General sewing book

[gassylady]

As my kids are getting older I'm finding a bit of time to do some sewing. I've been to a couple of fun sessions and made a couple of small pieces. What I would like now is a good general book on setting up and using a machine as well as some simple projects.
Any recommendations or does everyone just use the internet?

I got the Mollie Makes How to Sew book from the library. It's got quite a lot of projects to try and a how to sew section. I'm planning to make a bird-shaped cushion and an easy quilt from it.

I went to a sewing evening course to get to grips with the basics, but have found You Tube really helpful. I find that books miss out on the tips I really need. Of all the books I have "Sew Fast Sew Easy" was the most helpful.

www.amazon.co.uk/Readers-Digest-Complete-Guide-Sewing/dp/0895770261?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Everyone recommends this. I've found it helpful, but I'm a complete beginner. Be interested in what everyone else uses.

There are a few " getting to grips with the basics" books out there but I agree with the PP who said YouTube. It's great for actually seeing people sew, rather than trying to work it out from mimsy hand drawn pictures.

Then it's just a case of finding books with lovely projects in them. The Liberty book of sewing is gorgeous, Lisa Lam's books are great if you like making bags. Mollie Makes is good for whimsical stuff.
There's a nice book called ' half yard heaven ' which is handy for small projects to get you started.

I really must get back to sewing.

I think the ones that came out with the Great British Sewing Bee series are very good. They are in my local library (with the patterns, you just need to trace them off, recommended using rolls of kitchen pa cement paper) might be in yours too?

I've used YouTube for every single thing I've learned how to make. I own six sewing books but YouTube is my go to.

Thanks for all the suggestions will check out the books you mention.
Next query where do you get your basics like thick white cotton to back appliqué, zips etc . Happy to embrace internet for this! Nowhere near a John Lewis, Hobbycrafr seems expensive and local place closed down last year

Ah, now, sorry but I am blessed with 4 good fabric shops nearby so can't help with that. If you DM me I'll tell you what area I'm in just in case yo are nearby. I agree to swerve Hobbycraft as too expensive as well as being poor quality. John Lewis has better quality fabric for sure but I think their haberdashery department in general is not what it was, they certainly don't sell the stuff I like.

Markets (covered, permenant sites, not so much weekly street I've found) in areas with a good sized Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi community can throw up some great stuff, including your basic cottons and whatnot (with the added bonus of a decent lunch).

For internet I would have a look at Minerva Crafts and/or Jaycotts for fabric and haberdashery needs. E bay also useful too for the odd zip.