2 comments about Sew Pretty Christmas Homestyle.

1. Oh My God, don't delay another second, buy this book. It's totally gorgeous, I LOVE it. I only bought it last week and have already made several things and flicked through it a million times. The pictures are adorable, the patterns sooooo simple to use and lots of them. Definitley definitley worth the money. The other Tilda books are equally as fabulous! I have pics of the teddy bears on my blog [...] (not sure if you can add blogs to this??)



2. This book is just beautiful.Glorious pictures.It's only August and it made me want to pull out the tree and deck the halls with holly!It would even make a great gift for the non sewers.I have looked at it hundreds of times already.

5 comments about Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe.

1. The book is great for beginners, since it shows step by step how to start sewing REAL clothes.
   
   BUT, I had a problem. The book is supposed to include the pattern of pants, skirt and shirt, I just got two copies of the shirt pattern. When I complained to the company and asked for the missing patterns I didn't get a good response from Built by Wendy staff.



2. this book was extremely helpful and nothing like a boring directional book that i'd fall asleep reading. It was very clear and helpful for a beginner like me and was able to keep my attention/interest.



3. Just reading this book has taught me a lot about sewing clothes. I haven't tried any of the projects as of yet, but plan to do so soon.



4. This book really get down to business and tell you how to you can make your own clothes that you can wear and be fashionable.
   Since the author was self-taught, she is able to share her experience and tips on how to get from not knowing anything, to really get to make clothes that you can really wear in an informal style. Throughout the whole book, it just feels like it is your next door neighbour in the dorm who tells you all the tips on how she makes all these and look fabulous every day!
   All her tips and tricks are do-able and really down-to-earth, no unrealistic fashion items, perfect book for people who don't have professional training but really want to make their own clothes and look fabulous.



5. I liked the format of the book, and she had some really good information about techniques and terms. I also appreciate the variations she demonstrates in the chapters for shirts, skirts, and pants. They may not all appeal to me, but they show what is possible with some tweaks to basic patterns. She encourages the reader to be creative and experimental.
   
   She really does gloss over very important information for the beginner. For example, I just finished a pair of pants from her book. Over all the instructions were fine, except when I went to make the belt loops. She doesn't actually mention how to make them! When I took my best guess based on the pattern, the material shredded as I tried to turn them right-side out. I had no idea if this was a problem with the material or my procedure!

5 comments about Sewing 101: A Beginner's Guide to Sewing.

1. This was a gift for my daughter, which was given to her with a new sewing machine. It looks like she is learning a lot from the book and enjoys reading it.



2. I really expected this book to break down the process of reading patterns, but it didnt. I still think that they look like really bad jiggsaw puzzles and I know no more than I did when I started. Oh wait, I know that I should IRON the fabric before I start working with it. THANKS!
   
   I dont know what Im going to do, I'm afraid to buy a bunch of books trying to figure out how to sew and where I live, classes are limited. I saw that there was a video, but it got some pretty poor reviews. My brand new machine is in the basement taking up space.



3. This was a great purchase to help me start making simple things with the sewing machine. I was worried that it may not be low enough to teach me everything I needed to know, but it was, and it covers enough things to get you sewing everything from clothes to pillows to drapes. It was a great buy!!!



4. I've purchased this book as it was required for a sewing class I've taken recently. It's a really good guide for beginners. It is full of pictures and there's a glossary at the end of the book. The only thing is, the pictures, the models are a bit old, so they might not inspire you enough for sewing. But don't care about that part, you'll sew the patterns you buy, anyway. :) The book is spiral-binded, which makes it easy to use when you work from it. I recommend this book for anyone who is new to sewing, this book is really helpful.



5. I bought this book for my daughters and I ended up using it more than they. This is a great little reference book with step-by-step guidance in all your basic sewing needs. Whether you are a beginner or experienced in this craft, you'll find this very useful.

5 comments about Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects.

1. This is a great book for beginners. I can't wait to get started on some projects.



2. Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects
   
   Gran libro con estupendos diseños. Contiene patrones a tamaño real.



3. I love this book. I've made 2 of the tote bags multiple times and the yoga bag. Everything I make in this book comes out looking very cool. The instructions are well written and easy to follow. Most things don't have patterns and use measurements instead which keeps it simple. Lotta's designs are creative, functional and crafty.



4. My friend Chassity and I got this book to teach ourselves how to sew and absolutely love it! The projects are modern, simple, useful, and well designed. I haven't had any trouble deciphering instructions and I'm loving the finished items. My favorite project so far has been the All Day Tote, I'm on my third one! These projects make great gifts too!



5. I first saw this book at a fabric store I worked at in the area. I was immediately drawn to the originality of it, and the beautiful fabrics she used in the book. It wasn't until later that I saw it on here. It is a great bargain for what it is. It can sit flat on your sewing table or the floor as you work, and the instructions are concise as simple.
   
   This book would be a beautiful addition to any sewing room.

5 comments about Sew U Home Stretch: The Built by Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics.

1. This is a great book - I'm a "veteran" sewer and purchased it mostly for the patterns. But my thirty-something daughter LOVED the clear, concise explanations -- and it has inspired her.



2. this book is a lot of fun for anyone with a serger and the basics of sewing. you can make cute, quick garments using comfy jersey. i think even a beginner would be able to use this book. serging is so fast and easy. all of the patterns fit me great, super cute styles. can't wait for the next book!



3. This is a wonderful resource for sewers of all ages. I am always eager to learn how to do different things - not to mention more easily. I heartily recommend this book. Instructions are easy to follow.



4. The author's attitude that anything can be done--just try it, is liberating for any kind of sewing. Lots of good inspiration and just a good instruction book for knits.



5. I'm a novice sewer and serger and found this book to be incredibly helpful on the topic of sewing/serging knits. I loved that this book offered different levels of accomplishment for the projects. The author did a great job of breaking down the steps to complete each task. There are many tips and techniques and this book is designed for both the advanced and beginner sewer. I know I will refer to this guide often and really appreciate this spiral binding that allows the book to lie flat. This is an essential addition to any sewing library.

5 comments about High Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers: A Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Stylish Seams, Buttonholes, Pockets, Collars, Hems, And More (Rodale Sewing Book).

1. 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.



2. I admit I haven't read much of it. Just skimmed through it. It's just quite hard to read...too technical (good for those who like things technical ..I"m a more visual person) and too much information in one seating. But it's worthwhile to take time to study it once I've got more time on my hand.



3. This book is filled with information and great sewing techniques so that no matter what you make, it will fit... but it won't just fit, it will fit as if you had it custom made by Chanel. There are lots of secrets that make sewing seem like a snap.
   
   I've been sewing for years, and I love the book.



4. If you're going to buy one sewing book, this is the one! It is packed with useful and understandable information. I checked it out of the library, but now I'm buying it so that I'll always have it nearby to refer to.
   I own "Sew Everything Workshop" and "Bend the Rules Sewing" both of which are invaluable to the beginning sewer and user friendly, but "High Fashion Sewing Secrets" is far superior. EVERYTHING is in here. If you're buying a complete beginner book, I suggest "Bend the Rules", but if you've sewn even a pillow or curtain, buy "High Fashion Secrets". What you learn is practical for projects other than clothing.



5. This is a wonderful resource for anybody wishing to raise the quality of the garments they are producing. It is clear and easy to follow

5 comments about Sewing for Dummies.

1. this was a christmas present for my mother-in-law-to-be, she just quit smoking and she wanted to occupy her time with something. so, she wanted to start sewing. that's all she wanted for christmas and i thought that this book would help her out in any situation she would have that she doesn't already know. thanks and this seller is recommended in my "book"!!!!



2. This is an easy to read book on sewing. Great for beginners and also for the more experienced that needs a review. Very easy to understand. It is a 'must buy' for the first time sewing person.



3. I'm new to sewing and I purchased several books to help me get started, including this one. It's easy to read and it gave me a good idea of how to do some things, but I would not have been able to sew just by reading this book. It's a perfect companion to other learning aids and I have returned to it several times. It's worth the cost as long as you have other teaching aids at your disposal.



4. Some parts get a little confusing, with a few step by steps that don't add up. But, the techniques described in this book will make anyone a better sewer. And, there are great simple project ideas throughout the book for beginners that allow you to practice as you read through the book. I highly enjoy this book.



5. It seems that most comprehensive or beginners sewing books aren't for true absolute beginners. At least that's my experience in learning to sew from books and buying a bunch. This book though is better than most and for that I'd recommend it. I learnt to sew a seam properly with this book. I found the projects enlosed awful though and I'm not tempted to make any of them, not the greetings card with buttons sewn on, nor the waistcoat made of napkins for example. But, the basic information enclosed is useful although all you need to know isn't here. If I knew what I know now before I bought the books I did, I'd still buy this one, unlike a couple of others I have.

5 comments about Couture Sewing Techniques.

1. Gives an interesting history in couture sewing, but most of all, shares tips and techniques that will make your average sewn-at-home garment look tailor made. Why re-invent the wheel? Learn from the experts!!!



2. I found this book to be of the utmost interest to people who sew. It offers valuable fashion history and methods used in couture sewing. It catlogs important dates that changed fashion and it offers random pictures of various sewing styles. My only disappointment was that the pictures are limited in number. I would like to have seen more visuals of the methods described and up close details of the ballgowns, in particular. This book makes you realize what an art form sewing can be.It gave me a sense of aestic beauty and appreciation for the talent that brings the fabric to life.



3. actually this book is a complete...
   the flaw is the illustration is not much...and the words are like written all in sub-chapter...it's not like a handbook...
   
   i think for sewing books, illustration is important...



4. Excellent book. Recommended by my couture sewing instructor at the London School of Fashion. It provides an excellent overview of couture sewing technique.



5. The introduction is interesting and basically explains why Shaffer is qualified to give you this information. The rest reads like a text book, which, for me, is much easier. When I reach a road block with sewing, I simply refer to the applicable section and determine what stitch, seam, technique would best solve the issue. There are decent diagrams/pictures to walk you through each step. It discusses each type of seam, tools and their purpose, threads, needles, etc. It's a sewing dictionary.
   
   Chapters include:
   PART I
   1. Inside the world of haute couture
   2. The art of hand sewing
   3. Shaping the garment: seams, darts, and pressing techniques
   4. Edge finishes: hems, facings, and bindings
   5. Closures
   PART II
   6. Skirts and pants
   7. Blouses and dresses
   8. Sleeves
   9. Pockes
   10. Jackets and coats
   11. Evening wear
   
   Draping was mentioned briefly, and in the little that was there, I was able to apply the information and successfully created/altered patterns.
   
   Hope that helps, and good luck on your future projects!

5 comments about A Guide to Fashion Sewing.

1. 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.



2. Great book. It is a must for any sewer of garments. Great tips and good directions.



3. I am very happy with the speed of delivery, price and condition of the book.Thanks!!!



4. 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



5. This book is GREAT! I use it for my sewing class in college, and it comes in very handy! It's a good reference to fall on even for the expert of sewers! It's a must have for sewers of all levels!

5 comments about Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew.

1. I just bought this book because I wanted to freshen up my sewing. I knew how to home sew from my mother but I didn't know much about sewing techniques or terms or sewing notions and how to use them. This book was very easy to understand and explains everything I need to know about sewing and using notions and patterns. It's now my sewing bible! If I get stuck on something I grab my sew fast sew easy book.



2. I bought this book for my daughter and she has taken to sewing extremely fast. She's so proud of what she makes. Her enthusiasm for sewing now is almost too much for me to keep up with. This book was was easy for her to understand and the illustrations were very clear. She's been playing around with reconstructing her clothes so I'm thinking of getting her the Rip It book as well. I'm happy to see her involved in a positive hobby that she truly enjoys and gets satisfaction from.



3. I have the Rip It! book and love it. I just got this book for my niece for christmas. She wants to learn how to sew and I know this is the best book out there for her. It's very easy to understand and comes with patterns for her to learn with. I'm also getting her a sewing machine from www.sewfastseweasy.com
   I love giving! She is going to be so thrilled!



4. I purchased this book based on its recommendations, and I'm not sorry I did. It's been 25+ years since I touched a sewing machine, and this book definitely helped take the fright away. Perfect for new seamstresses of all ages.



5. I ordered the "Sew On" book and was really impressed with the written instructions and included patterns. My daughter wants to learn to sew and I ordered her this book. When she gets a little comfortable, I'll pass along the Sew On book. This Sew Fast Sew Easy book has simple, easy to use patterns and projects that will get true beginners sewing. I highly recommend this book for true beginners. If your looking for a more intermediate book, find the "Sew On" book.