“Craft publisher C&T launches its youthful, funky new imprint with this volume, and accessible introduction to sewing with a sewing machine. Haxell (Stitched Toys) takes readers through all the basics of sewing, from selecting the right machine to identifying its parts to basic stitching. It's surprising that the projects don't take a more teen or YA-friendly approach to go with the rest of the book's presentation, which is very accessible to younger crafters. Though Creative Publishing's Singer-branded sewing books are still tops in this category, this is a nice quickie introduction for novices.”

– Library Journal

“The idea for this book was hatched after author Judi Warren Blaydon felt the urge to crate a quilt that represented the paper collages she had been making. Subsequently, Collage + Cloth = Quilt guides readers thought the process of making a paper collage our of photos, sketches, magazine clippings, and anything else that might appeal, and then shows how to translate this paper collage into a on-of-a kind fabric quilt. Written for collage beginners and veterans alike, this book is informative and useful no matter your sill set. Instead of dictating specific projects, Blaydon leads readers through the general steps for turning paper collages into unique quilts; individuals are encouraged to create work that speaks to them personally, and to let the art evolve from there. If you are looking for a new way to quilt, or to combine your love of collage with the world of quilting, this is a great guide.”

– Quilting Arts Magazine

“This helpful sewing manual covers much more than its name implies. Me and My Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Guide by Kate Haxell for C&T Publishing introduces all the basic sewing techniques. While quilting and patchwork are only mentioned briefly, this is a great beginning resource for the new sewer in your life. Includes patterns for seven simple projects and a useful glossary.”

– Small Quilts

"I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. I was more than surprised at how well it was written and presented. I have been on the look out for a great, basic sewing guide to recommend to new sewers and I no longer need to search. This is the book! Everything is well written, in an easy to understand format. Kate tells you just what you need to know without a lot of extra fluff. Step-by-step photos for each technique are a true blessing. Even after sewing for 20+ years, this book will have a permanent home on my shelf."

– Christina Lane

"This book is something I wish was available when I had sewing in school many years ago. It’s written in a no-nonsense, straight to the point manner and is a great introduction to sewing. The book gives chunks of information on one or two page spreads with clear illustrations and photos. Nothing is overwhelming, and a particular type of instruction can be quickly found and understood. The main sections of the 128 page softbound book are My Sewing Machine, which goes through the parts of a machine — nothing technical, just what you need to understand — accessories, tools, and other basics. Seams Simple covers a variety of seams, such as mock French, French, open, mock open, and so on. Next is Hemmed In. And as you probably guessed, it illustrates a variety of hemming techniques. That is followed by Fasten Up, which covers various zippers, closures, and buttonholes. Around the Corner, has info on making different types of smooth curves. On the Edge offers various edge treatments such as basic bindings and scallops. Fancy That includes pleats, ruffles, adding lace, applique, and so on. It finishes with a projects chapter. I like the cute handkerchief-hemmed skirt, it seems perfect for a summery bathing suit cover-up. There is a front and back flap that I found myself using as a place marker. If you’re going to use the book a great deal, consider bringing it to a store, such as Staples or Kinkos, to have a spiral spine inserted into the book. This will help keep it flat when needed. While the book touches on patchwork and applique, this is not a quilt book. Rather, this book is exactly what it says it is: a beginner’s guide to sewing It’s clear, concise, and will give someone starting out — such as a person turned on to sewing as the result of watching Project Runway — the confidence to venture into the world of sewing. You won’t find things like setting in a sleeve or adding a lining, but you will find a solid foundation on which to grow. It’s also a solid reference for anyone who knows how to sew, and its clean layout makes it attractive to all age groups. I’d like to one day see a companion book. Could a “me and my sewing machine – beyond the basics” be in the future? "

– Gloria Hansen

“…Me and My Sewing Machine is loaded with information on the sewing machine. There are photos of machine parts, feet, tools and equipment, and a glossary that has corresponding page numbers for each term. The author describes fabrics, thread and stitches, and explains the difference between pressing and ironing…There are chapters on seams, hems, edge finishes, and decorative details, all with accompanying photos…”

– Michigan Bishop Sewing Council

“…Me and My Sewing Machine, a Beginner's Guide by Kate Haxell is an excellent reference manual to carry in your store. Excellent step-by-step photography along with easy-to-understand instructions detail the various kinds of seams, how to put in a zipper or hem, and it even includes patterns for some fun projects….”

– Ashley Smith, American Quilt Retailer

"Good-looking and jargon-free, this book makes learning to sew an easy, creative, and absorbing occupation. To get you started you’ll find useful information on what to look for when choosing your first sewing machine, what other equipment you’ll need, and which fabrics are easiest to work with. All the basic skills—pinning, cutting, basting, and pressing—are covered, so you’ll be completely ready to move on to mastering the myriad sewing techniques on offer. The pages are packed with detailed step-by-step methods covering all aspects of sewing with a machine, from the simplest straight seam through the professional lapped zipper. There are both practical and decorative techniques to explore, so you’ll be able to make and embellish with confidence. Whether you want to hem a skirt or set a ruffle into a seam, finish an edge neatly or sew a perfect dart, you’ll find precise, clear instructions that will make you feel you’ve got a tutor by your side. You’ll also find seven specially designed projects that, although simple, don’t skimp on style. Make a garment, an accessory or a project for your home; you’ll now be equipped to tackle every element. "

– Connecting Threads

"I’ve been sewing for a long time, but I was self taught, and I’m still at a beginner level. This is exactly the book I need to improve my sewing skills! If you are a self taught sewist, this book is a wonderful resource that is able to answer your questions. I like “Me and My Sewing Machine” because it explains techniques that aren’t common sense, and that I’m probably doing wrong. This book will help you sew projects that are beautifully crafted and durable. The information in the reference section is invaluable, and the patterns are cute, easy to sew, but will still help you work through new techniques. I wish “Me and My Sewing Machine” had been available years ago!"

– Kate, Connecting Threads

“With complete instructions for tried and true techniques, from the basic set-up to the finishing touches, an illustrated guide to how a sewing machine works, and advice on the accessories needed to achieve the desired results, this is a great book for the newbie sewer.”

– Notions

Book Review: Me and My Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Guide Many of your email me asking me to do how to posts on the bags and aprons I have made, you say you want tutorials but I never do it. Well this is why- I do not formally know how to sew, I make it up as I go along, I never do it the same way twice because I don't remember how I did it the first time! So I've decided that maybe I should start learning the correct way to sew, not learn just because it is correct but because it will open doors to many other projects. So I've been checking out some sewing books. I haven't mentioned many of them on here because I didn't love them but this book I do love so I want to share it with you all."Me and My Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Guide", I just love this book. It goes into detail about how a sewing machine works and has a big picture of a sewing machine with all of the knobs and buttons labeled. A big plus for me is that it goes into detail about tension with pictures of what too tight or too lose top tension looks like as well as balanced tension. This is such a big deal to me because I have had many problems with the tension in my sewing machines over the years and I've never known how to fix it and now I know!! I absolutely adore the pages about sewing machine accessories because they have great big pictures of the accessories with names and explanations. I am not one to read users manuals- too dry, so I am quite happy to know what all of these dohickees are for. The author moves into explaining how to run a sewing machine, different types of fabric and different threads and stitches - complete with pictures of the stitches , gotta love that. Also covered in the book are all different types of seams, hems, different ways to fasten, sewing corners, different edgings, ruffles, box pleats, embroidering, making your own appliques , sewing on ribbons, lace etc. In the back of the book you will find different projects to make as well as templates and a glossary. What I love so much about this book is that the steps are numbered and easy to read and for some reason if you do have a hard time understanding exactly what she means by reading it she has big pictures of each step so between the two you know what you are doing. I definitely recommend this book, I am going to be referencing it a lot in the future, it has a permanent spot next to my sewing machine. This is one of those books you don't want to bother taking out from the library because you are just going to go out and buy it anyway.

– The Retro Housewife

I am not the sort that writes many letters. However, I had to write one to you. I want to express my appreciation for your book "Me and My Sewing Machine". I am 42 years old and have always struggled with sewing. Sewing has been my foe since taking Home Economics class in 7th grade. It just seems to fight me at every turn. I am quite good at various other fiber crafts like tatting, lace knitting, spinning and crocheting. So, it's always irritated me that I could not seem to get along with the sewing machine. I have read your book cover to cover. I had so many "aha!" moments while reading it. You explained the "why" in a way that I now feel confident that I can sew without the frustration that I have always experienced. Now, I know why I need to do certain things and why they will work. Thank you so very much for the hard work you put into this book. It has given me the knowledge I needed to attempt projects that I would have never tried before.

– Misty Banks