Kate WeissRadical Sewing: Pattern-free, Sustainable Fashion for All Bodies (Good Life)

Got one for myself and another for a friend of mine into sewing. Awesome book, 20/10 would recommend. The author is super cool too

I found this first at the library—I've been trying to get into sewing, but really wanted a book I could quickly reference. It was daunting at first; there's not only a lot to learn, but a lot of sewing books seem to target women of feminine sensibilities who are also homemakers, and a lot of the patterns and practice clothes projects end up being for dresses, skirts and children's clothes. I get the principle is roughly the same for what I'd like to undertake, but I'm just not that demographic. Anyway, this little tome called to me with its simplicity and encouraging design. I checked it out, and was blown away. Seriously, it almost brought a tear to my eye: the writer makes no assumptions about your interests, gender, or clothing ambitions, just focusing on really easy to understand advice, and even addresses concerns for types of bodies most sewing books leave out, ones that perhaps have the most to gain from knowing how to alter fashion to fit them. It really felt like the author was taking my hand and letting me know I belonged in this space, and that I was in for a really wonderful journey learning this life skill. I keep renewing my library copy, but alas, I have to return it soon... this is a book I WILL be buying a personal copy of for my own collection, however. :)

I took this book out of my library and found it so full of practical sewing advice that I bought a copy to keep. I have been sewing and mending clothes for 25+ years and still learned many things. I think this book would give both beginners and seasoned sewers valuable information. Favorite thing I learned is the best kind of sewing machine needles Microtex (Sharp). The section on altering a pattern for pants fitting was extremely well done. I also started have a "sharps bottle" (i.e., old pill bottle with child safety lid). Once it is filled with old pins and needles I can safely discard my sharps inside the closed pill bottle instead of dropping in the trash can. This book doesn't have photos (it does have delightful sketches and is well laid out). If you read this book cover to cover you will gain many years worth of solid advice that is difficult to learn in today's day and age. I found it so helpful I read it right away a second time. Highly recommend!

I've been sewing since I was a preteen and I found so many pieces of advice that I didn't know or have learned by trial and error over the years. And I haven't finished reading the book yet!I loved how inclusive the author is. They discuss measurements of bodies of people who are binding, packing, obese, who spend much of their time seated not standing and many other considerations. These are not generally considered when taking measurements.I know that I will be using this little book as a frequent reference in the futuer