18 February, 2011

Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

Pulled this one out of the vault, didn't I?

My Dad handed this book to me a few months ago. I'm sure it came with the decades long Reader's Digest subscription our family had. For the last few decades it's been hiding in a table at my parent's place. Seeing as I sew, Dad gave it to me. I was taken in by the cover immediately. Isn't it fantastic?

It's gloriously retro and fantastically detailed. If I ever decide to actually sew clothes I guarantee I will pull this out as a resource. For now I can be entertained and even slightly inspired by the 70s styling. Just check out this bed cover! There is definitely a quilt in that.


Some of the sewing projects included remind me of many that I've seen on blogs and in books in the last few years. Napkins, placemats, playmats, wall organizers, bags, pillows, and even soft animals and toys. Goes to show that not everything is new.


The book also came with a little pamphlet about sewing with scraps. My favourite project, by far, is the Curler bag. Now does that ever bring back memories! My stick straight hair tied up in hard plastic curlers after the Saturday night bath. Just for the hope of curls for church in the morning. Curls that were long gone by the time church was over. I wonder if the people sitting behind me ever watched my hair fall instead of the service? I'm sure that's what I would have done with my head in front of me. Shhh, don't tell my Dad.

14 comments:

Crys said...

Yes! This Is one of my favorite books! I also LOVE their needle point book. I always find them at thrift stores and instantly snap them up and gift them to all my crafty friends!

~Michelle~ said...

nice - that bed cover is amazing! :)

Anorina @SameliasMum said...

Fantastic find. That would make an awesome quilt top.

Sequana said...

I HAVE that book from the "old days." Every once in awhile, I get it out to check some basic info. It's sitting right there on my bookshelf as I type this. *S*

Live a Colorful Life said...

I used to have that book. Sure wish I had kept it...kinda makes me wonder why I got rid of that one but kept the RD Fix-It-Yourself Manual and Complete Do-it-yourself Manual.

Amy said...

I think you got the good one. I've heard later versions of this book were not nearly as good as the 70s version. Totally worth it for the classic photos!

Suzanne said...

Oldies but goodies! I am enjoying the quilting book you recommended earlier this week.

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

I too use my copy (which came from MIL 25 years ago) pretty regularly when I have questions about techniques.

Esch House Quilts said...

I think I have a copy of that book around somewhere too!

pinkbrain said...

I have that book, I should go get it from my dad's house!

I also had the stick straight hair that used to be put in curlers overnight. My mom would always skip my bangs (too much trouble I guess) so I'd have the semi-wavy hair with the stick straight bangs.

PatSloan said...

I LOVE the books from 'the day'... what a find!

health quotes. said...

Every once in awhile, I get it out to check some basic info. It's sitting right there on my bookshelf as I type this.

Elisa Black said...

I have the same book and since I am not much of a sewer, it has been a handy reference through the years. Coincidently, I posted a photo of it on my blog about 2 weeks ago!! I was trying to learn to do a whip stitch. Enjoy your books!

Amanda Jean said...

ack! in the last photo, you see it called Material. ugh. i cringe everytime i hear that word.

the retro books are very fun to look at, though, aren't they?