Sewing Books for Inspiration

Sewing books are one of your best sources for inspiration and sewing ideas. Not just pretty pictures, but complete instructions to make what you've dreamed up. Short on ideas?

There are so many places to get ideas – television programs like Project Runway, movie costumes, a well-dressed stranger who walks past you in the mall.

One of my favorite places to get inspiration is actually at the mall. I window shop, try on clothes, look at the colors for the new season, and look at what didn’t sell. There’s nothing wrong with getting a huge discount on a store bought dress – and then remaking it to fit my style. Many a designer brings their sketchbook and tape measure along with them into the dressing room – to sketch a design and construction details.

I have to admit though, sewing books are my downfall. The minute I get a little money in my pocket, sure enough I buy another book or magazine to inspire me. My husband knows, just give me a gift card for the local bookstore, and I’ll be happy for months!

Of course, I’ve got some of the old classic instruction books, but I’ve had them so long, they basically just take up space in my craft library. And I’m just so bored with the “……. For Dummies” and “The complete Idiots guide to ……” series. No inspiration, just pages and pages of instructions, based on the notion that we’re stupid.

I’d much rather buy a book written by a sewing blogger, a young fabric designer, or a new seamster – pretty pictures, new projects, and easy to follow directions. Here are some of my favorite sewing books. I highly recommend them all!