September is National Sewing Month

September 06, 2012

September is National Sewing Month! Whether you are new to the craft or a seasoned seamstress, the Library has an endless variety of resources to discover and enjoy.

Nonfiction Books: By using the Advance Search feature of the catalog with the subject term "sewing" and the Shelf Location "Adult Nonfiction," there are over 500 items listed. There is everything from Sewing for Dummies (3 different editions) to Sweat Shop Paris by Martena Duss, which offers master classes in advanced sewing techniques. There are books on making patterns fit (Pants for Real People by Pati Palmer) or making clothing without using a pattern (I Am Cute Dresses: 25 Dresses Without Patterns by Sato Wantanabe).  

Magazines: Branches subscribe to sewing magazines such as Threads. Available titles vary by branch. Back issues are available for checkout.

DVDs: The America Sews series has episodes with information for making home decor, clothing, and gifts. Style Remix focuses on restyling clothing. If you have access to a player, there are also instructional sewing tapes available on VHS. For example, the popular PBS series Sewing with Nancy can be found in VHS format.
 
Online Resources: The Library's Research Databases include sewing information under "DIY & Hobbies," including the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center. Additional online information can be found in our Web Resources under Recreation and Sports, then select "Hobbies."

Fiction Books: Many of us who like to sew also like to read fiction with a sewing theme. There are many quilters' books, but I was surprised to find a few sewing titles as well:

Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo
Deadly Notions by Elizabeth Lynn Casey (Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series)
Singer by Ira Sher
The Florabama Ladies' Auxiliary & Sewing Circle by Lois Battle
The Sewing Room by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton
Sew Far, So Good by Monica Ferris

Classes: The MCPL Events Calendar lists classes that can help you advance your skills. Just click on "Events" at the top of the Library home page. Then use the dropdown for "Subject" and select "Crafts and Hobbies." Put your curser on whatever activity is of interest for additional information, and then simply click to access the registration form.

Groups: There are a number of needlework groups that meet regularly at different Library branches. What a great way to get to know some new people who share an interest with you! Be sure to check the events calendar or with that branch to see if a sign up is required.

Once I started looking, I was amazed at the amount of FREE information available to help me with sewing skills and provide inspiration. It may be time to make some new pillows for the living room. 

So, what's your next project going to be? 

Terri B.
Blue Springs South Branch