The maker's atelier - The essential collection - review

'The Maker's Atelier, The Essential Collection: Sewing with Style' is an English book by Frances Tobin. The book is a large book (two pounds) of 21 x 15 cm and contains beautiful stylish photos and clear texts. Half of the book is an envelope containing eight sewing patterns (on a radar sheet). The book closes with a magnetic strip.

The maker's atelier
The subtitle: 'Sewing with Style' is a perfect title in our opinion. The book clearly focuses on the woman who likes the minimalist and stylish style. The sewing patterns are easy and manageable for beginners. Even the colors of the pictures (of the clothes) are matching: everything fits together perfectly. The colors are mainly  earth tones, brown, dark blue, burgundy, gold and many warm shades of beige. Stylish, warm colors that suits middle-aged women very well. Whether you already have gray hair or whether it is still blonde or brown; these colors are always flattering.

Fair sewing patterns, fair shapes
This book is not only aimed at women of all ages, but also women of all shapes. From size S to XL, these clothes will look great. There are plenty of women who don't like shopping or women who rarely find what they are looking for: stylish but comfortable clothes. This book is a great reason to start sewing.

Most of the patterns are timeless and classic, such as the pencil skirt, the cigarette pants, the coat and the blouses.

Required sewing level
The sewing patterns are suitable for beginners. The instructions are loud and clear and supported by simple drawings. The sequence is also clear, step-by-step and no steps upfront. The radar sheets are easy to understand and ideal for beginners. This book will be a nice step to get used to pattern pieces and to get a feel for how to handle sewing patterns.

Alternatives
The author of the book recommends fabrics  for each pattern and alternatives  (from simple garbadine to metallic leather look). If you know the sewing patterns, you can vary endlessly with fabric and try more  'advanced options'.

In addition, you can endlessly vary the items of clothing yourself. The blouse fits both the pencil skirt and the cigarette pants and the coat is matching with all the clothes. In fact, these eight sewing patterns are the basis for an entire wardrobe. The bag is especially nice. This is called 'book' bag because it is big enough for groceries or a stack of books.

A nice tip for the holidays: Make a 'book' bag for a family member, friend or girlfriend. Such a bag is always great and if you create it with suede or a leather look fabric, it will be a big hit!

Check, check, double check
We made the pencil skirt and the cigarette pants. A leather look bag is still in process :>)

The pencil skirt is a great comfortable skirt as home wear (nice and casual in jersey with elastic band) but you can also make it more representable with a zipper, waistband and luxurious fabrics. The length is just right. Not fussy or stiff, but feminine and modern.

The cigarette pants are ideal as a basic garment as well. It looks a lot better than leggings or jogging pants and  especially for the summer pants. The cigarette pants can of course also be sutable for the winter. Buy a thicker fabric and lengthen the pants. How simple can it be?