It's World Book Day tomorrow and we're thinking about our most treasured books. Like loooads of other sewists, I (Louise) used Tilly's first book, Love at First Stitch, as a tool when I first started sewing. And because of that, it's a book that will always have a very special place in my heart :)

WHAT CAN I MAKE?- The book includes six main patterns - a skirt, a top/dress, a T-shirt, a hoody, a pair of joggers and a dress. All the patterns have multiple ways you can make them so you can get so much out of each style. The book is brilliant for getting you acquainted with different types of knit fabrics - so you will get comfortable with using and understanding how to work with them. The most involved project in the book is the 60s-inspired Olive pinafore dress. This make will add new techniques to your sewing skills, such as double-pointed darts, an all-in-one facing and press-on snaps as an alternative closure. Love at First Stitch is also available in Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, North American English, Norwegian and Swedish. Build your skills and confidence one project at a new techniques are introduced when you need them. Tilly's hints and tips for making sewing part of your lifestyle, adding your own special touch to any sewing project, and even how to polish your signature style.The book starts off with a pattern that can be made in three ways - the Safiya trousers, playsuit or dungarees - which has become a hit with lots of makers. WHAT CAN I MAKE? - The book includes six main patterns - trousers/dungarees/playsuit, two dresses, a T-shirt, cardigan and pyjama set. All the patterns have multiple ways you can make them - giving you 24 projects in total - them so you can get so much out of the book.

Make It Simple does what it says on the tin. It helps you find ways to make your sewing more approachable so you can fit it into your busy life. The sewing shortcuts, lifestyle tips and sewing techniques include:

I've also returned to the tutorials within the Mimi blouse a few times in my learning. This blouse requires you to sew buttons and buttonholes, which again are more key skills that beginners can master with practice and with the very helpful steps in the book. These are patterns that you can also return to any time, as you fancy them or as you get a new idea. There's been a couple of times when I've looked at a shirt pattern and thought to myself 'I'll just make a Mimi' instead, because I know it is achievable. Dressmaking basics like pinning, using a sewing pattern, cutting out, transferring pattern markings and understanding clothing construction

What did you think of this book? Did it help you as a beginner or as a more experienced dressmaker? Love at First Stitch offers a refreshing approach to dressmaking for modern makers. With jargon-busting tutorials and a down-to-earth attitude, the book takes you from the absolute basics of threading your sewing machine through to creating a wardrobe full of gorgeous clothes that you'll be proud to say you made yourself. Fancy making your own clothes but have no idea where to start? Tired of overwhelming sewing manuals and frumpy projects? Love at First Stitch offers a refreshing approach to dressmaking for modern makers, taking you from the basics of threading your sewing machine through creating gorgeous garments that you'll love to wear. Let Tilly Walnes inspire you with her jargon-busting tutorials, down-to-earth attitude, and adorable dressmaking style, showing you that making your own clothes is so much more enjoyable than buying them.The final project can definitely be described as a show-stopper. The Joni dress features a stunning twist front in the bodice that is surprisingly simple to make. You can test your skills with a stretch velvet and/or a sequined skirt while Tilly guides you through the process. From how to thread your machine and select fabric, to your first projects on to slightly more advanced techniques. This does take a very gentle learning curve from the very start to probably an advanced beginner level. Its hard to judge from my more experienced viewpoint but none of it seems impossible for even a newbie, and it gently increases the difficulty and complexity as it goes through the patterns. The Juno pyjamas are another favourite design from the book because they are oh-so-comfortable. They use the Tabitha top pattern and legging-style bottoms that are as cosy as they look! You can also turn them into adorable shortie PJs for the summer months.

Love at First Stitch offers a refreshing approach to dressmaking for modern makers. With jargon-busting tutorials and a down-to-earth attitude, the book takes you from the absolute basics of threading your sewing machine through to creating a wardrobe full of gorgeous clothes that you'll be proud to say you made yourself. The Bertha cardigan is a me-made essential. The oversized shape and batwing sleeves that are inserted on the flat mean making to wearing time is practically nothing! The fuss-free Suki dress has a modern cocoon shape and can be made with a belt or without. It's a perfect project for beginners as you won't have to navigate any fiddly fastenings or fitting tweaks. Simple, elegant, and a little groovy, Love at First Stitch is all you need to start making the dresses of your dreams--with 7 complete full-size patterns.Plus, instructions for drafting your own simple patterns for the Brigette scarf and Clemence skirt.