Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking

I feel like an accomplished seamstress after just a week or so with this book. It has made seeing approachable and understandable. It’s skillful how she advances you through projects that help build confidence. I don’t know if I can go back to store bought dresses - the tailored fits look so sleek.Just be aware that I returned the book once, almost twice because I thought a pattern was missing. The clemence skirt is one where she teaches you how to design your own pattern. The brigette scarf also doesn’t require a pattern.

I recently started to get back into sewing. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos that referenced this book, so I looked into purchasing it. I looked inside the book (love that Amazon feature) to see if it was worth my while. Although I used to sew a lot when I was younger, I definitely lost some of my skill set, so I thought having a reference book wouldn't hurt. I also like the patterns provided to build my skill set back up.The book is well illustrated. The instructions provided are clear and easy to follow. I'm looking forward to working my way through the book.

I bought a sewing machine about ten months ago. I've never used a sewing machine before buying the one I have. My main goal in learning to sew is making clothes. Since buying my machine, I've bought about three books and borrowed half a dozen sewing books from the library. Love At First Stitch is the book which has helped me THE most in my sewing journey, by far, as of yet. . . .and I only had it in my possession for 48 hours.The book begins with a list of required supplies and "nice to have" supplies. Then the author explains the parts of the sewing machine and how to wind and thread the bobbin, and how to thread the spool. It's all very basic and step by step.The author's method of instruction must mesh with my method of learning since I felt confident enough to make my first pair of PJ pants. The process was not "smooth as silk" and the finished object is not perfect. No fault of the instruction in the book. It was user error. I completed my first pair of wearable pants. Woo Hoo. I feel so accomplished, having completed this project.The patterns in the book are printed on the front and back of the papers included. So they will have to be to traced onto separate paper. This seems to be a point at issue with some reviewers. This was not a problem for me since I had already planned on using tracing paper. And I had researched the book before hand and found this out.I love this book and look forward to completing more projects. I'm certain it will come in handy to my for a while.

I have only taken one sewing lesson in my life - and that was the complimentary class that was included when I bought my sewing machine. I've gotten "beginner" sewing books before that have been a drag to read because the authors usually assume the reader has some knowledge of sewing terms. Tilly doesn't assume. She explains everything clearly and concisely, without being condescending. When I opened the book and started reading, I felt like I was talking to a friend. I got this book three weeks ago, and so far I have made the first project (a square neck scarf) and I have washed, cut, and pinned my fabric for the second project (pajama pants). Tilly's book gives me the confidence to channel my inner seamstress. She doesn't bombard you with unnecessary jargon or make the world of sewing seem overwhelming. I like the section where she talks about her sewing philosophy and she says, "You can make sewing as easy or as difficult as you like." That quote resonates with me. In reading other books, sewing seemed like an insurmountable task because there was SO MUCH information being thrown at me at once and patterns with complex step-by-step instructions (and I'd be googling and youtubing for ages trying to deconstruct what in the world each step meant). But, in Love at First Stitch, Tilly only presents you with information bit by bit so that it's not too much all at once. I like that. I've even been inspired to work on a couple of other projects outside of the book, and have sewn one pattern from OhhhLulu and started on a second. I've also been inspired to sign up for a beginner sewing techniques class at a local college. Thanks Tilly!

I just bought love at first stitch and IM OBSESSED. I’ve been trying to get around to learning to make my own clothes for years, but it always felt like their was a language barrier and I always hit some huge block.I grew up with the basics of sewing, but had no clothes making experience. The book is SO GOOD and has walked me right along and I already moved on to a pattern from the store and felt confident I could figure it out after this book covered the basics. It does cover all the very beginner things if you’ve never touched a sewing machine, but also does a fabulous job of moving along at a fun pace so you are constantly progressing and I was shocked at how much I learned by the end of the week!I bought two other books to help me, but honestly haven’t touched them since this book covers everything so well. I’ll be buying all the books!📚I attached my first ever skirt and top made from the patterns included! (Made the top from the dress pattern without the skirt!)Good luck!

I've purchased this book as a gift for my daughter who has just got her first sewing machine. She'd had this book from the library so knew that it was good and wanted a copy of her own. The book purchased doesn't look like it's been opened let alone read, so I'm very pleased with it.

Totally love this book second hand had patterns include looks brand new.

Love this book. Recommend for beginner.

A beautiful book and lovely clear instructions - looking forward to my first make from this book

Lovely book