Simple Sewing with a French Twist

I first read about Simple Sewing with a French Twist by Céline Dupay when it came out 2 years ago. I’ve wanted it ever since. Every time I have seen it at the book store or online I’ve been tempted to buy it. I carry it all around and eventually put it back on the shelf and head home empty handed. I’ve never had the chance to look through it really thoroughly and see what it’s really all about. I just thought the projects were really cute, but in the back of my mind I thought “I have so many sewing books and patterns and projects already, I need to do those first.” I still want it though, 2 years later it’s still in my wish list, and lately I’ve been cruising through my projects this summer too(I’m down to just 3 knitting projects from the 17 I had at the beginning of the year!). I just saw it at the library and checked it out. I’m convinced. This month is the month. I have a $10 gift certificate and this is the book I’m buying.

I read through it and fell in complete love.

I want to make this, this, this, and this:

(the image in the book is blurry, not my picture)

You see, on top of the really cute projects, this book is also loaded with great information on sewing. Wonderful for a beginner or someone wanting to learn the proper way of basic sewing techniques:

And information about the fabrics and supplies used for each section:

I really like the book is arranged too. It starts out with what you should have in your sewing box (including a strong magnet on a ribbon to pick up stray needles, brilliant!) and moves through The First Steps, The nesting instinct, Warm and cozy, Kitchen essentials, Beautiful Bath, Romance, For the little lady of the house, Out on the patio, and then follow up appendies, index of projects, address book for sources and acknowledgments. A great book all around.

As the intro to the book states:
“Whether you’re a complete beginner or you already know something about sewing, this book if for you! In these pages are over fifty easy-to make projects for home and wardrobe, all with a wonderful sense of French style… So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, make a date with your sewing machine…”

Céline Dupay also co-authored Make Your Own Handbags, which I have not heard of before, but am looking forward to reading. The images from it which I found here look great.

You can also see what people have made from Simple Sewing with a French Twist here on flickr.

Have a great day everyone! See you tomorrow with an update on the dresser’s progress.

Kristin Roach

ps – I decided to extend the sale to Tuesday midnight over at Green Prairie Fibers and will be adding new yarn on Wednesday (scroll down to see the new yarn as it’s drying).