Learn to Sew with Lauren: From first stitches to perfect projects

I have been sewing properly since around about the time when the first series of the Great British Sewing Bee came out. Since then, I have amassed a lot of sewing books. So I have some idea of what I look for in a sewing book from a recent beginner's perspective and what I find useful and like. I remember being impressed with Lauren's ability to produce such beautiful work to a high standard on the show despite the time constraints, so I could tell she really knows this subject. When I heard her book came out I was looking forward to buying it. I have high expectations for a book from her and having gone through it - I am not disappointed in the least! It is a wonderful, beautifully illustrated and written, well-thought out book. Actually, one of my favourite sewing books. It's rare for me to like all the projects in a book but I do with this one.My sewing interests tend to be more focussed on dressmaking but I do like making bags and I enjoy learning how to do other things for around the home and would eventually like to try a quilt. This book is an all-rounder, it has projects covering all these areas, things for the home, garment making for adults and children, accessories, to trying out a patchwork quilt (wonderful gift idea) and bags which goes to show just how versatile this book is and her abilities. Also, most importantly the projects are ones you would WANT to make.The book is divided into two main sections: Techniques followed on by projects which increase in difficulty as you go on. However, all the projects look straightforward and yet are so versatile and customisable you can really bring your creativity into play. That's the beauty of the patterns she has given - they're ones you feel you can tackle, would actually want to do, can see myself and others wearing, using, and change as you want whether it be different fabric combinations, colours, embellishments to really make it your own, etc.In the book, three bag patterns are included - all of which I'd want to have. The first a tote bag - ideal for light shopping and I have so many ideas to customise it and really make it a nice gift for someone, there's a big weekend bag which is great for carrying more hefty things and a ribbon bag that makes use of different remnants of material and you could personalise anyway you want to suit. The garments include a simple sleeveless top (very similar to one I made for the Summer) and as I have been trying out different combinations of fabric and colours it's a good pattern to have, a yoke top (like the lovely one she wears on the front cover), a dress with customisable collar and sleeves, pyjama bottoms, a cute clothing set for a little girl and pair of shorts for a boy. She really has covered all the bases when it comes to this book and there is something for everyone here.I can see myself using the belt pattern to embellish quite a few tops I have and the collar patterns will come in very handy (as I love refashioning clothes too).In the technique section, I appreciate her giving tips about pinning and keeping the fabric flat, how to measure a button so you have a buttonhole that fits perfectly, transferring pattern markings. There are few books that tell you how to do the quick method of making bias binding (continuous strip method) and she does it clearly. I've had trouble aligning the lines but here she illustrates it so well.All in all an excellent book with all the patterns included at the front and back of the book, ready to be traced. No having to enlarge patterns with the photocopier.There has been some discussion in blogs about a gap in the market for books for intermediate sewists. So it is my hope that following the success of this book, that Lauren will also do a follow-on book as people's sewing skills come in leaps and bounds. The variety of projects shows how versatile she is and her ability so I feel she'd be more than capable to do an intermediate book if she wanted to later on and still make it accessible as she has done here filled with her good taste of wonderful projects. This is a great book that gives people a solid grounding in learning to sew and a wonderful collection of projects and I will gladly recommend this book - a wonderful addition to my sewing book library.

I was a bit surprised that I could only get second hand copies of this book when I went looking for it, but I managed to get a nice copy regardless.The book itself is wonderful; easy to read, not text heavy and really friendly. I agree about the comments that some of the instructions are a little hard to follow as a newbie, but trust the instructions and follow them, and it works out beautifully. The book comes with the patterns for all the projects on large paper format, and is easy to trace and follow.Each project is designed to teach specific skills which you probably wouldn't attempt otherwise, and that's why I think this is a wonderful book. I recently made the pj shorts with pockets and they are absolutely beautiful, and due to the details such as the button hole, drawstring (that can actually be drawn) and contrast stitching they look professionally made. I would love to see a follow up book with even more projects.

This book is great for someone fairly new to sewing. The ideas in the book are very up to date and can be adapted to your taste. Many of the patterns had 2 alternatives to chose from. I dived in at the deep end with the pattern for the more advanced top, but so far so good. My friend who is a dressmaker was very impressed with the ideas in the book and the practical pointers in the first few pages for novices like myself. I am sure I will go on to try out most of the projects in the book. It's certainly a good place to start. Full size patterns are a real help too!

Really useful book- I'm a relative beginner but following the instructions found it easy to follow the instructions and made a tote bag. I have now moved onto some more difficult projects referring back to the generic instructions for different techniques, which are clearly explained. The projects are quite a 'cutesy' style so not sure how many I'll actually make in the end but it'll be perfect for some. Was definitely a worthwhile purchase for beginners.

I got my first sewing machine for christmas and this book has been the perfect way to introduce me into sewing without being overwhelming and prone to disasters (which would probably have made me give up). The projects build in difficulty nicely and add different methods slowly and simply. It has a range of useful projects, from cushions, to oven gloves to clothes. Really great guide, i would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn sewing on the sewing machine.

Delighted with this book teaching how to sew correctly, using hand stitching & sewing machine techniques. Have been appalled at other books showing machining without tacking together first. This is a very well put together book by Lauren showing naturally progressing projects as skills develop. Looking forward to trying some of the patterns included. Well done Lauren & thank you for reigniting my love of sewing. Highly recommended.

I have to agree with a previous reviewer and say its a lovely book but honestly, I found her instructions too unclear for a novice and the illustrations more confusing than helpful. Its got a lot of nice projects in it and perhaps its better suited to somebody more experienced. FYI: I'm still a newbie at sewing but managed to make five roman blinds from a website I found via Pinterest with relative ease. I tried Lauren's instructions out of interest and gave up: her way of measuring the panels seemed unnecessarily complicated in comparison.

This is a great book for anyone learning to sew. Lovely, easy to follow pictures. It takes you through everything you need to know. The patterns and projects are up to date and there is a good variety of things to please everyone, I am really pleased I bought this and have now mastered putting a zip in and darts both of which filled me with dread! Well worth the money!