Can you hear the cheering? A new sewing book by Sonya Philip is out in the world and it is made of magic. The Act of Sewing, book released by Roost Books, is here and it’s the end-of-the-pandemic-tunnel sewing book that we all need in our lives. At it’s most basic, it includes four fabulous full-size sewing patterns, all the nitty-gritty, technical details and the cheeriest cover you’ve ever seen. It is packed with practical information about how to adjust and alter to get a fabulous fit as well as inclusive and loving sizes.
It’s a sneaky little bugger, though, this book. It looks innocent enough and checks all the practical boxes and then BAM, Sonya hits you with her magic. (Warning, Sonya’s magic is that she puts so much heart into things that she can reach right into your heart.)
For one, her voice is as compassionate and warm as she is in real life. Her patterns are designed to fit real bodies and they are simple to construct…all things we expect from Sonya. In addition, though, she includes a few essays and embedded in her words is so much self-love and vulnerability that you feel immediately connected to her.
Honestly, these essays articulate the complexities of sewing and body issues and the humility inherent in sewing in a way that speaks to me so deeply. So much of what Sonya says, feels plucked right out of my brain…but said so clearly and eloquently and with so much heart. The Act of Sewing lays it all out for us so much so that it illuminates the magic of making and the transformation involved in sewing your own clothes. I feel I can stop talking myself blue and start simply handing out this book. “Here! This is what I mean!” Sewing is magic and Sonya is here with her wand and her magic dust to lead us all!
I am definitely biased because I am lucky enough to consider Sonya a friend but I am speaking the 100% truth. (She made wonderful espadrilles if you remember them!) Ironclad facts only, my friends.
I was given an early copy of the book (and one to giveaway!). I was immediately inspired to make trousers. I altered the pattern by widening them to more of a straight leg and plucked this mustard, woven ikat fabric out of my stash. I will be wearing these all summer long. My hips and my tummy DESERVE to feel free to move and exist in the space these trousers give me.
Friends, this book is a loving addition to the world of sewing. It is here for us, as a companion, at the end of this unreal year of Covid. I can’t recommend it enough. You should definitely buy it and support the magic-ness of Sonya but if that isn’t in your budget, do check out my giveaway over on Instagram (U.S. Only).
Be sure to check out all the book events coming up too! Then, make yourself some clothes and enjoy the feel of the magic dust sprinkling down on you!
P.S. The top I’m wearing was acquired at a clothing swap. My neighbor and I organized a clothing swap for Earth Week and it was amazing! I really want to make it an annual event. I’ve been wearing clothes from the swap for a full week!
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