REVIEW: Sweat Shop - The Book

No, no, don't get the wrong idea, this isn't a book about taking a stand against exploitation, although the name is intended to raise the awareness of such practice. The Sweat Shop is a cafe - come - workshop, situated in the 10th arrondissement (that is 'district' to you and me), in Paris. It is there that you will be able to attend sewing, and knitting workshops, hire the use of a sewing machine, or just use the space, that you may not have at home, to create and craft. On top of that there is coffee and cake for you to indulge in, it sounds like a little piece of heaven, right?

The Sweat Shop is run by Martena Duss, a Make Up Artist, and Sissi Holleis, a Fashion Designer. They call what they are doing Cafe Couture, and their book brings a little Cafe Couture to the UK (although you will have to provide your own coffee and cake - the sweat, and how much work you choose to put in, are optional).

It appears to be part project book, part tour guide. There are thirty-two tutorials for you to delve into, under the headings of 'Coutour' (Creating Clothes), 'Knitting', 'Customize', 'Decoration', and 'Tricks of the Trade', as well as a small selection of cake recipes.

You could find yourself creating anything from a wide-brimmed felt 70s style hat, to a quick fish net jumper, or a reversible top. Each tutorial is given a difficulty rating, either easy, medium, or advanced.

Some of the tutorials are called 'Masterclasses' and are written by professionals, who collaborate with The Sweat Shop on a regular basis.

Most tutorials come with scaled patterns, for you to copy and enlarge, as well as instructions, diagrams and photos. When it comes to sewing, I am a complete novice, I don't even have a sewing machine, (although I would quite like one), however, I didn't find reading through the projects too intimidating, everything seemed to be presented clearly. There were some projects that I felt were far beyond my humble capabilities, but others that I thought "yes, that all sounds straight forward, I could give that a go', and that is what what this book is trying to encourage, doing it yourself, having a go, encouraging you to create and express yourself.

You are expected to know a certain amount, various different stitches are mentioned for sewing and knitting. I imagine, this isn't much of a problem if you have a sewing machine anyway, and the helpful glossary placed at the back, gave me a good description of what was meant, but I guess it is worth pointing out that this is a project book, not a learn out to knit/sew book.

I imagine if you are already knocking out garments on a weekly basis, you wouldn't find this particularly riveting, but for everyone else, it could really capture your imagination. It isn't in the slightest pretentious, it oozes that experimental student, or bohemian lifestyle. Cath Kidston and Martha Stewart, it most certainly is not, maybe it is more their disobedient, scruffy, fashionista of a little sister. This is for those, whose style is individual and quirky, and those that run in horror from the image of perfected domesticity.

This isn't the run of the mill book full of tutorials though, because aside from those, you have the front part of the book that feels like a tour guide, and as wonderful as all the projects are, I thought this was what made the book so unique. You are given a little history of the 10th arrondissement, (it used to be a swamp, don't you know), there is a list of the top shops in Paris at the back, and you are also introduced to various other people in the district, that the Sweat Shop call their friends. You are given a sneaky little local look at restaurants and shops, that these crafting ladies frequent, it creates a lovely feeling of family and community. Who would not want to visit Hubert at his intriguing arts space? There is a picture of him, all bearded, in black leggings, and pink leg warmers, he looks like the kind of wonderful character you want to meet...admit it, you are curious. It all just feels incredibly personal, even the tutorials tell you a little about the writer. It feels much like The Sweat Shop is supposed to feel, like a living room, it isn't flashy or commercial, it is real life, and you are being invited into it with open arms.

I want to sew, I want to knit, I want to experiment and make some odd, maybe slightly mismatched items, that perhaps my mother would raise an eyebow at. This book has made me want those things, I might not be a sewing wizard or knitter... yet, but the 10th arrondissement already feels like home, and I'm considering hopping on that Eurostar, and finding the ladies that can get me started.

Sweat Shop - The Book
Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis
£19.99 (RRP - available at various prices online)

Ivy Press - http://www.ivypress.co.uk

ISBN-10: 190733288X
ISBN-13: 978-1907332883