5 comments about Mother Pletsch's Painless Sewing: With Pretty Pati's Perfect Pattern Primer and Ample Annie's Awful but Adequate Artwork.

1. This book is great for people like myself who are attempting to pick up sewing again...so many sewing books assume that you know all the basics, and, I've found, even the general/beginner ones can be a bit daunting at times. This book is like a lesson from a lighthearted instructor...funny but packed with useful information, as well as easy shortcuts to make sewing go faster. The authors break down the "standard" notions of sewing that drag down progress, and they give you the confidence to know that you CAN do it. The authors seem like wonderful women, I'd like to meet them someday!



2. I definitely recommend this book to anyone learning to sew. It gives clear, straightforward instructions on how to construct a garment, how to modify a pattern, and how to choose a pattern and fabric to suit you.

   The only qualm I have is that it is just a little too cute. I dislike being talked down to, and at times I felt this book did that. However, it's a minor quibble. If you're new to sewing and want to learn how to make that perfect dress, shirt, or blouse, you should buy this book.




3. I should note here that I only sew a couple of garments a year. If that's how you sew, this is a great book. It would also be invaluable for the true beginning sewer. Anybody who sews regularly though would probably not find much new or helpful here. The information is good, solid, and basic.



4. IF YOU NEED ENCOURAGEMENT IN SEWING, THIS BOOK IS GOOD FOR YOU. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME REAL DETAILS AND MORE THOROUGH SEWING TIPS, YOU REALLY BETTER BUY OTHERS.



5. So I own The Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Sewing, The Vogue/Butterick Sewing Book, and a couple of others. They're great references, but I wanted something that would show me HOW to do things and WHEN to do them. This book did it. Also, it was in a format that I could either read cover to cover, OR just pick it up and go to the section(s) pertinent to my current project. I am SO glad I got this book. Now I can finish that doggoned dress!

4 comments about The Art Of Sewing A Custom Fit.

1. "The Art of Sewing A Custom Fit" is a great book. Shirley Smith is truly an expert on fitting clothes. She is very thorough and easy to understand. Her photographs and diagrams are very helpful, making it easy to apply her techniques. I prefer her method of pattern alterations over all the others I have tried. I find them easier to use and with better results. Shirley discusses both dress and pants fitting. She also goes into the fitting of a muslin, choosing and evaluating fashion patterns, making adjustments of patterns, tissue fitting patterns and how to pin fit fashion garments. I like to wear clothes that fit well. I feel if I take the time to sew my garments, I want them to look and feel great. I will be using this book for my personal use and for my 4-H students. This book is a must for the home sewer's library.



2. I just received my copy of Sewing a Custom fit. I was looking forward to a useful addition to my fitting tools - but what disappointment to find that this book is only in yards and inches. The whole world - besides America uses the metric system and what a pity that there are no metric instructions for this book. Pity - as this spoils an otherwise useful book.



3. First impression: disappointment. The pages appear to be reproduced on a color copier, with text distorted on every page. A drop of water smeared the ink. The binding is inexpensive plastic spiral that's not going to last. Columns in charts don't line up, with size 6 numbers appearing under size 18. Pin fitting a muslin suddenly appears in the middle of adjusting the paper pattern. Instructions require buying a measuring kit from the author. The section on adjusting fashion patterns is skimpy.

   On the positive side, the photos are good and the instructions clear. There are good tips, such as instances on when to add ease and adjusting the curve of darts.

   The majority of the book is how to take measurements, adjust the pattern by cutting off the seams and moving the seamline, pin fit a pattern, and pin fit a muslin. The measurement info I had in another book, and muslin fit is included in the Vogue fitting patterns which you need to buy to use The Art of Sewing A Custom Fit.

   I bought this book based on a positive review in Threads magazine, hoping to get that one single fitting reference. There is good info as well, and I would have given it 3 stars if it were $12. I was expecting the depth you find in Threads' fitting column--that's entirely missing. Definitely not worth the price.




4. I am the author of this book and want to answer a review I saw here. If there are any mistakes in the book please let me know. I will correct them and send you the correction. If your binding wears out, send me your book, I'll rebind it no charge.

   I want to share a letter I recieved from a customer about my products.
   
   Your video on welt pocket and bound buttonholes is excellent. No question you are a first rate teacher. You have answered many of my questions and clarified a lot for me. I do have two questions. 1. Do you know of a mail order source for cotton organdy? 2. If you do need to use a fusible on the wrong side of the pocket opening, what do you suggest? I would like to order your collars video and am anxious to fine tune my construction of collars. Since I sew for my family, your materials (I own both of your books) have been quite valuable to me. Marie from California

No comments about School needlework. A course of study in sewing designed for use in schools,.

1 comments about The Great Outdoors: Scroll Saw Fretwork Patterns :"Fine Line Design" (Design Book Ser. ; No. 3).

1. The entire "Fine Line Design" series pattern books for the scroll saw by Judy Gale Roberts is an excellent resourse guide in any scroll shop. All the books are laced with "Helpful Hints" and suggestions on how to produce the project and how some modifications can be made. They are a great start for a beginner and a wonderful resourse for the more advanced sawyer.

   This book, "The Great Outdoors", has 36 patterns ranging from bass fishing, ducks, eagles, wolves, raccoons and more. The full size patterns are presented on either 9" x 11" or 11" x 17" foldout pages. Also included are tips on how to create shelves, key holders, napkin holders, framed plaques and shadow boxes all with the same theme/design. Excellent projects.

2 comments about Zen And the Art of Needlecraft Exploring the Links Between Needlecraft, Spirituality, And Creativity.

1. Midwest comfortably meets Far East. Like the author's earlier "Zen and the Art of Quilting," this book is an educational, touching, and inspiring read. Each chapter has creative tips and gives quilters, knitters, stitchers, etc. several things to think about throughout the creative process. The stories of the author's friends and family will remind you of your own friends and family and your personal connection to the history of needlecraft and even modern ecology. Bottom line: The book inspired me to return to quilting after a long break.



2. 
   Sandra Detrixhe, herself a lifetime sewer, has blended together a mixture of stories to form one cohesive book, Zen and the Art of Needlecraft. Though Zen is mentioned, and its tenants used to provide a thread for a collection of tales about herself, her family, and her friends. This book isn't completely about needlework, but more how that needlework affects those it touches, the creators and recipients.
   
   This book is crammed with useful information. At the beginning of each of the ten chapters, Detrixhe provides a useful tip of two. These are the sorts of tips essential for the novice, and gentle reminders for the experienced practitioner, such as how to get organized and how to position your threads in your needlework tapestry to make it appear more tidy. Two projects- a tote bag and a zen wall hanging are explained with clear, complete directions, so those new to sewing can try their hands at a couple "can't mess up" projects. Before you turn away because you think you're too experienced for this book, though, allow me to say that the stories about herself, family, and friends are my favorite part. They're funny, touching, and inspiring. As she relates how she plans to preserve a 100 year old christening dress, or how to restore a precious doll, or planning for a future quilt, you might get some new ideas for a few new projects of your own.
   
   Zen and the Art of Needlecraft is a perfect gift for the person in your life who is just beginning to work with a needle, and it is the quintessential vacation book for those thread crafters who have a bit of practice. It's small, portable, and extremely well written.
   
   Highest recommendations.

No comments about Sew It Tonight, Give It Tomorrow: Fifty Fast, Fun, and Fabulous Gifts to Make in an Evening.

2 comments about Sew Fun, So Colorful Quilts: From Me and My Sister Designs (That Patchwork Place).

1. Nine fun quilts make up SEW FUN SO COLORFUL QUILTS. Written by two sisters (as the name implies), they do such designs as cats and flowers, along with Flying Geese, Square in a Square and simple blocks and strip. When they put them all together, they get wonderfully fun quilts that aren't hard to make.
   
   The quilt sizes range from 52" square to 74" x 93" to 84" square and various sizes in between. The instructions contain a materials list, cutting instructions, how to make the blocks and assembling and finishing directions. There are lots of graphics to make it easy to follow along in the pattern. (Aren't we quilters visual people? So graphics are GOOD!).
   
   The section on General Instructions covers things like machine piecing, basic embroidery, measuring and bias binding. There are even a couple of paragraphs about the sisters. All in all, this would be a great book to inspire a young quilter to begin or spice up the life of a long time quilter. Either way, it is a good book with easy but interesting patterns. A couple of these will find their way into our guild's charity work for Love and Hugs (seriously ill children 0 - 18 years).



2. I just had the opportunity to spend 3 fun-filled days with the sisters at a workshop...they're just as much fun as their colorful quilts. The book is my very favorite, very well written with whimsical explanations of each quilt. Super instructions and illustrations that will have you wanting to make one of each!!! You won't be disappointed with this one!

1 comments about Simple Pillows (Home Furnishing Workbooks).

1. As with the rest of the "Simple" series, Katrin Cargill offers step-by-step instructions on making a variety of pillows. The title doesn't lie: even the most elegant pillows in here are very simple to make. Her instructions are clear enough that they can be easily adapted. For example, I adapted one of the throw pillows into pillow shams for a full-size bed with no problems whatsoever.

3 comments about Scrap-Happy Home Decor.

1. This book is great if you are looking for some quick and inexpensive holiday ideas. The directions are super easy to follow and the pictures of the finished projects are fantastic. (Although I can say that I've enjoyed other books from the Leisure Arts Clever Crafter Series much more than this one.)



2. Really enjoyed this book. Has some really great craft ideas, but the title is misleading. Unless you are a heavy duty crafter, these crafts will cost more than $10.00. Most list small numbers of things to buy, then farther down the page, it lists things you already have at home. These things usually include embroidery floss, fusible web, needles, fiberfill, buttons, etc. Some of this stuff I have at home, but only because I tend to collect craft materials just in case. There are some materials that I do not keep on hand that would definitely be quite pricey to buy on short notice... Be sure to read all the way through the What to Buy and Things You Have At Home for each craft before you start.



3. The first Leisure Arts book that I didn't find mesmerizing. The crafts are more kitsch and clutter than clever. Most of the pillows and table-coverings looked over-done like the his-and-hers square dancing outfits you see. There were one or two children's projects that were interesting enough, but again, they were just THERE; not overly useful or wonderful. Even the book itself seemed to lack enthusiasm. The pictures were ordinary, nowhere as eye-catching as usual.
   
   For bright and cheery, Mary Engelbreit decorating books are much better.

No comments about Scrap Basket Sewing.