Review   Small Quilts - June 1, 2010
“This helpful sewing manual covers much more than its name implies. Me and My Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Guide by Kate Haxell for C&T Publishing introduces all the basic sewing techniques. While quilting and patchwork are only mentioned briefly, this is a great beginning resource for the new sewer in your life. Includes patterns for seven simple projects and a useful glossary.”

Review By: Christina Lane,    - May 5, 2010
"I honestly can't say enough good things about this book.  I was more than surprised at how well it was written and presented.  I have been on the look out for a great, basic sewing guide to recommend to new sewers and I no longer need to search.  This is the book!  Everything is well written, in an easy to understand format.  Kate tells you just what you need to know without a lot of extra fluff.  Step-by-step photos for each technique are a true blessing.  Even after sewing for 20+ years, this book will have a permanent home on my shelf."

Review By: Gloria Hansen,    - May 14, 2010
"This book is something I wish was available when I had sewing in school many years ago.  It’s written in a no-nonsense, straight to the point manner and is a great introduction to sewing.  The book gives chunks of information on one or two page spreads with clear illustrations and photos.  Nothing is overwhelming, and a particular type of instruction can be quickly found and understood. The main sections of the 128 page softbound book are My Sewing Machine, which goes through the parts of a machine — nothing technical, just what you need to understand — accessories, tools, and other basics.  Seams Simple covers a variety of seams, such as mock French, French, open, mock open, and so on.  Next is Hemmed In.  And as you probably guessed, it illustrates a variety of hemming techniques.  That is followed by Fasten Up, which covers various zippers, closures, and buttonholes.  Around the Corner, has info on making different types of smooth curves.  On the Edge offers various edge treatments such as basic bindings and scallops.  Fancy That includes pleats, ruffles, adding lace, applique, and so on.  It finishes with a projects chapter.  I like the cute handkerchief-hemmed skirt, it seems perfect for a summery bathing suit cover-up.  There is a front and back flap that I found myself using as a place marker.  If you’re going to use the book a great deal, consider bringing it  to a store, such as Staples or Kinkos, to have a spiral spine inserted into the book.  This will help keep it flat when needed. While the book touches on patchwork and applique, this is not a quilt book.  Rather, this book is exactly what it says it is: a beginner’s guide to sewing  It’s clear, concise, and will give someone starting out — such as a person turned on to sewing as the result of watching Project Runway — the confidence to venture into the world of sewing.  You won’t find things like setting in a sleeve or adding a lining, but you will find a solid foundation on which to grow.  It’s also a solid reference for anyone who knows how to sew, and its clean layout makes it attractive to all age groups.  I’d like to one day see a companion book.  Could a “me and my sewing machine – beyond the basics” be in the future? "

Review   Michigan Bishop Sewing Council - April 1, 2010
“…Me and My Sewing Machine is loaded with information on the sewing machine. There are photos of machine parts, feet, tools and equipment, and a glossary that has corresponding page numbers for each term. The author describes fabrics, thread and stitches, and explains the difference between pressing and ironing…There are chapters on seams, hems, edge finishes, and decorative details, all with accompanying photos…”

Review By: Ashley Smith,   American Quilt Retailer - July 1, 2010
“…Me and My Sewing Machine, a Beginner's Guide by Kate Haxell is an excellent reference manual to carry in your store. Excellent step-by-step photography along with easy-to-understand instructions detail the various kinds of seams, how to put in a zipper or hem, and it even includes patterns for some fun projects….”

Review   Connecting Threads - June 24, 2010
"Good-looking and jargon-free, this book makes learning to sew an easy, creative, and absorbing occupation. To get you started you’ll find useful information on what to look for when choosing your first sewing machine, what other equipment you’ll need, and which fabrics are easiest to work with. All the basic skills—pinning, cutting, basting, and pressing—are covered, so you’ll be completely ready to move on to mastering the myriad sewing techniques on offer. The pages are packed with detailed step-by-step methods covering all aspects of sewing with a machine, from the simplest straight seam through the professional lapped zipper. There are both practical and decorative techniques to explore, so you’ll be able to make and embellish with confidence. Whether you want to hem a skirt or set a ruffle into a seam, finish an edge neatly or sew a perfect dart, you’ll find precise, clear instructions that will make you feel you’ve got a tutor by your side. You’ll also find seven specially designed projects that, although simple, don’t skimp on style. Make a garment, an accessory or a project for your home; you’ll now be equipped to tackle every element. "

Review   Connecting Threads - June 24, 2010
"I’ve been sewing for a long time, but I was self taught, and I’m still at a beginner level.  This is exactly the book I need to improve my sewing skills!  If you are a self taught sewist, this book is a wonderful resource that is able to answer your questions.  I like “Me and My Sewing Machine” because it explains techniques that aren’t common sense, and that I’m probably doing wrong.  This book will help you sew projects that are beautifully crafted and durable.  The information in the reference section is invaluable, and the patterns are cute, easy to sew, but will still help you work through new techniques.  I wish “Me and My Sewing Machine” had been available years ago!"

Review   Notions - June 1, 2010
“With complete instructions for tried and true techniques, from the basic set-up to the finishing touches, an illustrated guide to how a sewing machine works, and advice on the accessories needed to achieve the desired results, this is a great book for the newbie sewer.”