Introducing The Dressmaker’s Companion

The Dressmakers Companion cover image

Dear Friends,

I’m so excited I hardly know how to write this post.

I’ve just finished writing a sewing book which I hope will be tremendously useful, outstandingly successful and a great blessing to anyone who sews clothes.

The Dressmaker’s Companion is…

“A comprehensive sewing reference you’ll refer to again and again for reliable, practical advice.  Whether you’re a dressmaker, fashion student or simply enjoy sewing for yourself and the people you love, this is a sewing book as helpful as your own personal teacher.  With over 3,000 illustrations, step-by-step instructions, clever ideas, troubleshooting and fitting advice, The Dressmaker’s Companion will enable you to sew with confidence.”

Here’s just some of the things in this book:

  • Install any type of zip
  • Sew a perfect dart, first time
  • Make a concealed front
  • Fit sleeves to large upper arms
  • Sew a men’s waistband
  • Cuff a pair of trousers
  • Make a pattern for a jacket lining (and then sew it)
  • Sew shirt details
  • Create ruched trim
  • Hem trousers for someone in a wheelchair
  • Sew with lace
  • Use a clapper
  • Shirr, pipe, mitre, bind, gather, bone, pleat, buttonhole, handsew, overlock, face, line, measure, ruche, unpick, fuse, fit, seam, topstitch, press, patternmake and cut

 

The Dressmaker’s Companion is unlike any other sewing book.  It contains just about everything I know about sewing clothes. It’s written for people who are comfortable with a sewing machine and want more…is this you?  The Dressmaker’s Companion is the book I wished I’d had when I was learning to sew and had passed the basics.

There are more details here.

 

Introducing The Dressmaker's Companion front cover and spineIntroducing The Dressmaker's Companion spineIntroducing The Dressmaker's Companion whole coverIntroducing The Dressmaker's Companion interior page closeup liningsIntroducing The Dressmaker's Companion interior page closeup zipsIntroducing The Dressmaker's Companion interior page strapless tops

 

The Dressmaker’s Companion will be published on the 1st of September, but it’s already available on Amazon for pre-order, or you can pre-order it from your local bookshop.  It’s also listed on Trove.

 

More later!

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

13 Comments

  1. Ineta on July 12, 2017 at 1:28 am

    Congratulations! I know what one of my X-mas presents will be 😉

    • lizhaywood on July 12, 2017 at 12:09 pm

      Thanks, Ineta. This book would make a GREAT Christmas pressie.

  2. Ineta on July 12, 2017 at 1:30 am

    Congratulations! Well done Liz.

  3. Graeme Cheetham on July 12, 2017 at 6:36 am

    WELL DONE Liz on this mammoth effort!!! Can we order personalised signed copies??

    • lizhaywood on July 12, 2017 at 12:10 pm

      Thanks Graeme!

  4. Tom on July 12, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    That is awesome! I’m looking forward to learning about seam allowances. 😀

    • lizhaywood on July 12, 2017 at 11:27 pm

      Thanks, Tom. A lot of this book is what I learned from watching other people 😉

  5. Kate on July 13, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    I’m so excited for you, Liz! So many years of hard work and abundant knowledge finally in print. Nicole and I LOVE the picture of the zipper on the spine, and how it looks like you could unzip the book. I haven’t done much sewing or knitting for a couple of years, but pulled the sewing machine out yesterday (remember the Janome combi?) for urgent repair work, and it ignited my interest again. I’m looking forward to ordering a copy.

    • lizhaywood on July 13, 2017 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you Kate and Nicole! Looking forward to hearing about more sewing adventures.

  6. Alison Wheeler on November 5, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    Congratulations on a wonderful effort. Your book is very comprehensive, easy to read and follow and I will be referring it all my students. Thank you so much.

    • lizhaywood on November 5, 2017 at 9:07 pm

      Hello Alison, thanks for your encouraging comment. I came across your blog some time ago and enjoyed reading your archives. Cheers!

  7. Glenda Eichner on June 14, 2018 at 1:24 pm

    Hello Liz ! Great to hear you have finished & launched your book .I know you spent years with your fantastic skills to create this . Fantastic news . All my love Glenda Eichner xxx

    • lizhaywood on June 14, 2018 at 4:33 pm

      Hello Glenda! Yep, I finally finished it! You’re actually in this book, hidden amongst the sewing tips. Many thanks for the inspirational and fun time I had working for you. Love Liz xo

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