Sewing For The Soul: Simple sewing patterns and recipes to lift the spirits

A lovely looking book but feels like it’s just cashing in on a trend for home sewing. I’m a pretty confident dressmaker and even I wouldn’t try some of the patterns with the scarcity of instructions. A couple of them are ‘self drafted’ so you’re not getting much for your money, others rely on a good degree of hand embroidery skill. The drawstring trousers (an easy win for a wet afternoon, I thought) are missing markings on the pattern (buttonholes, pocket placement in some sizes) and the cutting instructions are wrong (you don’t need 4 waistband pieces if cutting on the fold.) The lack of attention to detail doesn’t inspire confidence in the more complex patterns. If I hadn’t marked the pattern sheets - very awkward to read, orange and red to decipher on the same sheet and poor, confusing instructions - it would be going back. I do wonder how many other reviewers have looked beyond the glossy presentation and actually tried to see the patterns. A complete waste of money.

As I paged through this book for the first time, I could just feel my spirits lifting—it’s delightful! There are a number of very wearable patterns in sizes UK 8 to 26 (US 4 to 22), thoughtfully divided into the four seasons. The patterns include an elegantly topstitched shirt dress, both a woven AND a knit tee, palazzo pants, shirred spaghetti strap top, cami and shorts, oversized shirt, winter coat, drawstring trousers and a cute patchwork blanket made from old jumpers. What’s not to love?! And then there’re the recipes—yummy cakes and drinks for each season—care for a slice of choc orange cake accompanied by homemade mocha latte? Oh yes, please!Beautiful book, thrilled to have it in my sewing book library. And big thanks to Jules Fallon for creating it.

What a strange combination cake and sewing. Disappointed that the clothes are not shown on real people. Not had chance to try the patterns yet. The coat looks nice but the instructions look complicated for the lining. The stripes don’t match on the T shirt ! This book has lovely photos but nothing that can’t be found in many other books like GBSB or Tilly

Bought it as a gift, she loved it, has some lovely recipes in as well as patterns. Thinking of getting a copy for myself

Purchased this book for my mums birthday & the patterns at the back are not included! Very disappointed & will not buy from seller again. This item will be returned ASAP.