Book Description
Like knitting before it, sewing is being reclaimed by a new generation; one that is tired of poor quality and bored by homogenous design. Indie fashion designer Wendy Mullin, of Built by Wendy, teaches the creatively inclined and ultra-stylish how to make the perfect skirt, shirt, and pants. She gives readers everything they need to know to begin sewing and provides step-by-step instructions and patterns directly from her studio. She explains how to customize everything from the fit to the pockets so readers can create a thousand different looks using the same three basic patterns. These ideas will inspire readers to rethink and revamp their old clothes to make unique, custom fashions. For those who find themselves brimming with ideas, but unable to make everything themselves, Wendy also offers guidance on how to work with a tailor. Includes three Simplicity pattterns.
Customer Reviews:
The BEST of the BEST!!!.......2007-10-03
I've done a little sewing in high school (the ubiquitous home ec. class), but my sister made some amazing dresses that didn't look "home-made" at all, which intrigued and impressed me. I thought I'd do a little investigation into sewing and sewing books, and came upon this gem. I can't imagine a better beginner's sewing book (albeit one for adults and older teens). Just some of the things I love about this book: it is a hardcover, yet it's spiral-bound inside (so it lays flat if you need it as a constant reference for a beginner such as myself); the artwork/illustrations are really beautiful and unique looking; the writing style is very friendly and inspiring; and the book is filled with tips and tricks (such as why a tempting, seemingly logical shortcut is a really bad idea). I've read it cover-to-cover, and I'm on my second read-through now, but this time in an actual hands-on manner. If you're new to sewing (or a bit rusty), this is hands-down one of the best sewing books out there!
Good patterns inside.......2007-09-01
Well, this bbok is really nice but I was a bit dissapointed with the patterns that are inside them. If you see the patterns in the Built by Wendy range and the ones in the book it seems like the fun and cute ones where left for sale and the ones in the book were the ones more boring.
I like so much her patterns and that's why I bought the book but will have to buy the patterns anyway because in the book they have not the same cute style.
Patterns too small.......2007-08-30
I hate to admit but the patterns are too small for me. So, while I love the book now I have to loose weight to make clothes I want to wear. Which kind of defeats the wanting to make close I can wear now while I loose weight thing.
best book for a beginner.......2007-08-07
I consider myself a beginner sewer, and I am very happy with this book! I've already sewed the first skirt, with the instructions of the book and the pattern. She teaches how to modify the basic patterns, and while you are sewing her patterns and reading the hints, you get a pretty good idea of how all the sewing and pattern are. Is really great and actual! Loved it - the best book for sewing ever. Thank you, Wendy! I just can't wait for your "how to sew knit fabrics" book!
Fabulous sewing book for making your own clothes.......2007-07-09
I love the layout of the book and the concept of making the 'basic wardrobe' pieces.
Excellent design and presentation, easy to use. Love that it's spiral bound so you can lay it flat while working or reading it.
An excellent reference book for those looking to make their own clothes who don't have alot of dressmaking experience.
Amazon.com
If you want your notched collars to lie smoothly like Ellen Tracy's, your pants zippers to be as invisibly fused with the inseam pocket as Giorgio Armani's, and your topstitched facings to have the impeccable look of Chanel, this is the book to have. Home sewers need and want exactly the kind of painstaking construction tips that Claire B. Shaeffer provides. She not only tells you how to add designer details such as those mentioned above, but also how to copy any garment, alter a sleeve, change seams to darts or folds (or vice versa), and make a basic pattern. This is one of the best intermediate sewing guides on the market.
Book 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.
Customer Reviews:
I am torn on this book.......2007-09-24
It does have some great tips, and instructions on copying clothes etc. but one cannot deny that many of the "secrets" are indeed dated. For example, I can promise you that you will never need to know how to make a Double Flounce collar (page 79). Many of the designers highlighted here hit their popularity in the 80s and much of couture sewing in general (but especially couture of 20+ years ago) is just not relevent to every day style. Definitely use the "Search Inside" feature to see what I mean. Still, it is not very expensive and I believe that overall there is enough in here to warrant having it in my library.
great idea book.......2007-07-27
The book is good. The service fast. -just not exactly what I had expected for the type of book.
If you're still learning about sewing - BUY This book.......2007-03-30
There's a lot of books out thee - but if you're still learning a lot of the more advanced tricks - BUY THIS BOOK. Seriosuly - I am usually happy to get half a dozen new ideas out of a book - usually makes up for what I spend - but that is all this book is about. New Tips and Tricks.
I was estatic to see some of the coat lining techniques used in one of my Amrmani coats broken down and described so well. Its like "OH Ok - thats how its down" Its full of stuff like that.
Maybe if you've been sewing for 30+ years and have a college degree in fashion - you might know everything from cover to cover already - but if your a still new or an intermediate still learning - this book is an ideal find.
Wow!.......2007-03-17
This book packs in so many tips and techniques! The author could have written 10 books with all the material in it. This book is geared towards advanced sewing, and would be over the head of anyone looking for basic information. In addition to an unbelivable amount of information on finishing details, there is a section on pattern making. I thought this was kind of an odd subject change, but if you're doing advanced sewing, there does come a time when you just can't find what you need in a comercial pattern. I really liked this book, and would recommend it for anyone moving to the next level in sewing.
Pretty Good Stuff.......2007-03-09
This book is much more basic than Shaeffer's Couture book, and some of the style and design suggestions are a bit dated (copyright is 1997), but all basic instructions can be applied to more current and/or trendy styles and details, with just a bit of imagination and determination. Excellent construction, no matter how "now" your design may be, will always add that bit of flair, so the book is helpful in improving and adapting your sewing skills to produce garments that avoid that "home made" look.
Book Description
Vintage aprons and modern designs are turning up in movies, magazine spreads, upscale shops, and hip retail venues like Anthropologie, whose trendy line of aprons is selling as fast as they can stock them. The Apron Book is an infectiously enthusiastic guide to aprons, old and new, that are suddenly everywhere.
Aprons take us back to our favorite place¿hearth and home. Vintage aprons help us remember home and family the way they used to be, while bright and sassy contemporary aprons confirm that nesting is all the rage. Actress and trendsetter Julia Roberts has a closetful of vintage aprons. Celebrity custom-made apron auctions have become an annual event for several popular charities in the past few years.
The Apron Book provides full-color photos of new and vintage aprons from the author's collection, patterns for four basic apron styles and myriad variations, recipes, tips on collecting and preserving vintage aprons, and heart-tugging stories from the author's traveling apron exhibit. The book also explores the heyday of aprons and looks at the various roles aprons still play when worn in the kitchen, around the house, by the backyard grill, on the job, and for special occasions.
Warm and inviting¿but like an apron quite practical!¿this book is a celebration of a great American icon and reminds us of what we loved about the people who wore them.
Customer Reviews:
"Apron Heaven".......2007-09-30
Wow! What a delightful book! Not only rich in history and memory, but you are given the instructions to make them come alive in the "now!" This is in the "fave" section of my studio!
Delightful read.......2007-08-31
I found "The Apron Book" book to be absolutely charming and fully engaging. Old enough to remember aprons similar to those represented being worn by family and friends, as well as being an inveterate collector of fabric, this work prompts pleasant memories as it nudges me toward my machine.
The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort.......2007-08-23
This book is a good gift, coffee table book, or reference book. It has lots of pictures of authentic vintage patterns, vintage looking aprons, and ideas for color and cloth. The vintage patterns she displays are very usefull and can easily be reinvented with modern commercial patterns.
The patterns she offers are alittle disappointing, especially for children. I was looking for a Mom and kid combo with a bib type pattern. The childs pattern has no bib and was not gathered/sewn to the waiste band but like curtins, gathering as it falls.
There is a "no frills" commercial type pattern for Mom on the back cover and the book gives good details for the patterns she describes in the book.
To me the strenght of her book is in her pictures for ideas, and you can pick up patterns that are exactly like what is pictured in her books commercially. Personally I liked her book, I like idea books with vintage styles. This book can sit on your self until the time you need "inspiration" or a quick apron idea for a gift you want to make.
The Apron Book: Making, Wearing and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort.......2007-08-17
Great find!! Such pretty illustrations and wonderful personal 'apron' stories. I loved it from cover to cover. Bought it for a gift but cannot bear to give it away now.
Well photographed book with cute APRON STORIES.......2007-08-13
This is a cute book about aprons. The photos are just marvelous---very bright and colorful!
Each sub-category, in each chapter, comes with a funny or sweet story about the various "special" aprons photographed.
I am giving it a 4-star rather than a 5-star because with over 500+ collectible aprons that the author owns, I wish she had photographed even a small array or "collage-photo", showing more of her pretty aprons. Maybe she could have added a few additional pages to her book, with a combo-photo of more of her aprons.
The author mentions so many interesting aprons that she owns in her collection (but did not show), and so I wanted to see a few more aprons she mentioned throughout the book... (for example: maybe even a photograph or two of a "collage" of just 40 more aprons would have been great).
However, maybe once the author sees how well her first book on aprons is selling right now, she will write a volume #II next time---which I will buy.
Customer Reviews:
Worth it for just one technique.......2007-08-28
While many of the techniques are covered in some of the other sewing textbooks you might have read one techique in particular stands out to me as I have never seen this elsewhere is how to sew a all in one facing professionally. Normally the intructions tell you to leave the shoulder seams open and then "hand sew" them. Not this one it shows you how to do the factory way. If you don't own any other sewing books then this is the one to get
great business.......2007-05-19
I am very happy with the speed of delivery, price and condition of the book.Thanks!!!
A Guide to Fashion Sewing.......2007-01-13
Great book. It is a must for any sewer of garments. Great tips and good directions.
Actually a little disappointed.......2006-09-19
I bought this sewing guide looking for the advanced time-saving construction techniques used in the garment industry. Sadly, I didn't find them in this book, despite the glowing reviews. It is a good textbook and reference manual on basic sewing. The information is clearly presented with excellent and plentiful illustrations. However, the skills depicted are ones I mastered quite a while ago. I will keep this book in place of others in my library, but this was an expensive experiment. I would not recommend this book to anyone over an intermediate skill level.
Review.......2005-10-04
Excellent working with seller, received item very fast! Would definitely recommend business with this seller.
Book Description
Why spend tons of money on humdrum designer duds when it's possible to revamp a piece you already own to create a guaranteed original that looks, fits, and feels just the way it should?
Rip It! shows how simple and fun it can be to transform a tired wardrobe into hip, one-of-a-kind new looks without spending a dime. Elissa Meyrich, owner and teacher at the popular New York sewing boutique Sew Fast Sew Easy, has been passing her sewing secrets and style tips on to students for years. Now she shows beginners and experienced sewers everywhere how to customize pieces found at cheap chain stores, thrift shops, or the far reaches of a closet and create fabulous new designs. Rip It! includes everything you need -- basic sewing and alteration information; quick sewing methods; where to find supplies; advice on which fabrics to use; important cutting rules; plus illustrated layouts, drawings, and instructions that show you how to:
- Jazz up old t-shirts with stretch lace and zippers
- Turn faded, falling-apart jeans into a hot new denim skirt
- Change a pullover into a cute cardigan
- Make a thrift-store dress into a hipster skirt
- Create an instant poncho
Cool, crafty, and brimming with creative ideas, Rip It! is a hands-on handbook that will show you how to give your clothes sass, sparkle, and your own signature style.
Customer Reviews:
Sew many Books! Sew little time!.......2007-09-26
I got the Sew Fast Sew Easy book and loved it so I bought this book also. It was cheaper than some of the others and well worth it. I had a really good time doing the projects in this book and learned some more on tailoring and heming. This would be a great gift for anyone who likes to get creative and mess around.
Sewing rules everything around me! Grab the scissors! Make your own clothes 'Yall! .......2007-09-25
I'm learning to sew and have found the most fabulous books. This is one of my favorites. It's no B.S. Other books I have show how to construct garments but this book is really good at explaining how to do more of the basic sewing and tailoring skills. I now know how to reconstruct my clothes to fit better and to make more original stuff. I don't look like my outfit came right off the rack at the Gap. You have to crawl before you can run and this book will get you through crawling and walking and into running. I'm a big fan of Rip It!. Here are some other books that have been realy helpful:
A Guide to Fashion Sewing
Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
Satisfaction with a Positive Reaction.......2007-09-18
There are lots of good books about sewing available, for every skill level and fortunately this is one of the great ones. This book does a great job being "hip" and "trendy". The illustrations are done very well and are clear to understand. The ideas in this book are creative and original. You'll be glad you grabed this book. Also check out the Sew Fast Sew Easy book.
Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
What a nice surprise!.......2007-09-11
I recieved a copy of Sew Fast Sew Easy from Amazon on Friday. I'm a patternmaker and I bought the book since it seemed like the best one for my grandaughter. I looked it over and liked what I saw. It's right on with appropriate beginner projects. The goal is to encourage, not discourage their efforts (with projects beyond them) so they'll enjoy creating and keep sewing! This Rip It! book also has great projects for beginners to develop their sewing skills more.
Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
I love the Rip It book!.......2007-09-06
I also own the Sew Fast Sew Easy book and then bought the Rip It book. They go hand in hand. I'm planning a trip to NYC soon and am going to take an intermediate sewing class at Sew Fast Sew Easy. I'm looking forward to learning more from the woman who wrote these wonderful sewing books. I recomend both of these great books for any level of sewing.
Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
Book Description
So many people dream of creating their own style, doing some simple repairs, or making a few accessories. This book is for all of these people, and teaches everyone how easy sewing can be.Sew Fast Sew Easy includes: Patterns and instructions for a simple envelope pillow, a fashionable skirt, and a hip tote bag Tips on creating your sewing survival kitwhich tools are needed and why Hints on how to buy and use a commercial pattern Understanding fabric personalitybuying the right fabric for a project Complete glossary of terms How to overcome fear of sewing machines Rules of cutting and hand-finishing.
Customer Reviews:
So many books to choose from.......2007-09-26
I finally made a decision on a book and I am very happy that I chose this one. It has been easy to follow where other sewing books make learning complicated. The patterns were fun and now I have new pillows for my couch and bed and with christams coming up, they'll be perfect gifts. I also liked the Rip It! book and for more advanced sewing check out A fashion guide to sewing.
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
A Guide to Fashion Sewing
love sewing!.......2007-09-25
I'm learning to sew and have found the most fabulous books. This happens to be my favorite. It's no B.S. Other books I have show how to construct garments but this book is really good at explaining how to do more of the basic sewing skills. I didn't know that there was a certain way of cutting fabric out so that the garment will fit properly. You have to crawl before you can run and this book will get you through crawling and walking and into running. I'm a big fan of Sew Fast Sew Easy. Here are some other books that have been realy helpful:
A Guide to Fashion Sewing
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
Highly Recomended.......2007-09-18
My friend who is a fashion designer highly recomended this book to help get me sewing and he was right on with it. This book has been great in helping me get comfortable with my machine and to understand how to read and lay patterns. I enjoyed sewing the projects in this book as well. They weren't too hard to understand and it helped give me the confidence to sew and it wasn't frustrating so I wanted to keep sewing and find new projects to work on. I would recomend this book to anyone that wants a relaxing and easy time learning to sew. I'm also going to check out the Rip It! book too for more tailoring tips and creative project ideas.
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
What a nice surprise!.......2007-09-11
I recieved a copy of Sew Fast Sew Easy from Amazon on Friday. I'm a patternmaker and I bought the book since it seemed like the best one for my grandaughter. I looked it over and liked what I saw. It's right on with appropriate beginner projects. The goal is to encourage, not discourage their efforts (with projects beyond them) so they'll enjoy creating and keep sewing! The Rip It! book is also a great book for beginner projects.
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
I love my Sew Fast Sew Easy book!.......2007-09-06
This book is awesome! I'm planning a trip to new york soon and am going to take an intermediate sewing class at Sew Fast Sew Easy. I'm really looking forward to meeting the woman who wrote this fabulous sewing book and learning more from her first hand. Also check out the Rip It! book written by the same author.
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
Book Description
The definitive guide to tailoring womens jackets with professional results. Professional tailoring techniques made easy. 400 step-by-step photographs. The well-tailored jacket, always in style, is one of the most challenging, popular, and satisfying sewing projects. Tailoring is the classic guide to the required techniques. Step-by-step instructions and close-up photographs help hobby sewers get professional results. Tailoring covers all three tailoring methods (custom or hand, machine, and fusible) and the complete process from fabric selection to finishing touches. There are detailed instructions on adjusting the pattern for proper fit, which is critical for good results. Tailoring is all about impeccable details, and Tailoring shows how to achieve them, from the roll of the collar to a perfect pocket.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Tailoring Reference.......2007-09-29
I agree with everyone's opinions here and confirm that this book has the same content in the Singer Tailoring book that is part of the useful Singer Sewing Reference Lirary series published in 1988 by Cy DeCosse Inc. The table of content are a spot-on-match to the Singer original as are the clear photos using contrasting thread for clarity.
The explantions of using fusible interfacing (which tailoring purist in the past would turn their nose up at as being low class and cheap) and machine stitching instead of pad-stitiching, both of which are found in today's expensive Armani clothes, are very helpful.
I have just about every tailoring book published, including the Adele Margolis, Roberto Cabrera and Stanley Hostek classics, but this is the book I reach for often.
Learned a lot from this one!.......2007-08-10
This book is great, as long as you are an experienced seamstress [sorry for the possible sexist misunderstanding]. Really great tips and hints for someone who has significant experience with sewing and/or tailoring. Wonderful photos!
comprehensive illustrated tailoring guide.......2007-05-16
This is a fully illustrated guide to the three main methods of tailoring: custom tailoring done by hand, machine tailoring, and tailoring using fusible interfacing. The book is quite comprehensive, covering the entire process of making a tailored jacket from selecting the materials, including a detailed section on different types of interfacings, through fitting the pattern, cutting and marking, and all steps of construction for the three methods. There is an illustrated guide to the tools used in tailoring, detailed instructions for several kinds of pockets including patch pockets, lined patch pockets, welt pockets, single welt pockets and welt pockets with flaps, and a section on bound buttonholes. Linings are also covered, including hand installation of linings, machine installation of linings, partial linings, and how to make partial or full linings for an unlined jacket pattern. The book focuses on jackets with notched collars, explaining that these require the most tailoring, but shawl collars are also covered. Other types of collars are not specifically addressed.
The book is clear and comprehensive, and a great choice for anyone wishing to learn tailoring. I do have a few criticisms. Some things are explained in great detail, such as the pockets and a section on threads, equipment and techniques for hand sewing. Some others are not and omit a few details that would have been helpful. For instance, the book explains that taping the front is done in custom tailoring but not necessary in machine or fusible tailoring, and it clearly explains how to tape the front step by step and with full color photo illustration. It doesn't explain why taping the front is important or what it does. I found out courtesy of one of Claire Schaeffer's couture patterns for Vogue that taping the front weights it so that the fronts of the jacket hang perpendicular to the floor even when the jacket is open instead of slanting. The book mentions jump pleats in the lining section but doesn't explain how to form one. There is a section comparing the three methods and examples of how one might use a combination of methods, but it doesn't really explain the pros and cons of each method. The author also seems to have a few personal biases, such as recommending against silk as a lining material because it can get water stains under the arms.
Overall it is a very good guide but I would recommend supplementing it with other books if you really want to get into the subject.
Good for jackets.......2007-04-05
The book is well written and has good illustrations. It offers machine stitching alternatives to the hand pad stitching, which may be of use to women who are tailoring their own jackets but do not have the time to sit and do the stitching by hand. This machine stitched version is the only part that I might consider using as an alternative to the hand stitching. I am not a fan of iron-on interfacing and would not use it in a tailored jacket, but I know someone might and the book shows how it can be used to give a decent look to a tailored jacket.
I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to tailor a jacket. I still prefer Adele Margolis and Ethel Wyllie as my references for tailoring, but this is a good updated version with easy to follow instructions, especially for someone who has never tailored a jacket.
Lots of pictures.......2007-03-17
This is a really good book on tailoring jackets. I'm a person who needs to see it, and this book has "400 how-to photographs" that do a good job of giving close up photos of exactly what is being described. This book is certianlly worth adding to a sewing library.
Customer Reviews:
Buy this!.......2007-03-17
If you are looking for a book that will tell you everything you want to know about making the perfect pants with good diagrams as well, this is it. I can't think of a single situation that it doesn't cover.
Thin but MIGHTY .......2007-02-09
This book may be thin in size but it is MIGHTY in the information contained. I'd taken a leave of absence from sewing and changed shapes in the meantime - older patterns didn't fit anymore. With the help of this book, I'm back in business AND have learned all kinds of things I wish I had learned years ago. Can't say enough good things about this very easy to understand, logically presented book. Way to go Lynn.
The Best Pants Book in the Universe.......2005-11-20
After not sewing for about 15 years, I decided it was time to make some nice pants. My body had changed and I had difficulty identifying the myriad fitting problems. What a disaster!!!! Of course, I had invested hundreds of dollars in wonderful material and there it sat. I bought this book and went to work. This lady knows her stuff. My pants are fab and I finally understand how to fit pants to my body. I encourage any sewer at any level of accomplishment to get this wonderful book. The language is clear, the drawings and photographs are explicit and specific and address the process of making pants in a modern way. Lynn, wherever you are, thanks for a great book.
The Best Pants Book.......2002-01-19
The "Easy Guide to Sewing Pants" is the only book you will ever need to have a great pair of pants that truly fits you perfectly. I had tried many different approaches over the years but never achieved the fit I needed until I bought this book. Ms. MacIntyre's diagrams for fitting problem areas are clear, easy- to-follow; and best of all, they work! Her step-by-step instructions on how to make design changes to your basic pattern will give you many different looks with having to go through the fitting process again. I was so excited when I made a style change to my pattern and didn't have to worry about whether they would fit. No more frustration!! If that's not enough, I also found Ms. MacIntyre's construction techniques to be absolutely the best and gave me very professional results. The "Easy Guide to Sewing Pants" is a "must" for any sewer's library.
Easy Guide to Sewing Pants.......2001-06-04
For fitting and making pants, I have found the "Easy Guide to Sewing Pants" an invaluable source. The book delivers a goldmine of information that really works. Ms. MacIntyre's meticulously thorough instructions are presented in clear, concise easy-to-grasp prose that I found a constant source of pleasure when I need to search for answers. This classy book sets high standards and is a cherished addition to my sewing library.
Amazon.com
For those of you who have managed in the past to find the right pattern and the perfect new fabric, only to give up in frustration when the fabric doesn't behave like anything you've used before, Fabric Savvy is here to help. Author Sandra Betzina, host of Home and Garden TV's Sew Perfect, has wrestled with just about every fabric out there, and she's lived to tell about it.
Perfectly suited to beginning and experienced sewers alike, this excellent guide devotes, in alphabetical order, two pages to each of 85 fabrics. For every material Betzina highlights a multitude of topics, including fabric facts (bulky/drape/breathable/how fabricated), suitability (types of projects), sewing tips, lay-out (and why it matters), interfacing, stitch length, seam finish, closures, and hemming. The categories are thorough, as is the scope of fabrics addressed: waterproof breathables, tencel, and lame, to name a few, along with 14 types of silk and 8 wools.
Color photographs accompany the descriptions of fabrics and projects, while helpful illustrations further explain the techniques used. Finally, Betzina offers a glossary of fabric terms and a thorough listing of contact information for fabric and alternative pattern companies, making Fabric Savvy a necessary resource for any sewing enthusiast. --Molly McElroy
Book Description
Fabric Savvy is a handy, spiral-bound reference on virtually every fabric imaginable--from the newest to the old favorites. It's a must for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed in a fabric store by all the fabric and notion choices. Fabrics are listed alphabetically for easy reference. Specific information for each fabric includes preshrinking instructions, layout, marking, interfacing, needle and thread options, stitch length, seam finishing, pressing, topstitching, closures, hemming, and more!
Customer Reviews:
A must for sewers.......2007-08-23
A must for your references. Sandra has all the information you need to handle fabrics. Very useful especially when sewing unfamiliar fabrics.
I can't review the item if I don't receive it!!!.......2007-03-31
I still have not recieved the item ordered on 2/28 and today is 3/31. I will be waiting and not placing any more orders from there!!!!!!!!!!
Great Resource for Sewing Various Fabrics.......2006-01-22
This was a great book for providing tips on sewing various fabrics. It contains a 2 page spread for each of the "85 different fabrics" available to the sewer. It includes info about recommended thread and needles, presser foot to use, best cutting method, pressing instructions, closures to use, facts about the fabric and the most suitable garments to make with the fabric.
In the back of the book, starting at page 174, there is an appendix which describes (with illustrations) the various seams, detailing, closures and hems. What would have made this a 5-star was if the book contained slightly more information for the advanced beginner sewer, such as:
~ how to determine the nap on fabric like velvet
~ covered swimsuit fabric
~ glossary of terms used in the book, i.e. mush layers together to marry naps or marry sequins; underlining with silk organza (does this mean put in a lining?)
There is a glossary, but it does not address some of the terms scattered throughout the book. I am giving this book a 4.5 star rating.
An irresistable resource for anyone with a sewing machine.......2005-11-06
Even if you mostly sew with ordinary fabrics, like cotton, it's worth owning a copy of this book. There are plenty of times when you stop in the store and finger a particularly lovely bit of satin, and wonder what's involved in sewing it. This book gives you a clear, brief summary of the essentials -- from which needle to use, to which presser foot, to the items for which the fabric is most appropriate. It takes the pressure out of fabric choice, and makes me feel more confident that yeah, I *could* make seat cushions with that $20/yard ultrasuede.
I hemmed and hawwed (so to speak) over buying this book, but I'm glad I did so.
excellent shipping.......2005-08-22
received book three days after ordering from Abebooks, Bradenton, Fl. just across the state from me. Amazing!
Excellent book, could not do without it.
J.P. Orlando , Fl.
Customer Reviews:
Very disappointing but may help women with flat figures.......2004-01-24
After reading the customer reviews, I purchased this book. I was extremely disappointed, as the authors address only basic fitting for slight adjustments in flat patterns, which are not usually helpful for adjusting to persons with real shape problems and especially not helpful for those with a very large bust. Also, the book does not address the many small adjustments that are necessary for a really great fit. I would suggest it only to those who are able to use commercial flat (vs multi-seamed and contoured)patterns and need only small adjustments.
Outstanding! Fitting solutions not found elsewhere!.......2002-01-24
I've been sewing for twenty some years. In that time I read lots of books on fitting and gone to various classes. This is the ONLY place I have gotten information on how to adjust a dolman and a raglan sleeve for a larger then standard bust.
This book assumes you have no fitting skills. It tells you all the tools you will need. They tell about fitting shells and why shells from different pattern companies might serve you better. The authors tell you how to adjust the pattern for your figure. This book will give you the information you need to get a better fit.
I Love This Book!.......2000-07-28
This book helped me (finally!) to understand how patterns worked and why things I had made were not turning out as I had hoped. There is quite a bit of explaination about why you're doing things. Clear easy to follow pitcures and instructions. I made a great pair of pants and will turn to it every time I have a new project.
Clothes for real bodies.......1997-09-27
Real women, with normal figures of all types, are the key feature in this fitting book. Unlike fashion magazines and dress pattern catalogs which use slim, young models to make the CLOTHES look great, this book shows how to fit clothes to make the average WOMAN look great! Sewing skills are needed but once you have followed the directions and made the suggested pattern adjustments as a master pattern, you can adjust any commercial pattern to fit you perfectly with very little fuss. This is especially helpful for older woman whose figures have changed over time. But any woman can have "tailor-made" fit with this book. Try it!
Books:
- Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd edition (Space Technology Library) (Space Technology Library)
- Spinning Disney's World: Memories of a Magic Kingdom Press Agent
- The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 1
- The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories
- The Bitten (A Vampire Huntress Legend)
- The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes for Designing Home Interiors
- The Darwin Awards II: Unnatural Selection
- The Lost Painting: The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece
- The Magic Garment: Principles of Costume Design
- The Making of the Movie Trilogy (The Lord of the Rings)
Books Index
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Fashion
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| Home & Garden
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Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics
Sew Subversive: Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista
Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects
Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects
Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew
