Are you looking for an informative sewing book that will really get you excited about sewing? You've found it! Read all about the SewSimple sewing book "Näh doch einfach" in this post.
The most important things at a glance
- The SewSimple sewing book was published by Frech-Verlag in September 2021
- In this post, you'll find out how the book project came about
- You can get the sewing book wherever books are sold – and online, of course
- "Näh doch einfach" contains 192 pages and costs 22 euros
Writing a sewing book – how does one even end up doing that? Since I started talking about this project on Instagram and in my newsletter, I've heard this question quite often.
That's why I'm sharing here how "Näh doch einfach" was created, what the real challenges were, and what I love most about the book.
Where can I order the SewSimple sewing book?
You can get the book in creative shops, specialty stores, fabric stores – and everywhere else where books are sold. Of course, you can also order it online.
-> Get the SewSimple sewing book "Näh doch einfach" now!*
A little tip: If you would like a sewing book with a dedication, send me an email at sabine@sewsimple.de :)
Where did the idea of writing a sewing book come from?
First of all: not from me! A "book" was never seriously on my wishlist. Sure, as a bookworm, yes. But not as an author. I didn't even think about the fact that, as a blogger, I am also an author in the broadest sense.
Until I got a call from Frech-Verlag last year. The name Frech-Verlag might not mean anything to you, but you surely know the TOPP books. Whenever it comes to books and creativity, TOPP books are involved. I own several of them myself and am always thrilled by how well-researched and high-quality these books are.
Consequently, Claudia from Frech-Verlag had my full attention when she asked if I had ever thought about publishing a sewing book. She was a bit surprised when I said no.
But after a short phone call, it was clear: we're doing this together. Phew! The excitement only really washed over me after I had already hung up. Fortunately. ;)
How did the idea turn into a real book?
As soon as I got the green light from the publisher, I started putting a concept for a book together. What should be in it? What should the structure look like? Fortunately, Claudia, who truly supported and accompanied me from A to Z, helped me along the way.
Then I had to decide which sewing projects to include. That was probably the hardest part. I would have loved to pack dozens of patterns and templates into the book. We then agreed on 10 projects that matched the basic topics in the book.
This means: many topics in the book are accompanied by a project where you can try out your newly acquired knowledge. That way, you have it fresh in your mind and are not afraid to get started right away.
And once you've implemented it, it's permanently in your repertoire. Sure, you have to look things up occasionally, following the motto "How was that again?" – but then you just pick up the book and carry on.
What happened next?
Actually, not that much differently than here on the blog. The workflow looks like this:
- I have an idea and sketch how I imagine the implementation
- We create a first pattern
- We sew the pattern many times in all variations as a test
- Then changes and adjustments are made
- If necessary, there are also small add-ons (like a hood) or extras that are added directly to the pattern
- With the finished pattern, I then create photo instructions
- I also shoot a video (often directly as an Instagram Reel)
- Now I'm ready to write the blog post with the instructions
- Sometimes I also pack the instructions into an eBook; this is usually the case with clothing patterns or more elaborate bags
- In between, I juggle photos, crop, edit, and sort through them
It was the same with the book.
All articles and instructions were typed up, and then the photos were added.
When everything was ready, I sent the big overall package to the publisher. And then came the worst part: waiting.
How long did it take from the manuscript to the finished book?
I sent in the manuscript in April, and the book was published in September.
In between, there were always small updates: additional photos, galley proofs, author photos for the publisher's website and for Amazon. I can really consider myself lucky that Claudia supported and accompanied me so incredibly patiently. When you do something like this for the first time, it's pretty exciting.
Which sewing projects can I find in "Näh doch einfach"?
First of all, there are some very simple things with which you can still cause a real sensation. For example, chic linen napkins with perfect mitered corners. Or beautiful pillows with piping, at the sight of which my mouth waters every time (I loooove the color combo!).
Besides such basics, I really wanted to show a few funny little things that are absolutely unmistakable. While planning, I thought of the owl pot holders, which were around in masses during the early days of SewSimple. Just search for sew owl pot holders, and you'll know what I mean... ;)
Funnily enough, a field mouse had moved into our bathroom at that time. Whenever the sun shone into the window, the cute little mouse sat in front of the shower and sunned itself. The little animal was so tame that I could catch it by hand and take it outside. In its honor, I invented the mouse pot holders. Take a look:
Well, aren't they cute? ;)
And it went on: I wanted to include the topic of sustainability because I also write about sustainable sewing here on the blog from time to time. That's just important to me. That's why I had the idea to develop a spacious shopper bag that also looks so good that you definitely won't forget it at home.
I dedicated the bag directly to my dear Grace, who has often modeled for me here on the blog. :)
Of course, there are more cool sewing projects in "Näh doch einfach". For example, a summery loop scarf made from fabric scraps (also a recurring topic for me), which also works great as a men's loop scarf:
Perhaps you have already discovered my blog post about sewing a loop scarf?
Are the sewing patterns included in the book?
Yes, they are! At the back of the book, there is a pattern sheet where you can find the sewing patterns for all projects in the book.
Will there also be videos for the instructions in the book?
Of course, there even are some already! Anyone who paid close attention (and has perhaps already subscribed to my channel) saw that one or two SewSimple videos were released on YouTube every day before the publication date of the sewing book. It was important to me that people who prefer watching sewing videos to reading instructions could also recreate the sewing ideas.
For example, the instructions for the shopper bag:
So definitely check out my YouTube channel and leave me a subscription – then I can provide you with fresh sewing ideas there regularly too. :)
Where did you get the beautiful fabrics you use in the sewing book?
Unfortunately, my acknowledgments were lost: Stoffe Hemmers actively supported me during my work for the book and provided me with fabrics and materials, which I think is just great!
Therefore: All fabrics and materials (except for a few fabric treasures that I had in my stash or acquired from Simone) come from Stoffe Hemmers*. Many, many thanks for that!
What I love most about "Näh doch einfach"
Quite simple: That I was able to write the way I do. I didn't have to pretend, I didn't have to mince my words. If I wanted to write about the sewing blues or a sewing-gasm – well, then I just did.
What came of it: A sewing book that is simply different. And that's exactly what I love about it: It's all mine, through and through. That makes me very proud. And incredibly happy.
The little figures in the book look just like you - is that intentional?
Well, I certainly hope so! Together with illustrator Meike Teichmann, we worked on cute "mini-mes" that guide you through the book and perhaps conjure up a smile or two on your face... ;)
Fun fact: The first mini-Sabines were super slim – somehow they only really looked like me after they were drawn a bit plumper... ;)
What I find especially cute: Meike drew me in the clothes I love wearing: pinafore dresses, striped shirts, jeans, and Chucks. That there is also an occasional more elegant little dress is simply due to the occasion... :)
What was your coolest moment regarding the sewing book?
There were two. The first: When I discovered that I could use the texts for the voice-overs of the videos from my own book. THAT was a feeling.
And the second: When "Näh doch einfach" was already the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon in the sewing category a week before the release date.
Fun fact: On that same day, I had confessed to my husband that I was very worried that nobody would want to read the book... ;)
Will there be a second sewing book from SewSimple?
Yes. And not only that: two new books from SewSimple will be published in 2022. Isn't that insanely cool news? After "Näh doch einfach!" is so successful, we will follow up and launch an overlock book from SewSimple. Gosh, I'm already so excited. I will keep you up to date on the state of affairs on Instagram and in the newsletter, if you like.
Are there any more questions you are interested in regarding "Näh doch einfach"? Feel free to write them in the comments!
Happy simple sewing, your Sabine
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