Summer is one of those times when we love to pick up a book and relax in the shade while reading.
That's why today we bring you a series of recommendations that we're sure you'll love!
Sewing books
We discovered several books covering everything from basic techniques to advanced and specific projects, ideal for beginners as well as for those with more experience:
- “The Big Book of Sewing" by Alison Smith. This is a complete book on sewing that covers everything from basic techniques to advanced projects. It includes clear instructions, detailed illustrations and step-by-step photographs that make it easy to follow.
- “Cutting and sewing for Dummies” by Gemma Lucena Garrido. Starting with the basic concepts, materials and techniques, up to a medium-high level of complexity, this book teaches how to create patterns, cut fabrics and sew different garments and different fabrics, by hand and by machine.
- “The book of settings for sewing patterns” by Gina Renee Dunham. This book is more advanced and is aimed at those interested in fashion design and pattern making. It offers a guide to fitting garments, making corrections or modification to sewing patterns.
- “How to use the sewing machine” by Marie Clayton. Ideal for those who wish to learn how to use a sewing machine. Manual for using the sewing machine, first steps and troubleshooting.
Continuing with sewing, we will focus on our passion: la moda flamenca. Libros que se suelen encontrar en librerías especializadas.
Books on Flamenco Couture:
- El Traje de Flamenca: Cutting and Dressmaking by Carmen Carnero. This book is a complete guide to the design and making of flamenco dresses. It includes patterns, cutting and sewing techniques, as well as practical advice on how to achieve a professional finish.
- Flamenco Sewing: 30 Flamenco Fashion Models with Patterns by Javier Alcántara. It offers a collection of 30 flamenco fashion designs, with detailed patterns and step-by-step explanations. It is ideal for those looking for inspiration and techniques to create their own flamenco dresses.
- Patronaje Flamenco: Techniques and Designs by Eva Escudero. This book focuses on pattern making techniques specific to flamenco fashion. It includes a variety of designs and explains how to adapt patterns to different styles and sizes.
- ‘Flamenca: La Moda del Sur’ by Antonio Garduño. Although it is not a pattern book, it offers a deep insight into the history and evolution of the flamenco dress, with photographs and descriptions of different styles and trends over the years. It is a great source of inspiration for designers and dressmakers.
- Design and Confection of the Flamenco Costume by María José Guerrero. This book provides a detailed guide to designing and making flamenco dresses, with illustrations and clear explanations of the techniques used.
Books on flamenco culture and fashion:
We are heading towards the final stretch of this review with a compilation of books related to flamenco fashion and culture:
- “Flamenco” by Raquel Revuelta. It is a work that takes a look at southern fashion in images and pays tribute to the 25th anniversary of the International Flamenco Fashion Show (SIMOF).
- “El Traje de Flamenca" by Rosa María Martínez.
- Trajes de Flamenca: History, Design and Tradition by María de los Ángeles Fernández Luque. This book offers a complete overview of the history of the flamenco dress, exploring its origins, evolution and cultural significance. It includes numerous designs and photographs that illustrate the richness and diversity of this fashion.
- Flamenco Fashion: The Passion of the South by Ana Morón. Ana Morón, a leading flamenco fashion designer, shares her knowledge and experiences in this book. She focuses on contemporary flamenco dress design, with examples of her own creations.
- The Adventure of Flamenco by José Manuel Gamboa. One of the world's foremost flamenco experts offers an accessible and exciting narrative about the history and essence of flamenco. It is an enjoyable read for beginners and connoisseurs alike.
- Flamenco: History of an Enigma by Balbino Gutiérrez. This book deals with the mysterious origins of flamenco and its multicultural roots. It is a fascinating read for those interested in the more enigmatic and lesser-known aspects of flamenco.
We close this review with a selection of books for the youngest members of the family:
Children's books:
- “Bailar flamenco” by Fran Nuño. Curro and Macarena want to take part in all the parties. And, of course, they also want to learn to dance flamenco... to have fun with their friends.
- “El bosque baila” by María del Mar Estévez. This is a didactic proposal designed for the youngest members of the family with the aim of bringing them closer to the world of Flamenco in a beautiful and fun way.
- “De Los pies a La Cabeza” by Montse Ganges. An essential album to discover through catchy rhymes the meaning of these fifteen flamenco words.
We hope you have enough inspiration to enliven your flamenco soul.
We remind you that during the month of August our shop will be open from Monday to Friday, from 09:00h. to 15:00h.
Closed for holidays from 04 to 18 August inclusive.
Cover image: Imagen de jcomp en Freepik