May Martin - May Martin’s Sewing Bible - 40 years of tips and tricks

HarperCollins Publishers 77–85 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8JB

www.harpercollins.co.uk

First published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2014

FIRST EDITION

© May Martin 2014

Cover layout design © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2014

Cover photograph © Ali Allen 2014

May Martin asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work

Every effort has been made to contact the copyright holders but the publishers would be glad to hear of any omissions.

Designer: Lucy Sykes-Thompson

Project Editor: Sarah Hoggett

Copy Editor: Kate Parker

Illustrators: Stephen Dew

Photographer: Ali Allen

Stylist: Alice King

Hair and Make-up Artist: Sarah Matheson

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Source ISBN: 9780007573042

Ebook Edition © JULY 2014 ISBN: 9780007573059

Version: 2014-08-15

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

TIPS & TRICKS

Where to Start

Equipment

Techniques

CRAFTS

Table Runner

Napkins & Napkin Rings

Log Cabin Patchwork

Express Bunting

Doorway Puppet Theatre

Hand Puppets

Christmas Decorations

Christmas Stocking

Sewing Tidy Bag

Pyramid Box

HOME FURNISHINGS

Cushions

Roman Blind

Curtains

ACCESSORIES

Snood

Man’s Apron

Child’s Smock Apron

Cape

Bucket Bag

ADULTS’ FASHION

Shell Blouse

Shift Dress

Pencil Skirt

Bonded Bodice

Man’s Waistcoat

KIDS’ FASHION

Jersey T-shirt

Trousers & Shorts

Dungarees

Toddler Dress

Romper Suit

Smocked Dress

Templates

Glossary

My Little Black Book

Acknowledgements

About the Publisher

I have been a textile tutor for over 40 years and I love my job. I couldn’t imagine doing anything more enjoyable. I have a passion for my subject and I love sharing my skills with other people – nothing gives me greater pleasure than helping my students and seeing them progress. At school I was not particularly academic, but I discovered that I could sew and I will never forget the sheer delight of completing my first project, a grey pencil skirt. I trained as a needlework teacher and taught at various schools for several years until my children arrived. I branched into adult education because I could fit it around my family, and I’ve been teaching students of all ages ever since.