Atelier Charlotte Auzou invites us to discover 20 lessons and make 12 creations at a level that is very well suited to learning to sew.
The step-by-step instructions help you understand each stage and make lovely sewing projects that build your confidence and leave you pleased with the finished result.
Each project is designed to illustrate one or more sewing techniques. As you work through the pages, a new technique is explained with every new project. If you make all the projects in order, by the end of the book you will be able to:
- make a hem
- sew French seams
- master visible and concealed bias binding
- sew darts
- attach a facing
- make gathers
- assemble a collar and sleeves (set-in and kimono sleeves)
- insert a separating zip and an invisible zip
- sew piping.
In short, a lovely overview of basic sewing techniques!
The step-by-step instructions are clear, with photographs illustrating the more complicated stages. There are also 5 technique videos available via a QR code.
Atelier Charlotte Auzou also advises us on choosing equipment to start sewing and on the stages before beginning a project, and provides a very useful glossary.
The designs are simple and fairly classic: pieces you can be proud to wear and combine with one another. They come in 4 sizes (S, M, L, XL).
The designs include:
- a scarf you can customise
- a vest top
- a wrap skirt and a gathered skirt
- 3 dresses: a straight dress to wear with a belt, a classic straight dress and a fitted dress
- a blouse with a contrasting yoke
- a biker jacket
- a pair of shorts
- a reversible bag and a padded pouch.
The pattern sheet is printed on both sides. The designs are shown in two colours: turquoise and fuchsia. Seam allowances are not included on the sheet; you need to add them by referring to the step-by-step instructions, which clearly describe the additions required and include a cutting layout. The pattern sheet is relatively easy to read. A beginner may nevertheless find tracing the facings a little confusing, as they are ‘included’ within the piece to which they will be sewn. Each size is clearly identified by its own line style. Sizes S to XL cover bust measurements from 84 to 96 cm, waist measurements from 66 to 78 cm and hip measurements from 90 to 102 cm. It is therefore best to check your own measurements: if you have what are known as plus-size measurements, you will need to adjust the pattern or choose another publication better suited to your body shape.
For those who want to go further, Atelier Charlotte Auzou suggests ideas for customisations or alterations, aimed at sewists who feel more confident and want to personalise their creations. She advises varying the fabrics, materials and lengths… depending on the designs.
I have made the wrap skirt in beautiful wax-print fabric from Vlisco, the reversible bag and the blouse with a yoke. And I have not finished exploring this book: I am very tempted to make the biker jacket in sweatshirt fabric, and why not a padded pouch?
