Jayne from Half Yard Sewing Club
This is an interesting book containing 18 practical projects using heavy duty fabrics. Projects range from hanging basket holders, mini bags, through to larger projects including a sturdy backpack and a canvas log carrier. Each project is accompanied by pattern pieces and full instructions. Details are also given on recommended fabrics to use and how to make straps and buckles amongst other techniques. Lots of helpful tips are interspersed within the projects. A practical, useful book, for making practical useful projects.
Jules from Half Yard Sewing Club
If youve sewn many a tote bag, pouch and the like from quilt cottons and are now looking to up your game this book is a good place to start.
Waxed canvas, waterproof cotton, upholstery fabrics and leather, even, are lovely materials to work with resulting in robust, durable projects that can withstand wear and tear for many a year and Sewing With Heavy Duty Fabrics by Laura Sinikka Wilhelm provides insight and instruction on how to do this.
Its a book of 18 designs from a rucksack to a log carrier to a sunglasses case and a lot more in between. Along with all the instructions on how to make them up there are the pattern shapes, some of which require enlarging by a specified percentage, otherwise its get your ruler out and start cutting shapes, mainly four sided - there are some triangle and circular shapes but all relatively easy to compile. The pattern pieces are laid out in an easy to follow diagram. Dimensions are in centimetres and inches.
The designs are really good and adaptable, for example it wouldnt be too difficult to customise a project by taking away, adding in or resizing a pattern piece, for example changing the pockets on the backpack to meet individual or specific needs.
Working from this book you will need your wits about you as many of the designs call for cutting out squares and rectangles for pattern pieces, so remember measure twice, cut once! And, according to Laura, you can sew the projects on a domestic sewing machine as long as you have the correct needle installed.
There are good clear photographs of the projects so you know what youre trying to achieve, but not step-by-step photographic instructions. However there are sections covering Tools, Basic Equipment, Techniques, Buckles, Straps, Zips and Edging with more detail and photos.
If youve made a tote or two before thats good news youll probably get along fine with this book, however beginners may find some instructions a challenge. I would suggest starting with the Zip-up bags or the Tablet & Smart Phone Cases (difficulty level 1) to familiarise yourself with your materials, the book and Lauras style.
Publishers Weekly
Textile designer Wilhelm (Stylish Sewing ) offers a solid collection of projects meant to be used and loved for a lifetime. Each design uses weighty materials including canvas, sailcloth, waxed canvas, and leather, which hold up to wear and tear and acquire character in the process. A section on necessary materials and accessories explains how to choose leather (or faux alternatives), and notes that binding screws are useful for attaching leather straps to fabric. As for tools and equipment, crafters will need denim needles, a craft knife for cutting leather, and a sewing machine (the author recommends buying secondhand rather than getting a cheap, new one). Wilhelms projects are labeled according to three difficulty levels: hanging herb baskets, a roll-up utensil pouch, and a canvas log basket are perfect for beginners; a stunning waxed cotton backpack and retro bag inspired by bowling bags are for more experienced crafters; and a bike bag and shopper tote fall in between. Project-specific tips are peppered throughout, Wilhelms straightforward instructions will help crafters take her guidance off the page, and the photos that accompany each step are a boon. Sewers seeking to expand their skill set should give this a look.
Sandra from Half Yard Sewing Club
Isnt it nice to receive a book to review with a subject matter that most sewing books only touch on. Laura is an accomplished author having studied textiles in both Germany and Finland. The accompanying landscape photography by Tobias is beautiful. All presented on quality paper in a matt finish gives it all a feeling of hygge. A lovely introduction to getting started using different types and weights of fabric. It also includes a range of accessories and suggested tools. A helpful stockists page is at the back of the book.
Eighteen projects all presented with its difficulty level and patterns, materials requirements. Each item is supported by clear photographs and numbered instructions to guide you through. Some helpful tips are added when needed. There are some lovely projects to make for yourself or gifts using a domestic sewing machine. As you would expect using a heavy duty fabric the majority are bags but all different sizes and styles. Great ideas you will be keen to try.
