Wendy Mullen, the designer behind the joyfully youthful label Built by Wendy, got her start customizing guitar straps and selling them in record stores. This approach, informed by rock music and a DIY aesthetic, runs throughout her debut sewing book, cowritten with Nylon Mag editor Eviana Hartman.

This books gives basic sewing skills -- how to cut, sew, and light pattern making to alter these patterns so that they're built by YOU! In addition this teaches elements of design through pattern making and sweing techniques.

Looks like a book I'd love to read!

I have this book and I really enjoy it. It's very informative. I think it might be slightly difficult for someone with no sewing experience to follow a few of the directions but otherwise it's a fabulous book. However, I guess with sewing I find it easier to be shown technique in person rather than by trying to understand steps in a book. I've only partially finished the skirt pattern but my unfinished work shows that her patterns are easily translated into great clothing even when a novice is doing the stitching.

Learn how to sew just about anything with this book - or at least learn how to alter what you have to fit you better. Includes patterns so you can practice what you learn.

"The first truly cool guide to making the essentials of a stylish wardrobe using 3 Simplicity(R) patterns created exclusively for this book. Like knitting before it, sewing is being reclaimed by a new generation; one that is bored by poor quality and homogenous design. Downtown fashion designer Wendy Mullin of 'Built by Wendy' will teach the creatively-inclined and ultra-stylish how to make the perfect skirt, shirt and trousers. She gives readers everything they need to know to begin sewing and provides step-by-step instructions and patterns directly from her own studio. She'll explain how to customise everything from the fit to the pockets so readers can create a thousand different looks using the same 3 patterns. These ideas will inspire readers to rethink and revamp all their old clothes to make unique, custom fashions. For those who find themselves brimming with ideas, but unable to make everything themselves, Wendy also offers guidance on how to work with a tailor." (from amazon.co.uk)

I recently received a sewing machine as a gift and cannot wait to learn how to sew. This book by Built by Wendy should teach us how to design the ultimate in Brooklyn chic.

Sewing