Pins and Needles An Intermediate Sewing Book For Girls

Pins & Needles
An Intermediate Sewing Book for Girls
by JoAnn Gagnon

Grades: Fourth and Above

The intermediate book, Pins and Needles, continues what Stitches and Pins started, delving into more difficult sewing techniques like waistbands, zippers, and set-in sleeves. There are also sections on specialty fabrics, and you will learn the quick and beautiful seams and finishes made using the serger. The format of the book is laid out like Stitches and Pins, techniques are introduced followed by projects to apply the new techniques - from garment construction to quilting. There are over 30 projects in all, something to be stitched for every season of the year! And, all the patterns, Girls sizes 8 to 16 and Misses sizes 8 to 16, are included in a handy packet built into the back cover of the book!

A few of our projects:

Techniques taught in our front buttoned vest appliqué, buttons and buttonholes, lining and pockets. You will learn to put on a waistband and to stitch soft pleats while stitching the culotte skirt. The blouse pattern has variations for puff or roll-up sleeves, rounded or pointed collars, and buttons up the front. The floppy hat completes the outfit in a fun way.

Once you learn to gather, line a bodice, put in a zipper and make a border on your jumper, you are ready to take these skills a step farther by adding piping and turning the project into a sundress. Also included is a pattern for a shawl collar jacket.

You will be introduced to the serger by making several outfits - Tshirts and shorts for summertime wear, and sweat suits for cooler weather activities. A pieced heart border and the duck appliqué on the sweat shirts make these outfits fun to wear.

Snugly and warm describes Polar Fleece which is so popular now. It is also surprisingly easy to sew! Patterns include a zipper front vest, and hooded jacket which has the option of stitching it as a pull-over style or with a zippered front. Wintertime accessories are not forgotten. The comfy mittens, wrap-around scarf, ear warmer, and two styles of the snow hat patterns are included in this book.

Pintucks, lace insertion, and machine embroidery are heirloom techniques learned when you make a fancy bag and blouse. A variety of quilting projects are included. Log Cabin and Courthouse Steps piecing, strip quilting, appliqué, quick bias, and quilters grid are all techniques used in making game boards, coasters, placemats, wall hangings and Christmas projects.


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