Editorial Review

Hundreds of clear photos, excellent step-by-step instructions, dozens of trade secrets from industry experts, and an A-to-Z approach make this one of the outstanding guides on the subject. Besides wonderful coverage of equipment choices and construction techniques, there is terrific information on altering commercial patterns to customize every detail for individual figure specifics, making a muslin, working with various fabric and interfacing types, and layout and cutting. This is an essential addition to any novice's sewing library; the more-experienced garment maker will also find it a very useful reference. Read more

Reviews (14)

Excellent resource!
This book is worth it's weight in gold!I have been sewing for many, many years and immediately found things in the book that I never knew about.Great pictures and explainations and worth getting for even the most skilled seamstress as you will most likely find something new in this book.The best by far of any sewing book I have purchased.Would recommend highly! A good "read"!

some good ideas
I wanted to know the techniques that make a garment look store bought rather than home made.This book had lots of great tips.No hand sewing at all.........why can't the pattern companies follow this lead ?Easy to read, quick reference information.My only complaint is the photographs can be a little difficult to see..............dark coloured fabric with dark coloured thread or perfectly matching threads so that you can't clearly see the example - should have used contrasting threads.
Great text for sewing students
I am a sewing teacher at a college, and I discovered this book in the library as I was looking for texts to improve my skills and knowledge. I got so excited about the book that I read it from cover to cover. I am going to propose that we include this book as one of our textbooks for my Advanced Clothing Construction class to help them learn better sewing techniques and improve their skills. I like all the helpful hints throughout the book, as well as the alphabetical organization. I also like the pictures that show exactly how to measure yourself, and I think the book explains techniques pretty well. The only thing that I think needs improvement is that it is hard to see what they are illustrating in many of the photographs. The reason is because they used bright colored fabrics that look identical on the right and wrong sides, and the thread blends in so well that it is difficult to see. However, if you can follow directions, you can still understand how to do the techniques because their step-by-step directions are pretty good. I want to get one of these books for myself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Sewing    8. Tailoring    9. Tailoring (Women's)    10. Needlework & fabric crafts    11. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine sewing    5. Quilts & Quilting    6. Sewing    7. Textile Arts - General    8. Textile Fabric (Applied Arts)    9. Textile crafts    10. Vases    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (4)

Caroline Wrey's complete curtain making course
I was very disappointed in the content of the book. Not only were the styles out of date but the construction of the curtains was anything but professional. I am the owner of an upscale drapery workroom and I am always looking for books with great ideas, there were none in this book and frankly if I constructed any of my curtains in the manner in which she describes they would be returned by the designer and the client because of thepoor quality.

Almost but not quite enough for making my own
I was looking for help in how to cut and manage drapery fabric when making curtains.This book has a couple of helpful ideas on the subject.I also wanted detailed instructions on how to make lined draperies.There are detailed instructions but not enough for me.I am a beginner sew'er (not even a seamstress!).The how to pictures weren't big enough to show alot of detail and I am left with a bunch of questions.I am keeping the book though because it does have some neat ideas on drapery styles (i.e., Italian stringing) and very good instructions on how to make pinch pleat drapes if ever I try to!

Lesson # 1:Never judge a book by its cover
A great disappointment. The relatively fashionable cover doesn't reflect the inside of the book. The window treatments shown in this book resemble one anotherand are old-fashioned and plain. An "Absolute-Beginners" type of book,but even so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Draperies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Sewing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating   

Reviews (20)

Pleased with the book
I found this to be an excellent reference work. Using modern period clothing patterns, this book enables the person to incoorporate the special touches that make the result look authentic.Her patterns that matched pictorial examples were extremely helpful.
Every Costume Nazi Needs This Book!!!
If you are really serious about authentic reproduction, this is the book for you. I wouldn't recommend it for beginning or "sort-of" experienced seamstresses, but if you are skilled, it is THE book to have as far as I'm concerned.

very informative
I did enjoy this, but I wish it was easier to draft a pattern from.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 16th century    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Costume    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Design - Textile & Costume    6. Dress And Costume    7. Dressmaking    8. Fashion    9. Great Britain    10. History    11. Hobbies/Crafts    12. Men's clothing    13. Renaissance    14. Sewing   

Reviews (1)

Before You Sew Your Wedding Dress
This is a nice reference book if you are trying to decide whether to purchase a ready-made wedding dress, whether you have the sewing skills to do so, or if it will be economical.The book provides a lot of informationin assisting you in designing or choosing your wedding dress design.It isa book you would want to take to a discussion with a professionalseamstress to aid in designing your dress.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Dressmaking    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Wedding costume    7. Handicrafts    8. Weddings   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Felting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Sewing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (6)

Two big problems!
One problem: the title. I am an experienced seamstress. It would take longer than two hours to enlarge the patterns, prepare the fabric, and construct a garment from this book. Probably much longer. A Great Book!
If you want to expand your wardrobe with vests, this is the book.It has patterns for six basic vests with front and back pictures of each and lots of ways to vary them.The pictures and drawings really help to stimulate your imagination as to how different materials and treatments might look. There are also good basic instructions.I had no problems with getting the patterns enlarged at an office supply store.

How to cut the costs of enlargements
This book contains a wealth of info and ideas. However, I did find it a bit difficult to find a copy center that could do the 285% enlargement. The enlargement cost $10.00 but a second one cost less than $3.00. I traced the basic vest onto an 8 1/2"X11" piece of bond paper using a good technical pen so that my line weight was consistent. I then traced pockets and anything else that would fit. By having two prints made I had one for myself and one for a gift (given with the book). Now that I know what size to go for I will use a projector to scale up tracings for the other vests. If you don't have your own projector it is possible to use one from a library.There are four vests with variations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Sewing    5. Vests   

Reviews (1)

Beautiful Craft Book
What a beautiful book! Great timeless projects, easy to understand instructions and gorgeous photography. Nothing fadish or soon-to-be-out-of-style in these well-done pages, so adding this to my personal home library was a no-brainer. Would make a great gift for anyone who loves fabric crafting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine sewing    5. Sewing    6. Soft sculpture    7. Textile Arts    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. House & Home    4. Sewing    5. Soft furnishings   

Reviews (6)

Must have for creative sewers!
I checked this book out from the library, read it cover to cover and have decided that I must own this book, as I believe it will be a great reference tool for me.I like to sew my own clothes, and love the idea of making my own camisoles to wear instead of buying them (I am a hard fit).
Good for advanced sewers, beginners might have trouble
Beginners may find some of the instructions difficult to follow. I don't know where to find some of those lovely parts to make bras with--that's something I've long wanted to do, and previous attemps to make really good bras failed.I have taken their advice and used patterns and my own ideas for lingerie, but one day I want to draft my own French panty pattern.It takes a little measuring and drawing, but once you make your template I'm sure it works fine.I have used one of the Vogue shirt patterns they list for a pajama shirt (eliminating the cuffs on the sleeves), got another pattern for the bottoms, cut up an old sheet and trimmed the PJ's with a little lace.Looks great, and wasn't that difficult.

Pretty, not practical
Although this book has the beautiful layout of all Taunton books, it unfortunately lacks clarity. Many techniques desribed left me pondering how they actually work. The book does have some good general advice on selecting fabrics, and some possible ways to personalize your work. It might be worth a look, but the author seems to have some trouble when it comes to specific explanations. Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Lingerie    6. Sewing    7. Sleepwear    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Subjects:  1. Cloth dolls    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Doll clothes    5. Dollmaking    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Sewing    9. Toymaking - General    10. CRAFTS & HOBBIES - NEEDLECRAFTS TRD PB    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    12. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    13. Needlework & fabric crafts    14. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Reviews (4)

Recycling Old Denims
This book has a great assortment of ideas for using old jeans, from pillows and other household items to personal and gift items.All the projects are illustrated showing different steps in making the item.

Full of Ideas
This book contains many ideas for reusing denim jeans as raw material for sewing projects.Chauncey provides an interesting short history of denim and jeans in the introduction to the book.Then she describes how to select denim for craft projects and some basic techniques for using denim.The main part of the book is divided into chapters containing directions for craft projects.These chapters include: around the house (pillows, bulletin boards, and organizers), handbags and totes, school stuff (scrap books, pencil case), denim Christmas (gift bags, Christmas tree skirt, ornaments), and gifts and things (picture frames, shaving tote, covered tin, basket). Each project starts with lists of required materials and supplies.The instructions for the projects are illustrated with high-quality color photographs.For most of the projects, Chauncey provides instructions for either sewing or gluing, so even non-sewers can try their hand.In order to undertake the projects in this book, a glue gun is practically indispensable, and a sewing machine highly recommended.
Disappointing
This book should have been called "Quick Glue Gun Denim."I love to sew but don't do any other crafts.If you are the same, do not buy this book.Since I don't own or intend to buy a glue gun, there are very few projects I can do.This is the first time I've purchased a "sewing" book without looking over the projects first.I won't make that mistake again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Denim    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Textile Arts - General    7. Textile crafts    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

Great buy for young and old
I just bought this book and love it.I am 30 and teaching myself to sew.This book includes easy to read and interpret illustrations and wording.It teaches sewing stitches by hand, embroidery, sewing on buttons, and sewing projects.The projects are cute, and it even shows how to make tassels and pom poms.This book is simple enough to teach anyone the basics of sewing.I highly recommend this book for any beginner! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts for Children    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Juvenile literature    7. Needlework - General    8. Sewing    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Crafts for Children   

Reviews (9)

Priceless
The Mary Frances Sewing Book was originally published in 1913 and recently reprinted in the late 1990's. An Edwardian girl staying with grandma for a few months during the summer meets the "Thimble People" (needles, scissors, pincushion, etc.) who engage her in weekly sewing lessons. The reader can work through the lessons, from learning stitches to sewing doll clothes with Mary Frances as directions with illustrations are given throughout the text.
Charming
This book is essential for all little girls (and not so little girls!) learning to sew.There has yet to be a childs sewing book as well done as Mary Frances and the Timble People. 16" Doll Pattern Not Included
Just purchased this book to give as a Christmas present for my Mom.During the summer and after school, Mom looks after two of my neices that are 5 and 8 years old.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Sewing   

Reviews (5)

Every You Need to Know About Dressing Dollhouse Dolls is in This Book
This is a great book with tips, hints, patterns, easy-to-follow instructions, and lots of great photographs.Anyone from beginner to advanced can learn from and use this book.

A beautiful book!
Making and Dressing Dolls' House Dolls in 1/12 Scale by Sue Atkinson is an absolute beauty of a book! I truly go with the advice of another reviewer, the book is marvelous just for the photos alone! The dolls and dresses are a feast for the eyes. I have never had the honor of viewing such a pleasurable book.

Beautiful!!
I love this book! The patterns and instructions are detailed and clear. Beautiful photographs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Miniatures    5. Sewing    6. Toymaking    7. Toymaking - General    8. Models & model-making    9. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Reviews (5)

You will love it
As you may know from other reviews, I feel strongly about the books that please me. I love pillows. Again, I have all the books. This book explains Knot corners, etc., I could never get. Now I get it. Maybe it's me, but I don't think so. It's a great instructive book. If you need all the books, like me, you will love it. It's a great inroduction book. More importantly, if you don't know specfic techniques, it is a great instrucitve book. You should purchase it. I loved it. Non book junkies need not apply. But maybe you should.

many varieties!
Lots and lots of different styles and shapes of pillows.Instructions are pretty good with drawings of what the fabric needs to be cut like and step by step text to describe what to do.One thing I especially like is that for each pillow they indicate special techniques used and then tell you where to read specifically about those techniques.

Just What You're Looking For
This book is packed with ideas on how to design beautiful pillows and seat cushions.It shows a wide variety of fabrics (cotton, organza, silk, etc), and explains how to use each type to its greatest advantage. The directions for measuring, cutting and sewing are clear and concise. Many clever and fresh design ideas. Inspiring. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Cushions    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Pillows    5. Sewing    6. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (21)

Gems and Filler
Yes there are gems of information in this book but you need to search and highlight them the first time you read them.There is too much dealing with construction that is not unique to Plus Sizes.Their were lots of photos but once again they did not shed light on fit issues unique to the Plus Size body.Show me clothing bagging under the arms, pulling across the shoulders, baggy pantlegs falling from tight pants, sleeves that twist or are rippled with folds or armholes ending at the waistline and show me how to correct it.

The best sewing book ever!
Even if you are not plus sized, this is a great sewing book for every body size. This is because the author shows how to analyze your figure and change the pattern so it fits right. It also shows how to make style changes that make clothes more comfy. I find that I pull it off the shelf to refer to again and again. The pictures are really beautiful, and they show that everyone, not just skinny models, can look good. A real inspiration.

Wonderful book
My first time to rate anything. I just love this book. Truly shows how to easily alter a pattern without destroying the shape. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Machine sewing    7. Overweight women    8. Sewing    9. Tailoring (Women's)    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

Basics for home sewers
This book has some great basic instructions for people who make clothes at home.I think it covered the most used areas like zipper insertion, buttonholes and bias cuts.It has good visual aids.I wish that it had covered more of the fine points not just the highlights which is why I only gave it 4 stars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Machine sewing    6. Sewing    7. Tailoring    8. Tailoring (Women's)    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    10. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Subjects:  1. Borders, Ornamental (Decorativ    2. Borders, Ornamental (Decorative arts)    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Cushions    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Pillows    8. Sewing    9. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Soft furnishings   

Reviews (4)

Beautiful photos; short on technique
I really like this book, but it is not a textbook on how-to techniques.It gives a good overview of dye and pleating methods, but does not go into the detail I would like to see. It would be difficult to recreate any of the beautiful garments pictured, using just the information contained in the book.So, buy it for the photos and inspiration, not as a how-to book to create the garments pictured.

Beautiful Photographs with Useful Information
Essentially divided into two sections, Shibori: Creating Color and Texture on Silk, gives useful information on Shibori and contains beautiful photographs of the technique.The first half of the book describes: the properties of silk; the different classes of dyes available (with recommendations); the equipment needed; the actual dye process and; the importance of color interactions. The second half describes specific Shibori techniques such as sewn resists, clamp resists and pole wrapping.The 2 pages devoted to "setting" texture seemed, in comparison to the descriptions of the dyes and dye processes, abbreviated and could have done with an illustration or two.If you are the type of person who wants the essential facts presented quickly, clearly and concisely, then this may not be the book for you.If you enjoy having an overview of things before beginning work, then Shirbori: Creating Color & Texture on Silk may be just right.

Shibori: Creating color and texture on silk
Real eye candy! Good information on acid dyes and an excellent chapter on discharge techniques. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dye    4. Dyes and dyeing    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Resist-dyed textiles    7. Sewing    8. Silk    9. Tie-dyeing    10. Textile arts