Fabric Sewing Guide
Claire Shaeffer
Claire Shaeffer
In A Nutshell: Invaluable reference book, dense with fabric information and sewing techniques
Many of my sewing disasters have stemmed from an incorrect choice of fabric so I am hoping this book will minimise future errors.
I was fascinated recently to read in the recent “Teach Yourself to Sew” magazine published by Taunton that Claire Shaeffer had started her career in the circus. The entertainment industry’s loss is sewing’s gain as she certainly knows her stuff. The title of this book does not do justice to its content. It is dense with information, not only a comprehensive reference book about fabric, but chock full of useful sewing techniques.
I recently purchased some silk chiffon to make a blouse. Although a beautiful fabric, I could tell it was not going to be easy to work with, so I checked out Claire’s advice.
The information on fabric has been divided into two chapters – one on fabric content and one on fabric structure. This means there are two ways I can look up my particular fabric. Firstly it is under “silk” in the Content Chapter, or alternatively as “Soft and Sheer” in the Structure Chapter. With both methods I am given a mass of information on how to use the fabric, including how to cut the fabric out, what machine needle to use, the stitch length and several possible seams. I am not surprised to find Claire believes my fabric is one of the most difficult to sew, though I pick up several useful tips. For example, I have to secure the threads at each end of a seam with a knot, rather than backstitching.
I next go to the chapter on sewing techniques, so I can find out more about some of the techniques Claire has suggested. I want to know how to create a standing fell seam, one of the types recommended for my fabric. I not only found how to do this particular seam, but many more I never knew existed. I feel quite depressed at my lack of sewing knowledge, though it is bound to improve if I constantly use Claire’s book.
My main criticism of this book is the lack-lustre photos. Considering this book was published in 2008, the designs featured are old-fashioned and uninspiring.
Despite this drawback, this book is one I intend to refer to whenever I start a new sewing project. My silk chiffon will still be difficult to work with but I am confident I am tackling it in the most effective way.
