Your favourite (machine) sewing/embroidery books?

[Seahorse]

I'm going to buy a sewing machine with my Christmas money (from recommendations here and elsewhere, most likely a fairly basic Janome). As a novice - I made a pinny at school *cough* years ago but that's about it! - I'd like to buy at least one book that shows me how to manage the basics and do 'easy' things like making cushions, hemming trousers, etc but I'd also like to have something a bit more inspirational and interesting to aim for. I'm more into soft furnishings and crafty stuff than doing my own haute couture (though I'm very weak when it comes to this kind of thing, so could probably be very easily persuaded ).

I've Googled and searched Amazon, so I know there are lots of books and websites out there but I would really appreciate any personal recommendations

[scarey55]

Sorry, no idea but I'll be watching this with interest. I have an old Toyota that works but is very basic. I've started quilting and I fancy something a bit more technical. I know Flum has a Janome and so does my mum and I know that she's very pleased with hers but it cost 400 quid

[Two_Sheds]

I have a Janome too, only about £180. More useful than any book has been pattern review (US based, but that doesn't matter).

I don't buy a pattern now until I've run it through the website and seen what others think of it.

If you click on the review gallery you see what everyone's been making

[geoff]

Can't help you with a sewing book; I mend tents, rucsacs and other outdoor equipment, so my machine gets a lot of hard use, bordering on abuse. I've just repaired a waterproof boat cover which was PVC coated heavy nylon so you get the idea
I use a Janone/New Home machine, but I bought it secondhand & reconditioned from a local sewing shop which also does servicing and repairs, That was about 10 or 11 years ago and it has been absolutely reliable
But it only cost 48 GBP (sorry, this is an American keyboard). Last time I heard they were still only 55 to 60 GBP

I used to work in a charity shop and they got lots of sewing machines but no - one wanted them so they didn't bother putting them out for sale If you ask nicely at a couple of your local charity shops they might put one aside for you, or let you have a browse around their stockroom

For a book, why not try your local library? Then you can see the sorts of things available.

[Jeanied]

I still rely on my old Laura Ashley book on home furnishing - (Laura Ashley book of Home Deocrating) - by Elizabeth Dickson and Margaret Colvin. Nice practical book on how to make all the home furnishing bits and bobs - as well as advice on quantities to buy.
Most likely out of print but worth finding a cheap secondhand copy.

[Flummery]

I'm a Janome lady too. I treated myself to a big Memorycraft 6600 when I retired - it's 4 years old now and has just gone in for its first clean and service. In the week it's in dock I'm using my old Janome Jem - a fantastic little machine.

There are websites run by the pattern producers, McCalls is one that comes to mind. Most of my books are Strictly Patchwork so not much use to you.

[Florian]

Like @scarey55 I'll be following this thread with interest. I have a new sewing machine and am looking forward to getting going!

I am most hoping to make soft furnishings for my house

[Seahorse]

Thanks folks! Lots to look at and think about

[pipscariad]

This isn't a book recommendation, but just to say that I am another very satisfied Janome owner - bought after reading the recommendations for them on here in fact!

After trawling various sites and visiting the local machine shops, I got mine from Sewing Machines Direct : Leading UK Retailer for Sewing Machines, Embroidery Sewing Machines, Overlocker Sewing Machines, Brother Sewing Machines, Janome Sewing Machines, Necchi Sewing Machines, Babylock Sewing Machines, Toyota Sewing Machines, Elna , who I have to say were very efficient plus I got the most fabulous pack of free stuff with the machine - not the usual debateable quality things, but good quality Frister & Rossman thread and really sharp scissors. Very happy all round

[binley100]

One book that I have which is a fount of knowledge on all things sewing (with plenty of piccies to follow) is The complete Book of Sewing pub. by Dorling Kindersly . Lots of good info on materials, tools , techniques etc .........


http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.u...312950,00.html

[scarey55]

...
After trawling various sites and visiting the local machine shops, I got mine from Sewing Machines Direct : Leading UK Retailer for Sewing Machines, Embroidery Sewing Machines, Overlocker Sewing Machines, Brother Sewing Machines, Janome Sewing Machines, Necchi Sewing Machines, Babylock Sewing Machines, Toyota Sewing Machines, Elna , who I have to say were very efficient plus I got the most fabulous pack of free stuff with the machine - not the usual debateable quality things, but good quality Frister & Rossman thread and really sharp scissors. Very happy all round

Well, thank you very much! I have just spent most of the morning looking at sewing machines on this site
Seriously though, thanks for the info. They give lots of good information about which machine does what and the sort of thing to look for - and they deliver to France for no extra cost. I am looking at the SMD2000 - now, where can I get my hands on a spare £199

[Seahorse]

Thanks again for all the info and links I have just ordered a Janome 525s from SMD. It's a bit more than I'd originally intened to pay (isn't that always the way ) but both the machine and the website come with great recommendations. I have all the books above on my 'look out for' list and can't wait to get going!

[scarey55]

Jealous, moi - well, yes actually!
Looks as if you have chosen a great machine with all whistles and bells. I am looking forward to seeing your creations. I'm really pleased for you

[Two_Sheds]

Nice, it's a step up from mine, which "might" develop a fault this year and "need" to be replaced

[pipscariad]

Thanks again for all the info and links I have just ordered a Janome 525s from SMD. It's a bit more than I'd originally intened to pay (isn't that always the way ) but both the machine and the website come with great recommendations. I have all the books above on my 'look out for' list and can't wait to get going!

Snap! That's the very model I have (Which Best Buy btw, but you prob know that already), and also it was more than I intended to pay too... But it was worth every penny and you will luurve it I'm sure - you're probably playing with it at this moment as they deliver really quickly.

Have fun