Merchant & Mills Sewing Book: Hand Sewing Techniques, Machine Know-How, Tools, Notions, Projects, Patterns

"We love sewing and believe in it," the introduction to this book declares, in a sort of manifesto for the British company, Merchant & Mills, which has put its stamp on this guidebook to all things sewing. The overview of the foundations of sewing %E2%80%93 tools, fabric, techniques %E2%80%93 is somewhat hampered by what some will find to be a rather deliberately twee aesthetic: black and white abounds, a chapter is titled "Haberdashery: A Panoply of Small Things," and there are no photos of either irons or sewing machines manufactured in this century. But the projects section offers enticingly simple and sturdy- looking items. The Maker's Apron is the kind of classic piece a man or woman would delight in, while the Tailored Shawl is timeless and appealing. Instructions are clear and well-illustrated, although sewists should acquaint themselves with the book's unusual cutting guides before beginning. Black and white and full-color photos and illustrations. Pattern packet. (Feb.)