Sewing in a Straight Line: Quick and Crafty Projects You Can Make by Simply Sewing Straight [Paperback]

Brett Bara (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 19, 2011

Create an entire world of sophisticated projects using one simple skill.

Absolutely anyone can sew in a straight line. And with this one skill and some basic guidance, television host and crafty expert Brett Bara demonstrates how you can make custom home decor, stylish fashions, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Sewing in a Straight Line is a step-by-step guide to creating 28 deceptively simple projects that look like they came from a chic boutique—far more impressive than you would expect for such little effort! These easy-to-make items offer quick gratification that even the busiest among us will appreciate. From a flirty two-hour miniskirt to the cutest plush toys, many of the projects take only a spare afternoon.

With Brett's eye for fresh, modern style and her encouraging advice, sewing couldn't be easier. So break out your needle and thread, fire up your machine, and get creative. A world of handmade possibilities is a few easy stitches away!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fresh and very chic compendium for everyone's sewing library! I love that this book is both welcoming for beginners and incredibly inspiring for sewists of all levels." --Amy Butler, author of Style Stitches

"Like a fun and patient teacher, Brett Bara guides readers through both sewing basics and more advanced skills without any of it seeming intimidating at all." --Debbie Stoller, author of the Stitch'n'Bitch series

"Sewing in a Straight Line opens up unlimited creative possibilities. Now even with basic sewing skills, I can show off my personal style." --Christina Batch-Lee, Etsy.com

"This is everything (and more) a novice sewer could hope for in a book. From a refresher in the basics to beautiful projects, Brett reminds us that gorgeous clothing and decorations don't require years of experience."--Grace Bonney, Design*Sponge

About the Author

BRETT BARA is a New York City–based crafts and DIY lifestyle expert. She is the host of Knit and Crochet Now on PBS, a spokeperson for Warm Up America!, and the former editor-in-chief of Crochet Today magazine. Her "Sewing 101" column is a regular feature on Design*Sponge. Visit her website and blog at www.brettbara.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft; Original edition (July 19, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307586650
• ISBN-13: 978-0307586650
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.6 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Decorating

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great beginners' book August 16, 2011

By priz_m

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

It's been only a few months since I started sewing and in this little time I've "hoarded" a silly amount of sewing books that are meant for more experienced sewers. I got my copy of "sewing in a straight line" because the projects seemed perfect for my current sewing skills. I have to say I love it! The projects are super cute and it's nice to see modern home sewing projects for once. I love the fact that it features a quilting project which I've also been curious to learn about. I would strongly recommend it to beginner sewers. This would make a terrific gift paired with a sewing machine.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Inspiring August 24, 2011

By whitebreadtoast

Format:Paperback

I haven't had the chance to make anything from this book because I'm working on The Quilt That Will Never End. However, I was thrilled to crack the cover and see really current projects that would be great finished as directed - or taken whatever direction you wanted to go.

I like that the projects are simple, but look cool and cover a smattering of project types from clothes and accessories to home to gifts. And everything relies on your own measurements - so not only could you easily adjust things to be however big or small you wanted, the clothes can be made for anyone, which is refreshing. This weekend, I'm going to put aside the aforementioned quilt to make the purse - with a few modifications to suit my style. That's one of the things I like the most - I feel like this book is a great jumping off point for many ideas and every project leaves a lot of room for you to customize however you like.

Another plus - the directions seem very clearly written and I think the diagrams are helpful. I've read the directions for each project and have been able to clearly see in my mind how the item is constructed. I haven't found any directions that left me scratching my head in confusion.

I think this is a perfect book for a beginner because you can have fun, immediate success. That's what you need when you get started sewing (at least I did). This book is also probably really great for anybody who needs a shot of inspiration like I did. I'm really glad I picked up this book!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best project book! August 25, 2011

By Alyssa A. Moncur

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just got a sewing machine last month. I am very excited about it and have ordered a lot...A LOT of books for project inspiration. This one is one of the best. I have already made the "one hour skirt" twice! Im nervous to start with patterns and this book is great because you cut your own! She gives you the dimensions to cut and you piece them together, no tissue paper! There is variety too with lots of home dec projects and baby projects. This book makes sewing seem a little easier!