Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew (Paperback)

by Elissa K. Meyrich (Author) "With these supplies-or notions as they are frequently called-on hand, you'll be able to complete most sewing projects..." (more)
Key Phrases: new taper line, fuse tape, straight grain line, Cutting Rules (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Includes three ready-to-use patterns

Reinvent Sewing for the Twenty-first Century!
“Where did you get your skirt?”

Ever want to create your own designer-look fashions? Develop unique accessories or home decor? Even if you’ve never held a needle or used a sewing machine, this book is all you need. With three simple patterns and easy-to-follow instructions, you can put your own stamp on fashion and step out in style—yours!

You’ll learn:
- Tips and techniques from a fashion industry insider
- How to use your sewing machine to express your creativity
- How to custom-fit commercial patterns for that sexy look
- All about the latest fabrics and the best ways to use them

Plus a glossary of sewing terms makes quick reference easy.

So don’t wait. Use the ideas and simple how-to instructions in this book, and everyone will want to know the secret source for your fabulous clothes and accessories!


About the Author
Elissa K. Meyrich is one of the garment industry’s true insiders. A designer and mixed-media artist, she teaches her techniques to sold-out classes in New York City’s fashion district at her store, Sew Fast Sew Easy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Book and Access edition (August 20, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312269099
• ISBN-13: 978-0312269098
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,611 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for a beginner., May 26, 2006

By	Pat. B - See all my reviews

This is a good book for a beginner if you have no previous sewing skills and would like to get a jump start on sewing.The best part is that it comes with 3 patterns and directions for sewing them.This is mostly what the book is about.There is a section at the front about tools and fabric and also the basic parts of the sewing machine,but most of the book is directions for using the patterns included.I guess that's what all beginners need to get right in there and start sewing something/anything to get your feet wet.I really liked this book and the patterns are cute, they include an envelope pillow cover,a tote bag and a skirt.Good book

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sew inspired, August 18, 2007

By	Bea "Bea" (Washington) - See all my reviews

I bought this book for my daughter and she has taken to sewing extremely fast. She's so proud of what she makes. Her enthusiasm for sewing now is almost too much for me to keep up with. This book was was easy for her to understand and the illustrations were very clear. She's been playing around with reconstructing her clothes so I'm thinking of getting her the Rip It book as well. I'm happy to see her involved in a positive hobby that she truly enjoys and gets satisfaction from.

53 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great for brand new sewers, December 12, 2006

By	K. Levise (Utah, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is designed for anyone who has NO experience in sewing. It has very basic information and 3 starter projects--a skirt in 2 lengths, a tote bag, and a pillow in 2 sizes with trim options.
I purchased this book to help teach my 20 yo daughter how to follow patterns. She has taught herself and makes items, but doesn't know traditional sewing techniques or how to use patterns. There was useful information in this book, but once you have worked through the projects, it's usefulness is limited.
This book does include the patterns, on traditional pattern tissue paper, right with it. This is extremely helpful to a beginner, who won't have to try to find patterns with features they won't even know. The instruction is useful, with minimal places of confusion. Better explanation of the type of materials that would work for each project might have been useful too.
In other reviews there were comments about the accuracy of the instruction. One person commented about the stitch length. I own 5 sewing machines, and there seems to be two different numerical scales used on them for determining this. This book points out what seems to be used on more of the newer machines. There are a couple of other things like this in the book--it would have been nice to explain both ways. A beginner, I would assume, would might be confused by this.
Otherwise, a great book with projects that aren't out dated. Just remember, this probably won't be useful as a reference book a year from now.
All in all, I do think this is a great book for good beginner projects. If you have any useful sewing experience, you might think this book is too basic.