Customer Reviews

Sew Retro: 25 Vintage-Inspired Projects for the Modern Girl & A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just received Sew Retro in the mail. I was super excited about it after reading the reviews.

It is OK... really only OK.

A majority of this book is a history of sewing; I think that part of it is pretty interesting. I enjoy reading about how the times are reflected in art (I consider fabric, and the uses of, to be artistic expression).

I was not impressed with the patterns. There is a victorian pincushion (cute), and elegant shawl (I feel like a pattern for this is silly, as it is a triangular shaw), sewing basket, needle case (blah), opera bag, flapper apron (this was nice but didnt knock my socks off), smart felt hat (could not imagine wearing this ever), patchwork potholders (a bit boring), change purse, cafe curtains, tea party tablecloth, ribbon embellished napkins, hostess apron (this was my favorite, cute little half apron), mod gathered pillow (a pillow with gathers in the front, perhaps just show the technique), pretty little purse (I liked this one too), table runner (with an abstract bird applique), handkerchief bag (nice idea, i will probably use this since i have my grandmothers vintage hankerchiefs), not so mini skirt, coasters, easy elastic headband, patchwork throw (good first quilt), saturday afternoon skirt (cute basic a-line skirt). farmers market bag (basically the handkerchief bag minus the kerchief with the addition of a front pocket), catch all caddy, and a scarf.

There wasnt anything in here that inspired me. I never looked at my sewing machine eagerly. If I had looked at it I wouldn't have purchased it.

I like Amanda Blake Soule's two books, and Martha Stewart's sewing book. They both inspired me; I have made several things from Soule's books, and am gathering materials to start one from Martha.

I received the book today and read most of it already, with the exception of the designer biographies which I will read later. The artwork is inspiring--especially the vintage photos,just makes me want to sew! (book lays flat)

The book is arranged in order of historical events both in the sewing industry and history in general. The latter effected the former immensely, especially in the lives of American women and Judi Ketteler explains this in the text in an easy-to read, but not boring manner.

Scattered throughout are vintage-type patterns (the author does include some pieces in an envelope)for twenty-five items. What a fantastic idea that was! Will be making the sewing basket as soon as possible. Ms. Ketteler also gives tips on sewing fabrics, purchasing vintage fabrics and re-purposing how-tos.

The time line was interesting, although I beg to differ with the author's assertion that Michelle Obama is a "fashion icon." There was somewhat more politics than history as the book entered into the '60s through the 2000s, but that's okay...

Only complaint: the first few page of my book were not caught up in the ring binder at the top. They will most likely rip easily, but not a problem that would make sending the book back worthwhile.

I LOVE this book, this is a have to buy book, don't bother getting it from the library, just buy it. It is such a fun read, full of so much information but certainly not dry or tedious reading as it is broken up with fun projects. The book is full of great retro pictures and also goes through the history of sewing and its impact on women by decade starting in the 20's. Each designer also has a question answer page which is great, its always fun to hear about what inspires people.

The projects are great although as a novice sewer a couple of them intimidate me but thats only because of my inexperience and I intend to try them anyway. I am very excited to make the potholders and the small quilt is going to be my fall project. They have some fabulous aprons...I could go on and on but seriously, buy it, its a great investment.

I'm in love with almost every project in Sew Retro. They're cute, colorful vintage perfection. I've already dug my sewing machine out of the back of my closet with plans to start the fabric coasters.

I was delighted to read interviews with some of my favorite crafty ladies, including fabric designer Amy Butler. And I even found myself enjoying all the information on the history of women and sewing. These sections are written in a really approachable way, so it doesn't feel like you're reading a textbook.

It's a nice over-sized book with full color pages and great photography. Plus, the spiral binding makes it easy to follow along with the instructions when you finally stop reading long enough to dig into one of the projects. There's also a handy little pattern packet hidden in the back of the book.

Some of my friends will definitely be getting Sew Retro projects for Christmas!

I enjoyed most of the history although I completely agree with the reviewer who characterized the book as too political. The projects are all very basic, most don't require a pattern if you have any sewing experience at all.

I almost didn't buy this after reading some of the reviews. It was said that the patterns are simplistic and the text too political, but the book just kept calling me back until I bought it. I am very glad I did. I will admit, that yes, the patterns are geared more towards beginner sewers. Even me, I consider myself more of an advanced beginner, could have easily knocked these patterns out, so I doubt there will be anything that will challenge my more experienced sewing siblings. Beginner sewists however, would likely find some fun projects within the selection included in the book. But to me, the book was worth it for the interesting retrospective on sewing. Of course politics are discussed in the book, politics permeates our lives and has a direct impact on the movements within each generation. But never once did I read something that I though would be offensive to either a conservative or a liberal, unless the mere mention of a Republican, or perhaps the Gay Rights or Feminist Movement, offends you. I enjoyed the quick chapters of how sewing changed in each decade. I would recommend this as a lovely gift for you or another sewist, regardless of skill level, who enjoys everything vintage.

My kids gave me Sew Retro for Christmas (2010). I'd had it on my Wish List for a while. I saw it originally in a local bookstore and paged thru it so I was completely aware of the contents. Having just done a 90 minute presentation to my local ASG (American Sewing Guild) group on the history of the sewing machine and being an avid sewer, collector and someone who refurbishes vintage and antique sewing machines, the book was at the top of my "Want" list.

I loved the pictures of vintage machines, ads and sewing notions. Many of which I actually remember or have from collecting machines (with vintage notions still in their cabinet drawers). Of course, I know the history of machines and sewing because of all the preparation for my presentation, but I never tire of reading about it or looking at this book. It was a fun trip down memory lane.

If you want to know more about sewing and how it got to where it is today, then this is a great place to start. That brings me to the projects - a great variety from simple to advanced - something for every taste and ability. It is a wonderful way to start sewing because the projects are quick to make and the satisfaction of a completed project will be quickly realized. The whole reward of "I made this myself" can be accomplished for most in a few hours. If your time to sew is limited by other things - children, work, etc - these are projects that will get you up and sewing and completed in no time flat. With today's busy women who still want time to be creative, what more can you possibly ask for? It is also a quick solution for gifts or items for a fundraiser.

A few people wrote in their reviews the book was "too political". I think they have politics and culture confused. Things have changed dramatically for women since the advent of the first machine. A woman today who looks at (for example) page 12 where it shows a bride getting her first machine (representing the 1800's) may find that odd by today's standards. It's not political; it's just a statement of how things were back then. The 1800's are not now... nor do they represent how women should feel about their lives no matter what choices they've made regarding a career or marriage or motherhood. Someone said the book "...made me feel guilty for wanting to sew or do anything remotely domestic". Seems counter productive for the author to write a book about sewing with projects and then make the reader feel guilty for wanting to sew, doesn't it? That makes absolutely no sense. I think perhaps the reader was putting her own feelings into what she read rather than seeing the point of the book.

While I might not want to make ALL the projects, there were many I would like to make. We're even going to make a few for my local ASG chapter - demonstrating the hat and the pillow. My oldest granddaughter LOVES vintage hats so I know she will love getting these. Sure, not everyone might like vintage hats - but if you do, then this is a great way to make some. Embellish them with whatever suits you - flowers, buttons, hand-sewn embroidery, etc. Make them your own. And isn't that the real point of sewing? To be creative? Use the projects as a foundation to build on. I think this book is an excellent way to not only push the creative envelope, but to inspire up and coming sewers. Don't be put off by some of the negative comments here, if you like to sew, or want quick projects to learn to sew, this is the book for you. It is fun, informative and will spur your creativity whether you're a beginner or advanced seamstress.

I was so excited when I heard about Sew Retro, because the more deeply I delve into the world of sewing and crafts, the more I find myself wondering about the history that brought us to the modern resurgence we see now. This book does not disappoint in any way. Also, as a former historian and as a book author, I found myself feeling impressed and appreciative of the work that clearly went into this book - all the history, cool interviews, and gathering all the primary materials - many of which we get to see in the book and which is, for me, just about the best part: seeing all those vintage patterns, magazine covers, etc . What a fun topic! The patterns are cute too - I really like the way they are representative of the history that Ketteler is writing about.

It was OK. I was expecting much more from a book with all the good reviews I've seen on the web. There was nothing inspiring in the patterns, and while the history of sewing was interesting, there was nothing there I'd not seen before. If I'd been able to look at the book in a store before purchasing it, I wouldn't have.

The physical book is well designed, but the contents? enh. I'm actually sending it back.

I am a beginning sewer. I have a few sewing books (Amy Butler, Lotta Jansdottir--I hope I'm not slaughtering her name, some French-inspired sewing book). This book is different from those books, but I like that. Most other sewing books are all about the projects; arty photographs and patterns and maybe a couple sentences from the author about the project itself. Those books are great for merely flipping through and daydreaming about projects.

This book, on the other hand, offers projects plus a ton more. I love reading and learning about how sewing and women's approaches to sewing has changed since the advent of the home sewing machine. Love looking at the vintage ads. REALLY love reading the interviews with some of the big name sewers (including Amy Butler). It makes me feel like I'm not crazy or just following a trend (or driven by hormones--I just had my second baby in just over two years) because I decided to learn how to sew. Reading this book makes me feel like I'm a part of a tradition that has lasted centuries of women using their creativity to make things that they want and need. (I totally don't get what that one reviewer was talking about when she said it was political, by the way. I think she was reading stuff in to the text that simply isn't there.)

And then, in addition to all that, are the projects!! I particularly love the patchwork quilt, the hostess apron, and the cafe curtains. I think it's so cool that she has one project for each era she discusses. They feel very accessible to me, which I love, but I can see how that means that they're too basic for someone who is really skilled. I still think long-time sewers would love this book though, because they'd learned a lot about sewing that they didn't know before because of the historical perspective. I think it's a must-have for any sewer of any level to have in their library.

And finally, I "liked" the Sew Retro page on Facebook and the author has been great about offering bonus projects and cool giveaways and such.