Stitch Magic

Useful

Could be better.

Great ideas, however, not what I was really looking for. Otherwise book is very good

Wow love this well illustrated inspiring book

Having seen a few pages with enticing pictures previewed on blogs, and being something of a sewing-book junkie, I wanted this book even though I wondered if it would have much to offer that isn't already in Colette Wolff's classic  The Art of Manipulating Fabric , a virtual encyclopedia that I use frequently and just love. Good news: the book is fun, fresh and has great ideas. Although most of the techniques (pleating, pin-tucking, cording, smocking) are widely discussed in general sewing books (and, yes, more exhaustively in the Wolff book), the author offers lots of inventive variations, with plenty of color photos that document design processes. The photos sparked even my sometimes sluggish imagination, and I started sketching new ideas right away.The book also includes specific projects that showcase the different techniques. Most of the projects are for accessories (a belt made of overlapped cut circles stitched down to a base fabric; homemade cords braided and used as trim on a hat) and items for the home (a chair cushion quilted with fabric embellishments, lots of throw pillows, place mats and table runners), and while they require patience, none require advanced sewing skills. The sensibility is urban and contemporary: smocking is demonstrated as a trim on an apron pocket and not, say, on a christening gown. There's also good, solid advice on designing your own projects (e.g., make a prototype in newsprint first).One little note: this book is from Britain, and it's not fully Americanized. So, expect to see "calico" instead of "muslin," and to hear about supplies like Aquafilm (fyi, Solvy makes an equivalent product in the U.S., but you won't find out about it here). I didn't find the British-specific stuff a problem, but I thought I'd share what I know in hopes it might help someone.If you like to sew and to make things, not just clothes, you will be delighted with this book, and it may send your sewing in new directions. The Art of Manipulating Fabric

The book's format would be more engaging if the author had used photographs to illustrate how to get a particular pattern or texture. The illustrations are average and take away from what you see as the final product. I wish the author had show one type of technique followed by photographs of the technique. There are some really good textures shown made from simple shapes. This not a book for someone like I who is going through a fascination with Canadian smocking techniques. The book has potential but there is a strong need for a photographic revision.

Have always wanted to do this, and this book has given me the skills