The Act of Sewing: How to Make and Modify Clothes to Wear Every Day

by Sonya Philip

Overview

Express your personal style and make clothes that are comfortable for you and your body!

Maybe you learned to sew in school and have a sewing machine, but it hasn't seen the outside of the closet since your last move. Or maybe you are completely new to the craft, with a lot of enthusiasm, but no idea how to thread your machine. No matter where you're coming from in terms of experience, this sewing workbook offers four basic patterns—two tops, a skirt, and a pair of pants—that empower you to express your personal style and make clothes that are comfortable for your body type.

After explaining the basic concepts of sewing and construction, 100 Acts of Sewing designer Sonya Philip then provides suggestions for mixing the basic patterns together to create new garment iterations as you gain confidence—structural adjustments such as full bust, no bust, long torso, big, small, etc., as well as a range of possible alterations and embellishments including sleeves, pockets, hems, and more! Going beyond simple pattern instructions, this book will make sewing garments accessible for every body type—each pattern comes in sizes ranging from XS to 5X. With inspiring essays on Sonya's sewing philosophy that speak to the slow and ethical fashion movement, this will be the go-to guide for all aspirational and seasoned sewists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611808339
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	04/27/2021
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	659,562
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

SONYA PHILIP is an artist, designer, and teacher. In 2012, she started a project called "100 Acts of Sewing," making dresses while documenting the process. Since then Sonya has made it her mission to convince people to sew their own clothes. Sonya lives in San Francisco with her family.

Editorial Reviews

Sonya Philip was one of my first sewing teachers, and The Act of Sewing encapsulates everything I love about Sonya’s teaching style: it’s gracious, accessible, encouraging, and forgiving. In the book’s essays and sewing instructions, Sonya goes far beyond teaching the technical aspects of sewing. Her thorough, thoughtful guide encourages readers to think about sewing as more than the mere act of creating a garment but as a way to define and assert our style, and to love our bodies.”—Jen Hewett, author of Print, Pattern, Sew

“Keep this book close at hand. Dog-ear the pages. Allow Sonya and her clear, concise instructions to guide you through making a wardrobe that reflects who you are and teaches you the skills to design and sew clothing that is uniquely yours.”—Kristine Vejar, owner of A Verb for Keeping Warm and author of The Modern Natural Dyer and Journeys in Natural Dyeing
 
“What a lovely book! The Act of Sewing is very encouraging, versatile, and packed with sewing techniques.”—Sanae Ishida, author of Animal Friends to Sew

From the Publisher

04/16/2021

This basic introduction to sewing clothes explains common terminology, essential tools, and elementary procedures, before going on to instructions for making four simple garments: a T-shaped, short-sleeved top; a skirt; pull-on pants; and a long-sleeved shirt with set-in sleeves. Patterns for each item are included in an envelope inside the back cover. Philip also offers modifications for each garment, such as making a square neckline instead of round one; lengthening or shortening; adding cuffs, elastic, or a drawstring waist; and adding pockets. There are some surprising omissions, however. There is not one word about darts, for instance, although tucks are covered thoroughly. The binding of the book makes it lie flat when open, which is a great plus. The writing and diagrams are clear. VERDICT This would be a useful addition to public library craft collections, especially for teens and tweens, but it is not an essential purchase due to the omission of certain important sewing elements.—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

Library Journal