Reviews (4)

Great Addition to My Fabric Painting Resource Library
I've already collected a number of painting/dyeing/surface design books for working with fabric, and this makes an excellent addition. I don't think it could stand alone as the be-all and end-all, but it is comprehensive in the sense that the author presents all kinds of ideas and inspiration, as well as photographs and instructions/resources. The one thing I might have found more helpful would be greater detail in the steps she took to achieve certain results. Although she does offer descriptions, it seems that sometimes steps and/or details of the process are missing.

Explains why
This book is particularly strong on explaining the theories behind the different fabric types and why they react as they do to dyes and paints. Some of the instructions are very clear and good photos of stamps and other printing techniques. I found the finished items and cloth a bit messy - not really my style. But a good addition to the library.

Comprehensive
This book is wonderfully comprehensive of the latest methods for embellishing with dyes and inks.I would have liked to have seen other artists results with her techniques, but I find the technical information more than compensates. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Dyes and dyeing    5. Dyes and dyeing, Domestic    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Sewing    9. Textile Arts    10. Textile Arts - General    11. Textile fibers    12. Textile painting    13. Textile printing    14. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

Though ostensibly a how-to manual on wedding gown construction, this magnificent book teaches all about advanced dressmaking skills, and its principles can be applied to creating many other types of haute-couture-style gowns. The very thorough text details all aspects of fabrics and construction: the unique characteristics of each type of fashion fabric, including extensive information on manipulating lace; preparing the muslin mockup (a necessary first step to ensure a perfect fit); adjusting the bodice, sleeves, and skirt and joining them all together; adding ornamentation; and handling bustles and trains. The final chapter presents all the specifics of making four gowns of different styles. The novice and even the advanced sewer will learn much here, and perhaps best of all, pattern-drafting experience is not required--the author works her transformations on purchased patterns. If you're ambitious enough to make your own wedding gown, this book is absolutely essential, but even if you're hiring someone else to custom-make your gown, you'll find this an invaluable guide. And anyone pursuing a dressmaking career should have this important reference work on the shelf. --Read more

Reviews (18)

Great book!
I bought this in addition to Bridal Gowns:How to Make the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams. This book had some different ways of approaching the same topics in the other book so it was nice to have a different perspective. She goes into detail on fabrics and lace and how to use them, bustles, embellishents and takes you step by step through the making of several of the gowns you see in full color in the "gallery" in the front of the book. Also includes detailed construction techniques to give the dress a couture look inside and out. I would highly recommend this book!

bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear
This is a very good book with all the details you ever want to know on how to sew a wedding gown.
fine techniques but outdatet style for Europe
If you have a strong interest in making bodices this is a good book to add to your collection.
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Subjects:  1. Clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Dressmaking    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Wedding costume    8. Dressmaking & tailoring    9. Weddings   

Reviews (6)

A Sewer's Must-Have
Everyone else has already said it so well... don't spend another moment's hesitation on whether to buy it or not... just buy it!It is absolutely the sewer's bible!And I loved the comment about bringing it with you to the fabric store.I do a lot of fabric and pattern buying online and I have found that I don't complete the purchase without first referring to this book!Okay, 'nuff said!

More Fabric Savvy
I LOVE this book. There is everything you will ever need to know about sewing any type of fabric successfully. Do not hesitate to get your own copy. You won't be sorry.

Great Reference
This is one of my 3 main sewing references. (All 3 by Betzina! The other two are Power Sewing and Fast Fit.) I learned to sew when I was 8. Twenty years later, I've taken it up again, and am very appreciative of these books. This book teaches you which needles, interfacing, seam finishes, threads, hems, presser feet (and more) to use with each type of fabric. This knowledge has greatly reduced my frustration with sewing. (Who knew that the wrong needle could cause so many problems! Not my 8 year old self, that's for sure.)
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking materials    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Sewing    8. Textile Fabrics    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Rugs    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

Kaleidoscope quilts are one of the show-off pieces of a quilter's repertoire. They're judged not only on how perfectly the pieces are sewn to a point in the middle, but also on the cutting: if each piece isn't cut from exactly the same part of the pattern on the fabric, the effect is spoiled. The traditional way of making kaleidoscope blocks involves a special window template, much exaggerated care in cutting--and too often, much wasted fabric. Reynolds's revolutionary method of measuring and marking pattern repeats on the fabric, then cutting all the pieces for the kaleidoscope at once, is more precise, much less time consuming and wasteful, and keeps quilters from being slaves to the cutting process. Reynolds leads the reader smoothly through the process for half-square triangles, 45- and 60-degree triangles, and 45- and 60-degree diamonds. Read more

Reviews (45)

Magic Stack N Whack Quilts
I was hooked on these quilts from the first page of the book. So much so that i have my own copy , borrowed original from a friend, and have also purchased another by the same author, magic quilts by the slice, which I also love.

Magic Stack-N-Whack Quilts
I checked this book out of the library several times and was unable to make a quilt from the book. Just could not understand the process.
The magic of Stack-n-Whack
This book is clear and easy to follow.It has excellent pictures and diagrams ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Kaleidoscopes in art    5. Patchwork    6. Patterns    7. Quilt Making    8. Quilting    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Sewing    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (20)

Definitely the "Bible" for Embroidering
This book is phenominal! It truly is a "must have" for anyone that embroiders, especially a novice. Machines come with instructions that can be overwhelming when first read. This book gets down to the basics and then some. Very easy to read and understand. Understanding hooping, threads, designing, etc. All are important to embroidering. This book has it all plus free designs. I would highly recommend this book to anyone just beginning to embroider. You won't be disappointed.

Complete Book
This is by far the best book on machine embroidery I have ever purchased.The instructions are very easy to understand, it's like a "Oh now I get it" type of book.You won't be disappointed in this great book. I would give it 8 stars if I could.

Embrodiery machine essentials: How to stabilize, hoop, and stich decorative designs.
This book is great. It is one that will always be next to my machine for referance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery, Machine    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Sewing    7. Embroidery   

Reviews (2)

If I could only buy one quilting book, this would be it.
This book teaches you free motion quilting techniques that will make you want to throw out your stencils and marking pens for good (well, almost).The close-up photos of the author's exquisite quilting(incredible) and step by step instructions (well written) make this book an awesome teaching resource.Great recommendations are also inside for fabrics, thread, needles, and other notions to enhance your results.

words are inadequate
i hope to one day see at least one of diane gaudynski's quilts in person. until then, i have her two books for inspiration.
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Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Sewing   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Skirts    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (12)

Good technical information
This book is packed full of drawings so that you can visually compare them to the written content. It's very useful, just be aware that it is an older book so a lot of the styles are out of date, still the principles remain. No matter your style, the technical information is worth the purchase.

Timeless Pattern Drafing book
This book is so easy to follow....all the way from how to do your own measurements up to designing my own clothes.Best sleeves I've ever drafted.Highly recommend it to everyone who is tired of RTW that doesn't fit and comercial patterns that don't fit.You won't be sorry!

This Book is AWESOME!!!
Great Book. This book takes all of the guess work out of pattern drafting.It is also very easy to follow.It teaches you how to first draft the basic patterns, then it explains how to incorporate different designs into your patterns.This is a must-have for the person who is tired of buying commercials patterns that do not fit.You will gain a better understanding of commercial pattern design and how to alter them by reading this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Sewing   

Editorial Review

The necktie is perhaps one of the most varied sources of interesting and unusual fabrics. Though some are notoriously ugly, many are good-looking, even stunning. They can often be had for very little money at thrift shops and yard sales--or for free right out of the back of the closet when their owner is tired of them. Noted crafter Shirley Botsford has transformed these variegated strips of silk, wool, cotton, and even polyester into a variety of items. The more than 30 projects include quilts, scarves, purses, vests, lampshades, pillows, covered boxes, Christmas stockings, and stuffed animals. From finding old ties and taking them apart to the step-by-steps of transforming them into all sorts of colorful objects,Read more

Reviews (7)

Not quite what I was looking for.
This is probably a great book for an experienced quilter, which I am not.I sew well, and wanted to make something from my deceased father's ties.Book was good inspiration, but most of the patterns were too complicated for me.I also found the multiple abbrevations too complicated to keep track of without going back and forth all the time.Again, though good inspiration, and I did find one fairly uncomplicated and useful pattern.

Shirley Botsford's Daddy's ties: A project &keepsake Book
I love this book. It is so informative and really gets your creative juices flowing.The projects are very easy to understand and fast to complete.I would have given it a 5 but I hated the abrevations she used, because I had to copy the page so I wouldn't have to keep refering back to the page where she listed them. Yes, they are used in other crafts(crochet and knitting) which I use but not in sewing!

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WELL..let me start with saying this...as a botsford,i was delighted...as i have just lost both my parents,this was also ablessing in disguise. i have been terribly lost as to what to do with everything that was left to me...thank you,shirley,in more ways than i can say...signed sue botsford-binns(and proud of it!!!) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Household linens    6. Neckties    7. Patchwork    8. Patterns    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Sewing    11. Soft toys    12. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (5)

Actually a little disappointed
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.

Review
Excellent working with seller, received item very fast!Would definitely recommend business with this seller.

A concise, clear, practical guide
This book gives the most concise method of garment construction, using methods used in the factory along with reasons for doing so.Skip the home sewing books, buy this one.I recommend it in my sewing classes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Sewing    5. Fashion design    6. Textile arts   

Reviews (5)

bridal gowns; how to make the wedding dress of your dreams
Very informative I will use the book alot

Wonderful Resource
I am in the Bridal Alterations business and also sew weddings on the side. I am just starting out and wanted to learn more about the insides of wedding gowns. I have used other books by these women (Fit for Real People) to teach sewing classes in local fabric stores and knew they'd put out a great product. Inside they tell you what fabrics to use for interlining, interfacing, step by step construction, patern fitting, and more. There's even a checklist for constructing a wedding gown and yardage and instructions for making petticoats. I REALLY recommend this book!

A Good Guide, But Know How to Sew
I was toying with the idea of making my own dress and bought this book. The author is very knowledgeable and the text is well-written. However, if you are a novice you do not want to ACTUALLY attempt a dress without either a.)guidance, or b.)other books to walk you through. This is written for those who truly understand patterns and sewing. However, if you don't sew it is a great book to understand what things you should be looking for if you are having it made by a dressmaker, and the types of fabric/necklines/veils, etc. If you're expecting a step-by-step this is not the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Millinery    8. Patterns    9. Sewing    10. Wedding costume    11. Dressmaking & tailoring    12. Fashion design    13. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    14. Weddings   

Editorial Review

Silk ribbon embroidery utilizes many of the same stitches as more traditionalcrewel embroidery, but the unique qualities of the ribbon make for a very different look.This beautiful book (conveniently spiral bound to lie flat when working) offers acomprehensive stitch guide and good coverage of all the basics. Each stitch is given aclear diagram, and many also include color photos of a detail featuring that stitch. Inaddition, Judith Baker Montano presents charming descriptions of what inspired herlovely, elaborate finished pieces, which she calls "free-form stitchery." ... Read more

Reviews (20)

INSPIRATIONAL BOOK!!!
I just saw my Aunt Mary's book and had to have a copy! It is loaded with inspiration and makes me so excited to try some of the stitches. I love the simple drawings to show the stitches and the examples are wonderful! I am a mixed media and fabric artist so I loved the ideas and inspiration this little book gave me!
Excellent Reference for Beginning & Advanced Embroiders
This is an easy to use and clearly written guide for anyone who wants to learn embroidery stitches or advance their skills.Step-by-step photos are clear and the spiral binding makes it easy to use.

Elegant Stitches: An Illustrated Stitch Guide and Source Book of Insiration
I found this book to be an excellent reference book for doing Crazy Quilting stitches; it is a great supplement to a class I had recently taken. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Left-handed techniques    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Sewing   

Reviews (3)

My mother loved what I made her......
I had this book for a fews years. And wanted try out the patterns. So, I did a eyeglass case with cherries on them.This book is easy to understand & for doing the projects. This turned out wonderful, and was able to put my mother's name on to personalized it. The patterns are so beautiful, and you won't regret getting this book. They have a wonderful Holiday ideas, these are great keepsakes for you,& your loved ones.

Delightful!
I bought this book after receiving Mary Engelbriet's "Cross-Stitch For All Seasons" as a gift.I absolutely fell in love with her designs.My only wish is that she would publish more books with cross-stitch patterns of her artwork.This book has many adaptablepatterns for a great variety of projects.If you are across-stitcher...you have to have her books!

This book has an adorable chart for an Engelbreit santa.
This first Engelbreit crosstitch book should not be overlooked by those interested in holiday motifs. It includes a wonderful chart for a santa that can be used in a variety of ways.The charts can also be used in needlepoint if the backstitching is omitted.This is a charming collection . ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Cross-stitch    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Patterns    7. Sewing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Cross-Stitch   

Reviews (5)

FIT does another great job.
This book is essentially a guide to a student show but includes all of the patterns and contstruction techniques to make the items featured.Excellent instructions plus guidance on choosing suitable materials and where and how to obtain them.Includes all the patterns on tear out pages so that you can take them to the copier to enlarge them to the exact size of the samples.It even includes e-mail addresses for the people whose work is featured.Truly an excellent additon to the library of the aspiring handbag artist.

Do things with your home sewing machine you never thought you could!
I own several books on making handbags, and this is hands down my favorite.Instead of using the book for its step by step patterns, I've used it as a resource book on how to create things with alternative materials.I've applied the techniques contained in this book to many alternative materials such as naugahide (sp?) and vinyl.What I really appreciated was the breakdown so the projects can be done on home sewing machines instead of by hand or with industrial machines.All of my bags are made from recycled materials and owning this reference has really helped me bring my work up to a whole new level.The project gallery at the end of the book is just as inspirational as the projects themselves.Enjoy!

FABULOUS!!!!!
This is a wonderful book.It is great for novice handbag designers to use as a learning tool...It's also great for expert designers to use for great inspiration.I would recommend it to anyone who loves handbags!
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Handbags    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Leathercraft    7. Leatherwork    8. Sewing    9. Handicrafts   

Reviews (3)

Good Basic Information for the beginning sewer
I would be what you call an intermediate sewer. I have quilted and sewn simple garments and home decor items for years. The reason I got this book was for some help in trying to determine the best way to construct and sew a lined bedspread, something I have not done yet. I did not find what I was looking for, the closest thing being the self-line valance, but I did not want self-lined. I checked this book out of the library, but I would definitely recommend it for the novice sewer. It has really good basic information about machines, supplies, how to sew a seam, matching fabric and more. It then goes into actual sewing projects from valances to cushions, napkins and pillows. Overall, I think this is a very good book for the beginning sewer.

A Decent Start
I am someone who bought a sewing machine, had ABSOLUTELY NO PRIOR SEWING EXPERIENCE and I must say, this little book has helped me tremendously.There are so many little things that people who already sew take for granted such as fabric information.Sure, like any book, you may run into something that you still don't quite get, but after my first couple of projects, I dared to do a very simple pattern for my daughter and she actually likes it.I also find thatwhile sewing, I sometimes refer to the book for reassurance for a simple technique.Again, I'm totally brand new(2 1/2 weeks of sewing).The book goes from a simple square pillow and very gradually, gets on to things that are a little more challenging that wont completely freak you out.For instance, I sewed the basic pillow, and then moved on to a box style square pillow with stripes.Until then, I had no idea about what it took to match patterned fabric.This was a wonderful introduction for me.I'm not afraid to try the stuff in the book, and for me that is totally key.Surely it's worth the inevestment.

Perfect for the total novice
This book is easy to follow because of the clear photos you get for every step and along that the clear explainations. Every project is step-by-step, so it's easy to understand!
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Household linens    6. Machine sewing    7. Sewing    8. Textile fabrics in interior de    9. Textile fabrics in interior decoration    10. Needlework & fabric crafts    11. Soft furnishings   

Reviews (3)

Excellent Book
Great tool for learning Bobbin Lace; beautiful patterns easy to understand.

basic skills fully explained
This is a great book to learn lacemaking with. Very clear and uses the techniques used by most American teachers.

Great book for beginning to learn torchon bobbin lace
The reason I like this book is that the diagrams and photographs are clear and use colored threads. You can learn how to make beginning torchon bobbin lace on your own with this book.Descriptions of how to wind on your bobbins and how to start are defined well and the method to make simple bookmarks all the way through to more advanced projects are explained in detail. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bobbin lace    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Lace and lace making    6. Needlework - Lace & Tatting    7. Patterns    8. Textile Arts    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing   

Reviews (3)

My First Machine Sewing Book
Very Good Book.Purchased for my 9 year old niece.The step by step guide and checklist covered the basics she needed to learn in terms she understood.We completed the kit in one afternoon.

My First Sewing Machine -A Pleasant Surprise!
This book was purchased for my 9 year old granddaughter. She was totally involved as we browsed the pages.The colorful layout and simple explanations encouraged her to continue reading and learning.The practice patterns for "steering" the sewing machine are an excellent idea.The games maintained her interest and encouraged skill-building.The easy-to-make crafts will keep her busy and make wonderful presents for her friends.As a long time sewer and grandmother of eleven I highly recommend My First Sewing Machine Book!

My First Machine Sewing Book
I bought this book awhile ago and my daughter just used it.She is 11 yrs old and I think that it had a lot of practical excercises.The star she made was very good for her first sewing experience and I did not have to explain every step. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts & Hobbies - General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Handicrafts    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / Crafts & Hobbies   

Reviews (5)

Cute!
I love the book, and love making all the cute things in it.However, the first time I made the fish, her instructions referred to part C (or maybe D?)of the fish, and the template for the part was nowhere to be found.I was able to make my own template, but it was irritating.

Kokoro no Te
I purchsed this for my wife.She is an artist and loves artistic items from Japan - ever since visitng Japan last year.She loves this book andf keeps it on our coffee table in easy reach.The instructions are excellent and the presentation is of high quality.

Exquisite Small Gifts to Make
This is the second of Kumiko Sudo's books I have purchased and fallen in love with.There is sure to be a special project that will appeal to your senses and compel you to spend the hours creating just that perfect piece!The projects are small, and require patience and careful attention to detail.That said, the hand sewing can be done in front of the television or while riding in the car.
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Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fancy work    5. Gifts    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Japan    8. Sewing    9. Textile Arts - General    10. Textile crafts    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    12. Needlecraft art (eg lace, quilts, etc as art objects)   

Reviews (7)

Worth the Wait...
I wanted to purchase this book last year but was informed that thebook was too expensive for the information inside.But because there is little to choose from in the felting industry, I decided to purcahse the book anyway.In my opinion, the book is everything I need to get started - great photos - small and large projects - excellent instruction for the beginner.

taking felt to a new level
I already own several felting books (The Art of Feltmakingand Exploring Textile Arts) and when I purchased this one I was very excited to learn more about this ancient craft.When the book arrived I didn't think there was a lot of new information in it at first, compared to what I already have.I was somewhat disappointed (although the diagrams are good and the directions are clear) but at the very end of the book -- ta da! -- I suddenly became inspired. That was what I wanted... something new and inspirational.
Simply Felt --the best
If you are going to buy only one book on felting this is the one to purchase.I have bought others but found this one, at last, to be the answer to all my prayers.It is concise, well illustrated, simple to follow.It give you more than the basics to create beyond the book.Five Stars happily ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Felt work    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Textile Arts    8. Textile Arts - General    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    10. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. BG-HISTORY - BG-TRUE CRIME    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Dressmaking & tailoring