Customer Reviews (1)

Review-Singer Sewing Activewear
An excellent book for beginners and those wishing to learn how to sew activewear.Does not offer patterns, but provides detailed steps with photographs on how to measure, fit, add finishes, zippers, supplies, etc.Easy to follow and helps build confidence. ... Read more

Product Description
Collectors are bound to love The Encyclopedia of Early American and Antique Sewing Machines, Third Edition. This brand new third edition now contains 100 new detailed photographs, bringing the total to almost 600. Most are in color, with a large number of machines that have not appeared before. Prices, text, and rarity indicators have been updated. The material on vintage sewing machines has been greatly expanded, and a new appendix with a selection of photos of vintage machines has been added. The book traces the history and development of the sewing machine industry from 1800 to after 1900. Almost all known U.S. manufacturers of sewing machines up to 1875 (and several beyond) are highlighted: Singer, Wheeler & Wilson, Shaw & Clark, Weed, Howe, and Holly, to name just a few. Do you own your great aunt's antique treadle sewing machine? This book will identify and give the history of the manufacturer. Specific information is provided on restoring antique sewing machines, and toy sewing machines are also given coverage. This title is the standard reference for early American sewing machines. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Just what I wanted!
Wanted to know more about the sewing machines before our computerized models. This book gave great background on the antiques.The pictures were wonderful.

Museum in a book
This book is very well laid out; photos are excellent. Material covered many models of very early machines and details. Personally I was disappointed that the book did not cover machines further into the 1900's. Maybe the author would consider a book on the mechanical (non computerized) machines of the 1900's and their characteristics. Great browsing book; like having a museum tour in your hands.

Excellent reference book.
Easy to read and informative book.I am new to collecting antique machines and I found this book to be an excellent resource.Funand easy to read.

Stopped too soon
Good history, great pictures, good section on care and restoration.Unfortunately for me, I have come into old sewing machines at the Singer 66 Red Eye point, and the Encyclopedia stops before it gets to those machines.The same is true for the Memphis models.

(Could be that the "100 years old = antique" rule has been applied.)

Great reference book
This is an awesome book for those with interest in early sewing machines. The photographs are first rate and the history is comprehensive and fascinating. The rating system puts all of the machines in perspective. I find myself referring to this book frequently. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Fabric Fanatic!!!!!!!!!!
While published in 1986, this is a must have for adding to a well stocked sewing library. I found the section on working with sheer and silky fabrics invaluable. There is section that deals with narrow,hems,button holes,pressing,stitching,closures,faux furs,knits,seam stabilization,laces and much more. you will return to this book numerous times. ... Read more

Product Description
In an age of mass-produced fashion, express your individual style! Create handmade projects for your wardrobe and home with only a small time commitment and basic sewing skills. Now you can make fun, useful accessories and gifts with the contemporary fabrics you love.

* Choose from totes and bags, cases and covers, fashion accents, and home decor projects

* Learn techniques you'll use again and again, such as installing zippers, using fusible applique, and basic machine quilting

* Mix and match the elements to make each design a one-of-a-kind masterpiece

It's fresh. It's unique. It's handmade! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Lots of fun projects!
While some of the items are simple variations on other items, there are lots of fun projects.I don't always come up with ideas to modify an existing pattern nor do I always do it correctly.This was very informative.I probably won't use everything in the book but I have already made several.

Great book, good instructions
This is a fun and handy book to keep around.I have done about 3 of the projects and the pictures are very helpful, good instructions, easy to follow and complete.I really enjoyed the little makeup purses.I have made a ton of them, which was pretty impressive considering I had never worked with zippers before doing that project in this book.I would suggest it to everyone.I am looking forward to having time to complete my next project.

Good Project Ideas
I am purchased this book when I was just learning to sew and I found the projects in this book very appealing, but too challenging for my skill set. This is a good progest set for someone with intermediate expirience.

Exceeded Expectations!
I know I shouldn't, but as a graphic designer, I always judge a book by its cover. When I got this book, I glanced at the cover and wondered why I ordered it- not very 'pretty' at first glance. Then I started thumbing through the pages. The instructions are, quite simply, amazing.

Barden is thorough yet concise. No detail is overlooked with the clearest illustrations I have ever seen in a sewing book at every critical juncture. As a visual learner, I cannot overemphasize the value of these illustrations. The projects are explained in detail for the basic size or model with fun sidebars for modifications and instructions for different sizes. She also explains why she choose certain materials like velcro vs. snaps and the weight of batting, enabling the sewer to modify the project however she would like. As an advanced beginner sewer (yes, I made that classification up), I am confident that I can complete every project in the book with reasonable success. I will be looking into more books by Cassie Barden!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!
This book is FABULOUS!Each project is so enticing, I can't wait to try them all!They are all so practical and useful, and the book is visually stunning- perfect fabric choices and photos of each project.Best of all, she offers plenty of room for customization, and gives tips for how to customize projects to your personal likings and specifications.Love this book!!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Really good!
This book contains detailed information about what to look for in a quality garment, the attributes of different materials, how to properly clean garments, and how to repair that which has gone wrong.It provides information about how to alter a garment... what to the considerations are, or should be, so that the end result is what you want, not what you get.It's full of handy advice, with lots of pictures. It's old (1985), but the information is great. I can't figure out why this series is out of print. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Book!!
Most comprehensive book I have found that covers all the different points about teaching sewing.Covers costs, traveling, children and where to get lesson plans.A great start to finding out about a new teaching career.

A consise yet detailed procedure for starting a buisness.
This book takes you from simply taking a sewing class to being able to run your own buisness.It details the steps you must follow for a successful buisness.If you are the kind of sewer who can manage your time wisely (the book even sets out a sample guide to help out) this is definately for you."The Buisness of Teaching Sewing..." encourages you to do what you love and passing it on to others. A definate must for the sewer who wants to get started with his/her own buisness, whether large or small. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (43)

Dream Sewing Spaces
This is a wonderful book. Eye candy for anyone dreaming of putting together a sewing space.

Dream Sewing Spaces
This book has lots of pictures and really good information on storage for craft items. I was hoping it would have had more ideas for actual layout of rooms, and overall storage. I will get a lot of use out of it becuase of all the pictures.

Dream Sewing Spaces, Design & Organization
I really like this book.I haven't had time to go through the whole book yet, but what I have seen has excited me.It has a lot of good ideas for storage and organization.Since I am in the process of switching my sewing room from a very small room to my larger guest room, I will be using this book frequently for reference.I do alterations at home, so the section on Secondary Centers was very interesting and informative.Thank you Lynette Ranney Black!

Fix that mess
I love this book!I am embarking upon the project I've been wating for,redoing my sewing room. I have the time, themoney, the ideas but needed some guidance to put it all together.The lay outs in the book range from closet size to true studios.I fall somewhere in between.Hubby is a professional carpenter but needed to see what I need, not what he itches to build.This book could just save our marriage during the renovation.It is a wonderful source of infotrmation and inspiration.Thumbs up!

A Book to Feed Your Dreams
I'm in the planning stage for turning a small home office into a sewing room.This book contains both layout ideas and guidelines for determining appropriate heights for sewing, cutting, and pressing areas based on personal measurements.After looking for some time, I don't believe there's a better resource available to get you dreaming and designing! ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1932, this rare sewing book teaches the block method of pattern making. The book begins by explaining how to easily make a foundation draft pattern of a simple jumper. Using your own body measurements, you're taken through the pattern making process and then you learn how to use your customized foundation pattern to make: SKIRTS: flared skirt, costume skirt, flared skirt with hip yoke, costume skirt with hip yoke; BLOUSES: simple blouse, blouse with shoulder straps and front fullness; DRESSES: coat overall, dress with skirt flared from waist line, dress with skirt flared from hip line, dress with hip yoke and flared skirt, dress with godet skirt, dress with hip yoke and panels at back and front and circular side pieces, dress with flounces, dress with flared skirt 54 inches wide at hem; SLEEVES: fitted sleeve with dart, fitted sleeve with gathers at elbow; COLLARS AND CAPES: detachable polo collar, rever collar, roll collar with points, simple round collar with pointed fronts, bertha collars, cape with shoulder dart; PLEATED SKIRTS: yoked skirt with front pleats, four-gored skirt with inserted pleats at seam; GODETS: simple godets, godets with shaped top. Over 60 diagrams explain the pattern making process, with an extra chapter on adapting the block pattern. This book is complete with all of the details for creating early 1930s fashions including this era's distinctive fashion characteristics of looser-fitting tops and skirts that closely fit a woman's hips. Genuinely classy styles that can still be worn with grace and elegance today. Because the author was a Lecturer in Dressmaking with the National Society's Training College for Teachers of Domestic Subjects, you can be assured you are being taught by an expert in 1930s fashion sewing. Sample fashions and illustration images are shown at the top of this page. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Has anyone acutally used this???/
Look, I've spent about 200$ on patternmaking books based on these amazon reviews and none of my pattern blocks or slopers have come out correctly. Not a single one of the reviews ever says, "hey, I actually made this stuff and it works!" so my question with this book is do the slopers acutally work, do the patterns acutally fit??? All the the reviews here for this book talk about how much they like the idea of the contents of this book and the pictures and the era, but did anyone reviewing this book acutally USE it? come on folks, you wouldn't write a food review based on how pretty a picture of a cupcake was, now would you? all the reivews so far on this book have been absoulutely pointless. i KNOW the book is going to have nice pictures and seems like it might be clear to follow, but that's another thing if you have actually tried this stuff.

so that's how that's done...
i got this book as a gift for my mom, and i love it (so does she).i found myself flipping through the pages saying 'so that's how it's done' or 'why didn't i think of that?'really good resource for anyone who wants to create 30's style dresses, or even just wants to learn more about draping and drafting.

1930's dresses for modern people
This book is a reprint of a 1930's British book on pattern making.It has the basic blocks for dresses of different types, which you make to your measurements, then it shows you how to elaborate on them to make the styles of the early '30's.A person can easily be inspired to make a paneled skirt cut on the bias in modern fabric and cut to the knee or whatever the style is now.The blouses can be modernized to make feminine ones that work with jeans or other modern clothing.I think it's a good book for inspiration how to design clothes.

Great vendor
We bought this for our sewing 14 yr. old.The description was very accurate, the book is exactly what we were hoping for, and the vendor was courteous, prompt, and delivered the book in excellent condition earlier than expected.

Great little book
will definitely be able to alter patterns better based on the information in this book ... Read more

Product Description
Learn how to sew and how to personalize projects at the same time!

* 11 projects--bags, belts, pillows, and a quilt
* Bonus DVD teaches basic sewing

Sew fun. Sew easy. Sew Hip. The first in a series of books for young adults, Make It You: Sew Hip uses cool, easy-to-personalize projects to teach basic sewing skills. There’s even a DVD to get kids started! Eleven teen-friendly projects in three skill levels build confidence step by step by step--and it’s easy to customize the designs with the latest fabrics and trims. When all the projects have been made, and earned oohs and aahs, it’s time to go back and start again...this time with even more special touches and great variations! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

DVD helpful, book not so much
I recently bought a sewing machine, having a foggy memory of what I had learned Home Ec in Junior High, which in practice isn't much.

I purchased the book hoping it would help clear up the fog.the book itself doesn't, in fact I'm not a woman, and none of the women in my life want me to make them a book bag or belt, so the book is sort of useless for me.THe DVD (which I havn't watched all of) is more helpful, and might fill in some of the gaps in my memory,

Sew Hip Sewing 101 by Shannon Mullen
This is an excellent book!You also get a dvd how great is that? The price is right as well.

If you have never sewn but have the desire to try this a good resource
The author does not assume you know anything about sewing or fabric, which is exactly what I was looking for.This is easier for me to reference than the huge Sewing 101 manual I purchased previous to this. Overall a good purchase,I plan to use this frequently.

ehh, not so impressed
I not so impressed with this book as other reviewers. Honestly, I guess I didn't read the description very well or I probably wouldn't have purchased it. There are only 11 projects, 3 of them are belts, 4 are pillows, 3 are bags and 1 quilt. Personally I only like one of the bag designs and the quilt, as for the others I probably won't use them. I haven't watched the DVD yet, so maybe that will be better.

Great
This book seems to have some great projects.I have not been able to do any of them, but they I can't wait to start! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (65)

Don't Waste Your Time
This book looked so promising, but I am sorely disappointed.The number of errors is appalling and I wonder how this even made it to print.So far, I'm 0 for 3 on projects.I've tried the Everything Tote, Guest-Room Slippers, and Lucy's Kimono and all patterns and specifications were bogus.I managed to make the kimono and tote work, but the slippers are a total loss.I even checked and double-checked the errata list, but it is very incomplete.This is the most unprofessional and frustrating pattern book I've ever purchased.I will never by any book/fabric/product by Heather Ross again.

I really want to like this book
Before you buy any fabric for this book, assume the yardage (at least for the adult patterns)requirements are wrong.Yes, there is an Errata on her website, but for beginning sewers, sometimes even those measurements are a little on the skimpy side.
So far I've made: Yard sale skirt, which took closer to three yards, plus an additional yard of a contrasting fabric to make the waistband. (Ran out of the original fabric) The waistband can't be attached the way she recommends, so you may need to make it up a little as you go on.That being said, I do like the skirt, and how it turned out.It's very comfortable, and great for getting up and down, in and out of things, and generally chasing after kids.
Summer Blouse: I actually was able to make this using 1 5/8 yards, but only by refolding the fabric off the main fold line.I'm not sure beginning sewers would think to do this.I also halved the yoke because I just don't have time to hand sew something that is way too long in the first place.
Pajama Pants: Be warned: if you have hips, these will be tight.I used a dressmaker's style ruler on my second pair to give the pants some hip room, and now I really like them.My first pair was just too tight across the hips.The patterns as it is laid out is better for some 'tween who doesn't have hips yet.
Trapeze Dress: Man.This one was tough.It turned out well in the end, but for people who don't like to hand sew, I'd recommend attaching the straps on both sides while you're constructing the bodice.I do like the pockets, and now that I've seen how she recommends attaching pockets, I'll never do it any other way.
Weekend Get Away Bag: Again, used more fabric than called for, but I do like the way it turned out.I added pockets for things I normally carry, but would double roll the seams if I made this bag again because they are starting to fray.If you're using a heavy outer fabric, I'd recommend a very light inner fabric because I thought my machine was going to quit on me a couple of times while sewing the straps.I used canvas on the outer fabric and a baby cord on the inside.

Great book, for beginners & experts alike
Easy to read, easy to understand, includes all patterns. I received this as a gift & absolutely love it.

If I could give this less than 1 star, I would
I can't even begin to say how disappointed I am in this book.I did not get it from Amazon, but from a JoAnn Fabrics store.I was drawn in by the gorgeous layout and pictures.However, once I dove into one of the projects, I became increasingly frustrated. I started with the Trapeze Sundress and actually lost sleep over trying to interpret the instructions, of which have several errors.First off, the sizing on the patterns is several inches off the sizes Heather lists in her "Finished dimensions" section... For example the Small size claims to have a bust size of 36".The pattern for the Small is more 39" inches across.The instructions list a 3/8" seam allowance, but even with that, it's still grossly big.The straps/facuing instructions are also incorrect with the photo, pattern,and instructions. So, I decided to try the tote bag.Well, to start off, Heather says the tote bag can be made with a 1/2 yard of fabric.However, the instructions ask to cut a 2 3/4" X 38 3/4" handle across the grain of the fabric.That simply isn't possible with just 1/2 yard of fabric.So, I've basically wasted time and money on both the book and fabrics for the projects I've attempted! I wish I could get a full refund from Heather herself on it all!!! DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

Great to look at, awful to use
I can only restate all of the disappointed reviews.Spent hours last night working on the yard sale skirt only to find out it is WAY too small (and that is using the errata directions).It is clear that these patterns were never tested before the book was published since there are so many errors throughout the book.I am an advanced beginner and could barely understand her directions.Many things were assumed such as seam allowances and how to put the pieces together.

Don't be lured in by the pretty photos, you will waste your money buying and cutting fabric for patterns that are specified incorrectly.

I also find it discouraging that Heather has closed the comments on her blog which are linked to the errata, clearly she is trying to limit visibility to all the complaining going on with her patterns rather than addressing them.The errata doesn't help!

Good luck if you buy this book -- read the blogs of other sewers before you get started so you can learn from their challenges. ... Read more

Product Description
Cynthia Treen has a way with fabric. She can pick up a piece of cloth and, literally within an hour or two, transform it into something wonderful—a chic wool hat from an out-ofstyle sweater, say, or an elegant blossom from a favorite piece of silk. In Last-Minute Fabric Gifts, the follow-up to the immensely successful Last- Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson, Treen teaches all of us to perform such fabric magic no matter how little sewing experience we may have.

This inspiring book comes with 30 easy projects for quick-to-make gifts ranging from fabric-covered notepads to a tea-dyed sequined scarf to a baby quilt. Arranged by how long it takes to complete each project, the book focuses on gifts that generally require less than three hours of time. What’s more, Treen clearly details the knowledge and skills you need to improvise on these projects, allowing you to customize the color, pattern, and texture to suit the occasion. Complete with 70 full-color photographs and a final chapter on innovative ways to wrap gifts with fabric, Last-Minute Fabric Gifts is brimming with creative ideas sure to appeal to novice and experienced sewers alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

betrayed
This is only the second book that I have had to return to Amazon.com.These gifts shown in this book were boring and I wouldn't give any of the featured items to anyone that I truely cared for.

Great inspiration here
I love love love the entire Last Minute series (includes Knitted gifts, Patchwork and Quilted gifts) and consider these my 'go to' books for inspiration and actual projects.I have made more gifts out of this collection than I have out of any of my other books.Beautiful to look at and great results.My only gripe, and my reason for 4 stars is that I think the minimal design sacrificed the achievability of the projects as I would have appreciated some how-to illustration/photography for some of the trickier steps.

Very Pleased
This book arrived promptly and in great condition. It has been so fun to explore and share with others. Thank you!

pretty pictures but...
this book is nicely photographed, the projects are simple however not very original.the directions would fuddle a novice, and has no patterns just drawn diagrams, and the written directions are lacking.

Great book
I have two out of three of the "Last Minute" book series and love them all.They are beautifully photographed and the projects are wonderful. ... Read more

Product Description
Anyone who sews for children will love this updatededition of a familiar Singer favorite that originally sold over200,000 copies. This revised edition of Sewing for Children includeshundreds of color photographs and easy-to-follow directions. It's apractical guide that makes it easy to sew clothing and accessories forinfants, toddlers and school-age children.Sewing for Children isfilled with step-by-step instructions for sewing and home decoratingprojects and ideas. This valuable resource includes colorful ideas forthe nursery, as well as dressing up a child's wardrobe with a specialcollar that detaches or decorative appliques.

Highlights:Demonstrates how to add room for growth to children's clothing with ideas like lined cuffs and attractive inserts. Includes ideas to personalize clothing with fabric painting and other decorative techniques. Features tips and ideas that can be combined in a number of creative ways. Includes a section on sewing Polar Fleece.Contains instructions that show how to sew a single garment or an entire coordinated wardrobe.Provides money-saving ideas for decorating a child's room, such as design ideas for wall stencils. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lets sew for children
This magazine, which might I add, is not handled by Singer Sewing Corp.
is a good start for cute and child attractive clothing for children.
Recommend as a starting point as well as inspirational ideas for
cute children's clothing,

my review
Very good book with some cute ideas for jazzing up childrens clothes.Gives some basic details and shows color photos. Leavesthe reader wanting more information in some areas though.Probably not anything new for the advanced seamstress. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you just bought your first sewing machine or have been sewing for years, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts will open your eyes to an irresistible range of ideas. A comprehensive visual reference, the book covers everything a home sewer craves: the basics of sewing by hand or machine, along with five other time-honored crafts techniques, and step-by-step instructions for more than 150 projects that reflect not only Martha Stewart’s depth of experience and crafting expertise, but also her singular sense of style.
 
Encyclopedic in scope, the book features two main parts to help you brush up on the basics and take your skills to a new level. First, the Techniques section guides readers through Sewing, Appliqué, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing. Following that, the Projects A to Z section features more than 150 clever ideas (including many no-sew projects), all illustrated and explained with the clear, detailed instructions that have become a signature of Martha Stewart’s  magazines, books, and television shows.
 
An enclosed CD includes full-size clothing patterns as well as templates that can be easily produced on a home printer. Fabric, thread, and tool glossaries identify the properties, workability, and best uses of common sewing materials. And, perhaps best of all, when you need it most, Martha and her talented team of crafts editors offer you the reassurance that you really can make it yourself.
 
The projects are as delightful as they are imaginative, and include classic Roman shades, hand-drawn stuffed animals, an easy upholstered blanket chest, a quilted crib bumper, French knot-embellished pillowcases and sheets, and Japanese-embroidered table linens, among many others.With gorgeous color photographs as well as expert instruction, this handy guide will surely encourage beginners and keep sewers and crafters of all experience levels wonderfully busy for many years to come. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (64)

Thanks Martha
I bought my first copy of this book at Books A Million along with Martha's sewing book and payed a lot more. I love both books.My daughter came to visit and reviewed it and told me it was on Amazon. She bought it for herself, and suggested I get my niece one as a wedding gift! I am buying this copy today for her as a wedding gift. I think it is a perfect gift for a new bribe and homemaker! Thanks Martha !

Excellent Book!
This is an excellent book! Beautifully put together, fun projects, very informative and well organized - I would definitely recommend it!

Wonderful deal on Martha's new sewing/craft book!
Every home with kids and crafters should get this book!I am an avid quilter/sewer and LOVE this huge information source.DVD included is worth the cost alone!

Decent book
Nice layout, I should have rented before buying... not many things I actually want to make out of this book... But 5-8 I will, so... ??

A must have for every crafter
This is a wonderful reference guide for anyone that enjoys crafting.It clearly explains all of the basics and leaves you plenty of room to create lovely projects.It is filled with pictures that make even the trickiest project seem easy. ... Read more

Product Description
A charming instruction book in sewing techniques with patterns for clothes for a 16-inch doll, this book was originally for children.Adult doll collectors are now using this as a wonderful reference for sewing for dolls such as Schoenhuts, bisques, compositions, and others from the early years of this century.100+ illustrations. 280 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A lovely book with good information, children will need help
I've been sewing for more than 20 years and yet I learned quite a bit from this book, which teaches the fundamentals of hand sewing in a beautiful and somewhat sentimental way.Mary Frances, staying at her Grandma's without her mom and dad, is lonely until she realises she can have fun with the Thimble People -- the fairy Sewing Bird, Scissors Shears, Tommy Tomato, and the like.They guide her through lessons on a range of topics, and then, using the "Needle of Don't Have to Try" she is able to sew a beautiful wardrobe for her 16" doll.These patterns could be modified for 18" dolls, and are period-perfect for American Girl's Rebecca, but it is not as easy as a previous commentator suggested, so you would want to check dimensions before giving the patterns to a child.

Regarding the sewing lessons.The first lessons in how to stitch are done on canvas, so if you are purchasing this as a gift for a girl, you also want to buy some Aida canvas (like they do cross-stitch on), embroidery floss or thick thread like topstitching thread, a needle, a thimble, and a little box or bag to put things in. There are also complete instructions for outfitting a workbasket given on page 27.Coats and Clarks makes different weights of cotton thread which you'll want to get for this.Before making any doll clothes, you work each of 12 stitches separately first on canvas:even basting, uneven basting, running stitch, stitching (backstitch), half back-stitch, catch stitch, overhanding, overcasting, hemming, blanket stitch, buttonhole stitch and cross-stitch.You then work a small and large sampler.These exercises are simple but teach the basics and the large sampler is charming.

The doll patterns then introduce the stitches as they are used.What is lovely about this collection is that *exactly* the same process could be used to create *proper* clothing, unlike many of the doll patterns produced today.Some instructions are given on marking and laying out patterns but I feel an adult should be helping here.Also, an adult will be needed to purchase the fabric (Mary Frances's mother sends her a trunk) and I recommend getting natural fibres which are much easier to sew and produce lovely clothes for the dolly.And you'll want to lay in a supply of laces and ribbons too.During the making of the patterns, there are also lessons on needles and threads, the construction of cloth, gathering, outline sitch, hem-stitching, sewing on lace, making a fell, making a french seam, sewing on hooks and eyes, making eyelet loops, sewing on loops of tape, feather stitching, sewing on buttons, making button-holes, making a placket, felling on flannel, making tucks, making a whipped ruffle, making french knots, making eyelets, using a slip stitch, french hemming on damask, darning stockings and woolen goods, patching on gingham and flannel and making spider's webs.

Here is the list of patterns for the doll: the laundry bag, the embroidered apron, the hem-stitched handkerchief, the nightgown, the bath-robe, the kimono, the dressing-sack, the pinafore, the morning dress, the flannel petticoat, the underwaist, the lawn petticoat, the drawers, the rompers, the bloomers, the leggings, the fur-lined cape, the afternoon dress, the guimpe (blouse), the party dress, the automobile coat, the automobile bonnet, the bathing sit, the fur muff and tippet, the sun bonnet, the work bag, the rain coat, the polo cap, and the wedding dress.Also included are full-sized patterns (ie for people) of a work bag, belt, baby's bib, and girl's collar.

The patterns are printed on 8 1/2 x 11 sheets that are folded into the back cover of the hardback book.I see that Lacis also sell them separately.

I think this is an excellent, charming book, but I would not give it to a child to use *entirely* without supervision -- they will need help with the patterns, layouts, fabrics, etc.The illustrations clearly explain the stitches, though, and I think many children would be able to proceed on their own with the actual sewing.

Charming, but Useful?
While I agree with all that this book is lovely as a nostalgia item, I would like to hear from someone who's actually used it in conjunction with a modern child.I loved looking at the pictures and conjuring up the idealized little girl and "many happy hours" spent in the sewing room, busily stitching away, but frankly, found the story thread just plain silly, the verses hopelessly contrived, and the "character" banter tedious to the point of annoyance.I am a grandmother:any chance my granddaughter - or anybody's? - will go for this?

No patterns
I'm glad I didn't buy this book new, as I would have been seriously annoyed to find that this fairly expensive paperback is neither remarkably attractive, nor very practical, since it does not include the crucial patterns. I wanted THOSE patterns to re-clothe a 1914 16" doll whose original clothes were sewn by my grandmother around 1915. In this edition of the Mary Frances Book, the pictures of individual stitches are quite small, and I'm not sure that anybody could learn these classic stitches from this book alone.

The book seems to be a re-issue for those who simply want to re-experience earlier readings of it - it does *not* fulfil the purpose that the original did.

Southworth
I had the copy of this book that was purchased for my mother in 1920 and I used it as a nine year old to learn to sew - almost 50 years ago. My doll may have had somewhat dated clothes, but part of what I learned was how to alter the looks to make them more up to date. My one disappointment with the paperpack edition is that the original had tissue patterns that could be removed and used along with a paper gatefold that could be traced. My original still has many of the tissue patterns. None-the-less, the paperbackis still a fabulous book to teach children hand sewing.

Priceless
The Mary Frances Sewing Book was originally published in 1913 and recently reprinted in the late 1990's. An Edwardian girl staying with grandma for a few months during the summer meets the "Thimble People" (needles, scissors, pincushion, etc.) who engage her in weekly sewing lessons. The reader can work through the lessons, from learning stitches to sewing doll clothes with Mary Frances as directions with illustrations are given throughout the text.

One practical aspect of this book is that basic hand sewing stitches are taught with descriptions and illustrations. I found this part very educational since the only sewing stitch I learned in childhood is the "running stitch". I had no idea there were so many stitches for hand sewing that can be applied to hand sewing garments. I also learned the strawberry tassle on my tomato pin cushion is an "Emery Bag", which can be used for cleaning needles as you pull them through the little bag.

If you purchase a copy of this book sold in its original condition, it comes with patterns to make the garments Mary Frances makes for her doll. However, based on illustrations and the time period, Mary Frances' doll is a 16 inch doll with a composition body and a porcelain head. While the fashions are appropriate for this kind of doll, they are not necessarily appropriate for a modern doll. There are many more current pattern books and pattern sources to sew for both modern dolls and antique/antique reproduction dolls. The only use I would see for the patterns is for use by the individual who would like to specifically work through the book.

That said, I loved this book! I am not going to stop sewing doll clothes on my machine or start dressing my modern doll in Edwardian fashions. I loved this book for what it is-an example of structured sewing lessons used by girls 100 years ago, when girls practiced their skills on doll clothes but would one day use them for sewing and mending their family's clothes.

I also enjoyed the story "sewn" into the lessons. The talking scissors and pincushion, etc. argue with each other like siblings; making the characters more interesting and adding a bit of spice to the story. The sewing bird talks in rhyme; carrying the text along quickly. Mary Frances misses her family while at grandma's house, and has a few other brief adventures inside and outside of her sewing lessons. If you enjoy sewing for dolls and have a taste for a nostalgic, old-fashioned childhood, then this book will be priceless! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great guide for a beginner
Nancy has written a great book for beginners like myself. Reading this book has helped me to see the mistakes I was making and faster ways of doing things. She starts with naming machine parts and discussing how to clean and maintain the machine. Then she tells how to adjust the machine for the project you are working on.

Good review of basics
Not having sewn anything in many years I was looking for a basic guide to brush up my skills. This fit the bill.

Excellent Resource!
New to the world of sewing, I needed a few good books to help me with my new endeavor.I highly reccommend this book for people of all abilities, especially someone like me who is starting out. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Simplicity's Sewing Instruction Book
This book offers detailed instructions, with clear & helpful illustrations, of the many methods of sewing. Everything from how to read a pattern, determine your true size, tips on getting the optimal fit, and techniques of both machine & serger sewing are covered. Just what I needed.After reviewing information I thought I already knew, I realized why my projects have not always turned out perfectly. A great guide book for beginner and experienced sewers. My only dissapointment was that I received the issue from the 1980's, so all the wardrobe ideas & patterns/ illustrations reflect the fads of that time, including the "big hair." Other than being a bit dated, the sewing instruction was great. ... Read more

Product Description
Offering a delightful introduction to the world of sewing for children ages seven and older, The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids offers clear, colorful directions to help kids have fun as they develop skills that will last a lifetime. Thirteen kid-friendly projects easily teach children how to sew. As kids work their way through the book, each project builds on skills they have already learned. Easy-to-follow instructions and safety precautions start with sewing basics, allowing children to learn at their own pace. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Sewing for kids ~ book
Such a fun book for my grand-daughters ~ 10, 9, & 8 yrs. old
We work in it 1 hr. every Saturday.My gift to them for Christmas.
I think it's more fun for me, but they are enjoying it too.

Grandmother's Review
I bought sewing machines for 2 granddaughters this Christmas. I enjoyed reading through this book and feel it will be a wonderful and fun teaching tool for a beginner sewer. It has very clear instructions with good illustrations. I would enjoy making some of the projects myself!!!

If you're looking for FUN crafts, KEEP LOOKING!!
I bought this product because I wanted fun crafts for my 6 yr old (soon to be 7) daughter. The crafts were not impressive at all. They were actually rather boring. The fabric burger is absolutely useless, it would have been better if it were a pillow or something. I would have liked more crafts she could use or decorate her room with. I do like the Helpful Hint for sewing and the instruction and introduction to the sewing machine. I decided not toreturn the book because it was only $11.53, and I didn't pay any shipping.

Fun sewing for kids
A great, fun way to teach younger kids to sew. I liked the step by step exercises and the projects were fun for kids.

Summer Sewing Fun
I purchased this book to work with a beginner. It turned out to be fantastic! The beginning exercises were great to introduce the machine and work on basic sewing maneuvering. The projects were great for the novice, assisted by a seasoned seamstress. Great vacation projects! ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more