We chat to Wendy, give you a chance to win the book and learn how-to sew some Al Fresco Placemats.

Wendy has successfully worked as a freelance writer, teacher and author in the sewing industry all her working life, during which time she has held the role of editor of several leading sewing magazines as well as having written 16 books and presented 11 DVDs. She also runs regular residential Creative Sewing Weekends and writes projects and technique articles for various magazines and her own resource website www.isew.co.uk which is packed with tips, techniques and projects. Wendy is also a regular guest presenter on shopping channels Ideal World and Create & Craft TV plus she works with the leading pattern and haberdashery companies in the UK and organisers of the Knitting and Stitching shows to deliver extensive workshop programmes. All this has led to Wendy having a strong reputation and indeed fan base because of her enthusiastic and friendly approach to sharing her passion for all things to do with sewing. She is well known by keen sewists as well as the leading companies in the industry for her extensive skill base and knowledge of the sewing market. “I passionately believe in passing on sewing skills and knowledge so that more people can make their own fashion and furnishings and realise it’s a pastime that can be fast, fun, fashionable and affordable. With today’s modern equipment and sewing machines it really can be easy to sew and I love to share that fact.”