Made to Measure - by Elisalex Jewell (Paperback)

About the Book

"Create clothes that fit your body and your individual style, while learning pattern drafting, garment sewing, and customizing skills you can use for a lifetime"--

Book Synopsis

Learn to draft and sew your own customized clothes that fit you perfectly and make you feel fantastic.

You no longer need to feel confined by the boundaries of a sewing pattern in order to make clothes that fit beautifully and represent your style in a way that store-bought clothes never can. Designer and founder of popular pattern brand By Hand London Elisalex Jewell is known for designing beautiful, fun garments that look fabulous on women of all sizes. In Made to Measure, she guides sewers to create stylish garments while empowering them to learn new skills, be creative, and feel confident. Following an overview of essential sewing tools, a primer on fabrics, and a guide to essential sewing techniques, you will learn how to:

• Draft simple patterns based on your measurements
• Take a pattern from an existing garment
• Identify and fix common fit issues

The sixteen pattern-free projects for dresses, skirts, tops, a pantsuit, and more are a springboard for creating a versatile, personalized wardrobe. The designs include:

• Sweet Shirred Top and Dress
• Faux-Cute Jumpsuit
• Paneled Wrap Skirt
• Prairie Dress
• Not Your Grandma's Quilted Circle Skirt
• Siren Slip Dress
• Refashioned Sweater Dress

In today's world of "fast fashion," sewing your own clothes is a wonderful way to slow down and create garments that are sustainable and unique. While most sewing books show you how to create garments from specific patterns, Made to Measure takes sewing clothes to the next level by allowing you to customize the designs to fit you.

Whether you're new to sewing clothes or want to add to your garment-making skills, Made to Measure guides you to create a dream wardrobe that is tailored just for you.

Review Quotes

"Whether you are new to sewing clothes, or simply want to add to your garment-making skills, Made to Measure is the ideal combination of instructional guide and 'how-to' manual for creating an impressive and personalized wardrobe that is specifically tailored to and for you."--Midwest Book Review

"Sewists of all levels who are curious about creating fashionable wardrobe pieces from start to finish will be overjoyed to find this book by Jewell, a well-known pattern designer. Beginning with explanations of sewing basics, fabrics, and must-have tools, the book offers tips and tricks that those new to the craft will appreciate. Experienced sewists can benefit too from the book's answers to questions they might have had during other projects. Jewell reminds readers that any body type can look chic and well put together in any style if the pattern is customized to their shape, and she strives to instill confidence in crafters nervous about drafting their own patterns. A welcome addition to sewing technique and pattern books."--Library Journal

"The comprehensive guidance covers an impressive range of garb and techniques, and is presented in a manner straightforward enough that even novice sewists will feel prepared to tackle the projects. The result is a superior guide on creating custom clothing."

--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Elisalex Jewell is the co-founder of the independent sewing pattern label and sewing education platform By Hand London. She went to the London College of Fashion, where she trained as a shoemaker, then worked in the fashion industry for four years. She founded By Hand London out of an interest in wanting to equip people with the skills and confidence needed to sew their own clothes. She also teaches sewing and handicrafts and contributes to various sewing and craft publications. She lives in London, United Kingdom.

By Hand London website: byhandlondon.com
By Hand London Instagram: @byhandlondon
Author's Instagram: @elisalex
Facebook: By Hand London