children or thoughtful gifts. Because each pattern offers an accompanying photograph by John Gruen (whose photographs really complement the “weekend relaxation” feeling of the book) sewers can see each piece as it is meant to look. Illustrations also help to make directions simple and clear.
Ross’ best-friend tone helps sewers craft hip and fun pieces, while never making the process stressful – just what most of us need to create a peaceful weekend.
Ross, a fabric, pattern and stationary designer based in New York City, currently teaches sewing at Purl Patchwork. Her fabric can be found at Heather Ross for Free Spirit and Heather Ross for Kokka. She is also the creator of Munki Munki.
She blogs at Weekend by Heather Ross.
Kara S. Anderson - Kara S. Anderson graduated with honors from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Journalism. She has worked in various facets of ...
