Signing up for Carla Hegeman Crim’s book tour for The Essential Sewing Reference Tool was completely awesome. I mean, she IS the Scientific Seamstress after all, right?
This is a reference book that every single sewist needs, regardless of skill level. Beginner and Advanced seamstresses alike will find every single page to be full of new and extremely helpful information. It took me about 2 weeks to go through all of the pages, which completely humbled me. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I learned a lot of new techniques and terminology. I can’t wait to try them out!
Topics:
When I say that there are a lot of topics covered in this book, I am absolutely serious. This is one of those reference books that you should keep right by the sewing machine because it will answer every single question you have!
Here are a few examples
(also find a preview of the pages HERE)
Interfacing, Buttons, Buttonholes, Bias Tape, Piping
Different Presser Feet
Needle Size and Type
Cutting Tools, Marking Tools, Thread Types, Stitches
and more!
There are even measurements and tutorials on how to make your own bed coverings and home decor. Curtains, table runners, key fobs, belts, and bags. I seriously can’t believe the wealth of information contained inside of this book.
There are 130 pages full of important information with colored illustrations. Purchase the ebook and paper book HERE.
The technique I want to learn more about is how to make button holes without the use of the automatic buttonhole foot. If your machine is anything like mine, it is so finicky with that setting!
There is so much to learn from this book and I am so excited that I get to offer one of you the opportunity to win a copy of your own!
Leave a blog post comment telling me what you would like to learn about sewing that you don’t already know. (don’t forget to show your entry via the rafflecopter too!)
Hayley
Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.
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Oh wow – that looks like a FAB book to have. I’ve decided I ought to learn to sew with stretch fabrics this year, but there’s so much else I don’t know too!
Awesome! I’d like to learn more about batting!
I´d love to learn more about sewing with stretch fabrics and batting.
isabel_mbpp@hotmail.com
What an awesome book to have!! I would love to learn how to do a French seam (i ALWAYS mess it up) and a blind stitch hem that is actually, well, blind!!
I would like to learn how to draft my own patterns and how to grade them.
I am new to garment sewing, so I would enjoy a compact reference guide!
I would like to learn more about working with different fabrics. I have a feeling this is one of those books you use over and over again, every time you are working on a project.
I would love to master zippers!
Im a beginner so i would like to know so much more, like how to sew with knits, do piping, zippers to name a few.
Awesome I need all the tips I can get!!!!
I need to learn more about presser feet!
I would like to learn about zippers and sewing with knits
I want to learn about zippers & piping!
I would like to learn to add piping flawlessly … or … good.
I would love to learn to make jeans for myself. It’s been on my to do list for a long time.
I have yet to attempt a lot of things, bias tape, smocking, manual buttonholes…the list goes on and on!
I love her pattern writing skills, so I can’t wait for the book. Looks awesome!
Buttonholes. They are my Achilles Heel. I hate the way mine always turn out looking like something the cat dragged in!!
I would love to learn how to use the different feet for my machine.
I like to learn how to clean my machine and keep it up.
Ruffling is my nemesis. I would love to find a way to do it that doesn’t result in disaster every time.
would love to learn how to use more of the presser feet for my machine…..
I would love to learn how to make bound buttonholes that don’t look puckered.
One can never have too many sewing reference books. This one looks like a keeper.
I would love to learn more about piping.
Kim M.
I want to figure out how to make a bed skirt!
I would love to learn more about sewing with knits. I tend to shy away from them
I shy away from them as well!
I want to learn how to free quilt. I have failed multiple times!
I’ve been sewing for years but learn something new everyday! This would be handy to have!
I want to learn how not to be afraid that I will screw something up when starting a new project! 😉
I want to learn more about pleats! Thank you!
The size charts would be super helpful. I’m always searching for average sizes for kids when I’m sewing for my niece and nephew.
I want to learn to sew with knits.
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I would like to learn how to make better alterations!
Pretty much everything!! I am a true novice and need lots of help!! The seam ripper is my bff right now and my machines and I are mere acquaintances. My serger likes to play mind games with me.
I’d love to learn more about feet. Actually using them! I’m almost ashamed to admit I have used the same basic foot on my machine for the last 5 years… to do EVERYTHING. I know there feet for a reason… the ridiculous part is I actually have a few extra feet I’ve never bothered to find out what they were for.
I’m so super curious about her tips for non-automatic buttonholes now. I keep hearing people talk about them! But I’m sure there are tons of other tips I could learn from this book.
I’d love to learn how to use all the feet that came with my machine & piping!!
I’d love to learn about french seams!
I really want to learn how to do shirring! Using stretch fabrics would be good too!
What a cool reference guide. I’m sure I’d learn a TON!
I’d like to learn more about stabilizers, interfacing, etc
Everything!!!
I see this book as great reference
I am completely self-taught and making stuff up as I go along! This would be my bible…
This book looks fab! There’s always more to learn so I couldn’t pick one thing.
I am scared by buttonholes and zips…totes crazy, Yes!! So I would love any techniques to help me overcome this fear!
I love learning new tips and tricks and find out all the things I’ve been doing wrong…oh wait…
I’m buttonhole impaired too…… and I have a machine with the auto function. Problem is it automatically makes crappy buttonholes! I can make a bound buttonhole, a corded buttonhole but a plain ole’ buttonhole, elusive! Thanks for the op!
I have a bunch of reference books like this, but I always love a fresh perspective. I’d love to read Carla’s take, because I really appreciate the logical (scientific!) approach she takes to sewing!
I’ve been sewing for quite a while, but 2 things I want to learn is how to sew French seams and how to sew piping detail. I’d love to win this! Thanks for the chance.
I have had this sewing machine for about 6 years and have never used most of the stiches. I would like to learn what they are and what I can do with them. Thank you for offering this giveaway.
I’ve read snippets about double needles and knits. No idea what it is, but would like to learn.
I want to learn how to work with the fun fabrics and also different types of threads.
sewing knits, not rouching, but that bobbin elastic sewing thing… and the names of certain types of patterns and clothing anatomy! …
everything…! 🙂
Awesome looking book!! I’d love to learn about the different feet.
I’d love to learn and understand how to adjust patterns and the whole garment making section I sure need help in!
I want to know how to alter patterns…particularly for chesty women like me without having to go up a size, everywhere.
~M
Pick just one thing? I’d love to know more about interfacings… I know what they are, but when to use it… Think one good reference would be great to have!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Pattern drafting is definitely on my list!
I’d really like to learn a bit more about pattern drafting just so I can alter my patterns to fit myself better.
I want to learn what everything is! There are so many terms and tools that I just don’t understand and sometimes I get tired of googling.
This looks like such a fabulous guide!!
Bound button holes!
The book sounds terrific, I still need a ton of work on zippers. And interfacing still baffles me. Thanks for the great giveaway!
I would love to own this book. I need to learn more about my feet and how to use them.
I’d like to learn more about fitting!
I need to learn about the different presser feet!!
I need more help with button holes and zippers.
I do struggle with fitting and I love to read tips cause I always learn how to work better or smarter. Thanks.
I want to learn about the different types of interfacing and “what goes with what”. There are so many choices out there and my head just spins.
I’m with you on that buttonhole thing. I either do them by hand or try to avoid them entirely. The second option drastically reduces my choice of patterns!! I did try to do machine buttonholes twice but they were such a horrendous mess that I’ve given up on them.
I’d like to learn more about fitting things probably.
Like, everything? I want to know how to make shirts, collars, match seams, everything. I don’t know anything about sewing, but I really WANT to learn how to sew.
I want to learn tailoring.
Looks like a great resource to have.
I would love to learn to better use many of the tools and features on my machine, embroidery is especially interesting (and a bit daunting).
This book looks like a great resource as it has been a few years since I have really sewn anything. I have been wanting to start again as I have a daughter and I have fond memories of my mom sewing me cloths.
What a great resource! I would love to learn how to install different zips.
I am new into garment sewing so just reading about the Scientific Seamstress has given me courage. I need this book. Hope I win and thank you for the book review.
tailoring….finishing….fitting
I pretty much need to start from scratch. I learned as a kid and am just reacquainting myself with my sewing machine, years since I’ve done anything besides a very basic repair.
I want to learn how to bind quilts. I am a beginner sewer and any help would be wonderful.
Y-seams are still a little hazy to me, but I have tried them at least. Pipping I haven’t tried yet but have read a few tutorials. So I guess either of them. Or invisible zippers. 🙂
I would love to learn how to make home decor. Our place really needs a “lady’s touch”.
I’d like to learn how to make a pants pattern that FITS!!!
I’d like to learn more professional tailoring tips!
I’d love to learn how to properly adjust patterns to get my perfect size.
This looks like such a wonderful book! I love the idea of improving my sewing skills since I’m mostly self taught!
Garment sewing so I can know what the terms being used means! So different from quilting!
I need to figure out how to alter a pattern to fit me better and also what all those presser feet are for! I’ve been sewing forever and haven’t used half my presser feet!
I’d love to just have this as a go to when I come across something I don’t know!
I’m self-taught, so I’d like to learn the proper way to do things. 😉
How to adjust patterns to fit me better! What a great giveaway! Thanks.
I want to learn about piping! Thanks for the great giveaway!!
I want to learn more about zippers.
I’d love to learn more about garment making
I want to learn more about tailoring and fitting
Looks like a great resource to have on hand.
Oh!!! I want to learn about different preser feet!!!!!
I’d love to learn how to sew formal or wedding gowns and how to alter them.
I need to learn everything!! LOL, I’m sure this would be great!
I want to learn how to sew pants for myself.
I’m just curious about fine-tuning my knowledge!
I wan tto learn more about fabric types.
I’d love to learn more about different types of interfacing…
I just want
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I would love to learn how to draft my own patterns.
Carla is AWESOME & I so NEED this book! I need her help in edging . . . along with everything else. 🙂
I want to learn the proper way to do zippers.
I would love to have this book as a reference for me when I was just sewing. So many times I just do something because I think that it might be right or I just do not know the right way to do it.
I want to learn everything I can about sewing!!!!
Definately need this to figure out all of my mystery feet.
What an awesome book! I’d love to master zips, and the heirloom style finishes.
Zippers, zippers and then zippers again!!!
I’d love this book – I’ve been following the tour! I have so much more to learn, but I’d like to start by mastering zippers and fitting techniques.
I would like to learn how to make my garments more professional since I am a self taught sewer!
the next thing I’d like to tackle learning is a winter coat for me!
More about edging, especially rolled hems and piping!
i’m going to give sewing knits a try. i hope i find all the right tools!
I love learning any new tricks I can!
Making my own piping, blind hem stitch!
This would be wonderful to use on my new blog I started! Thanks for the opportunity!
zippers in clothing and button holes…i’m still uneasy about those!
I’ve yet to learn how to install a lapped zipper, so this would be my first stop!
I would love to learn new techniques and how to draft my own patterns.
I really want to do zippers better. I kind of put them in intuitively, and I’m not sure my intuition is quite as awesome as I like to think it is 😉