Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Quilts & Quilting    6. Sewing    7. Needlepoint   

Editorial Review

Store-bought patterns usually need a bit of finessing to take them from a general size to an individual's perfect fit. Sandra Betzina, the host of HGTV's Read more

Reviews (9)

Never sew without it!
This is by far my favorite pattern fitting book. Every pattern you sew must be fitted--and differently for every person you sew for. Every fitting solution I have tried from this book turns out great. Each fitting solution in this book is given in one-paragraph summary form (the "Fast Fit") for the extremely experienced tailor, and then given in simple, numbered steps for the very beginner.In each fitting solution Ms. Betzina makes an extra effort to find the simplest modification that affects the fewest pieces of the pattern, unlike some alteration books that have you shredding the pattern into small pieces.She even gives you the sequence in which to make your modifications.
My Most Useful Sewing Book
I borrowed this book from the library about 10 times before I finally bought it.If your clothes wrinkle at the bust or pull across the tummy, there's a reason and this book gives it to you and then tells you how to fix it, so all your clothes fit like a dream and make you look 10 pounds thinner.No kidding, good fitting clothes will make you look younger, thinner, richer and smarter.

An easy, wonderful guide
Andra Betzina's FAST FIT provides the author's quick tips on easy pattern alterations for every figure. Here the host of TV's Sew Perfect provides an accessible, easy key to understanding fitting patterns, isolating different pattern problems and walking readers through the process of making changes. An easy, wonderful guide. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

The one that gets used most in the business
I can't believe nobody has reviewed this book because it is -hands down- the best book in the business. It's self-published so its release and publicity is limited but I can tell you this is the book that is most often USED in the apparel industry. Not the book most used in schools, but in real life (I've been a pattern maker for 25+ years). I guarantee all the pattern grading services keep it on hand! The way the grading charts and mapping is set up in the book most closely mirrors the way we work in the industry. The charts in competing books (Price/Zamkoff) are so complex but Handford's book nails it.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Commercial - Fashion Design    4. Design - Textile & Costume    5. Sewing    6. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    7. Fashion & beauty industries    8. Fashion design   

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Gardening/Plants    4. General    5. Sewing    6. Sport clothes    7. Tailoring    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    9. Dressmaking & tailoring    10. Fashion design   

Editorial Review

Marketed under various brand names, fleece fabric is an amazingly versatilematerial that is no longer limited to outerwear garments. Sewing expert Nancy Cornwellhas spent years perfecting techniques and developing tricks for working with thissometimes tricky fabric. In Read more

Reviews (3)

Useful information
I read this book simulataneously with Rochelle Harpers "Sew the New Fleece." There is much overlap and both books are good. Cornwell's book had a very useful section in the beginning that lists all the mills that make synthetic fleece and pile fabrics, who they supply (e.g., who supplies LL Bean, who supplies Patagonia, etc.), and what the various characteristics are of each type of fabric--she knows what she is talking about in this area. As far as fleece construction techniques, I thought that Harper's book beat out Cornwell's with more options and details. Cornwell's had a lot of "cheater" shortcuts that I wasn't interested in since I want to make good, solid ready-to-wear style outdoor garments. Also, Cornwell's focus was too much on the baby-bunting/"fashion" jacket/granddaughter's outfit-type projects rather than the serious outdoor garment scene. Many of the photographed garments screamed "I'm homemade!," and she spends too many pages on techniques like "fleece sculpturing" that could only have applications in tacky, crafty, homemade looking projects. If your goal is serious outdoor wear, Harper edges out Cornwell, but the serious sewer will want to read both.

Fantastic!
I just purchased this title and can't put the book down.It is extremely thorough and includes everything you could possibly need to know including identifying quality fabric, choosing the correct needle, troubleshooting, inserting zippers and embellishing. A definite must read for fleece lovers!

Beyond a doubt the best book on polar fleece on the market!
There is no question, the techniques and practical guides in this book are the best I've read.Nancy has comprehensive and detailed photos for each technique!And the ideas are todays look and ready to wear professional.I would urge anyone who is sewing on fleece to hurry and purchase this one.No affiliation just a happy customer! Enjoy ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Handicrafts    7. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Reviews (17)

The best fitting book on the market!
I have been sewing for a very long time and am obsessed with fit.Consequently, I have a very large collection of fitting and pattern alterations books.None even come close to Fit For Real People.It is the most comprehensive book ever written on the subject and should be in every sewer's library.It's a must-have, along with Pants for Real People.

Incomplete Book Omits Key Topic
Any book that claims to fit real people has to address the issue of fitting pants, particularly for women since we are still stuck with designs based on men's pants.While these authors have written a separate book in this series specifically for fitting pants, "Pants for Real People", this current book is sadly mis-titled and needs to clearly state that it does NOT address pants.As 5'10" woman with a long lower torso and a sway back, fitting pants is difficult to say the least.For an all-encompassing book that addresses fitting issue, see Singer Sewing's "Perfect Fit", which has lots of pictures, clear directions for both major and minor alterations, before and after shots, and deals with all subjects.For a book specifically for fitting pants, I recommend Singers "Pants that Fit".I own both and use both regularly.

Add it to your library
This is the most comprehensive fitting book I have seen. A couple of things to be aware of: it does not include pants fitting or fitting for males (though most of the methods could be adapted.) Also, be aware that the first 13 chapters or so are an overview of their concepts and not a step-by-step guide!If you want to work through your own alterations, start with chapter 14 and follow the order of alterations in each following chapter. This is a book that works best if you read and study it. Glancing at pictures may not give you all the information you need. It's not the be-all and end-all of fitting books but it is definitely worth having. ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

ABC's of Serging
Great book for both the novice and the experienced serger. The book has clear drawings and down to earth explanations on threading your serger, serging anything from cuffs, eleastic, shirring, french seams and lettuce edges. The book explains the importance on tension and little tricks for adjusting the same. You should not be without it if you are new to serging.

ABC's of Serging:A Complete Guide to Serger Sewing Basics
The book is great!! I didn't know anything about serging and my serger came with very few instructions.I feel like I can use my serger now with confidence.Wonderful teaching tool!!Better than taking a class.

A Great Step-by-Step Guide
This is an excellent guide to learning and using your serger.If you are a beginner and somewhat afraid of your new serger, this book will get you past that fear and on to using your new machine quickly.It gives you clear directions, step-by-step, to help you begin.It suggests keeping a notebook with notes of stitch settings and samples of your work as you try each technique, which I did.It is very helpful when you refer back to it later.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Reference    5. Serging    6. Sewing    7. Handicrafts    8. Textile arts   

Reviews (18)

A must have for every home seamstress
Power Sewing Step by Step is one of my favorite new books for sewing.It has many guidelines to organize your wardrobe and what suits your style and figure.The cutting, fitting and sewing instructions can be used for many garments.The ring type binding makes it lie flat for easy reading -- no flipping pages. The classic basics of any wardrobe are clearly addressed, and wonderful ideas for detailing that sets a garment apart.Her presentation inspires the reader to tackle a project and enjoy professional results every time. I love her tips for dealing with real figures-- for those of us over the hill.
I use this book all the time
This is my favorite sewing book-I take it out whenever I have a project. It's most useful for the advanced beginner or intermediate sewer. It focuses on techniques that either make a project easier or more polished. It's divided into types of clothing (vests, pants, dresses, etc), and Betzina focuses on techniques for that type of project. She explains techniques well and there are lots of full-color pictures. Yes, the clothes are a little out of date, but who cares? The techniques apply to whatever style you choose.
Great book, buy the spiral-bound copy!
This is NOT a book for beginning sewers - the writer assumes you know the basics of sewing and garment construction.I love all of the ways she shows how to make clothing special - Sandra's examples areclassy, but not fussy.There are a lot of useful things like different ways to improve your zipper installation, classier facings, linings (Like WHY to line pants, for instance), easy bound buttonholes, nicer hems, when you should take the time to hand sew, when you can cheat...Basically she is teaching the reader how to make ordinary home-sewn clothing extraordinary using the best techniques.Good section on improving fit, pretty much all useful info. ... Read more

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

Reviews (8)

Too dated and if you have a decent manual you don't need this book.
The first 8 chapters of this book are in your owners manual. Chapter 1 (what is a serger), Chapter 2 (which one to buy), Chapter 3 (thread and threading), Chapter 4 (cutting your pattern) chapter 5-8(curved seams,securing ends, sewing order and, tension balance) all already in my manual.Chapters 9-20 get a little more interesting but seems a little dated.There are tips on how to make a leotard, stirrup pants and leg warmers. First copyright is from 1985 not its not improved much in the third edition.I would have enjoyed some better pictures too.If you have a decent manual this really isn't the book for you. For me it was too dated and too basic.

Great book!
Everything you need to know about serging. This book covers everything from the basics to intermediate serging. It even tells you how to thread the machine and about tension settings.

Got me started even without the user manual
I bought a second hand old serger with no user manual, and this little book got me started even if I had absolutely no notion on how to operate a serger.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Sewing    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    6. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (13)

Definitely a book for beginners
This book is laid out nicely with clear instructions and diagrams.They cover four simple categories of bags - clutch, tote, drawstring and beach tote.It was easy to use but not very inspirational.I found the patterns a bit cumbersome to use.
FIT does it again!
Excellent guide to making all kinds of handbags.Excellent instructions so that even a beginner can be successful.Good resource list.It even includes the e-mail addresses of the student work featured.Tear-out patterns can be increased to full size on a copier.This would be an excellent addition to the library of any aspiring handbag artist.

Nice book!
This book focuses on creating four styles of bags: the tote, clutch, drawstring, and beach bag - plus variations on these four styles.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fancy work    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Handbags    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Sewing    9. Handicrafts    10. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (4)

Clear instructions for the beginner
Finally a book with clear instructions and pictures.I would recommend this to anyone just starting to sew....I didn't feel like throwing up my hands half-way through as I have with other "step-by-step" beginner books.

A comprehensive and thoroughly "user friendly" instructional guide to the art of fabric sewing and textile crafting
Step-By-Step Sewing Course: Essential Techniques For Making Over 150 Creative Home Projects is the result of the collective efforts of the Reader's Digest editorial staff and offers the novice needle-crafter a comprehensive and thoroughly "user friendly" instructional guide to the art of fabric sewing and textile crafting. Enhanced with a wealth of step-by-step illustrations, Step-By-Step Sewing Course offers sewing students as wealth of practical tips and expert guidance through a series of more than 150 outstanding sewing projects ranging from quick and easy bedspreads, tablecloths with lace panels, and decorative window treatments for every type of window, to shower curtains and bath mats, pillows with romantic ruffles, duvet covers, padded fabric headboards, gift bags for special occasions, and so much more. An ideal addition to personal, school, and community library needlecraft reference collections, Step-By-Step Sewing Course is very strongly recommended as an ideal "how to" guide to the fun and skilled standards of sewing.
As a novice seamstress
I found this book to be a delight! The beginning section on "Sewing Techniques" covers everything to get you started in home sewing from knowing your sewing machine to selecting fabric. The book continues with sections on Beginner, Intermediate, and More Experienced Projects. Techniques at the various levels are also explained in detail. The pictures are very helpful and easy to understand. I can't wait to begin a project from this book.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. House furnishings    5. Household linens    6. Machine sewing    7. Sewing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing   

Reviews (5)

Fantastic Book!
I highly recommend this book ~ it's an easy read and jam packed with fantastic ideas for those wanting to start a home sewing business.I was a little leery when I received the book as it's rather small, but I was way off base.There are great tips on getting organized, pricing, and so much more.I think it's a book I'll refer to again and again.Two thumbs up ~ thanks Kathleen for writing such an informative book!

Good
This book is easy to read, and gives a lot of good information. It has helped me to be more organized as I work on starting my business, and gives a breakdown of pricing, and even making a workspace. Its handy, and will be a good book to refer to often.

Excellent!
This is a small book that is very informative and doesn't take hours to read.I loved it!I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to start their own home sewing business.Thanks Kathy for writing such a wonderful book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing trade    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Dressmaking    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Home-based businesses    7. Management    8. Sewing   

Reviews (7)

Wonderful resource for beginners
This books picks up where the instruction manual leaves off.I recently purchased a serger and this book helped me to familiarize myself with the machine, different types of threads and the various types of stitches that can be made with a serger.The photos and clearly written instructions in each chapter made me very comfortable with my machine. The author provides the right amount of detail to guide you step-by-step without becoming overwhelmed. I highly recommend this book to beginners, but it's also a good resource for the more advanced.

New to serging?This is THE book.
This book is the perfect book for a beginner serger owner.Serger manuals are useful for getting to know the mechanics of your serger, but leave off after listing the basic stitches and settings.Serging really is different than sewing, and this book of Chris James' teaches you everything else you need to know to become very adept at using your machine. The close-up photos really illustrate what the stitches should and shouldn't look like.Her book also helps you understand how the machine works, which in turn allows you to master your machine (rather than merely follow the settings in your manual).She offers many, many tips and how-tos, and her samples are inspirational.I have noticed several small mistakes, such as a mismatch of needle sizes (she says 80/14 and 90/16 rather than 80/12 and 90/14, and at least one of her rolled hem close-ups is mislabeled.)Don't let that stop you from purchasing this book however. This is IT for beginners!
This told me EVERYTHING to begin serging, practically from taking it out of the box.It discusses everything from turning the machine on and off, to threading for different stiches, the differences between stitches, good fabric to use versus good fabric for regular sewing, etc.I cannot recommend this book highly enough for the complete novice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Serging    5. Sewing    6. Sewing machines    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Needlework & fabric crafts    9. THEATER ARTS/ DRAMA - Shakespeare TRD PB   

Reviews (2)

The best book ever
I have a collection of sewing books. I got this one for Christmas.I wish I would of got this book earlier.I sew a lot of clothing, this book made the shirt I was makeing look pretty close to what you would buy in a store.
Useful and Unique
This is a little hard to classify.It certainly is not for a novice, but once someone has mastered the basics, and is desiring to make an expensive-looking wardrobe, this would be a very good basic resource. The book seems to be quite a labor of love by the author, who clearly wants to pass on her wealth of experience. It is dense with practical material and has an incredible number of detailed photographs that go with the instructions.How to do all the scary stuff.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (2)

What a treasure of a book
I love this book, it gives ideas and instructions on how to do everything from applique to simple weaving.The pictures are clear and very helpful in illustrating the techniques.Projects are rated from easy to intermidiate to challenging, and there are supply lists so you can haveeverything you need.I found it very inspiring in my work and hope to findother book by the author!

Worth every cent I payed!!!
This book was everthing and more that I expected it to be.The author's expertise in the field was quite commendable.I bought it for all the women in my tennis group.Thanks Miss Valley ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Fancy work    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Machine sewing    7. Needlework    8. Sewing    9. Textile Arts - General    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (3)

Coolest Book Ever!!
OMG! This book rocks. I am so poor but all my friends are jealous of my clothes and this book is totally my secret weapon! Seriously, I am so bad at sewing but this was totally easy and so much fun! I'm def buying one for my best friend julia's birthday!

A Must Buy
If you don't have this book, you have no idea on what you're missing.The opportunity to be fashionable without even leaving your home.There are so many styles displaying ways to look good in a t-shirt and it's apparent that the styles are for all sizes.Well I have it and Thanks sistahs for wanting everyone woman to be sassy and funky in their old skin.

I LOVE THIS!!
I love these designers!They have the hottest clothes. I'm just so glad that they came out with this book.So now I can make my own Sistahs of Harlem shirt.I can't wait to get started. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Art / Fashion   

Reviews (2)

Not Hokey
I bought this book unseen and hoped for the best - quite often with purse books a lot of the styles end up being hokey and NOTHING I would ever want to carry or submit my friends to.I teach purse making classes (Amy Butler patterns) and wanted to check this out.Very nice,I would carry most of these purses and have made 2 fun little handbags out of this book.easy to follow, creative, simple and classic.The lines are clean and would translate well in many different kinds of fabric. For the most part they are fun 'going out' bags there arent a lot (if any)multi-pockets mom type purses.These are the styled out designs for ladies of the past who had hats that matched their bags.I don't have a matching hat, but my little bag in cotton Merimekko fabricsure does hip up my flip flops and sundress when I am out and about town....

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS ON BAG MAKING!
I am a Crafter and Teacher of sewing...I love to teacher bag making, people have fun and always fall in love with the bag they made.I have many books on all crafts...but this book is one of the best on bag making....it's so easy to follow.It also has the patterns, you can't beat it.I have been sewing for more then twenty years and this book helped me learn a few new things about sewing.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. BG-REFERENCE - BG-REFERENCE    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (2)

Add Style to Your Windows!
This covers all the details of measuring the window and deciding on style, fabric, etc. Learn to make standard drapes, swags, Austrian and Roman blinds, tie-backs and rosettes to dress your windows. The big color photos show lush room setting with handsome curtains.
The Secrets of Making Classy Curtains
This covers all the details of measuring the window and deciding on style, fabric, etc.Learn to make standard drapes, swags, Austrian and Roman blinds, tie-backs and rosettes to dress your windows.The big color photos show lush room setting with handsome curtains.
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Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Draperies    5. Draperies in interior decorati    6. Draperies in interior decoration    7. Home Furnishing    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. Residential Interior Design    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing   

Reviews (2)

Useful and important for adding a tassel touch
Tassels provides step-by-step instructions for creating sixteen decorative tassels, covering everything from choosing threads to finishing touches. Any involved in crafts or arts projects will find this very specific guide useful and important for adding a tassel touch to a design or piece: the black and white step-by-step illustrations are very clear and the color photos excellent.

Another Winner from Susan Dickens!
Susan comes up with another winner - both beginning tassel makers and experienced designers will appreciate this book.This book is a sophisticated sequel to her earlier The Art of Tassel Making.Basics oftassel anatomy and construction techniques will ease beginners into thiswonderful textile art.Among the most useful tips for experienced tasselmakers are instructions on how to replicate vintage jasmine petalcomponents, decorative strips and flower centers by embroidering over asheet aluminum base.Also detailed are ribbon flowers, chevron wrapped andpeyote stitched tassel heads, and beaded overskirts.Theimpeccablyconstructedtassels are simply but beautifully photographed, and Jane'sillustrations are easy to follow.Seven tassels pictured are fairly basicin style and construction, with the remaining nine showing various stylesof additional embellishment.This book is another "must have"for anyone smitten with the creative art of tassel making!On the negativeside, be forewarned that the much-awaited Suppliers List does not containany US suppliers; this was a major disappointment.Other than thatomission, Susan's new book was another delightful read from beginning toend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Needlework - Lace & Tatting    4. Sewing   

Reviews (6)

A must have, must keep!
I enjoy traditional quilts and quilting methods, from hand quilting to stitching in the ditch. But I love free-motion quilting and have recently begun learning free-motion embroidery. Coloring with Thread by Ann Fahl is a fascinating and informative addition to this ever-evolving art form.
How to create embroidered fabrics
Ann Fahl's COLORING WITH THREAD: A NO- DRAWING APPROACH TO FREE-MOTION EMBROIDERYtells how to use any sewing machine with feed dog drop to create embroidered fabrics. From a student gallery of works by students to step-by-step project instructions packed with color photos throughout and color sidebars of tips and tricks, COLORING WITH THREAD provides a fine new approach to creating enhanced fabrics.
Excellant resource for thread work
Ann Fahl does an excellant job of putting together an interesting book explaining thread work.It is full of information on needles, threads, cloth, etc.A very good resouce to have on hand.And an inspiration to try to new machine work in quilting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery, Machine    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Sewing    9. Textile Fabric (Applied Arts)    10. Embroidery