Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

I love this book!
This book is one of my favorites on my bookshelf of craft books. I read a review on another site for this book and fell in love with the picture on the front, but also the adorable projects that the reviewer had made using the instructions in the book. I bought it without a second thought and am so glad I did.

I've done many of the projects in this book and love each and every one of them. Working with felt has become a new love for me. I started with this book before December of last year and have been going strong since.

I like that the book gives clear and concise directions and is great for for beginners, but it's also a great stepping off point for seasoned hand-stitchers and embroiderers. Because the projects are so well explained and designed, I was able to modify some to add my own touches but others I've kept just as they were designed because I liked them just the way Kata created them.

I tackled one of the bigger projects in this book as my first project - the adult messenger bag - and had so much fun with it, added extra stitches and embroidery to embellish it and didn't want to stop! Since then, I've been working my way through the book and loving every minute of it. I carry it with me everywhere.

My 10 year old daughter has become a big fan, as well. She wanted to learn to sew with the sewing machine but I told her it would be best to learn hand sewing first and so we started with Kata's book. Not only has she learned easy stitches, but she's working her way up and has created some beautiful projects from Kata's instructions, but she's also been inspired by the stuffed animals in the book to make some of her own unique creations.

Regardless of whether you're a newbie or a seasoned stitcher, this book is a must have!

Where can I get more Kata Golda projects???
I am in love with this book - and in love with all the stuff I made while my 6 year old daughter sat next to me cutting scraps of the beautiful felt, looking at the amazing pictures in the book, picking our next project, helping.I was looking for something we could work on together and this is it - there was plenty that she could do, so we truly created together - she is as proud of the tails on our little mice as I am of my stitching (I am a beginner)!The directions are easy to follow - the photographs really help - and I thought each design was cuter than the last.I am eagerly awaiting 25 Whimsical Sewing Projects 2!

If you lack an imagination...
...and if you have friends with little kids or who like really cute stuff that can be hand made rather quickly, this book is just fine.However, if you know how to knit, crochet, or have other crafting skills (and a bit of time) I would suggest you use whatever expertise is at hand to make something at least a bit more elegant.

The cover is really the best thing in here
I fell in love with the look of the cover and ordered the book on the basis of that alone. But the book on the whole is not really that inspiring. The "primitive" look, with big clumsy stitches just looks amateurish in many of the projects. And really, who needs a felt business card holder? The curtains look like a junk shop. Not particularly clever or well-crafted items. Sorry, I was disappointed. Buy Felt-craft instead.

Adorable Designs, but Insufficient Instruction
I'm an experienced seamstress and purchased this book thinking that my 10-year old daughter and I could use the patterns to make hand-made Christmas presents.We attempted to make the adorable coffee-cup cozy only to abandon the project in frustration.The instructions were vague, and the concept was unworkable with the mugs that we had purchased from Starbucks because the diameter of the lip was larger than the diameter of the bottom, which is a very common mug design.The placement of the mug handle further interfered with the workability of the design.The designs are truly charming, but I wish I had been warned that the directions provided are very skeletal in nature. ... Read more

Product Description
A huge selection of patterns and outfits have been created to dress over 30 types of dolls in authentic clothing.With 300 projects to sew for dolls as diverse as the Crissy family, Charmin' Chatty, the Dionne Quints, Miss Seventeen, Patsy, several sizes of hard plastic dolls, and more.The dolls and fashion styles range from 1900 to the 1990s! Step-by-step instructions are given for each outfit. 300+ projects.264 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

No Barbies
I bought this book because a previous reviewer said there were many Barbie type patterns in it.It's a great book, but there are NO Barbie type patterns in it. The author specifically states that she has put no Barbie type patterns in it because so many of them are available elsewhere. So, great book, but don't buy it if you want 11 1/2 inch fashion doll patterns.

Valuable Resource for Doll Collectors
If you sew for dolls, you need Johanna Gast Anderton's Sewing for 20th Century Dolls Vol. 2.The patterns are meticulously researched and produced.Nowhere else will you find patterns that came from careful measurement of existing vintage doll clothingform the 1900s through 1990s.

I bought the book for the patterns for dolls of the Sixties and Seventies: Cher, the Crissy Family, Littlechaps, Miss Seventeen. Following JGA's advice, I resized and used patterns from every era to redress an assortment of orphan dolls.

Most commerical patterns give you a style somewhat resembling the original clothes dolls came in. This book gives you the real thing. For most collectors, anything less is just not worth the time and trouble.

Wonderful Resource
If you want to see your collectable dolls dressed authentically, but don't want to see the poor dears wearing stained and faded vintage clothing, then this book is for you!

Anderton has included patterns for wardrobes,including undergarments and shoes, for popular collectable dolls from the1900's to the 1990's.1900-1910 includes period wardrobes for 18"antique Bisque-head girl dolls and 15" lady dolls. 1920's includespatterns for Dolly Rosebud, Baby Peggy and Patsyette.1930s includeswardrobes for 7 1/2" Madame Alexander's Dionne Quints, Effanbee's12" Patsy and 14" Patricia, and 13" Shirly Temple and othercomposition dolls.1950 features wardrobes for 14-24" hard plasticdolls featuring a pattern for Miss Revlon's original dress and the originaloutfit for Madame Alexander's Cissy.

The 1960's has the completeoriginal wardrobe for Miss Seventeen Beauty Queen including the pageantbathing suit with crown and sash.The Chatty family, my favorite, includesCharmin Chatty's sailor outfit with patterns for the saddle shoes andglasses! - but no socks.Also for Charmin are the party dress, the ForeignLands coat, the Cinderella costume (but not the ball gown).Patterns forChatty Cathy include the Peppermint Striped dress, The pajamas and theSunny Day outfit (only with shorts instead of peddle pushers) including apattern for the seal applique and the hat.Also included are originaloutfit patterns for Chatty baby, tiny chatty baby, and Singing Chatty. The60's also include wardrobes for the Littlechap Famlily and the Whimsydolls. 1970's, 80's and 90's include *many* patterns for fashion dolls likeBarbie and include celebrity costumes like Sonny & Cher, LauriePartridge and Dorothy Hamil.There are also patterns for male fashion andaction dolls.There are 5 outfits for Ideal's Crissy and movie costumesfor their 12'Shirly Temple including the costumes from"Stowaway", "Heidi", "The Littlest Rebel" andothers.

I think a "beginning" sewer could use this book, butdoll lovers with no previous sewing experience will need to learn a fewbasics first.

Hard to find doll fashion in one easy place!
This book has lots of hard-to-find doll patterns!The patterns are easily traced and there are so many of them.I bought it for the Littlechap doll patterns and found some for Penny Brite, as well!Lots more!Theinstructions are a little to be desired and the reason for four star ratinginstead of five star, by me, but the experienced and unexperiencedseamstress should be able to follow them. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

outdoor sewing projects book
The book is everything I had hoped it would be........now for a winter of sewing all those pillows and cushions for next summer!!

Lots of good info.
Has lots of info on outdoor projects.If you are looking for something specific read the contents, but is helpful for an outdoor project you may be working on.

Great Resource
This book was just what I needed to begin to refurbish my outdoor furniture cushions.It also provided additional ideas for other outdoor furnishings that I could work on. ... Read more

Product Description
This complete, practical reference guide to sewing techniques will help you to achieve accurate results with every project you undertake. With information on equipment, sewing machine basics, needle types and maintenance, as well as different fabrics and practical advice and techniques on sewing by hand or machine, How to Sewwill equip the reader with the knowledge and skills to produce results they can be proud of every time. ... Read more

Product Description
Exotic! Exciting! Inspiring! African fabrics are sought after because of their rich histories and lavish designs, but they intimidate many sewers. Author and designer Ronke Luke-Boone helps take the mystery out of these works of art and teaches sewers of all skill levels where to buy fabrics, how to choose the right ones, and the best techniques for sewing them. Besides covering the six most popular African fabrics—mudcloth, Kuba cloth, Korhogo cloth, fancy prints, wax prints, and Kente cloth—this guide shows readers how they are produced and ways to incorporate them into contemporary designs for men, women, and children, as well as home décor. As an added bonus, Luke-Boone offers 14 original projects, including a tote bag, tunic, pillows, placemats, and a child’s loom, three of which have full-size patterns.

- Covers the six most popular African fabrics currently available
- Excellent reference for sewers or anyone who is interested in fabrics, culture, and history
- 14 step-by-step projects—three with full-size patterns ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Full of Inspiration
I was looking for a resource book on many kinds of African textiles; their cultural significance, history, countries of origin, and methods of production.This book covered all these areas, and more. Although my primary interest is in creating surface designs on my own fabric and paper for mixed-media art, I was tempted to pull my sewing machine out of retirement and try my hand at some "ethnic" inspired garments or gifts.A great book!

Greatpics, great information
This is a wonderful book for the garment sewer who wants to work with African fabrics. You learn about the characteristics of a variety of African fabrics, how to recognize true mudcloth, fancy prints vs. wax prints etc. and how and where to buy them in and outside Africa. -Plus you learn technical tips on how to sew these fabrics, and the book is full of pictures of clothing that incorporates them. The book has staying power. It even includes patterns in the back.

A unique and excellent introduction to African fabrics
African Fabrics provides crafts people with fourteen original projects which use African fabrics to create tunics, place mats, pillows, shawls and other items. Discussions of mudcloth, fancy prints, Kuba cloth and Kente cloth, among others, provide a unique and excellent introduction to African fabrics as a whole, making this more than just a crafts guide. A wide audience will find it important for both its historical overview of African fabrics and its artistic/crafts attractions.

At Last, No More Quality ControI Issues With Ethnic Fabrics!
Asante Sane - Danke Schon - Merci Beaucoup - Muchos Gracias: A world of THANKS for a book that meets the inspirational needs of the contemporary multiculturalist who loves stylish fashion wear, unique interior design and simple creative construction.The beautiful illustrations were quite fascinating and they served as great enhancement to the book's well written information and neat instruction. From the front cover to the back cover and all of the pages in between, author Ronke Luke-Boone takes the reader on an exciting journey that is richly infused with lessons in history, geography, fabric preservation, nifty sewing techniques, super shopping resources and much, much more.Most valuable for me is the instruction she provides for working with the popular mud cloth, Kubba cloth and Kente.Unfortunately, these hand crafted textiles defy the sewing logic that is normally associated with that of the symmetrically printed machine woven fabrics.One must be taught how to reinforce these ethnic textiles correctly and how to lay the patterns properly to prevent the completed garment from taking on a life of its own while it is being worn. Ms. Luke-Boone provided a corrective experience for me in this regard.Previously, I had not had the desired success in working with these fabrics, so I had set them aside.Reading through the book several times was the much needed source of motivation that guided me to complete two Kubba cloth pillows and a beautiful mosaic swing coat, pieced with mud cloth, denim, Korhogo, calvary twill and tea-dyed linen burlap,just as she instructed. At last, no more quality control issues with these fabrics. I recommend this publication to any one from any culture who has basic sewing skills and a great flair for exotic styling. ... Read more

Product Description
How to market your sewing skills and build a profitable sewing or craft business. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very happy with this purchase
I was impressed by the amount of information and research that went into this book.I learned quite a bit about writing my business plan and marketing, which are essential to making a business grow. Included was a cost analysis worksheet that helped me understand the process of costing and determining product pricing and profits.I also got ideas about how to expand the productline that I was already thinking of selling. Worth every penny!

Very Disappointing
I usually don't write book reviews, but I felt it was necessary to try to keep fellow sewing enthusiasts, who want to start sewing businesses, from buying this book.

In no way does this book tell you how to start a "profitable sewing business" as the title indicates.For starters, most of the general business information can be found on the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Web site.And that leads me to the next problem with this book, the business information is just "general" information; it's mostly not "sewing-specific" business information.

The section titled, "Ideas to Put You to Work" consists of two pages: the title page and one page of ideas!To make it worse, the ideas are nothing new, such as starting a sewing business in which you create costumes or children's clothing, or in which you do alterations.The book is geared toward people who already sew, which one of us hasn't already thought of the previous ideas?

In the section that is intended to help you "make your plans real," (which is also one page long) it says a small business can compete with larger corporations.That's all it says about competing with larger companies!If this book is suppose to help the sewer "start and maintain a profitable business," I would expect it to provide sound ways for the home sewer or small sewing business to compete with the big guys.It does not.

The only reason I gave the book one star is because of the list of suppliers and resources included in the back of the book. However, that hardly makes it worth the price.If you're a sewer, you're probably already familiar with the suppliers and other resources you need, so save your money.

Lastly, there's no indication in the book that the author is or has run a sewing business, and perhaps that's the problem.From now on, I'll look at the author's bio before buying any sewing business books.

Very helpful resource for startups
This book was very helpful to me.I am starting my own sewing business where I will be selling clothing and alterations.When I started, I knew nothing about business.All I knew is that I wanted to sew and make money doing what I loved.

The book gave me a lot of valuable financial advice, as well as a wealth of information about auctions, webpage building and accepting credit cards.There is a huge section of resources that would take someone many hours to find on their own.If you're having trouble deciding on what to sew, there is a whole section of ideas that I'd never even thought of.

The book was very well written, the format was easy to understand, and I would highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
An accomplished fashion designer shows women who make their own garments how to improve on store-bought sewing patterns by adjusting the clothing itemÂ's length and other details to reflect personal taste and create a custom fit. The bookÂ's opening chapters present an illustrated guide to the tools, equipment, and fabrics needed for making garments, while also serving as a miniature textbook to teach basic sewing techniques. Chapters that follow offer detailed instruction in adapting and altering a store-bought pattern to suit individual tastes. Alterations include adding flare, and modifying the shapes of bodices, arm holes, neck lines, sleeves, and skirts. The bookÂ's concluding chapters instruct on designing oneÂ's own patterns from scratch. Author Lee Hollahan demonstrates to her readers that once they understand how to adapt a store-bought pattern, they are well on their way to custom designing their own wardrobe. More than 500 instructive illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Nice but not for beginners
This is a nice book.Nothing great here.No big surprises for anyone who has used either Cal Patch's book or the sublime Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing but definitely not for beginners, there just isn't enough information and the patterns are rather complicated but if you have finished Patch's good book and want to move on, this may be a good place to consolidate your skills.

A great book for every one who sews
I have a large collection of sewing books."How to use, adapt and design sewing patterns" is among my very favorites.I use it all the time.Well written and with excellent illustrations, it tackles almost every pattern fitting issue.

I feel confident in learning from this book
I'm very interested in making my own clothing to expand and compliment my current store bought wardrobe. This book seems to explain in detail how to alter patterns and re-create (with better fit) a style of clothing you already own.

The photos and instructions are easy to understand for the most part. I'm not sure that a beginning sewer would understand some processes, but a novice sewer will learn great skills and techniques.

I've not touched a sewing machine in 12 years but have a machine, serger, and just purchased two industrial strength machines to start a business starting out with handbags and accessories. I feel that I can even take information from this book to apply to some of those projects by understanding how shapes and alterations will fit together in making my own patterns.

Good reference book
Good pictures.Good explanations.Step-by-step instructions are very helpful.One of the best over-all books on the subject that I have seen.

a good learning and resource tool
whether you are just learning to sew or are looking to take your skills to the next level this book will be helpful for you. The book gives you a lot of great basic information and goes on further into more advanced concepts. I think this would be a great book for anyone who is interested in garment sewing. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Hated this bok
I generally write positive reviews because I take the time to inform myself as best I can about the products I purchase.This book is a complete waste of money; there is nothing fun to make; it is poorly written and I definitely would not waste my time or materials trying to make a silk purse out of a pig ear.Save your money, skip this!

Fiesty Stitcher Fun Stuff for Busy People
I just received the book a few days ago - and I think it is really great.While the projects are all fairly easy - they are clever and use some interesting items from around the house.Since I am busy and don't get much time for sewing I love the fun pieces in this book - quick, easy and inexpensive.I think you can take some of the ideas and create beyond for some great gifts or fun things for yourself.I really like the book and think it is great for people on the go --

Fun easy projects
I looked through this book at a bookstore before buying it. I actually wasn't going to buy it because many of the projects are simple and easy for me to figure out on my own, if that's what I want to make. But there are a few that are clever and use interesting techniques so I decided to purchase it. There are things to every sewing level. I think I will refer to it a lot because the basic patterns can be updated and upgraded, enhanced and expanded. ... Read more

Product Description

Through home sewing, Sarah A. Gordon examines domestic labor, marketing practices, changing standards of femininity, and understandings of class, gender, and race from 1890 to 1930. As ready-made garments became increasingly available due to industrialization, many women, out of necessity or choice, continued to make their own clothing. In doing so, women used a customary female skill both as a means of supporting traditional ideas and as a tool of personal agency.

The shifting meanings of sewing formed a contested space in which businesses promoted sewing machines as tools for maintaining domestic harmony, women interpreted patterns to suit-or flout-definitions of appropriate appearances, and girls were taught to sew in ways that reflected beliefs about class, race, and region. Unlike studies of clothing that focus on changes in fashion,"Make it Yourself" looks at the social and cultural processes surrounding home production. Gordon examines sewing clothing as work, whether resented or enjoyed, and the function of that work for families and individuals from a range of backgrounds.

Another unique element is Gordon's use of an unusually wide variety of source materials, from diaries, photographs, and government pamphlets to tissue paper patterns, dresses, sewing workbooks, and paper dolls. This "hands on" approach, combined with an accessible writing style, connects the reader to the women and girls who are at the heart of her study. Altogether,"Make it Yourself" provides a new perspective on a widespread yet often neglected form of women's work.

Product Description
- Covers the basic skills and techniques of sewing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (60)

Worst sewing book EVER.
This isn't a guide for beginning sewers.This is a guide for someone who has never heard of sewing and refuses to read their machine's manual.In the "technical" portion, it covers almost nothing not covered in your manual.The projects featured in the book all look exactly like things my grandma used to sew in the 80's.Elastic waist, pull on cotton (not knit!) pants!?Really!?This is the first book I have EVER returned to Amazon.It's that bad.

Great book for beginners
The only sewing experience I had was in 7th grade HomeEc so 15 years later when I wanted to make baby blankets I bought this book and was very pleased.There are so many good pictures and detailed instructions that it's impossible to fail.Great book and worth the money!

Just what I needed
As a sewing machine newby this is perfect!It is easy on the eyes as well.Very easy reading with good instruction.

Excellent For Beginners
This was one of the first sewing books I bought when I started sewing in Oct. 2008 and it's been my main guide ever since.In addition to techniques, it has simple projects one can do without a pattern such as a tablecloth and baby blanket that I've done and given away to rave reviews. Among the dozens and dozens of techniques, it covers mitered corners, cutting lengths and zippers - which I've found essential.I recommend it for sewers of all levels.

First 50 pages good for techniques, but after that...
I am new to sewing and received this as a gift.I liked the first 47 pages...it is an overview of basic techniques, some which were good review and others that were new to me.I enjoyed that aspect of it.The projects after the techniques were outdated and uninspiring.Clearly, projects from the early 90s - one "shirt" that was more like a hospital scrub had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toy in the pocket.While I'm not the coolest most hip person, I would not make the shirts, elastic waist skirts, and elastic waist pants that are shown in this book.I don't know how or if they can be updated to be more modern.I would of been happen just to get the first 47 pages. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Dog wear book
Once you figure out the patterns to cut this book is ok.You can follow fairly easy.If you are not that great of a sewer I would not recommend this book.You have to figure out the pattern

These projects offer fun and comfortable jackets, wraps, doggie bags and more
DOGSWEAR: OVER 30 SUPER EASY SEWING PROJECTS could also have been featured in our 'Needlework' section but is reviewed here for its high recommendation for any dog owner or animal lover. These projects offer fun and comfortable jackets, wraps, doggie bags and more and pair color photos of various dogs wearing completed projects with a fine range of designs and options. Both needlework and pet libraries in general lending collections will find this appealing and fun.

Cute Pictures
This book has several cute pictures.That is the only good thing I can say about it.I have never returned a book to Amazon, but I will probably return this one.I have several years of experience sewing, and I could probably figure out what the author had in mind, but I would not recommend this book to anyone. The master pattern is a jumbled mess that is difficult to read because multiple pattern pieces overlap each other.There is only one size master pattern - unlike other books that give several sizes to choose from.There are no measurements provided to give the reader an idea of what size dog the master pattern is intended to fit, not to mention the fact that the author doesn't bother to tell which pieces are required for each garment.Lastly there are no yardage guidelines or fabric layouts.If you want to sew for your dog I would recommend purchasing a McCall's pattern from either a fabric store or online.I purchased a few McCall's patterns online while waiting for this book to arrive. They are far superior to this book and come with easy to read instructions.

Better than expected...
This book turned out to be just what I was looking for.After browsing through many books of this type and reading reviews about how the patterns were difficult or the projects were all made on one pattern, I felt nervous about what I might get, but I can say now that I am quite relieved and have no regrets about buying this book.

To let you know what is inside:

Clothing:There is one knitting pattern for a nice sweater vest (adorable!)... Sewing patterns for a raincoat, leather vest, winter coat, paw socks, bathrobe (shown on cover), sweatshirt with hoody, a dress, and a jump/pajama suit.

Accessories: Directions for making a very practical nylon/chain collar and matching single or double dog lead, collapsible food/water bowls, equipment bag (grooming, roll style bag), fancy shirt collar, reflective collar, 2 different harnesses, bandana, backpack (for the dog),waterproof napping bag for hunting/sport dogs (not at all useful for my 5 lb Maltese, but maybe for someone else), lining for a wicker style dog bed, lining for a bicycle basket, and a cover for a metal dog cage. Also has a cool pattern for a human padded belt with a hook for a flexi lead to be used when skiing, hiking, etc. Not sure how this would work, but I might make it to use for walking in the mountains.

The directions are all in the fairly simple difficulty range in my opinion; certainly something for everyone.Most patterns can be made using stuff I already have on hand as well, which is much appreciated.One other good thing is that I can use the same waterproof material to make a raincoat, water bowl, and backpack.All in all, I am very happy with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Internationally known sewing expert Claire Schaeffer reveals the secrets of high-fashion legends such as Geoffrey Beene, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Liz Claiborne, and Calvin Klein. Claire's illustrated, step-by-step instructions let you duplicate the design details made famous in expensive ready-to-wear. Plus, Claire's timesaving patternmaking and copying methods can be used to create one-of-a-kind, original garments.

Only a few simple tools and patternmaking skills are needed to copy your favorite garments.
Amazon.com Review
If you want your notched collars to lie smoothly like EllenTracy's, your pants zippers to be as invisibly fused with the inseampocket as Giorgio Armani's, and your topstitched facings to have theimpeccable look of Chanel, this is the book to have. Homesewers need and want exactly the kind of painstaking construction tipsthat Claire B. Shaeffer provides. She not only tells you how to adddesigner details such as those mentioned above, but also how to copyany garment, alter a sleeve, change seams to darts or folds (or viceversa), and make a basic pattern. This is one of the best intermediatesewing guides on the market. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Item exactly as promised
The book I ordered arrived exactly as promised.I am very pleased with my purchase.

Pictures are a little dated, but the techniques will never go out of style
If I could have given this 4-and-a-half stars, I would have.OK, so the pictures and the styles are dated.If you can look past that, you will find techniques that you can apply to any modern garment you wish to create.The instructions are clear and concise, which is what really matters.The layout makes it easy to find what you need when you need it.This is stuff you aren't going to learn in Home Ec, or from those flimsy commercially-produced patterns aimed at the home-sewing crowd.

A Nifty Addition to Your Sewing Repertoire
Even as a beginner, i found this book extremely helpful.when learning a new technique, this book will help you add a new flare to it.for example, the buttonhole - once you learn the basic technique, this book will help you take it one step further.So basic, yet so advanced!

Sewing
I wanted a good reference book on advanced sewing skills and this did not do that.It showed several selected types of details, none that I would ever use, and then expained how to do them.If you want a more broad explaination, this book won't work for you.

Impressed to find a book that lives up to it's title.
This is indeed a step by step book on sewing.The book is divided into two parts... the first concentrating on technique, the second on design basics.The book is formatted by using an outline to describe each sewing technique. This formatting establishes consistency and allows the reader to skip around the book choosing to read what they need. Each lesson begins with a short introduction followed by tools and supplies, pattern preparation, and assembly.There are clear close-up photographs, illustrations, and diagrams to accompany the lesson.An intermediate to advanced sewer can easily follow along to learn designer "secrets" that will make garments polished.A beginner can also benefit from the instruction however the book assumes a fundamental knowledge of terms such as bias, crossgrain etc. There is a short glossary included but the book does not instruct on basic sewing.
I was pleased to find asection on preparing a jacket lining since most patterns do not include the lining.The author shows you in one lesson how to draft a lining pattern.The next lesson is how to sew and insert the lining.The instruction is clear and concise.
The section on zippers is limited but the majority of the book tackles the most common problems encountered in making a garment.It is not an encyclopedic book on sewing.
The book is neutral and not a blatant advertisement of any particular sewing company's product.
Overall it is a well written, useful book for garment making. ... Read more

Product Description
A sewing book using the step-by-step methods I use in mystudio.The book is designed to be used with your pattern instructionsheet. Complete all the steps the pattern instruction sheet tells youto do but use the methods in my book to do those steps and you willachieve wonderful results. This book can teach you how to sew if youwill use the detailed and highly effective directions, you will soonbe beyond pattern directions forever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Highly recommend for anyone who sews garments.
Shirley Smith's book "The Art of Sewing" is wonderful, both for learning and reference.It is very complete andhas easy to understand directions and photos for sewing a basic garment and tailoring.Sheincludesinformation on how to select a pattern and fabric, how to tissuefit the pattern and how to prepare fabric for cutting out.She discussesvarious types of linings, interfacings and paddings.It is must book foranyone who care about the garments they make. ... Read more

Product Description
Explains how to plan a wardrobe, shows how to read and use patterns, and demonstrates a variety of special sewing techniques, including bindings, facings, darts, pockets, sleeves, collars, and cuffs. ... Read more