Book Recommendation: Chic and Simple Sewing by Christine Haynes

I anticipated that my first book recommendation on this blog would be something a bit more novelish, but then I checked out Christine Hayne's Chic and Simple Sewing from the library and can't think of anything I'd rather promote right now. I haven't ordered my own copy yet, but my library book is due soon, and I think I'll have to. This book is great for anyone who already makes their own clothes, and is the perfect book for anyone who would like to try. Haynes, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, lives in Los Angeles, promoting her clothing line (every item of which is handmade) and teaching sewing classes. Check out Haynes' website here and order a copy of the book from her site here.

Although Chic and Simple Sewing depends on the use of patterns, which are neatly inserted into a pocket in the front cover, they are extremely versatile and easy to use; you might use the same pattern to make a nightie as a dress, for example. This book is written with the beginning sewer in mind, and Haynes walks the reader through a number of sewing techniques in the beginning of the book, enough to get you through any of the projects. If you're an experienced sewer, the book is still a great guide. All of the projects have infinite possibilities for embellishments and could be made with any number of fabrics or styles. Haynes offers suggestions, but emphasizes again and again that these patterns are meant to be versatile. That's the great thing about sewing your own clothes, after all: even with a pattern, it's all about customization to fit your own style.

One of my favorite parts of the book is how it's organized. The projects are arranged seasonally, although most of them could be made for any time of year depending on the fabric used. Still, it's fun to see how a cute dress could be worn in the winter, or how a jacket could work for spring or fall.

So far, I've attempted making the jacket, and have plans in the works for the nightie. Haynes makes her jacket out of a busy brown and white light fabric. I chose a plain red wool blend. One suggestion I have for beginning sewers using Haynes' book is to use busier patterned fabrics. One of the best thing about the book is the plain nature of the patterns, and I found that my plain red jacket isn't looking as chic as I'd like. I'm considering how best to fix this and give it a more special feel.