Reviews (3)

Great book
This is a very good book, as all the other books that Mrs. Martensson has published. It is very detailed, shows how to do all the things with plenty of illustrations and photographs, and gives the patterns in the most common sizes. It even shows you how to do some basic alterations to them for a great deal of garments. The only thing I missed in this book is a basic bra pattern, but other than that, all other patterns are great, and I have used them extensively. I sew most of my clothes, and these patterns have made making my underwear and lingerie a pleasure. I have enjoyed making the things in this and in other books I have bought from Kwik Sew for many years. I highly recommend it.

Useful techniques and patterns
This is a well-written, readable, very useful book.My only Kwik Sew's Beautiful Lingerie
It's filled with ideas on making my own beautiful lingerie ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Lingerie    4. Sewing    5. Dressmaking & tailoring    6. How-To    7. Needlework & fabric crafts    8. Patterns   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Spirituality - General    7. Textile Arts - General   

Reviews (1)

Way of the Peaceful Warrior
it changed my life, it will change yours. I want to read it over and over again. ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

The Best Pants Book in the Universe
After not sewing for about 15 years, I decided it was time to make some nice pants.My body had changed and I had difficulty identifying the myriad fitting problems. What a disaster!!!! Of course, I had invested hundreds of dollars in wonderful material and there it sat. I bought this book and went to work. This lady knows her stuff. My pants are fab and I finally understand how to fit pants to my body.I encourage any sewer at any level of accomplishment to get this wonderful book. The language is clear, the drawings and photographs are explicit and specific and address the process of making pants in a modern way. Lynn, wherever you are, thanks for a great book.

The Best Pants Book
The "Easy Guide to Sewing Pants" is the only book you will ever need to have a great pair of pants that truly fits you perfectly.I had tried many different approaches over the years but never achieved the fit I needed until I bought this book.Ms. MacIntyre's diagrams for fitting problem areas are clear, easy- to-follow; and best of all, they work!Her step-by-step instructions on how to make design changes to your basic pattern will give you many different looks with having to go through the fitting process again.I was so excited when I made a style change to my pattern and didn't have to worry about whether they would fit.No more frustration!! If that's not enough, I also found Ms. MacIntyre's construction techniques to be absolutely the best and gave me very professional results. The "Easy Guide to Sewing Pants" is a "must" for any sewer's library.

Easy Guide to Sewing Pants
For fitting and making pants, I have found the "Easy Guide to Sewing Pants" an invaluable source. The book delivers a goldmine of information that really works. Ms. MacIntyre's meticulously thorough instructions are presented in clear, concise easy-to-grasp prose that I found a constant source of pleasure when I need to search for answers. This classy book sets high standards and is a cherished addition to my sewing library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress measurement    2. Clothing and dress measurements    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Pants    8. Sewing    9. Tailoring    10. Tailoring (Women's)    11. Trousers    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    13. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (2)

Definitely for beginners
The book is well written and has great illustrations and especially good information on products for the beginner.It really shows how much fun textile surface design can be however I must stress that if you have done much work with surface design at all, this book will not be very challenging.It is a great book for beginners!.

Great Ideas and Instructions
What a lot of great ideas in this book.The instructions were easy to follow, and the designs were so beautiful.I am just a beginner with designing for my home, but with this book I know I can do it.Thanks for the wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acrylic painting    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Dye    6. Furniture painting    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Stencil work    9. Technique    10. Textile painting    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    12. Decorative arts & crafts    13. Handicrafts   

Reviews (8)

Great for even experienced sewers
While not for the complete beginner, this book explains all the tools, tips and methods from basic to complex. Great for the amateur or hobby sewer who may not have learned the finer points of finishing seams, advanced sewing techniques and all the possibilities available with various machine attachments and special tools.
Very good reference book
This book includes basic and more advanced techniques.It is a practical book.I bought along with "The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing" and "The new Step by Step Decorating Projects" both from Singer also.Although there is repeated information from one book to the next, there is also additional information in each one.For example the "Complete Photo..." includes information found on this book AND int "The new...Decorating Pr..", but it also has addional information and projects.So it worked for me as adding more info as I kept advancing from one book to the next.In the end, you will end up with your own personal techiniques (what works for one person doesn't work for the other,) or simply because you can come up with your own ideas, but nontheless all three books are good to have, especially if you own a Singer Sewing maching.

Excellent Visual Reference
I received this book as part of a sewing and dressmaking correspondence course I am taking. I already had some previous sewing experience but this book has some wonderful suggestions on how to make one's items look more polished and professional. I am a very visual learner and this book contains beautiful close up color photography of all techniques discussed. I particularly enjoyed the section on seam finishes-there were several different ways to finish the seams nicely without serging!
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine sewing    5. Sewing    6. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (2)

Willowood - Jean Wells
Great book, easy to follow instructions for beginner or advanced.

Not your usual designs
I am not a big fan of buttonhole applique. This book has changed my mind and that if a few of my students. Jean Wells has created some beautiful, sophisticated designs. Her use of fabrics is inspiring. My favorite is theForest Friends Quilt, which is shown in two different colorways, eachgiving it a whole new look. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patterns    7. Quilted goods    8. Quilting    9. Sewing    10. Embroidery    11. Patchwork & applique    12. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (7)

A History of old garments
The book is interesting to read if you are interested in cultural history. The patterns are variated,you can knit some of the vests exactly as the pattern tells you, others are inspirational to your own fantasy. You can make your own variant of the garment.

Folk Vests
The gauges are off on all the patterns.None of the gauges can be physically achieved with the yarns and needles specified.My mother tried to knit the clock vest pattern but the instructions/chart did not produce the pattern pictured.

International collection
Cheryl Oberle returns with another book in her series of internationally flavored knitting patterns.This book is all about vests.25 separate patterns for less than a dollar a pattern - a great value.I've had the pleasure of learning vest construction from Cheryl and know that these patterns contain the little details that will make the vests work - i.e. armholes that don't gap and such.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Sewing    9. Vests    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Fairy tales, folk tales, fables, magical tales & traditional stories   

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

Reviews (2)

another ISBN for same book 0-7607-4811-x
This hardcover edition has Barnes & Noble on the spine like an author.

Very Helpful
My sister (a Professional) recommened I purchase this book.I am glad I waited for the newly revised edition of this book.It's very good.It touches on all aspect's of sewing.Pattern adjustment's, style, color,construction, ect.I would recommend this book to anyone who is a beginneror has not atteneded any formal instruction classes for sewing. The onlything I didn't like was that the illustration's were drawn and not actualphotographs.But the drawings were still adequate.They wereunderstandable.Buy it.You'll be glad you did.I also bought TheComplete Photo Guide to Sewing by Singer.Together they work very well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dressmaking    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. Needlework & fabric crafts    9. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (2)

Can't Live Without ...
If you are a lover of fine clothing and dressmaking this is the book for you.Roberta Carr's dedication to teaching techniques that elevate sewing from mundane to extraordinary is evident on every page. The extremely readable instructions and georgeous examples make this book a must have for home sewers who want to take their clothing construction to a higher level.

Couture The Art of Fine Sewing by Roberta Carr
This book is so good that I am going to purchase it.I checked it out of our local, public library and someone else must have loved it enough to cut pages out of it.Roberta Carr writes about what every sewer wants to know. She tells what a perfect fit entails.She describes perfectly how to makea "single-thread" dart, how to work with the forbidden BIAS, thedos and don'ts of buttonholes, etc.I learned volumes from this book. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Modern Art versus Impressionism...
Judy Murrah is a very talented lady. Her book received great reviews which is why I purchased it. However, her personal style is not what I look for in design and embellishing. Her work is very contemporary, and I tend to be much more of a traditionist in design and embellishment. I prefer needlework designs that date as far back as Medieval times. I like order, and I love needle-art to be so beautifully done that one may even frame it as a piece of art. I am all jazzed up!
Judy has written many "Jazz" books that you can now find on the Internet auctions going for big bucks because they are out of print.I happen to have all her books, thanks to a good friend, and feel this one sums up all her shared knowledge of wearable art stitching and embellishing.The first wearable project I made was adapted from one of Judy's' first books.I consider her work as laying the foundation for all wearable artists out in the world today.These 101 techniques can be used on a simple cuff or on your whole project.

Wearable Art for the Practical Person
This is the book we have been waiting for from Judy.She mentioned it was in the works two years ago and I have been eagerly looking forward to it.As with all of Judy's books, the directions are clear and there aremarvelous graphics for all of the techniques she presents.You are givenlots of ideas with photos of finished goods.This book will give you theconfidence to make that one of a kind vest or jacket.The hardest part isdeciding what techniques to start with on your creation!Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - General    5. Patchwork    6. Patterns    7. Sewing    8. Strip quilting    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (2)

A must have reference.....again
Eileen Jahnke Trestain has done it again--this book is the followup to her 1800-1960 book and together they are the definitive guidebooks on dating fabrics from the last 200 years.This book picks up where the first one left off, bringing us from 1950 to the present with an equally well researched information in an easy to use book.
Fabric origins, discussions of quilting and clothing trends
Fabric collectors as well as practicing quilters will surely relish Dating Fabrics 2: A Color Guide 1950-2000: for here are many keys to fabric origins, discussions of quilting and clothing trends, actual size prints to aid in accurate identification, grouped by date, color and style, and much more. Blending a history with photos which are easily compared to fabrics through lay-flat spiral binding and a hardcover edge for easy filing, Dating Fabrics 2 is the fabric collector's essential reference.
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Subjects:  1. Color in the textile industries    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Dating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Quilts    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Sewing    9. Textile fabrics    10. Textiles & Costume    11. United States   

Reviews (3)

Former Sewer
I just love this book.Patterns are easy and the instructions are easy to follow.A lot of fun things to make.My granddaughter is so excited to have fun new things for her new doll.

Great patterns!A real money-saver!
I love the American Girl Dolls, but the clothes can be expensive--more than $20 per outfit!The outfits in this book look at least as nice as what you can find in the catalog, and with a little imagination I'm sure you could duplicate a lot of their outfits.All of the patterns are included in an envelope in the back, which is nice but I could never figure out how to fold the gigantic sheet so it fits back in there!I'm not a very experienced sewer, yet I was still able to make 3 really cute outfits from these patterns.As a bonus, there are crochet patterns for a hat and purse.

Excellent
I've borrowed several of Joan Hind's books from the library to use in teaching my eleven-year-old daughter to sew.The patterns are numbered and simple to read, and the directions clear and easy to follow.This book was my daughter's favorite because the clothing styles are "what girls wear."I liked that it was an easy text from which to teach.There's a section on "Helping Children Learn to Sew," and at the beginning of each project is a little blurb stating whether this is a good one for the beginner sewer.My daughter could go through the book and decide for herself which designs she wanted to try.She started with the Triangle Scarf and moved on to the A-Line skirt.I needed to help her a bit with the waistband on that one.The Pink Top was also simple, and we substituted ribbon for the shoulder straps to make the project even easier.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Doll clothes    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patterns    7. Sewing    8. Toymaking - General    9. Fishing, angling    10. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Reviews (1)

The best of Threads Magazine pattern alterations
Fitting Solutions has in one book all of the pattern alteration solutions covered in Threads Magazine from 1991--1995.Excellent, easy to read and to follow, sensible dialogue with outstanding illustrations.Saves hours of looking through Threads Magazine for articles.Concentrates on problems above the waist and below the waist.Often, more than one solution included with comments by professionals ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress measurement    2. Clothing and dress measurements    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Dressmaking    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Pattern design    9. Sewing    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (13)

The world's leading window decorating authority
The worst book ever written on window decorating. Please trust me on this. Home Depot, Mederrith Books and others are trying to rip off the public by putting these outdated books in the window decorating book area of their stores. Look for yourself. What a joke.
A great bookfor beginners
Having bought a new home in the fall, I was desperate for custom window treatment ideas and not interested in the local store offerings.Not having sewn for 25 years, I was cautious about getting in "over my head."This how-to book was full of "doable" ideas.I created shades for a guest bath and two bedrooms and am now working on the master bedroom.My ultimate goal is a newly constructed sunroom and even though the book doesn't seem to contain exactly what I am looking for, it provided me with great practice projects and something to show for it.

outdated
The ideas in this book are almost laughable.The projects that are shown wouldn't even look good with different fabrics.If you are into lots of ruffles and pouffy things everywhere, then this is for you.If you are into simpler window treatments with exquisite fabrics that complement a room, this isn't for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating - Windows    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Sewing    6. Textile Arts - General    7. Handicrafts    8. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (5)

Best Book for Beginning Tailoring
Like the other reviewers, I borrowed this book from the library, and it was so helpful, I decided I had to buy it.
Good Sewing Book
I have found in my experiences with sewing it is essential to have a profoundly helpful guide nearby. This book is the one I have come to trust and live by. A definite must buy.

Excellent information
I checked this book out of my library three times and finally bought it to have on hand at all times. Very knowledgable lady with excellent credentials. Easy to understand and follow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coats    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jackets    7. Sewing    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    9. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (6)

This book did not ......
This book did not cover my five thread Singer serger model purchased Dec. 2005 (paid $599). I need details on the last stages of treading.The only way I can make this machine work is to feed the front needle threads down through the pressure foot hole and the brown looper thread up through the hole in the pressure plate. This is tedious and awkward, requires tweezers and doesn't seem right...but it works. I have gone on line to the Singer serger site and found no help there either.Black threads are nearly impossible to see when threading the loopers and there is no light in the looper area to help you see what you are doing. I am working with magnifying glasses, head lamps, tweezers and screw drivers....constantly..... Grrrr!

Thank goodness for this book.
I think this book should come with the Singer Quantumlock.Buy it.The manual that comes with the machine isn't enough.This book, along with the online materials from Singer, will make your serger usable and enjoyable. (The book may also be used with other types of sergers.)Great photos.I use this book to figure out how to adjust tension and to figure out which type of stitch to use.

New to Serging
Santa gave me a Singer Serger for Christmas.I had never had one so when I saw the Singer book on serging I decided to get it.I think it is a great book.It has great photos with the different stitches so you can tell what is wrong if you have a problem.It also explains how to sew different items with your serger.I've already sewn several napkins and several neck scarves for gifts.I love my new serger and have used "The New Sewing with a Serger" for a reference book.I highly recommend it.Marie Owens ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Cutest Christmas ever!
I can't wait to make this quilt. I saw one made up at a quilt show or something very similar and couldn't wait to find the pattern.It is just so clever and fun.My quilt group is planning on making it as a block of the month.I am so happy I bought this book, it makes me smile every time I look through it.
Welcome to the North Pole
This is a beautiful book.The instructions are easy to follow and the patterns are full size.It is nice that you do not have to make a hugh project all at once.The project is laid out in sections to make it easy to do small wall hangings.These ladies are very talented and the pieces of Santa's village are precious.I am so glad I bought this book.

so cute!
This is a beautiful book!The applique is so charming.I can't wait to make this quilt for myself!The only downside is that you need so many different fabrics to make this quilt as effective as theirs - oh well, more fabric shopping!This was the first Piece O'Cake book I ever bought, after trying one of their block of the month patterns and I have loved it so much that I've bought all their books since.I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to hand applique and even to maching appliquers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Christmas in art    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Patchwork    8. Patterns    9. Quilting    10. Seasonal    11. Sewing    12. Patchwork & applique   

Reviews (4)

Needed more pictures
Although the idea for this book is very good . Instead of staying on the subject and trying to explain to a novice what all this is about it goes on to other things like novelty edges etc which is not the reason I bought the book for. And they don't as usually make good use of the available pages for instance there are great big pictures of the finished project and tiny ones for the steps and very few for these. And then a whole page of a picture of materials which is completely useless like page 22, 86, 84, 72, 66 and of course page 58 which appears twice in this book. Such a waste of pages and photographs.

Great book!
Excellent book for sewers to have for reference - even if you are not into embellishment.There are many great ideas and techniques.A very good explanation of mitering corners.Easy directions with great pictures.

Very Good for Embellishment Work for Pillows
This book is really what you need ifyou enjoy, as I do, making pillows really special.There are techniques for rope cording, fabric cording, tassels in pillows with corded trim, box pillows, yarn fringe, etc.I only gave it 4 stars because I wish there were more pictures with descriptions, as being a relative novice, I needed more explanation.However, you can get the hang of itpretty well with the pictures that are supplied.This is a great reference book for your sewing library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Borders, Ornamental (Decorativ    2. Borders, Ornamental (Decorative arts)    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Cushions    6. Decorating    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Seams (Sewing)    9. Sewing    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    11. Needlework & fabric crafts