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Memorial Hall Library

September is National Sewing Month

September is National Sewing Month! MHL has a robust selection of books in our crafts section. Here are some books we recommend for sewists, whether you're just starting out or whether you've been sewing for years. You can also use your library card to access CreativeBug, which has videos and tutorials for all kinds of creative projects, including sewing.

The Art of Repair : Mindful Mending: How to Stitch Old Things to New Life
The Art of Repair : Mindful Mending: How to Stitch Old Things to New Life
by Molly Martin

In this beautiful book, master repairer, Molly Martin, champions the value of slow fashion and the psychological benefits that go with it.
Creative mending : beautiful darning, patching and stitching techniques
Creative mending : beautiful darning, patching and stitching techniques
by Hikaru Noguchi

More than one dozen illustrated lessons and over three-hundred color photographs provide detailed examples of many variations of basic mending techniques.
Home-Made Vintage : Over 40 Quick and Easy Sewing Projects
Home-Made Vintage : Over 40 Quick and Easy Sewing Projects
by Christina Strutt

If you long to give your rooms a vintage air and country-cottage appeal, you will love the retro floral prints and timeless designs of Home-Made Vintage, your perfect guide to creating handmade, easy elegance in your home. The book offers simple-sew projects to transform every room into the romantic retreat you've always wanted.
Mend it, wear it, love it! : stitch your way to a sustainable wardrobe
Mend it, wear it, love it! : stitch your way to a sustainable wardrobe
by Zoe Edwards

Have you ever thrown good clothes away simply because you didn't know how to mend them? Have you got clothes that you can't bear to part with, but need a fresher look? Then this book is for you. With fast fixes and complete makeovers, Mend It, Wear It, Love It! has everything you need to mend and care for your clothes, and stitch your way to a more sustainable wardrobe.
Modern mending : how to minimize waste and maximize style
Modern mending : how to minimize waste and maximize style
by Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald

Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald demonstrates a variety of techniques to mend damaged clothing in a sustainable manner.
Radical sewing : pattern-free, sustainable fashions for all bodies
Radical sewing : pattern-free, sustainable fashions for all bodies
by Kate Weiss

Radical Sewing is a guide for learning how to make your own clothes. Kate introduces you to the basics and best practices of garment sewing for yourself at home, as well as advice and info on things you wouldn't even know to ask about sewing. Topics include hand sewing, picking out a sewing machine, adding pockets to anything, sewing a button so it stays on, altering your clothes to fit your unique body, and so much more! Regardless of your sewing experience, gender, or body type, this illustrated guide will empower you to make your wardrobe your own. With loads of encouragement to try things out, all you'll need to do is experiment and break the rules to create the clothes and outfits that you want to wear.
Sew eco-friendly : 25 reusable projects for sustainable sewing
Sew eco-friendly : 25 reusable projects for sustainable sewing
by Debbie Shore

This book will help you to make 25 small but meaningful life swaps to help reduce waste. For example, trade in your disposable face wipes and replace them with washable pads; make beeswax fabric wraps and elasticated covers so that you never have to buysingle-use plastic food wrap again; make a sturdy shopping tote to replace single-use plastic versions. Packed with all the easy-to-follow instructions and friendly sewing tips you expect from Debbie Shore, this book also contains hints and tips for face scrubs, bath salts and more to use with your new projects, or to make a perfect eco-friendly gift.
The Sewing Machine Manual : Your Very Easy Guide
The Sewing Machine Manual : Your Very Easy Guide
by Wendy Gardiner

Learn from the expert how to get up and running with a basic sewing machine, then build your skills and make 12 beautiful projects. Revised, updated, and expanded edition.
Sewing with African Wax Print Fabric : 25 Vibrant Projects for Handmade Clothes and Accessories
Sewing with African Wax Print Fabric : 25 Vibrant Projects for Handmade Clothes and Accessories
by Adaku Parker

All the techniques, clear step-by-step artworks, and patterns you need to make 25 African wax print garments and accessories. Includes full size patterns for US dress sizes 4 TO 22 (UK dress sizes 8 to 26). African wax prints, also known as Ankara and Dutch wax prints, are colorful cotton cloths with designs influenced by batik, an Indonesian method of dyeing cloth using wax-resist techniques. It is also super-easy to use and here Adaku Parker has developed 25 step-by-step projects to make a wide range of stylish pieces.
Ultimate illustrated guide to sewing clothes : a complete course on making clothing for fit and fashion
Ultimate illustrated guide to sewing clothes : a complete course on making clothing for fit and fashion
by Joi Mahon

A comprehensive manual on everything you need to know on how to sew clothes! The Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes is a must-have resource filled with valuable insight on sewing, tailoring, making alterations, and more. Learn how to take a pattern you already have and adjust it to your unique needs, install a zipper, use notions, and get a good fit out of any sewing pattern for any body type! Whether you're new to sewing or have experience, expand your skill set and build confidence so you can sew like a pro! Also included is a bonus tutorial on making pants and fitting material, as well as finishing your garments and instructions on detailing to make one-of-a-kind clothes.