3 comments about Pattern Fitting With Confidence.

1. 
   This is for the paperback book/dvd combination.
   
   The DVD is of two "Sewing with Nancy" shows for a total of 60 minutes. The first show covers general measurements and fitting top patterns. It also has a "Nancy's Corner" segment on quilts using Zulu designs.The second show covers fitting pants. "Nancy's Corner" segment is about quilts for the "Go Red" heart campaign. The pivot method is used throughout. Details covered in the first show are: right-size measurement (see below) and taking accurate measurements for the bust, waist, hip, hip length, back waist length, and sleeve length. Nancy shows how to adjust the bust, shoulders and sleeves. Details covered in the second show include adjustments for waist, hip, crotch and fitting the side curve.
   
   The book has six chapters:
   Getting Started
   Basic Fitting Changes
   Combining Fitting Techniques
   Fitting Skirts
   Fitting Pants
   Fine-Tuning the Fit
   
   The book has more detail than the video allows. Nancy uses one measurement to choose a pattern for tops. She calls this the "right size measurement". It is the line from one arm pit to the other arm pit to the closest 1/2 inch. She shows how to correlate this to a pattern size. This allows for a better fit than using the bust measurement. The book shows how to do the pivot and slide technique which can be used to make any changes needed. The book shows details of all the adjustments on the video plus more such as sway back, curved back and dart changes. The combining fitting chapter shows how to increase one part while decreasing another part. In the pants fitting chapter, Nancy does not use the hip measurement to determine pants size. This is to avoid a baggy fit in the legs and a low hanging crotch. Instead she includes a chart to determine your size which is about two sizes smaller than usual. The final chapter includes details on checking the fit. It shows a chart on vertical and horizontal wrinkles and how to correct them. The reference section has a body silhouette chart that shows the best styles, colors and fabrics for common body types.The index is also helpful.
   
   There are multiple illustrations on each page clearly demonstrating each fitting technique. The pivot method is used for all pattern adjustments. The charts for personal fitting and for pants can be photo copied.
   
   I don't consider any book a must have. However,this book shows the pivot method very clearly. I always admire Nancy Zieman's well fitting clothes so I don't think I can go wrong by using the methods shown. The video clearly and easily shows how to do the pivot method,and the book fills in any missing gaps. I am confident this book will get much use.



2. One of the best books on pattern adjusting I have seen. Uses the pivot and slide technique. Excellent diagrams with information on adjusting for pretty much any type of adjustment you may need to make. Well written with easy to understand instructions. Great for your reference library.



3. Clear photos. Very useful information. Will use regularly as I alter patterns. Good purchase.

3 comments about Dream Landscapes: Artful Quilts With Fast-Piece Applique (That Patchwork Place).

1. This beautifully illustrated book not only will inspire you to begin your quilt, but it will take you through the steps on how to make your quilt into a fantastic piece of art. The step-by-step instructions are well outlined, and the color photographs are unmatched. This would be a great gift for any of your sewing or quilting friends.



2. This book is a must for every art quilter, beginner or professional. The photos are incredible, the projects are easy to follow and the finished quilts are wonderful. The student gallery shows what can be done and all the variations to try. Really a must for your reference library.



3. Rose Hughes's new book should make anyone want to jump in and create a Dream Landscape with her "fast-piece applique" method. The projects seem very do-able, the instructions clear, and the illustrations beautiful. I strongly recommend it for art quilters and especially for those quilters who would like to experiment with art quilts but haven't been sure where to start.

5 comments about The Ultimate Serger Answer Guide: Troubleshooting for Any Overlock Brand or Model (Creative Machine Arts Series).

1. If you are new to serging or even experienced, you will find this book a valuable asset in your sewing library. I am new to serging and have found it to be a very helpful. Most owner/instruction manuals tell you how to thread and use your machine but don't get into a lot of detail about the actual how-to of serging or problem-solving. This book covers everything from needles to sewing with various types of threads to troubleshooting with lots of illustrations and photographs.
   
   There is a reason why people buy sergers and never use them. Unlike sewing machines, sergers are a little more complicated and can be down right intimidating, so good reference books are a MUST! This book, along with "The New Singer Sewing With A Serger", have been very helpful to me. Sergers are great machines and reference books such as this will give you the confidence and ability to get through problems and master your serger.



2. My wife was a first time user of a serger that I bought her for Christmas (I know - great Christmas gift - but it was what she wanted!) - anyways, she tells me that this book is very helpful for providing a lot of useful hints past the basic instructions you get with a new serger - she would recommend it for anyone who usually needs just a little more hints tht a basic instruction guide provides



3. I am looking to buy a serger, and this book is helping me decide what features I should look for. I find this book to be very informative and is layed out well for easy skimming. This book came to me highly recommended, and I now can highly recommend it.



4. I had borrowed this book from the local library and knew I had to have one on hand as a reference guide. It's primarily a trouble-shooting book, (you won't find creative techniques or project ideas) so if you know that up-front, you can't find a better book of its type. It covers everything from understanding and making adjustments to tensions to telling you where to look for typical causes of malfunctions. (I could have saved a trip to the repair shop a few months ago if I had this book and known my breaking needle was caused by improper threading -- who'd have guessed!?) It also has a wonderful section of photos showing the use of unexpected threads in the loopers to create decorative finishes and giving tips and difficulty ratings for those finishes. For me, this was a must-have reference book.



5. I recently bought a serger. I have have never used one before and donot have technical backup from the dealer (I bought online). Anyway this book is one of three I bought on serging and it is the best and indepensible to anyone who owns a serger. The photographs and information are clear and easy to use. This book and your manual are all you need to get the best out of your serger in my opinion.

5 comments about Aranzi Cute Stuff.

1. I can't praise this book highly enough. The basic projects are simple to make, but also highly functional. The emphasis on "making things the way you like" gives this book a welcoming feel.
   
   There are few projects in this book that you can't add a felt appliqué to, making it easy to personalize your projects.
   
   In addition to the great projects and patterns in this book, the book itself is a joy to read-- if you're anything like me, the writing will have you in stitches (pun intended)!



2. My 13 yo has ripped through Aranzi's Cute Book this summer. After years of doing craft projects that were fun, but not fun enough that she wanted to repeat, she has found one she wants more and more of: making Aranzi's charming little characters. A happy bonus is she's caught up on thank you's, mailing off sophisticated little creatures (holding message signs she cuts out of felt)to every adult who ever did her a kindness, and making them for children she babysits too.
   
   Last week she asked me to order another book so she can do more, but this book offers nothing new - the characters are almost all recycled from the Cute Book. They are applied to accessories in this book, but these are uninspired and predictable. We're so disappointed, after the freshness of the Cute Book.
   
   I'm trying to keep in mind that these books are written for very beginner sewers who lack the confidence to make their own patterns, but everything Aranzi does really could be designed by anyone capable of sewing them up, and I'd encourage everyone to try. Look at the cover of this book, and just pick up a couple rectangles of fabric and go for it. I bet you will come up with successful projects that are every bit as fun and cute as these.



3. This book is ideal for a beginner! The patterns are easy to use and the directions are very simple to follow!
   
   I love this book!



4. i love this book. the projects are simple, and the instructions are very detailed. i haven't had any problems making anything in this book so far. and the results are TOO CUTE! it's a great book for a crafter of any level. :)



5. I love every Aranzi Aronzo book I have, but this one is just great for my daughter and I both. Lots of Japanese style mascots and crafts, and many of them are made with felt and can be done by hand. Tissue covers, easy running stitch embroidery (that's just impossibly cute), water bottle holders, and lots of bags. There are some simply adorable keyring patterns I can't wait to try. It's fun and inspiring. I think I'm going to have my daughter decide on a project, then draw her own character up we can make a pattern for.
   The instructions are well written and very cute, and there is a conversational feel to the project descriptions that made me laugh out loud at times. I'm glad I got it.

5 comments about Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls: Complete Instructions & Full-Size Patterns for 35 Clothing and Accessory Items.

1. Joan Hinds provides an excellent choice of patterns with which to create indoor outdoor fashions for 18" dolls. The patterns are timeless. They can easily be modified to reflect most style periods from the mid 20th century forward.



2. I have made most of the clothes presented in Hinds "Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe" and been very pleased with the results. Her instructions are clear and complete and allow for personal variation. My granddaughters and neighbor girls have been happy with their gifts of doll clothes!
   
   Because I liked "Contemporary" so much, I recently ordered (via Amazon)and received promptly 3 more Hinds books.



3. My daughter (who is 10 years old) got her American Girl doll for Christmas this year...and after spending all that money on an 18" doll, I wasn't about to pay $24 per outfit.
   I have some sewing experience. I can hem up jeans, sew pillows, fix a seam or button if need be...but that's about it. I've never used a pattern before.
   The hardest part was finding the pattern pieces. There are two large tissue papers tucked away in the back of the book. Each piece appears to have hundreds of little patterns. Once you find the pieces for what you are making, it is a breeze.
   I will warn you, there are some things that just can't be sewn with a machine. Invest in a thimble and proceed.
   Half the fun is teaching my daughter how to sew. She loves her doll and wants it to have a wardrobe exactly like hers. I warned her that the deal was if she got the doll, she would have to help make the clothes. She agreed and we've been able to sew many outfits that closely resemble hers.
   This book, in my opinion, contains the most modern clothing patterns. It also has very easy to follow instructions. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an American Girl doll.



4. This book contains full size patterns that sew beautifully. Great selection of outfits and complete insructions that are very easy to follow.



5. This book was great for ideas and general instructions. However, I found the patterns to be way too large for the 18" dolls, and I found several errors in the construction directions. As a seasoned sewist, I knew how to work around this misdirection, but newer sewists may not.
   
   I can still recommend the book though just for the inspiration.

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

1. 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!



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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. There are hundreds of learn to sew books but most of them exhibit a taste level that is hokey and depressing. Most books show designs that are so dated and UGLY they make me want to run screaming! Even the books marketed as DIY style are almost all sad-awkward-crafty or tired rock-a-billy crap. Sewing for yourself at home is wonderful and Wendy makes you feel cool and modern for doing it. This and her other book are the only sewing books I like. The writing is good, the illustrations are great.

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

1. 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



2. 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!



3. 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.



4. This is a great reference book. I wish my university would use it for their textile 101 class.



5. Sandra Betzina provides a excellent reference tool for seeking out info on fabric characteristics and recommended sewing techniques/options for each fabric type. An essential reference for the newbie and experienced sewer!!

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

1. 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



2. 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.



3. this has been a great help for adjusting patterns and getting a better fit. easy basic. and easy to understand including pictures for those of us who learn better by hands on doing. then just reading in a book.



4. This is my most used fitting resource. It is extremely easy to pinpoint your fitting errors by comparing your garment to the clear photographs of fit issues in the book. Accompanying these are explanations and instructions for the alteration needed (along with additional photos of what the altered pattern piece looks like). There is a section on figure variations, where the 'standard' figure is shown alongside common figure variations (for example: average thighs, compared to full thighs and thin thighs). All of the pictures in the book are actual photographs of real women, which is immensely helpful for comparison to one's own figure. This book is organized, easy to use, and extremely useful; use it make your garments tailored perfectly to your unique figure.



5. I'm a plus size woman who was looking for a book on how to create your own fashions. This is not it. All of the information in it applies to the small community only.

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

1. 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.



2. I really like this book! It has a lot of cute designs as well as a lot of tips on mixing and matching fabrics, picking embellishments, and examples of vintage aprons. The only downside I've found to it is that there's never mention of lining or in any way reinforcing the aprons, and if you plan on using them as more than fashion accessories, that would probably be a crucial step- a regular weight cotton fabric is so thin that grease or liquids could soak right through to your clothes. For someone with decent sewing skills, that shouldn't really be a problem to improvise though. All in all, the desings are cute, the photographs are good, and I like the style the author presents her ideas in.



3. While the history of the apron was intresting, the photos were well done and text was well written, I was disappointed that all the patterns need to be enlarged 200%, 400%, 579%, etc. Who has a blueprint copy machine easily available that can do this type of copying??? I expected to read through the book, pick my fabric and get started! Poor planing on the writer's part.



4. Gorgeous book, gorgeous pictures! The ONLY problem is that you have to enlarge the patterns! Even with that in mind I would recommend this book 100% of the time. Even a beginner would be able to start at the most simple apron and work their way up to the most advanced. It even has a couple smock patterns that would be SO cute for room service at a hotel or for commercial housecleaners! Just a beautiful book!



5. I love this book and would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't been for the frustrating instructions. I have made one of the aprons so far, the "Josephine." I am a novice seamstress and I had to learn to thread my machine before making my apron and I had to call my mom to explain things like "basting stitch" and "slip stitch." My apron did turn out wonderfully and I love it!
   
   The first problem is that you have to enlarge your pattern. Most have to be enlarged 400% but some must be made larger. I took the book to a chain copy center and had the pattern enlarged for $3. It wasn't a big deal at all. But, they said they can only enlarge up to 400% so I don't know what I will do to enlarge the patterns that must be made larger.
   
   The second problem is that the instructions skip steps and don't explain everything very well just as the other reviewers have said. I found that by going slowly and asking my mom (who has been sewing her whole life) for help that I was able to minimize the frustration and get the apron made. I contacted one of the designers who said that she had written careful instructions to go with her design and the editors of the book edited out some of the instructions!
   
   Even though this book has some problems, I still recommend it even if you don't have much sewing experience.

3 comments about Wool Pets: Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle.

1. This book is very inspirational! The photos are beautiful and the instructions are very clear. I haven't yet made anything, but I know there will be a learning curve. I don't expect my first project to be as gorgeous as the ones in the book, but it won't be because of a lack of clear directions! I am a visual learner and there are lots of pictures so I feel that I will be able to follow along. I also own a couple of the author's needle felted creations and she is a true artist!



2. This book is terrific. The written directions are very clear, and the clear photographs show each stage. The author's encouragement to adapt the shapes to make animals of your own choice and color scheme helped this novice needlefelter craft some really cute creatures for our upcoming church fair. Highly recommended.



3. I'm fairly new to wool felting, and this book has provided me with inspiration and confidence. The directions, enhanced by photos of each step of the felting process, are clear enough for a beginner to follow easily. The level of difficulty ranges from simple to complex, depending on the project - this book offers something for everyone.
   
   The sculptures are adorable - perfect for holiday decorating and nature tables. My young daughter loves to play with the sculptures I've created.
   
   I own several of the author's whimsical and beautifully detailed wool sculptures. Her talent shines in this book.