A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing

October 21, 2019
Sewing blogger Gunn and pattern designer Starr, coauthors of The Tunic Bible, deliver enduring fashion in this clever guide to the DIY creation of tried and true staples of a woman’s wardrobe—think pencil skirts and shift and sheath dresses. Each item is presented with quirky illustrations, historical facts, and helpful styling tips aimed at beginner and intermediate home sewers alike. For instance, the authors explain that “making a muslin... eliminates potential technical issues and provides an opportunity to perfect your fit.” Regarding fabric choice, “when sewing a trapeze dress, consider lightweight and sheer fabrics such as chiffon, crepe, lightweight linen, silks, jersey and stable knits.” While perhaps obvious to design students, such advice is invaluable to home sewers. Likewise, Gunn and Starr suggest fabric combinations with the flair of seasoned garmentos: “Metallic linens add shimmer to casual dressing,” and “Chiffon and satin provide a lovely contrast, and work well as tie closures when combined with textiles such as velvet fur.” Including some nods to the sustainability of creating one’s own garments that will appeal to eco-conscious sewers, this primer should prove truly inspiring for any crafters interested in creating classic women’s apparel.