Daisy Braid - Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy: 20 Pattern-Free Projects (and Infinite Variations) To Make Your Dream Wardrobe

Hey maker, welcome! You might be reading this at the start of your sewing journey, or maybe youve been stitching away for years. Either way, Im glad youre here.

This book is all about do it yourself sewing sewing for YOU. That means two things: sewing in a way that is fun and enjoyable for you (whether youre a beginner or more advanced sewist), and sewing clothes and accessories that make you feel like yourself when you wear them. You make the rules, choose the fabric, and decide just how big the sleeves will be (never big enough, in my opinion).

If you are new to sewing, my aim is to encourage you to give things a good old go. As a self-taught sewist, I folded, bunched, cut, and just put my foot down and stitched (almost destroying my grandmothers sewing machine along the way). When I didnt know something, I watched videos, read books and blogs, and chatted with sewing friends. If you arent new to sewing, I hope this book serves as inspiration, not only for new sewing projects, but for new colour combinations, styling and fabric or simply a different approach to making clothes. When I lose my sewjo or get in a creative rut, trying something new or flicking through the pages of a crafty book can get my mind whirling again.

So what makes this book all about sewing it yourself, or rather sewing FOR yourself? For one thing, each of the twenty projects includes a variation that shows you how it can be altered, adjusted and hacked to make it your own.

The projects are also super easy to make because theyre based on simple shapes and are constructed with no buttons, zips or darts. I think its much easier to understand garment construction when youre starting out if you break things down into basic shapes. And then, when you see clothing in stores and on runways, you will start to think to yourself, I can make that, or even better, I can make my own version of that. And you can!

The garments and accessories featured in this book are easy to wear too they are all loose-fitting, and you can just pull them over your head or slip them over your hips. Finally, there is only one size in this book: size YOU. The projects are each self-drafted, based on your own measurements; there are no patterns to trace, so you can customise each project to fit your body the way you want it to.

No matter where you are in your sewing journey, I hope this book inspires you to create something new, something unique, and something that is just for you. Make mistakes, try new styles and enjoy the process, then wear your handmade creations proudly. Practise saying, Thanks, I made it.

This book is dedicated to all the people who inspired me to start sewing, motivated me to keep learning and supported my DIY journey. You might just find youre the reason someone else is inspired to start sewing too.

Daisy

Inside this book, you will find twenty DIY sewing projects (plus infinite variations) aimed at beginners but that can be made by sewists of all levels.

Before you start, its important to familiarise yourself with the sewing techniques, terminology, tools and materials you will need to complete each project. In of the book (where we are now), you will find information about fabric, how to finish seams and measure your body, and lots more. Flip back here as much as you need to for technique tutorials and terminology.

After that, its time to get sewing! In is where you will find the clothing projects.

Think of the projects as a base or foundation: each of them can be altered, hacked and transformed however youd like. Although each project comes with its own suggested variation, you can combine techniques from one project with another to create a whole new design. I encourage you to try on your me-mades throughout the sewing process adjust the size of armholes or the length of skirts as you go to make sure each aspect works for you. Clothing can be constructed in many ways, and as you gain experience sewing different kinds of garments, you will learn new ways to create things.

Pick a project, read the instructions and choose any variations you might want to make.

Take your measurements and insert them into any formulas.

Pick a fabric that makes you smile and wind a bobbin with matching thread.

Mark your shapes onto the fabric and cut them out.

Sew everything together, snip loose threads and press the seams.

Try on your fabulous new handmade creation and wear it proudly.

Sewing has many repetitive actions, and projects can take hours or days to complete. For your health and safety be mindful of the following when you sew:

• When cutting out fabric on the floor or a table or when you are sitting at the sewing machine, try to maintain a good posture.
• Always remember to turn off the iron after sewing! Mine automatically turns off after its been left on for a while.
• When machine sewing, keep your fingers together and at least 3 cm (1 in) away from the presser foot and needle.
• Avoid sewing when youre tired, because sewing tools are sharp. Plus, even if you desperately want to finish a project, the results will be better when youre feeling refreshed.

Project make times are not listed in this book because the time it takes you to make a project will depend on your skill level and how much time you want to spend on a project. Try not to rush a sewing project. Well-made clothing will last a lot longer, and the more time and care put into making a garment, the better it will be!

My teenage sewing experience was like being on