5 comments about Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs.

1. This is a great book. I am new at machine embroidery and found this book a wonderful reference book for what kind of stabilizer to use and an overall great "how to" for beginners.



2. I was very helpful to me. I'm just a beginner with a newer machine. I could not relate to some of the information. But it did help me with the basics.



3. I have just bought an embroidery machine and so am a complete novice in this area. I have found the book clear, well illustrated and simple to use. It has been invaluable helping me in my first steps of machine embroidery. The results are outstanding and the projects easy to follow.



4. I have been sewing for years and years and bought a top of the line sewing/embroidery machine combo one year ago. I just purchased this book and even though I had been doing lots of embroidery successfully,
   I think there is quite alot of useful information and techniques which
   will help me on future projects.
   
   I just bought another copy of this book as a gift for a friend who just
   got the same machine I have. I KNOW she will find it incredibly useful.
   Sometimes the instruction manuals that come with a machine just don't
   cover enough detail and this book certainly fills that in.



5. I am a new machine embroiderer. I needed a book for learning the basics and for immediate reference. There is so much more to machine embroidery than it would appear on the surface. Needles, threads, stabilizers, hooping; there are just dozens of questions.
   
   This book answered most of my questions. (The internet is also a good place for this info, but I like to have a book by my side if possible.)
   
   Stabilizers are one very important area. If your stabilizer is wrong for your fabric, the design will not stitch out well. This book has a detailed explanation of each type of stabilizer and what to use it for.
   
   How to hoop is explained and shown in a series of step by step drawings. So are different techniques. This book came with a CD-ROM with six designs that are featured in the book.
   
   This is a very good book for beginners like myself. I have already used it for reference when working on a project. It was well worth the money.

No comments about Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing.

5 comments about 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special.

1. Nicely illustrated, BUT you probably won't make many of these. They are primarily for long-waisted, very young, very thin women who are showing more skin than most women should. Love handles and over-hanging bellies, girls, are just so NOT sexy. Besides, is sexy all we have to say about why someone should give us a second look?



2. You won't believe what you can do with some old T-shirts, a little time, a few odds and ends and a sense of fun. Many of the designs are best for the slender young-adult because they do show some skin. However, part of the fun could be layering the revealing cutouts and strips over other fabrics, making them appropriate for every age.
   
   Team this book with 99 Ways To Cut, Sew and Deck Out Your Denim for a wardrobe that is totally one-of-a-kind.



3. This is a very imaginative book with many good ideas. I don't think that t-shirt material will behave in the way the drawings describe. It would have been better to have pictures instead of drawings to get a real feel for the results. Some of the ideas are totally unwearable, too revealing or ugly, but they are all good starting points for altering other things if you like to sew. There are however enough ideas that I'm sure that some of them will turn out.



4. I am not a skinny twenty-something, but I did enjoy this book. I found that by taking a neckline from one design and a sleeve cut from another, I could turn a boring T-shirt into something far more interesting, without baring all! For those who can wear these styles, enjoy! For others, like me, just take what you want and leave the rest.



5. If you've ever wondered what to do with a T-shirt...wonder no more!!
   Loved this as much as the "99 Ways to Cut Denim"....Check em' out!!

5 comments about The Perfect Fit: The Classic Guide to Altering Patterns.

1. I love this book and will cherish it. The photos are clear and precise. I was able to read this book in approximately 15 minutes because it's mostly pictures. The techniques on altering patterns were extremely easy. Will not part with this pratical resource.



2. I'm not sure how this works, but this is exactly the same book as the book of the same title in the Singer Sewing Reference Library, published in 1987! Even the cover is the same: only the color has been changed. In this case, I realized that I owned the book before purchasing it. Once before, I bought a quilting book that was a Joanne's reissue of a book that Better Homes and Gardens had originally put out. In that case, some of the content and illustrations had been changed, but not much. I felt ripped off and returned the book. A nuisance. Sometimes there will be a note on the copyright page stating that it is a reissue, but that was not the case.
   
   That said; this is one of my go-to books for fitting problems. The photos are so helpful and clear. It is a basic text, but very thorough. It's a must-have for most sewing libraries, in my opinion.



3. ... guide to adjusting commercial patterns. I borrowed this book from my local library and was so impressed I ordered my own copy immediately from Amazon. If you never quite get the right fit using commercial patterns then this book is for you. Simple, clear, concise, easily followed instructions, each accompanied by a clear colour photo. It also covers adjustments for various body shapes and recommends styles that suit or don't accordingly. I have now been able to make a master pattern for a top that perfectly fits my sloping shoulders. Using this book it was so simple. It would suit absolute beginner home sewers to those of an intermediate level. My next project will be perfectly fitting trousers ;-) Very highly recommended.



4. Haven't been able to use the book since I had already fiqured out the fit for my daughter's wedding gown before I found out about the book, but looks like it will be helpful for future projects. Got the book in short time and in good condition.
   Kathy



5. Wow! This book is amazing. Even if the alteration information was terrible (which it's not), the beginning of the book would be well worth it's price. It begins by teaching you how to select the right pattern first. The authors explain how commercial patterns are built, and the differences between classic, relaxed and dramatic fit. The fitting section begins with a comprehensive figure analysis. Rather than having you squint at yourself in a mirror and decide, "Why yes, I AM a perfect hourglass figure," it explains how to make a full-sized body drawing, label the points and literally connect the dots to reveal your body type.
   
   The book is stuffed with pictures. There are tons of pictures showing "average" body parts, and bodies on both sides of average. It was really easy to look at the pictures and say "Those are my arms. That's what my inner thigh looks like." I also didn't have to try to figure out how to perform each alteration, because there are detailed pictures that show every single line, snip and slide. It covers a wide range of alterations, explaining adjustments for shoulders, arms, waist, hips, thighs, bust, abdomen, and seat. Each adjustment section is then divided into minor adjustments and major adjustments, shows procedures for doing both, and includes the maximum recommended amount of adjustment so you don't distort your pattern. For each variation from average, the book includes a chart the explains the fitting goal, flattering styles and details, unflattering styles and details and common pattern adjustments. It helps you start out by choosing a pattern that is likely to flatter your body without a lot of adjustments. Finally, I felt like the book avoided judgemental labels like skinny/fat, large/flat, which I appreciated.
   
   My only (extremely small) issue with this book is that some of the fashion photos are outdated. This must be a later edition of a previously published book. Although it is copywritten 2005, some of the clothing styles look like mid to late 1980's. This absolutely does not affect the information in the book, since it is talking about alterations, not choosing fashions. However, it came up just a couple times, such as the author's enthusiastic embrace of shoulder pads, and a complete lack of discussing bootcut pants and where they fit on the body-type spectrum. On the whole, it was a very small issue. Just don't look too closely at their fashion plates at the beginning of each chaper!
   
   All in all, this book is fabulous. If you want a coffee table book about current fashions, skip it. If you want a book that will help you make your clothing fit, this is the one! It's the first alteration book that I have purchased, and I can't see needing anything else. It is clear, complete, and so easy to follow.

5 comments about Warm Fuzzies: 30 Sweet Felted Projects.

1. I loved the colors, the ideas and explanations. I am glad that I bought it!



2. I bought this book for my wife, who enjoys making decorative felt food. Given the subtitle and cover photo, you might assume this book contains felt food projects. For the most part, it doesn't.



3. LOVED the ideas in this book. Lots of easy-to-make gifts from used sweaters. Great redo crafting for Christmas. Recommended!



4. This is a gem of a book, full of great ideas to give or keep. The instructions seem very clear (will not know for sure until I actually make anything, but still). I do agree that it is a bit confusing when most of the instruction pictures feature colors different than the ones on the final project, but for the most part it is ok. Really, my own project will not be the same colors as pictured, either, but will probably follow the same patterned/solid color scheme. As far as finding materials, I was having a hard time finding suitable sweaters at my local thrift store, as well, until I went to a store in a "wealthier" area of my state. I hit a gold mine! Thank you Betz(y) for the awesome book! Your parents sure are proud, as they should be :)



5. I LOVE the ideas in Warm Fuzzies and I like the idea of using felt but I HATE the idea of going to thrift stores and buying old wool sweaters that I have to felt myself. Sure, it's probably cheap and it gives people great satisfaction of knowing that they're doing something "green," but I'm not into that stuff. I don't like thrift stores and I don't like the idea of having to go through that kind of a process to make anything. I'd rather buy the fabric at a fabric store and start in on making a fun crafty project! So, that's what I did!
   If the idea of felting wool sweaters on your own makes you uninterested, don't worry! Any of these projects can be done by using new fabric that's found at the craft store. It can be wool or felt or a wool combo or even boiled wool. Or, you can use some completely different fabric (and even use batting if you want it to have a thicker sweater-like feeling to it).
   I'm just saying that we don't have to limit outselves to felt if we want to use the great patterns and ideas in this book.

5 comments about More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated.

1. Being very hesitatant at first about the book and the people telling me to get this book it's the greatest; well I've head that before. I have to state clearly "I WAS WRONG" this is the greatest book for sewing usage, but also, anytime you want to purchase material for any project whatever it may be you have to have this book. It gives you information such as; tells you the fabric, washing instructions, thread to use, needles, pressing, what foot to use on machine, and much more. This was for every type of fabric it's a "must have book".



2. More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated
   
   This is a must have book for anyone who sews. If you are starting out, it will save you a lot of frustration, money and fabric/supplies. If you are more advanced or a serious seamstress, it will help you to know the answers to all the questions that come up when handling multiple types of textiles. Each page on a fabric gives you all the information you need to know about that fabric, including what needle to use, what pressure foot to sew with, whether to wash or dryclean, line, how to hem, etc.
   
   If I had this book when I was starting out over 30 years ago, I could have saved a lot of money. This is a great gift for someone who loves to sew.



3. I received this book quicker than I expected and was extremely happy with the condition of this used book. It was almost like new. The seller certainly ensured that I received exactly what I wanted as quickly as possible. Just excellent customer service to this international buyer.
   I will keep on trying to source those difficult to find books from this seller.
   With grateful thanks



4. I really like this book. It covers many fabrics, including many I've been hesitant to use or nervous about when I did. I recently bought a new electronic sewing machine and this has been a real help. The recommendations about the right foot to use and when were a boon in selecting which accessories to buy. I also really like the sections in the back. There are illustrations on different seams, closures, and hems, plus information on stain removal, linings, and sources. Great!



5. This contains everything you would ever want to find out before purchasing fabric. It tells you what the fabric should be used for, if it should be washed and how before sewing, the thread, needle and stitch size that would work best. It will save you both time and money in the end.

5 comments about Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style.

1. What a fabulous, fabulous book. Even though the reviews are all so good, I was not prepared to be blown away by this book. It is gorgeous. And even though I had looked at the cover, I still didn't expect something so cool. I hadn't ordered it originally because I had the vague impression it was mainly about quilting - a craft that looks pretty but has never appealed to me - it's probably a culture thing, you have to be American to like it. Like cupcakes, knitted or otherwise... Anyway. This is the ultimate book for the 21st century recycler /crafter. It puts all the other deconstruction - recycling - wannabe hipster books in the shade. The projects are adorable, I want to make them all. The instructions and special tips are clear and detailed, and although I've been sewing for years, I have already picked up a few tips. There are templates, patterns and even recipes. The photography and layout is beautiful - artistic AND clear, which is not always the case!



2. I checked this book out on a whim from our library and promptly fell in love with it even though I'm not much of a seamstress. I love the author's use of lots of different techniques in varying combinations. I've never seen anything quite like the design choices and techniques used in this book. My only complaint: the clothing pattern sizes are limited. Normally I find it insulting when a designer ignores anyone over a size 14 but this book was so full of inspiration that I let that slide in the hope that I can adapt for my slightly fuller figure. Even if I never make a single project in this book I know I'll spend many hours soaking up the colors and textures.



3. I stumbled upon this book, not at all familiar with Natalie Chanin or her work. The gorgeous photography and the style of the projects convinced me to buy it. I'm glad I did because I've enjoyed it tremendously. From the history of cotton to the down home recipes to the clearly written patterns, this book is a treat for the reader. It is inspiring and inspired. The work is lovely and most important - doable for the average stitcher. No machine required, no special skills required, just the basic stitches and the willingness to craft something by hand. I'm so glad I found this so I can craft some gifts for my family that are lovely and infinitely practical.



4. I bought this book on a whim a few months back, admired the photos, and then stuck it on the shelf and sort of forgot I had it. I took it out again a couple of weeks ago and decided to try one of the simpler projects - a reverse appliqued book cover. I'm hooked! The instructions were clear, the results were beautiful, and the book itself is inspiring. Since that book cover, I've made myself 2 t-shirts, a beaded headband, and have started another t-shirt and a skirt. Nothing has been difficult to do, and the simpler projects can be finished in just a few hours. The finished items are really striking, and look like you must have spent a fortune in some little boutique.



5. When I opened this book I was absolutely astounded with the beauty of the pieces in the book,,, and what COULD be made lovely again out of something old.
   This woman has real talent , an incredible sense of seeing beauty out of ashes,,,, and need I say ~I did salute her for bringing her company home to her roots, and beginning to employee people that have lost their jobs since they have been shipped overseas( to China in particular)
   
   The book is INCREDIBLE, filled with projects that will simply STUN you, and keep you busy thinking,,,hm,,,,could I do something with THAT??
   or how 'bout that??
   The creative juices just flow and flow,,,
   
   I have to say this would have probably been one of my MOST used needlework books out of ALL of mine ( and that's saying a LOT because I have a LOT of books and used to order many....)
   I absolutely* LOVE* books( ( Hubby and I have a library of our own!) I love books that inspire me to be creative, and this one does in a way that makes some of the recent and not so recent recyled t shirt books look like kindergarden cutting,,, sitting next to sheer elegance~
   
   THAT is how much I like this book!
   It takes you to a whole different level of re cycling the common T skirt or any fabric you use !! I DO love this book!
   
   SO,,,,why only the 3 star rating when I would REALLY love to give this book a whopping 10 stars if I could??
   
   Hypocrisy , that is why.
   
   IF she had not mentioned this in her book it would NOT be an issue but since she did,,, then it becomes fair game.
   
   The author talks very seriously about how many people have lost their jobs , the cotton that THEY once grew ...and worked in the mills processing ( into garments etc) , well ,,,those jobs are now mostly sent overseas ( to China) ,,,and goes on to talk about the NAFTA act ( etc,,)
   
   I am taking no political sides here, but I am one person who tries their hardest to buy( as much as possible) goods that are made in the USA.
   I am willing to pay the extra dollars just to do so ~ I look at the back of fabric I sew, yarn I buy,,, or greeting cards~ and yes, even a coffee pot made totally in the USA.
   
   I also wish to support US business' such as the authors,,, vs "imported" clothing.
   It IS possible to do this,, if you take the time to LOOK ( that is,,,if you care to do so,)
   
   My husband works in the printing industry and travels a lot to service the large machines that cut and bind books, and so on.
   He has seen shop after shop close its doors to jobs being transferred to where else??
   
   China,,,,
   
   Now,,,,,on to the reason I am writing this, as it* IS* part of the beginning of the book and the authors writings should anyone care to read it.
   
   While she encourages us to buy organic cotton,( which is good) I took a look at the back of the book,,,,and where was is published???
   
   CHINA!!
   
   SO,,,,,while she stakes the claim that she is coming home to her roots and supposedly trying to help re- employee those around her,,,,, WHY had she not chosen a US printer to print her first book???
   ( Cook books I buy such as "Every Day Pasta" etc. and many more are ALL published in the USA... so its not impossible)
   
   I love the book , and I DO think its worth its weight in gold, but I had to say this because this is truth.
   
   Love the book, hate the hypocrisy~ so my book is going to be returned.
   
   I received it as a gift,( I wouldn't have ordered it)
   I would have looked at it at Barnes and Noble~ and taken the ideas and ran with my own.
   That is what creativity is about anyway~ that,,, and I have done this basic type of applique years ago , only in a different way so I am very familiar with it.
   
   
   You can pretty much judge values by how a person handles their business dealings. Talk to us about families that have worked in the cotton mills for several generations and then became jobless,,,,,,yet send the book off to China to be printed and bound` Hmm,,,,
   
   The author may very well be a lovely person but,this IS a large part of the beginning of the book.
   Had *SHE* not wrote about it,,well,,,,neither would I.

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 The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition.

1. I am new to the sewing world, so this book has been very helpful to me in learning terminology and how to use all of the various tools of the trade. I like the step by step instruction, but I do wish some of the photography in the book could be updated a bit. Some of it looks very out of fashion, but the basic information is still current.



2. I bought this book after taking it out of the library for my daughter. She is just learning to use a sewing machine. It is full of information and colorful details. If you are a visual learner this is the book for you.



3. This book is beautifully illustrated and detailed. The topics are indexed very well. I am happy I found it and intend to purchase several copies as gifts for my four daughters.



4. I'm a novice in the world of sewing. This book has been pulled from the shelf many times when I've been trying to figure out new things: buttons and buttonholes, different hand-stitches, zipper installation and more.
   
   If you're looking for a reference book with great information (and LOTS of it), this is a good one. I am glad I chose this one.



5. This is a very good book for some one who is just learning this skill. Also lots of more advance techniques.
   
   Only problem is it could have better illustrations.

5 comments about A Is for Apron: 25 Fresh & Flirty Designs.

1. I haven't seen this book yet, but I'm buying it! I recently saw some aprons made from old tableclothes that were sooooo cute. I have a bunch of my mothers colorful tableclothes from the 1940's. I'm going to use the patterns in this book to make aprons for my neices. Enjoy!



2. I own a few apron books but this one is the BEST. Many of the aprons are simply beautiful and the book is colorful and beautifully done.



3. The aprons are so beautiful, I wanted to jump right in and make almost every one!
   
   Getting the patterns enlarged was not too difficult. Simply photocopy the pattern page and take it to a copy center and ask them to enlarge it 400%. My local (national chain) office supply store copy center charges about $3 per large copy and did several in less than 10 minutes.
   
   If I'd never made any of the aprons, the book would rate 5 stars. But I've now made several of them and have found glaring mistakes in each set of instructions. If you are an experienced sewist, you will be able to "work around" the mistakes, but novice sewists should beware and go slowly.
   
   Overall, a worthwhile purchase for apron lovers.



4. Great book for basic and creative apron styles. I am so glad that I purchased this book!!!



5. I fell in love with so many of these aprons that I had to purchase it, along with fabric to make them. I tried my favorite first, the Josephine and was constantly taking out seams and reworking the instructions to make better sense. The steps that there were pictures of really didn't need the photo, and other steps really should have had photos.
   I'm disappointed to find that the patterns and cutting instructions don't match what is in the photograph. Especially with the psychedelic squares.
   Really, only purchase this book if you are an experienced sewer who is capable of figuring things out on your own. The written instructions are not as helpful as they could be. Oh, and like another review, I found that I had lots of wasted fabric in the end. Fine with me, I do like to use up my scraps later, but at $9 per yard, it's pretty spendy to waste fabric like that.