Debbie Shore's Sewing Room Secrets: Machine Sewing

Firstly it’s a beautifully-produced book, thick glossy pages with lovely pictures. More importantly it is absolutely perfect for a beginner as it explains sewing terminology - bias binding zips, pockets and equipment needed. An expert in sewing would love the book as a handy go to for more tips and hints and maybe find ways of making their projects that bit more professional, for example zip placements on cushion covers. The patterns included are versatile and something you could use for many occasions. I love the toaster cover!

-- Emma Cropper * Customer review *

This book explains each technique carefully, accompanied by useful photos. There are also 10 projects which use those techniques, again with stage by stage instructions and more photos. At the start of each project there is a list of the skills that will be used. Although I was already familiar with some of the techniques, there were others that I was pleased to be reminded of and some that were new to me. There is also a useful introductory section which includes, for example, the different types of wadding available and what they are ideal for. This would be an ideal book for anyone at the beginning of their sewing journey, but there is also plenty here for those of us who have more experience. As a dressmaker, I am pleased to see sections on quilting, bag making and free-motion embroidery which would extend my skills. Overall I feel that this is a well thought out book with lots of useful tips and techniques.

-- Chris Constable * Customer review *

Step by step approach to sewing. Clearly laid out with some lovely projects to work on. Great for a sewing novice who wants to improve their skills!

-- Sarah Counter * Customer review *

This is a beautiful, inviting book to read. I have quite a bit of sewing experience but I still found lots of enlightening content, such as areas on free motion embroidery (which I’ve always avoided!) and piping explained in Debbie’s usual clear terminology. The section on zips is useful and clearly illustrated which is helpful as I forget some of them if I’ve not done one for some time. It’s a great book for refreshing techniques if like me you’ve done some sewing before but would be very helpful for those starting out as everything is clearly written. The projects are cute, not taxing but good for practising the techniques. The colour photos are fab. All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this lovely book to every one interested in sewing.

-- Rosemary Covell-London * Customer review *

Debbie is the person who got me into sewing, the way she explains things makes it seem so simple, like you are listening to a friend! This book covers so many aspects for a beginner, or even someone returning to sewing who wants to refresh their knowledge. It includes information on thread, fabric, interfacing, sewing feet and tools, different types of stitches on a sewing machine, piping, bag making and tutorials for zips, seams and applique that can be applied to several projects. There are also ten tutorials for actual projects, such as a pin cushion, cushion cover and tablet case to name a few!

-- Charlene Merrall * Customer review *

Brilliant book - exactly what I needed to revitalise and improve on my outdated and rusty skills. Debbie Shore is a star!!

-- Trish Evans * Customer review *

In her latest book Debbie invites the reader into her own sewing room, to explore the tools and equipment, fabric and threads that she uses, and to share her sewing secrets, hints and tips. She presents ten gorgeous projects, each with detailed step-by-step instructions. Be it a simple pincushion, a toaster cover or tablet case, each project showcases a different technique, such as applique, or piping or inserting a zip, designed to expand knowledge and build confidence and the completed item makes an attractive addition for the home or a perfect gift. This book is ideal for the new sewer, or for those wishing to build their skills. Excellent value for money.

* East Kent Embroiderers’ Guild *

As it says on the cover, this book contains “top tips and techniques for successful sewing”. I expected a book for beginners and this is all that, but there is also plenty of use for experienced machine users too. There are useful tips for buying a machine to start with, complete with a diagram of a typical basic model with all the parts named. Troubleshooting and maintenance advice follows, along with a guide to common types of foot and needle. Discover what basic items you need and why you need them, plus a guide to different fabric types…I certainly wish I had had this book when I was starting out!

Other topics covered include threads, interfacing, wadding, toy filler and even storage. I don’t own all of the items listed in the Tools section so don’t worry if you don’t either; this is very much a personal list but a good book like this tells you what is out there so you can decide what you need.

The rest of the book takes you through a number of basic techniques from basic seams to putting in a zipper, using piping, making pleats and hemming. This is not only a book for the garment maker as there are also tips for quilters, toy makers, free machine embroiderers and of course no Debbie Shore book would be complete without a section on bags. There are some projects to try out your new skills including a tablet case, toaster cover, bolster pillow and several bags. All techniques and projects have staged photographs and I confess I learned a lot (and unlearned a few bad habits). Modern materials are covered too so you can find out how to put in a bag frame, apply snaps and bag locks. Throughout the book there are numerous sections of tips and jargon busters, so even if you know nothing about sewing you will by the end of the book. This is a really useful book that belongs on the keeper shelf of anybody who owns (or plans to buy) a sewing machine.

-- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *

Some people prefer to embroider using a machine and in this comprehensive guide to machine sewing Debbie explains how to use a sewing machine to create free-motion embroidery. There is the added bonus that if you have a machine sitting unused, or you wish to use a machine to create other things this book really is a very useful guide to getting the best out of your machine. 

* Hot Brands Cool Places *

What Debbie Shore does with her fabulous new book Sewing Room Secrets is take the sewist back to basics.

If you are a novice stitcher this book is perfect for you, and if you have been sewing for what seems like an age then it is a brilliant guide to reminding you of some of the things you might have forgotten.

With ten projects included, Bags, Pillow covers, and a gorgeous Toaster cover, each project gives you the chance to use the techniques given and end up with a fabulous and professional looking usable item.

Debbie Shore also makes suggestions on how to organise your sewing space to make it more user friendly and practical. Advice on what you need to start your sewing journey is included , a full guide on which sewing machine to buy and what the different parts are and what they do. and even what feet is best for your sewing project.

Tips and techniques are explained in a simple language that everyone understands. I love how Debbie doesn't bombard us with 'sewing speak' that some professionals use.

What I love about this book is that everything is covered. Zips, Applique and so much more. Even shirring is explained and demonstrated, this is something I have never done but do plan on having a go.

This book is brilliant. It is beautifully presented and the photography gives a visual guide that makes everything come to life in perfect fashion.

-- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *

Crafting superstar Debbie Shore shares more stitching know-how in her latest collaboration with Search Press. Sewing Room Secrets: Machine Sewing includes plenty of expert tips and helpful guidance, starting with a look at tools and materials. Debbie covers important techniques such as inserting zips and piping, using shirring
elastic, motion-free embroidery and appliqué. There’s a focus on craft and home
décor projects, as well as dressmaking and quilting advice for readers looking to broaden their skills. The book also features 10 eye-catching makes including a pincushion, pillow cover, tablet case, drawstring bag and sewing machine mat. 

* Craft Focus Magazine, Issue 71 (Feb/March 2019) *

Step into a sewing room and share some expert tips, techniques and trade secrets for successful sewing. In this first book in a new series, we explore every aspect of machine sewing with top tips providing in-depth and helpful guidance every step of the way.

* Machine Knitting Monthly *

Debbie Shore's unmissable book, Sewing Room Secrets brings you ten must-make projects to build your confidence! This read is jam-packed with tips for successful machine sewing, such as the essentials you need in the craft room, troubleshooting tips and a glossary to help debunk unfamiliar terms. 

* Sew Magazine - Issue 121 (March 201