Know Before You Sew: The Essential Guide to All Things Needle and Thread - Tapa blanda

Ever wanted to learn to sew but didn't know where to begin? Confused by bodkins, seam rippers, frog fastenings, wadding and stuffing? Sandra Derry has poured a lifetime's experience of making her own clothes and teaching sewing into Know Before You Sew. This book is a vital accompaniment for crafters who are just starting out, as well as experienced hand and machine sewers. Sandra Derry carefully explains everything needed to make and mend that perfect garment. Know Before You Sew is packed full of advice about tape measures, pins and pin cushions, needles, scissors, thread, zippers, ribbon, tape, buttons, buckles, fabrics and much more.

Sandra Derry was born at Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, a daughter to a cowman. She counts herself lucky to have been raised in the country on farms as it allowed her imagination to roam free. Never much of an academic, Sandra was drawn to the more creative side of life and believes that it is 'a must' for her to use her hands crafting. One of seven children, the family had to improvise, as sometimes money was short. This was where her imagination and craft skills came to the fore. Sandra can remember making a pair of sandals as a child, from two pieces of wood and nailing fabric across the front for straps. She made her first top at around the same time and can't remember if she used a pattern, but it was all hand sewn. Sandra has a photograph of her wearing it, sitting on the farmer's pony. After that there was no stopping her as she made clothes that she could not afford to buy. Sandra lives in Norwich. She shares her experience of a lifetime of sewing by giving one to one lessons and also works in the haberdashery department at Jarrold Norwich, where the customers regularly benefit from her encylopedic knowledge of the sewing craft.