About this book 5
About me 6
My quick tips 7
Sewing room essentials 9
My sewing room 10
Sewing machines 12
Tools 22
Fabrics 28
Fabric terminology 30
Wadding 32
Interfacing 34
Threads 35
Toy filler for softies 36
DIY templates 37
Storage 38
Sewing know-how 40
Machine stitches 42
Seams 46
Cutting 48
Hems 49
PROJECT Heart pincushion 50
Zips 52
Piping 58
PROJECT Pillow cover 60
Shirring 62
Free-motion embroidery 63
PROJECT Shirring dress 64
Bias binding 66
PROJECT Toaster cover 68
Appliqué 70
PROJECT Drawstring bag 72
Bag techniques 74
PROJECT Tablet case 78
PROJECT Frame purse 82
Quilting 84
PROJECT Machine mat 86
Dressmaking 88
PROJECT Bolster pillow 90
PROJECT Tote bag 92
Index 96
Debbie Shore started her career as a children's television presenter and since then has appeared regularly on television both as an actress and selling products on a shopping channel. Debbie has also hosted live fashion shows with a major fashion store, produces her own range of instructional DVDs and writes for several popular sewing magazines. She is now a bestselling author and has written 17 books for Search Press, with several more under way. Debbie was voted Sewing Designer of the Year in the Immediate Media British Craft Awards 2017. She lives in Lincolnshire. Visit her website www.debbieshoresewing.com.
Firstly it’s a beautifully-produced book, thick glossy pages with
lovely pictures. More importantly it is absolutely perfect for a
beginner as it explains sewing terminology - bias binding zips,
pockets and equipment needed. An expert in sewing would love the
book as a handy go to for more tips and hints and maybe find ways
of making their projects that bit more professional, for example
zip placements on cushion covers. The patterns included are
versatile and something you could use for many occasions. I love
the toaster cover!
*Customer review*
This book explains each technique carefully, accompanied by useful
photos. There are also 10 projects which use those techniques,
again with stage by stage instructions and more photos. At the
start of each project there is a list of the skills that will be
used. Although I was already familiar with some of the techniques,
there were others that I was pleased to be reminded of and some
that were new to me. There is also a useful introductory section
which includes, for example, the different types of wadding
available and what they are ideal for. This would be an ideal book
for anyone at the beginning of their sewing journey, but there is
also plenty here for those of us who have more experience. As a
dressmaker, I am pleased to see sections on quilting, bag making
and free-motion embroidery which would extend my skills. Overall I
feel that this is a well thought out book with lots of useful tips
and techniques.
*Customer review*
Step by step approach to sewing. Clearly laid out with some lovely
projects to work on. Great for a sewing novice who wants to improve
their skills!
*Customer review*
This is a beautiful, inviting book to read. I have quite a bit of
sewing experience but I still found lots of enlightening content,
such as areas on free motion embroidery (which I’ve always
avoided!) and piping explained in Debbie’s usual clear terminology.
The section on zips is useful and clearly illustrated which is
helpful as I forget some of them if I’ve not done one for some
time. It’s a great book for refreshing techniques if like me you’ve
done some sewing before but would be very helpful for those
starting out as everything is clearly written. The projects are
cute, not taxing but good for practising the techniques. The colour
photos are fab. All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this
lovely book to every one interested in sewing.
*Customer review*
Debbie is the person who got me into sewing, the way she explains
things makes it seem so simple, like you are listening to a friend!
This book covers so many aspects for a beginner, or even someone
returning to sewing who wants to refresh their knowledge. It
includes information on thread, fabric, interfacing, sewing feet
and tools, different types of stitches on a sewing machine, piping,
bag making and tutorials for zips, seams and applique that can be
applied to several projects. There are also ten tutorials for
actual projects, such as a pin cushion, cushion cover and tablet
case to name a few!
*Customer review*
Brilliant book - exactly what I needed to revitalise and improve on
my outdated and rusty skills. Debbie Shore is a star!!
*Customer review*
In her latest book Debbie invites the reader into her own sewing
room, to explore the tools and equipment, fabric and threads that
she uses, and to share her sewing secrets, hints and tips. She
presents ten gorgeous projects, each with detailed step-by-step
instructions. Be it a simple pincushion, a toaster cover or tablet
case, each project showcases a different technique, such as
applique, or piping or inserting a zip, designed to expand
knowledge and build confidence and the completed item makes an
attractive addition for the home or a perfect gift. This book is
ideal for the new sewer, or for those wishing to build their
skills. Excellent value for money.
*East Kent Embroiderers’ Guild*
As it says on the cover, this book contains “top tips and
techniques for successful sewing”. I expected a book for beginners
and this is all that, but there is also plenty of use for
experienced machine users too. There are useful tips for buying a
machine to start with, complete with a diagram of a typical basic
model with all the parts named. Troubleshooting and maintenance
advice follows, along with a guide to common types of foot and
needle. Discover what basic items you need and why you need them,
plus a guide to different fabric types…I certainly wish I had had
this book when I was starting out! Other topics covered include
threads, interfacing, wadding, toy filler and even storage. I don’t
own all of the items listed in the Tools section so don’t worry if
you don’t either; this is very much a personal list but a good book
like this tells you what is out there so you can decide what you
need. The rest of the book takes you through a number of basic
techniques from basic seams to putting in a zipper, using piping,
making pleats and hemming. This is not only a book for the garment
maker as there are also tips for quilters, toy makers, free machine
embroiderers and of course no Debbie Shore book would be complete
without a section on bags. There are some projects to try out your
new skills including a tablet case, toaster cover, bolster pillow
and several bags. All techniques and projects have staged
photographs and I confess I learned a lot (and unlearned a few bad
habits). Modern materials are covered too so you can find out how
to put in a bag frame, apply snaps and bag locks. Throughout the
book there are numerous sections of tips and jargon busters, so
even if you know nothing about sewing you will by the end of the
book. This is a really useful book that belongs on the keeper shelf
of anybody who owns (or plans to buy) a sewing machine.
*myshelf.com*
Some people prefer to embroider using a machine and in this
comprehensive guide to machine sewing Debbie explains how to use a
sewing machine to create free-motion embroidery. There is the added
bonus that if you have a machine sitting unused, or you wish to use
a machine to create other things this book really is a very useful
guide to getting the best out of your machine.
*Hot Brands Cool Places*
What Debbie Shore does with her fabulous new book Sewing Room
Secrets is take the sewist back to basics. If you are a novice
stitcher this book is perfect for you, and if you have been sewing
for what seems like an age then it is a brilliant guide to
reminding you of some of the things you might have forgotten. With
ten projects included, Bags, Pillow covers, and a gorgeous Toaster
cover, each project gives you the chance to use the techniques
given and end up with a fabulous and professional looking usable
item. Debbie Shore also makes suggestions on how to organise your
sewing space to make it more user friendly and practical. Advice on
what you need to start your sewing journey is included , a full
guide on which sewing machine to buy and what the different parts
are and what they do. and even what feet is best for your sewing
project. Tips and techniques are explained in a simple language
that everyone understands. I love how Debbie doesn't bombard us
with 'sewing speak' that some professionals use. What I love about
this book is that everything is covered. Zips, Applique and so much
more. Even shirring is explained and demonstrated, this is
something I have never done but do plan on having a go. This book
is brilliant. It is beautifully presented and the photography gives
a visual guide that makes everything come to life in perfect
fashion.
*Postcard Reviews*
Crafting superstar Debbie Shore shares more stitching
know-how in her latest collaboration with Search Press.
Sewing Room Secrets: Machine Sewing includes
plenty of expert tips and helpful guidance, starting
with a look at tools and materials. Debbie
covers important techniques such as inserting
zips and piping, using shirring
elastic, motion-free embroidery and appliqué. There’s a focus
on craft and home
décor projects, as well as dressmaking and quilting advice
for readers looking to broaden their skills. The book also
features 10 eye-catching makes including a pincushion, pillow
cover, tablet case, drawstring bag and sewing machine
mat.
*Craft Focus Magazine, Issue 71 (Feb/March 2019)*
Step into a sewing room and share some expert tips, techniques and
trade secrets for successful sewing. In this first book in a new
series, we explore every aspect of machine sewing with top tips
providing in-depth and helpful guidance every step of the way.
*Machine Knitting Monthly*
Debbie Shore's unmissable book, Sewing Room Secrets brings you
ten must-make projects to build your confidence! This read is
jam-packed with tips for successful machine sewing, such as the
essentials you need in the craft room, troubleshooting tips and a
glossary to help debunk unfamiliar terms.
*Sew Magazine - Issue 121 (March 2019)*
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