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| A Beginner's Guide to Making Skirts / Wendy Ward London: Cico Books, c2016 160 p. |
Here is the second book by Wendy Ward that I was able to get from my public library. I liked it even better than the first book!
Perhaps that's because I'm in the mood to make a bunch of skirts as a basic staple of my wardrobe -- my three favourite black skirts are wearing out and it's time to sew up a few more that I will wear a lot. This book has lots of options to work with.
There are lots of reviews and blog posts about every single one of the designs on Wendy Ward's website if you want more in-depth info on each. There are 8 basic designs, and just like in her first book she shares options to change, customize, and personalize each design, meaning there are a lot more than 8 basic skirts here.
There are pattern sheets in the back, again, to trace off (and yes, the tracing is still eye-crossingly mixed up, but doable with some patience.) I hope to make 4 out of the 8 skirts -- and probably a variation or two. If only I had more sewing time!
I like the variety of silhouettes on offer -- you could probably make almost any design you liked from this set. The instructions are clear, and the photos are sharp, stylish and modern. Each project has its own set of instructions but there is also a section at the end of the book on basic tips and techniques -- inserting elastic or pockets, inserting closures of many kinds, attaching waistbands, hemming, adjusting pattern sizes, and so on.
Another plus to this book is that the sizing range has been greatly expanded from the first book I read by Wendy Ward. The range goes from US 4 -22, or UK 8-26 (ranging from a 25 - 41.5" waist and a 34.5 to 51" hip.)
This book is particularly interesting to me, and I'm planning on attacking the very cool Roehampton culottes first. Then I'm going to have to little look to see if I can find Wendy Ward's brand-new book, A Beginner's Guide to Sewing with Knitted Fabrics. I like her style!
Hi Melanie, This is a great review. What variety of shapes! I am glad the sizing is slightly larger, it will suit a much greater audience. But alas, I really don't wear skirts. And this is not an author which can be found in my state library, so I shall be happy to watch your makes from the sidelines.
ReplyDeleteI will have to try to get one made so you can see what the results are! I find I wear dresses most often as they are so handy -- whole outfit in one -- but I do need a couple of basic skirts so might splash out for a useful but not too exciting solid black one soon.
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