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• Christmas events to be posted soon.

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Sewing Classes

Our next course starts at Roundhay High School on the 27th September running until the 22nd of November.  Grab yourself a place whilst you can as at £15 for the course, places are filling up fast.  To book a place contact Rounday High on 0113 3931200 or email info@roundhay.leeds.sch.uk.

Things We Love

We will keep updating this part of the site to share any new things we find or like.  Take a look at the link below for inspiration or hours of browsing.  Click here to see some of the sites we love.

Reviews

We've been asked by Fiona from the Sewing Directory to review some new e-books from David & Charles on How to Sew.   Each book costs only 99p to download and is packed with information and starter projects, representing excellent value for money.  The books are available from the 16th August and are available via RU Craft.  So here is what we thought of each book.

		How to Sew - Basics  Is a great little book for anyone new to sewing.  The illustrations are clear and bright, it has an easy to read format and as the title says tells you all you need to know about basic sewing techniques.  The book clearly explains about different fabrics, sewing threads, needles etc and then goes on to give you a full list of all the items required to complete various sewing tasks.  If you want to have a go straight away it shows you easy projects to start you off.  This book is also helpful for anyone like me who has struggled to put in a zip.  The detailed instructions are easy to follow and take the fear factor away making this tricky task look easy.
		How to Sew - Machine Sewing  Is the ideal book for someone new to sewing.  The bright pictures and clear illustrations make this easy to read and use.  There is some good guidance on purchasing a sewing machine suitable for your needs and then a clear chapter on how to proceed.  Everything from pinning and tacking your material to stitching and seam techniques is covered.  One thing I would disagree with is the recommendation to sew straight over your pins as this can blunt or even snap your needle.  The projects would please all sewers and when completed will give a great feeling of satisfaction.
		How to Sew - Applique  This is another bright and clearly illustrated book making applique easy for anyone to try.  It explains what applique is and gives full instructions on machine and hand sewing.  The chapter on using bondaweb demonstates how easy it is and has some useful little tips.  Once again there are a number of projects and templates to get you started.  The heart patches are pretty and would I am sure encourage younger sewers to have a go.  We at Kotori Kits are fans of applique as it is an easy way to make a simple project into something beautiful and unique.  All in all it is and excellent book with one minor quibble - the templates in the book are very pale and when printed could be a little darker.
		How to Sew - Patchwork  As the title says this book introduces you to patchwork.  It shows you how to prepare and cut your fabric strips and then goes on to demonstrate how to piece them together ready for hand or machine sewing.  The illustrations make everything very easy to follow.  There is also a good chapter on quilting and instructions on how to make a simple quilt.  The pictures show a lovely quilt which I'd like to make myself, with two other projects to make a 'perfect pig' and a rucksack.