"Sewing Solutions" by Nicole Vasbinder

I work in a library and have a great boss. She purchases lots of books on sewing and knitting. I wonder why! She knits. This little number arrived last week and it is a solid addition for your sewing library. It is written by Nicole Vasbinder, who is a founder of "Stitch Lounge" in San Francisco and who also teaches at Stone Mountain and Daughter Fabrics. This book puts her wealth of knowledge into bytes of info that are up to date, thorough and very informative. I left reading this book very impressed.

The first thing I noticed was how current  much of the information is. Just a tiny view of some of the topics you won't find in the classic sewing tomes:

* in depth Pattern Envelope translation

* dress forms

* types of elastics

* hook and loop fasteners

* tracing wheels

That is just a sprinkling.  Each topic has a page but it gives all you need to know.  The tools and equipment pages tell you where to get it, what every sewist should know about it, and there is also some Q&A on the topic. There are references to pertinent info on that page's topic elsewhere in the book and what page it can be found on. An example from "Every sewist should know" on hook and loop tape:  "Never sew through stick-on fasteners because the adhesive will gum up your needle very quickly. Also, be careful to keep unused fasteners wrapped because otherwise the hook side will catch on fabrics and threads and make a big mess." No one tells you this stuff. It's like having your great Aunt Sophie by your side giving you all the tidbits of information she learned the hard way.I've thrown out more than one ball of velcro mess in my day. Now it's all segregated and wrapped.

Chapters are:

Sewing Tools
Notions and Trims
Marking, Measuring, and Cutting Tools
Miscellaneous Tools
Fabric Solutions
Pattern Solutions
Sewing Solutions
Embellishment and Trimming Solutions
Fitting Solutions
Finishing Solutions

The chapter titles don't show how in depth this little gem of a book goes. There are burn tests, in depth fabric info, fitting info, and so much more.

There is one drawback to this book and the only one  I have found. It is a small book loaded with information because it is written in very small print. My eyes really struggled to read it and I do hope it is re-issued with larger print. That small print however, makes this book easy to keep handy compared to the bigger sewing classics.  My only other suggestion would be to make it spiral bound to lie flat on the counter while we sew.

I'm returning my book to the library today and advise you to check this one out, literally and  from the library or just purchase it. I am sure  its on Amazon. It would make an excellent investment and I promise you will not regret the purchase and it will become a classic reference for you. Nicole Vasbinder has done an excellent job.

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Work on the Planet Earth bag continues. At this point the band is complete and it is all waiting to be put together and lined. Above you can see some triangles of  hand dyed rayon getting lined up like soldiers. Ther are fused with tricot to prevent raveling.  This project is still fun but probably won't be done in time for the PR bag contest.  Oh, well. DH and I are going South to visit children for the long weekend and packing and work demands are cramping my sewing for the next few days. Back soon,,,,Bunny