I can’t think of a better learn-to-sew book than Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing by Anna Maria Horner. It’s pure delight: hard covered/spiral bound (easy to keep open while sewing!), easy to read instructions with simple clear illustrations, and patterns to make great projects. My favorite project (and it’s no-sew!) is ‘Fabric is Fine Art’– a fabric collage using a still life photo as inspiration.

How-to books frequently offer great photography but fall woefully short in instruction. Horner thoroughly describes all kinds of tools and techniques.  She patiently explains types of cutting tools, needles, fabric, and includes her personal opinion about what she does and doesn’t like to use.

The only thing I don’t see in this book is a ‘Where to Buy’ store list, and maybe that’s because the fabrics shown are from her personal collection.  And pity if her collection of fabric is vintage and unavailable, because they make her book a visual treat.  Maybe I didn’t look hard enough to find the list–but I’m pretty sure it’s the only thing missing from a truly great how-to-sew book.

I rate it a hearty two thimbles up!