‘Dressmaking: The Easy Guide’ was released in June 2023 and is already in its fourth reprint. It has become a firm favourite for anyone starting their dressmaking journey, as well as more established dressmakers who are looking to develop their pattern cutting skills.
In this comprehensive, informative book, Helen explains how to create beautiful, customized dresses for every shape and size. Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips.
Trace off your pattern pieces, then create a sample (toile) in calico which you can then adapt to fit before creating the dress of your dreams, in your own choice of fabulous fabrics and colours.
Not only is it already a bestselling book, but it was voted ‘The Best Sewing Book of the year’ in the 2024’s Creative Book Award.
Once you have your perfectly fitted toile, there are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats.
You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or inseam pockets, to your garment. Alternatively, you can even create a skirt as a separate garment, simply by adding a waistband or facing.
The language of sewing and dressmaking is demystified at the beginning of the book, as well as the equipment you need to get started.
Nothing is left unexplained; and stunning images of the finished dresses, on a mannequin and on a model, are interspersed throughout the book to inspire your own finished pieces.
This is what judge, Lucy Jobber had to say about the book when judging The Creative Book Awards.
“This is a really comprehensive guide that beginners through to advanced dressmakers can learn from – Helen’s expertise and passion for sewing shines through. It’s excellent value for money in terms of content – there are over 100 pages of clear step-by-step photography and diagrams, as well as full-scale patterns at the back so that readers can put the techniques they’ve learnt straight into action. The full-scale patterns also offer a diverse size range and a variety of shapes to suit all style preferences”.
Link up with other people in your area and access help from a wonderful community of dressmakers.
Helen has recorded a series of videos to help every reader get to the toile stage. Helen also demonstrates dressmaking techniques when recording her Facebook LIVES. These are available to watch on her YouTube channel.
© 2024 All Sewn Up Wales by Helen Rhiannon. 7 Voylart Close, Dunvant, Swansea SA2 7TZ.
