Book Review

Absolutely A-Line Publisher: Lark Books (October 2009) Author: Wendi Gratz Flexibound: 132 pages/ pattern included This is a delightful book full of patterns for making adorable dresses for the little girls in your life. I'm a bit disappointed that my girls aren't young and cute enough to pull off this style. However, I might know a few girls who need some sunshine and everyone loves a dress. A-lines are one of the easiest things to sew as they can generally be made without zippers or closures of any type, especially when you are sewing for youngsters. Anyone who has no shape yet. The first chapter gives you the basics that you need to start sewing garments (trust me they aren't scary). The Overview of Sewing Techniques provided is clear and easy to understand. The author explains when and why to use each stitch. The dresses in this book included color blocking, appliqué, cross-stitch, embroidery, reverse appliqué and patchwork. There is a fabulous dress made out of dad's old denim shirt - perfect for a daddy's girl. Variations on the theme include adding beaded or gathered ruffle trim. Adding a contract band at the waist for accent and fit. They even cut the dress apart and made a top, skirt and apron all from the same starting point - a simple A-Line dress. The author sent a request out to several sewing friends and my favorite of the bunch is by Beki Lambert, author of the blog Artsy Crafty Babe. I have been reading her blog for years. I emailed Beki and asked if she's be willing to do an email interview. Me: Where does inspiration strike? ACB: My inspiration comes from everywhere. I keep a notebook with me to jot ideas down when I get them. I really love transforming something rather than coming up with something from scratch, which is why submitting ideas for the A-line book was appealing. I never see something "as is". I'm always thinking about how I can change it up to put my own spin on it. Right now, I'm challenging myself in this manner with one of my own patterns - the Phoebe bag. Every month I want to try something new with this basic bag design. Last month I did appliqué. I have something in mind for my next one, but I'm not quite there yet. Me: Where did you learn to sew? Do you just start wacking up a pattern when you have an idea or do you reach for a technique book? ACB: I learned to sew pretty much on my own by trial and error. I watched my mom and grandma sew while growing up, but they never formally taught me. I'm very much a hands on, jump in there kind of learner. I do use reference books (or Google) if there is something I have a question on, but when I have an idea I usually jump in and try on my own first. As a recovering perfectionist, I've learned that I learn much more from my mistakes, so I'm not afraid to make them. I know I'll be keeping this book to make some cute things for eventual grandbabies and also keeping an eye on ACB to see what she does with her Phoebe bag (which is a free pattern). Review courtesy of Nic/Lapdog Creations who has a sweet deal with Lark to review books - only problem is she doesn't sew - so she forwarded the book to me. Thanks Nic - it was fun.