Make, Sew and Mend: Traditional Techniques to Sustainably Maintain and Refashion Your Clothes

If you have watched Bernadette's videos on YouTube, you will immediately recognize her Unique and Merrie voice in the text - witty, and effortlessly entertaining. In this book she focuses on foundational sewing knowledge (equipment needed, fabric choice, and the most commonly used hand-sewing techniques). But then nestled among the more familiar knowledge, she will artfully slide in an Historical Curiosity, Clever Tip, or Novel Insight, such as how to make a bespoke tape measure from strips of paper. She also includes an entire section on the care and repair of clothing. She reminds us that our forebears were environmentally ahead of their time. They ensured that clothes lasted a darn lot longer than they do now -- instead of being casually thrown away in landfills or burned, as 85% of modern clothing is. Is this a book for a beginner sewer? Definitely yes. She is thorough and meticulous in her instructions. The photographs are clear and beautifully lit. Mercifully, she uses strongly contrasting thread so the reader can see the actual position of stitching in the fabric. Is this a book for the advanced sewer? Probably not, as it does not cover more complex matters such as tailoring. (We can only hope she may endeavor to write such a tome in future.) Is this a book for those interested in historical dress and costuming? Absolutely. That is her area of expertise, and there are many interesting and informative observations sprinkled throughout the text. She thoughtfully also included several commentaries by people who practice that art. We are treated to many photographs showing close up details of the stitching in historic garments. Mainly, however, it is a useful introduction for people who wish to wield a needle and thread with some authority in hand-sewing their own projects. The book itself is well made. The heft and glossy finish of paper are satisfying, and provide support to the highly readable text and photographs. The binding feels strong and sound. The choice of fonts and artwork show that thought and care went into it's making. MAKE, SEW AND MEND is a work that is a lovely and inspiring read.

If you are familiar with Bernadette Banner's signature voice in her YouTube videos, then you will be most pleased to find that same voice reproduced in writing in this book. This book is excellent for new sewers eager to begin their journey, intermediate sewers looking to expand their knowledge, and for advanced sewers who want a pretty book for their collection. Bernadette has included clear pictures and instructions for each new technique, historical background regarding garment construction, and thoughtful short essays from other sewists who have taken on unique and personal fashions. You'll learn about different fibers and fabrics, how to mend or make slight alterations to existing garments, and get a basic foundation on how to start sewing your own garments from scratch, among other topics. This book is in no one way a one stop shop for sewing information (which it never purported to be), but it is a useful and lovely book regardless. Bernadette's sensitivity to environmental, economic, and social factors is also a very welcome touch to an overall enjoyable and informative book. There is something for everyone in this book, and it makes an excellent diving point for those who want to continue their sewing journey once they've closed the back cover. 10/10, would recommend.

Excellent book, especially for this beginner. The book is set up well, with one topic flowing logically into the next. The photographic demonstrations are clear and helpful, and despite some comments I saw to the contrary, I found them to be of adequate size to illustrate the process. The instructions that accompany them are also well-written and easy to follow. A couple of favorite sections were the one on how to choose the fabric best for your project, as well as the section on how to make your clothes last (mending, patching, etc.). I have seen a small number of reviewers here object to the personal stories peppered throughout the book. As for the the suggestion that they were inappropriate to the them of the book or take up too much space, I would disagree. There are a total of 5 one page essays on style in a book that is a total of 197 pages. They don't detract from, or take space away from instruction or demonstration, and in a book on slow fashion and hand sewing from an author renowned for their historical fashion recreations, and in-depth look in the very human experience and history behind that fashion, I felt them wholly appropriate to the theme of the book. It was really inspiring to see how fashion and style can help people connect to their bodies, their culture, their souls and their creativity. That is precisely the sort of thing I'm interested in when I come to a book like this, and exactly the sort of wonderful content I have come to expect from the author. Well done. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and especially to beginning hand sewers. I know that I will be referring to it again and again.

Wow! Short and sweet. If you are building new clothing, contemporary or otherwise, looking to give your current items longevity, or seeking to improve your sewing skills: this book is for you. Basic stitches, pattern managing, repairs, etc., all with clear instructions and pictures. Lovely "expert" commentary. Whether you sew couture or hem jeans, this is an effective book to keep around. I've been sewing historical clothing for 40 years and I learned new techniques from Banner's lovely tome.

I have been sewing, including hand stitching, since I was quite young. In fact, I didn't start using a machine for sewing until my kids were getting old enough that their Halloween costumes got more involved than my hands could handle quickly enough to suit their whims. That was 20 years ago, but even though I spend the majority of my time since then on sewing machines, I find time to handstitch every day and often add hand stitching details to my machine stitched projects for best finish. If you are a beginner, this book will teach you everything you need to know. Instructions are clear, thoughtfully presented for different learning styles, and beautifully photographed. Maybe most important, this book fosters a love and appreciation for hand stitching, even for seamstresses who can't imagine *not* using their machines for ease & speed. It applauds the time and effort of hand stitching in a way that creates a desire to do it, and that's a tough sell in modern sewing. Bernadette does a stellar job of not treating any hand sewing task as though it's difficult, breaking them down to their fundamentals and building the skill through steps. If you are more experienced, this book feels like older sewing books, which isn't surprising considering the source! There is a quiet and reflective quality to the writing and the visual presentation. Hand sewing is such a meditative practice once you've acquired some skill with it and this is something that is at the core of this book's philosophy. Plus, those of us who do hand stitch often know that you actually do get quite fast and it's not actually as "slow sewing" as one might think - this book explains that as well & presents it as an efficient and practical option. Overall, this is a book that you will give your kids in a pile of "must have" books when you are teaching them to sew. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who keeps a sewing library, all levels. ~m

This book is a primer and love affair using hand sewing methods to create and/or alter clothing using turn of the century (1900-2000s) techniques on either new purchased pieces or creating them oneself. Each technique, be it the various methods to attach buttons or adding pockets, are explained clearly and concisely. The accompanying pictures are excellent, showing the outlined steps in exhaustive detail. This lovely book introduces and guides one through detailed step-by-step instructions for each of the sewing techniques Bernadette speaks of. She has taken the trouble to show, in glorious full-color pictures, each and every step described. The writing has her speech mannerisms, making this a delightful read. If you are unaware of the author, she is well known on Instagram and YouTube by her full name. I highly recommend checking her extensive gallery of pictures and videos detailing her trials and tribulations recreating historical dress using period tools and techniques with modern materials. There are some essays from others giving this a personal touch. Some reviewers have complained of a trans agenda, however it is but a single page easily overlooked. Please do not let that deter you from buying. I did not feel any agenda being pushed, but rather an essay extolling the virtues of being able to alter one's own clothing to fit like a T. If this makes one uncomfortable, ignore or cover it, but please don't deprive oneself from the valuable information and lessons contained herein. The book contains a list of necessary tools, basic sewing stitches, detailed explanations of the different types of fabric and their care, and comprehensive instructions on the many hand sewing techniques introduced in the book. My only quibble with the book is more of a publisher complaint than that of the author. The book is trade paper. Binding it as a hardback or with library binding would have been preferred, as this is a reference book that will be used again and again. Excellent work Bernadette! So when will the next one be ready? (I'm kidding - sort of.)

Glorious work. Bernadette is so talented and the information shared in her book is so easy to understand. It helps lower the threshold of getting into the dying art of sewing. Much love and support to her and the many others who wrote anecdotes in this wonderful work of art.

I am a sucker for something beautiful and well done. There are very few books that don't disappoint me on some level and I am usually prepared to be let down. But, this book is a masterpiece on every level, to the point where I got chills and my eyes welled up with tears. I honestly should not have expected anything less from Bernadette considering the thorough research, dedication to historical accuracy of the craft, and the general thoughtfulness she puts into her projects. Here are the top-quality & five-star features: - Organization - Techniques covered (I literally am overjoyed about everything in here - there is nothing missing! I am losing my mind over it. ) - Usability/User Experience - Masterful tips and instructions (from Bernadette's valuable experience in the craft) - The book is gorgeous and has the perfect blend of photos and words - Focus on sustainability ...And I adore all the features of other creators! It's whimsical and ads a cute break between the technical sections. Well done, Bernadette! And thank you so much for what you do!

I read it once-through the moment I got my hands on it and it was like watching a newly-uploaded, extra-long video. The pictures are lovely though not as detailed as the video medium we're all used to, the authorial voice is very distinctive even in writing, and overall it's a very nice book to have around. It might not be the best reference for a total beginner to start their sewing journey with, but I think it works great for somebody who has been interested in sewing for a while, watched some tutorials and want to learn more about historical/sustainable methods. The book is also great for near-beginners who want to fill in gaps in their knowledge or for the more experienced, as a refresher. I like the few "Features" pages. There are so many other how-to-sew manuals; I assumed that a reader of this niche/alternative/nerdy book, being similarly nerdy, would appreciate others sharing their diverse journeys in fashion. Think of them as the "grandma made this dish when I was a kid, now it takes me back to my childhood on the farm" story before a recipe - completely skippable, but adds a touch of humanity.

Amazing for referente!

I think this book explains and shows a lot for those like me that are still learning. How to determine what fabric you have, how to treat it before sewing, with washing, and of course how to sew. I do not have nor want a machine, and for me it is loaded with great tips and lessons. Someone is saying there is nothing about darning, well, in mine there is a whole chapter about it. And Bernadette is giving space in her book to teach some other lessons, that some people seem to have a real issue with. Take it as some added pages, that try to open a closed mind, and bring more understanding for people that may not be like you. You don't have to read them. You don't have to agree to all, and you don't have to be like her. It is her book, and she can bring what ever she wants in it to people. If you are a hater of all that is different from what you think is right, this book may not be for you, but if you are a lover, it sure is! I do recommend it, for sure for the beginner, or the lover of historical ways of sewing.

It's perfect! Just packed with information, I'm already starting to think about at least 10 new projects in my head.

I find the book very useful, especially reminding me that I do not need all the possible sewing supplies but can very well do practically everything by hand. Half the book was not a news to me, the ohtehr half privided very detailed and simple guidance how to insert the gusset for example. Plus I enjoy tutorials on paper much more than in the video - so much less stress.