Merchant & Mills Sewing Book
Keep it simple and do it well.
The Merchant & Mills Sewing Book contains fifteen step-by-step projects aimed at guiding you gently but firmly through the basics of sewing. Each project you make from this book will be stylish, but above all, useful.
Part I of the book presents a fundamental overview on the art of sewing, the tools and materials you will need and homegrown tips on essential good practice.
In Part II, seasoned dressmaker Carolyn Denham leads you step by step through fifteen achievable projects, each building on the skills gained as you progress through the book. First, equip your sewing room with practical items you never knew you needed, such as a Tailor’s Ham, Sleeve Roll and an Ironing Board Cover (essential items for good pressing practice), a Hussif (the ever ready portable sewing kit) and a Maker’s Apron (utilitarian chic for good workers). Then go on to use your new sewing skills to make cushions, throws and bags before progressing on to garments with the Tailored Shawl and Fisherman’s Top, using the paper patterns provided in the back of the book.
Make them all and you will be a very capable dressmaker with a raft of functional, beautiful, handmade goods.
Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field are Merchant & Mills. The company was formed to elevate sewing to its proper place in the creative world, respecting the craftsmanship it entails. They produce a range of card patterns and really useful kits and in profound contrast to the pretty, flowery image of the average haberdasher, they present superb and unusual sewing of notions in stark, utilitarian packaging. Carolyn has a degree in fashion and has lived and worked in Italy and New York. She spent several years in Interior Design. Roderick is an established photographer and writer with works in the National Portrait Gallery. He is responsible for the company’s visual style and is currently designing artwork for a wide variety of contemporary merchandise. Merchant & Mills products are stocked by Liberty, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Selvedge as well as independent retailers all over the world.