It's out (early on Amazon, I don't know if it's in stores yet) and I got mine Friday—the much anticipated new BBW book, Sew U Home Stretch: The Built by Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics. I knew it was coming soon so I ordered some cotton knit from SewZanne's from the previous FOE freak-out. I have no idea when I will start a new project, but a comfy knit skirt sure sounds good to me right now.
I read this cover to cover and I love it. Similar to sewing with wovens in her first book, she explains all ways to sew with knits and is very reassuring. I am SO HAPPY there is a cool knit book out there. Ribs, hemming while keeping a stretch, ball point needles, all the things that can seem freaky when sewing with knits are clearly explained here.
Here's what is so rad about this book: she tells you straight up, you don't need a serger, seriously. However, If you do have a serger, she describes handy stitch info and techniques to use it the best way. You get the low down on knit fabric types, you get 3 basic patterns (included in the back—full size tissues) a basic t-shirt, a raglan sleeve t-shirt, and a dress/skirt. Then, just like in her first book, she provides a gazillion variations. Sweet. She also has a bit on altering existing knits, so you don't even have to go to the fabric store to start sewing. All the patterns are designed by Wendy, so take a look at her site and this book (if you can look before you buy) to check out her style if you aren't familiar with it. I dig it a whole lot. The knit designs in this book have a sporty vibe which is totally adaptable, but is very1980s, just so you know.
The patterns come in XS-L. She provides a measurement chart in the book, but for reference, the XS fits a Chest 32", Waist 25", and Hip 36" Large fits a Chest 38", Waist 31", and Hip 42"—so get out your tape measure. Of course these stretch and are all very easy to alter— she emphasizes doing your own thing and making fabric changes (like silk jersey vs. sweatshirt fleece) to change the look of a pattern. Even if you wouldn't make everything in this book, it's still an amazing resource if you are willing to learn about altering patterns, which she describes thoroughly. That said, she describes how to alter style not size, so you will have to experiment if your size falls outside of the XS-L range.
This is a great sewing book. I highly suggest you get her first book and at least read it before you start this one. Not because this one is more advanced, it's actually easier to sew with knits, but because I think the whole serger/sewing machine techniques will be easier if you are familiar with basic garment sewing to start with.
