In the past few weeks I've added some new and interesting titles to my sewing library, which I will review briefly in the days ahead, giving you a peek at some of the projects inside.  You can also read more reviews on amazon.com.  If you can find these at your local library check them out, it's free!  But if you want to purchase, you can click through my amazon link......and I will reap a (very) small commission.

First up is Sew Retro, A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution. It includes a pocket of pattern pieces and instructions to make "25 vintage-inspired projects for the modern girl". On first glance this book sounds great.  The history of sewing, accompanied by designer bios and vintage illustrations is fascinating, beginning with "The Cult of True Womanhood" (uh-oh) in the 1800s and ending with "Revolution 1960s and 1970s".    The actual sewing projects are the basics you find in many other current books on the market, ie. handbags, coasters, aprons, potholders, quilts, and skirts, supposedly with a vintage twist.......which I just don't see.  For example, check out the "flapper apron", circa 1920's, pictured below.  Can't figure out what earns this basic apron the "flapper" title.  Several designs seem more appropriate for a Girl Scout troop project (eg. 60's elasticized headband), and others are just poor representatives of the vintage decade they are supposed to represent!  Maybe it would have been better if authentic vintage fabrics were used rather than the current crop of cotton prints available at any fabric store.  Cute, but NOT vintage!