I’ve always loved the DK books for kids. Dinosaurs, transport, the human body – well-illustrated, thoughtfully explained, extraordinary value for all that research and expertise.

So, it really was easy to pick out The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition when I decided I wanted a good sewing reference. I realised I was going to start making more clothes for myself, as well as sewing more craft things, but it’s something I like doing at home, for fun. I’m a self taught sewer, and I do suffer from shyness when it comes to exposing my abilities or lack thereof. I didn’t want to take a class, but neither did I fancy firing up the internet everytime I came across something I didn’t understand.

Sometimes, you see, books are better.

I know, I know – I love the internets too, but sometimes you cannot beat leafing back and forward through a book and carrying said book to sit next to your sewing machine, and compare pictures and follow the steps to get it right.

Here’s the plan then – I’m going to go through the book chapter by chapter and tell you what, if anything, I learn, and how useful I think it is. Hopefully by the end of it you’ll have enough information to judge if it’s a book you might want for your collection.