Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Dolls    6. Fashion    7. Sewing    8. Toymaking - General   

Reviews (4)

great totes
Great book for making those little gifts for friends and family. Simple to understand. Wonderful pictures and directions. Fabulous book for kids and teens that sew. Would purchase this book again!!

A Great Sewing Resource
I originally checked this book out of my local library, and liked it so much that I ended up buying it.The projects are well-described and easy to complete.The sewing suggestions and pictures are helpful. I sew a bit, and was easily able to develop new ideas from those in this book.

This lady knows her stuff
Mary Mulari always gets 5 stars in my book. Can't go wrong here. The backpack is easy and looks great, and you have a wealth of great gifts anytime of year. Her backpack purse is wonderful to use, the pleated pouches are great and so easy to make, the travel dresser trays are a hit, and my favorite is the little pouch you put around your neck and hide under your clothes. I can't wait to use mine! She's done it again, thank you so much! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Travel    7. Travel paraphernalia    8. Fishing, angling    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (4)

Inspiration galore
More than 100 traditional patterns, all indexed under Japanese names and common English translations, form the core of this sourcebook. Making it more useful still are the author's suggestions for conventional and less-conventional sashiko projects. Novices might tackle a handmade greeting card or drinks coaster using the step-by-step instructions, while sashiko masters might turn to photographs of ornate garments and quilts in the inspiration gallery. The hard part will be putting down the book and picking up the needle and thread.

sashiko patterns
This book has a wonderful selection of patterns increasing my interest in the art form.

The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook
The author covers every aspect of Sashiko embroidery and quilting. The history of the art chapter is excellent, the illustrations are quite helpful and the instructions are clear and complete. In the past my search for learning about this art has resulted in the unfortunate purchase of several books dedicated to machine sashiko. My interest lies in the traditional art and this book treats every area of that ancient craft. I recommend this book to those seeking to learn and discover the exquisite art of Sashiko embroidery. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Quilts & Quilting    5. Sewing   

Reviews (1)

Fitting & Pattern Alteration:A Multi-Method Approach
Fitting & Pattern Alteration:A Multi-Method Approach...This guide provides hundreds of clear illustrations with concise descriptions of fitting issues and easy-to-follow directions to resolve them using severalmethods.The authors cover virtually every fitting aspect of the humanbody, including the special problems presented by those of us who may havephysical problems that translate into badly fitting garments, from neck toankle.Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing Construction    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Reference    5. Sewing    6. Fashion & beauty industries    7. Fashion design    8. Textile arts   

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

Reviews (5)

serging
This book is a great help for a new person like myself to learn all about using a serger machine.
Most creative serger book on the market
Truly excellent, I refer to it all the time for creative ideas.Just like other books on sewing, some ideas are a little cheesy for my taste.Having said that, I still think this is the best creative serging guide out there.I love the serged toggle buttons, flatlocked zipper, chain stiched details, serged French seam and the keyhole back placket serging guide.My clothes have never looked better!As for the machine, they have suggestions on how to adapt sergers with fewer stitches.I bought my machine used & factory serviced--it was a much better buy than paying the same money for a new machine with fewer options.

Excellent decorative serger manual.
Subtitled "High fashion techniqus for creating great-looking clothes" the illustrations and instructions are thorough.There are two drawbacks: a substantial amount of decorative stitching described is not available on the average serger.In fact, one of the more attractive decorative stitches in the book was for a Bernina serger that wasn't yet on the market at the time of publication.There are a lot of creative suggestions anyone can use, but you may feel "left-out" because much is geared to coverlockers that also do chainstitching and a lot of the decorative work is chainstitch-based. After reading it, I felt like I needed a new serger and the one I have is less than a year old! Second, the "Garment Gallery" is too long, my opinion.The seamstresses are rightly proud of their work, but it was more than I wanted to see.That said, if you are well acquainted with your serger's basic stitching, and want to explore its creative potential, this is a great book full of tips and ideas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing   

Reviews (4)

EXTRA WORK REQUIRED
I had good intentions when I had purchased this book, (a year ago) but I have YET to make anything from the pattern book. Lots of interesting ideas, but nothing that really stood out and grabbed me. I'm more of an era clothing designer and was hoping for more ideas/patterns for 1950's clothing for my Gene Doll. Some of the outfits were very creative, but the patterns NEED to be ENLARGED.
Famous Couples in Fabulous Costumes
I own both of Hazel McMahon's books and have enjoyed making some of the outfits.I especially love this one because, 1. I'm a sucker for period costumes, 2. I'm also a sucker for romance and 3. There are costumes for my men dolls (Trent, other males have come out since this book was published).
Has anybody really tried these patterns?!
I read rave reviews for this book (and also for her other book)but my question is "has anybody really tried Ms. McMahon's patterns?!" because if you have I doubt the reviews would be as stellar as they are. There are mistakes in this book -- very basic is the seam allowance which is 5/8" or 1.5 cm. This is too large and it does not work! Also, there are steps which are missing in some of the instructions. Either that or she is assuming that we are all experts sewers. Many times, also parts do not fit properly into each other. I just wonder if she used the same patterns to create the outfits shown in the photos. It is really very frustrating to be inspired by the nice-looking photos and not be able to make them properly for yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Toymaking - General    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Sewing    4. Needlework & fabric crafts    5. Toys, teddy bears & dolls    6. Dolls    7. General    8. Crafts & Hobbies    9. Hobbies/Crafts   

Subjects:  1. Appliquâe    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Quilt Making    6. Quilting    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Sewing    9. Silhouettes    10. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (14)

fineMachine Sewling 2nd Ed
My wife kept borrowiing the book from the libarary so I finally just bought it for her.it'a an excelent book she tells me

Review from a beginning heirloom sewer
Since I did not have any idea of what heirloom sewing involved, I was looking for a book that would be easy to understand and yet include everything needed to make it fun as well as easy.I found this book an excellent resource for products used and techniques.It was easy to understand and gave resources for the products if you cannot find them in local stores.I would recommend this book to anyone who is starting heirloom sewing.

Loved It!
This is one of the few books that I actually learned something new.The pictures are fabulous.I have used the wing needle hemstitch techniques many times.A fabulous book for all levels. ... Read more

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

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

Reviews (1)

Great book for professionals
Great book for seamstresses. Not as good for sewing-challenged consumers. I would have preferred less technical info and more illustrations -- especially color photos of the different shades in finished rooms. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating - General    5. Decorating - Windows    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Sewing    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (3)

The first was better ...
I purchased this book after buying Ms. Kimura's first, "Bags With Style".Though this has more fun ideas, the same great construction and fabric chapters, and easy to use instructions, I just did not find it quite as inspirational as her first.Patterns are included and the instructions are clear and concise.The accessories did not wow me and some of the bag designs seemed a bit redundant.There are some fun ones in here, especially the one on the cover!Still a good book but I would recommend her first more.

Improving on Excellence!
Could a follow-up book possibly be just as good--if not better--than the original? Author Stephanie Kimura proves it can in her wonderful follow-up to the hugely successful Bags with Style. In this book, Stephanie goes beyond just bags and adds instruction on how to create some of the most fashionable accessories that are staples to any stylish woman's wardrobe. Yes, there are mostly bags, but you'll also learn how to create shrugs, shawls, belts, collars, cell phone carriers and even a romantic stole! Beginners and advanced sewers alike will revel in the 27 projects from the casual to the exquisite. Success is inevitable when you couple the full-size patterns (we're talking pattern company quality patterns) with 200 fabulous photos and 65 helpful how-to illustrations. As Stephanie puts it, this book "is for talented and creative women like you." When you put it like that, how can you possibly resist?!

My review for Bags/Accessories w/Style
This book was exactly what I was looking for.I used it for belts the first day I received it.The purses/bags are my next projects.I highly recommend for crafters with a little flair to their style. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing    6. Handicrafts   

Reviews (8)

Excellent Presentation, User-Friendly Pattermaking!
I have been drafting patterns for years and have read many patternmaking books, from the usual books found at public libraries to the expensive, comprehensive pattern-drafting textbooks.Many books offer the instruction needed to draft an effective, well-fitting pattern.However, many are very costly, dry, technically focused with little to offer for readability, photos, and enjoyablity.Make Your Own Patterns: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Making Over 60 Patterns, is a wonderful blend of affordability, how-to drafting skill, clear, easy instruction, and a pleasing format and layout that makes for optimum user-friendly use, particularly for someone new to making their own patterns.
Fantastic addition!
I just got this book and read through it, and I have to say I am very pleased! I haven't made anything from it yet, but the instructions are very clear. The only things I disliked were the clothes they made for the model in the pictures are hideous, also I didn't see any drawings or instructions for working on the BACK of a bodice. The drawings are very good. I love that it comes with quarter-sized pattern peices in the back which you can size up and adjust to fit you if you decide not to make your own from the step by step guide to a basic bodice she gives you.

not written for the people who need it most
Patterns are so easy to find nowadays for $1.99 (or at the very least, at half price), that only those with fitting difficulties would want to draft from scratch, and this book assumes that the user has the perfect, very young figure.I am quite experienced at both alterations and drafting from body measurements, and I can tell you that the thing which is most overlooked is that the greatest variation in the body is from the side view, while her waist and hip values assumes half of each measurement falls in the front and half falls in the back of the body, which is true for almost no one who is not on the cast of "Friends." If you have fitting problems sufficient to drive you to want to make your own patterns, this book will do nothing for you, whether you have a large or drooping bust, large derriere, low abdomen, flabby upper arms, etc.I personally prefer "Boddymapping" by Kathy Illian, "Fantastic Fit for Every Body" by Gale Grigg Hazen, or even "Every Sewer's Guide to the Perfect Fit" by Mary Morris & Sally McCann.A to-die-for pattern-making book (although it does not cover fitting) is "Make Your Own Patterns" by Adele Margolis.It is not flashy, but the wealth of information is breathtaking and inspiring.If you want to be avant-garde, then "Make Your Own Japanese Clothes" by John Marshall is a super little book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. COOKBOOKS - Cooking GEN TRD HC    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    9. Dressmaking & tailoring   

Reviews (3)

Great book
This is a great book for people of all sewing skills, I love it. I haven't used it to make anything yet, but I do plan to soon.

great how to instructions
This book is wonderful. I am new to sewing and I have alot of things I would like to do with my sewing machine for my home and family - I find this book is full of tips, tricks, and "how-to's" for the eager beginner. I would recommend it to anyone who has a do-it-yourself attitude... it's very helpful.

Sew-it-Yourself home Decor by Karen Coetzee and Rene Bergh
I received this book and was amazed at how easy the instructions were.The first thing I tried were pillowcases, for gift giving.Additionally, I lent this to my friend who claims she is a non-creative type.Would youbelieve she was able to make her first scatter cushion!I certainly willrecommend this book.It's instructions are clear, and easy to follow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating - General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. House furnishings    6. Sewing    7. Home furnishing & decoration    8. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

An average book
This book came free with my embroidery machine. The companion cd has some cute shapes that I plan to use, but the projects are pretty lame. I would not have bought the book given a choice. But since it is the only one of its kind that I have, I'm using it and am about to finish a quilt with a shape from the cd. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Sewing    8. Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

Great Resource
This book covers almost everything a machine embroiderer needs to know about embroidering on fleece. Many innovative techniques are covered by fleece expert Nancy Cornwell. The designs included on the CD are really good and can be used in many ways. In addition, Cornwell tells you how to use the designs you already have, both as they come and by taking them apart. She also covers what kinds of designs work best for fleece. The book becomes a springboard for your own creativity.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery, Machine    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Patterns    7. Polyester fibers    8. Sewing    9. Embroidery   

Reviews (2)

Scrumptious bags!
I was amazed when I opened this book at how luscious these bags are! Rich brocades and deeply died ombre ribbons dominate the pattern style, much different than the lacy romantic bag on the cover. All the bags are very easy to make (the fabrics and 'main ribbon embellishment' tell a lovely visual story without needing another thing.) The basic bags look so rich when you're done that you can't believe they're hand made. The authors tell where to get the supplies, (always a relief.) The materials from the cited suppliers are VERY expensive and so if you are more the 'do my own thing' artist, you can look around and replace most of the fabrics and ribbons with any materials you love. And if you horde vintage lace, buttons, and tapestries, you will end up with a masterpiece by dressing it up even more with your own bits and pieces. You can also follow your own preference for bead v. crochet v. sew v. embroider to dress up the basic pattern - and there are a few variation ideas in the book.
Great Book by Talented Authors
This book was on my "must have" list as soon as I knew that it was going to be released and it did not disappoint!
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Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Handbags    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Sewing    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB    12. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

If it's broken, fix it! Instead of making do with the broken zippers and worn elastic, the little spots and stains and holes, the too tight/too loose/too short/too long, learn how to alter, repair, restyle, and embellish all your wardrobe outcasts. Filled with hundreds of easy remedies and timesaving strategies, supported by lots of helpful line art, this book can save you loads of money by helping you get those clothes out of the back of the closet and make them wearable once again--and sometimes they'll look even better than before. Read more

Reviews (6)

Disappointed
Most of the ideas in this book just seemed so silly.I am a petite woman who has a hard time finding clothes that fit, even when wearing petites.The little cartoon drawings made it even worse.This was a big waste of my money.Given the other reviews, I thought this would be a good alterations guide.I sure was wrong there!I wish I could find a book on alterations for petite women who want to look professional.

Fine for novices and those who don't mind the "homemade" look
As an experienced sewer and someone who has to alter nearly every item of clothing I purchase, I was really looking forward to getting this book, based on the reviews.However, this book is a joke.It offers very little in the way of TRUE altering--ideas like "Make an elastic band to hold too-long sleeves up around your elbows" does NOT qualify as good technical advice, in my humble opinion.The "fashions" (if you can call them that) recommended in this book are grossly outdated (I suspect they were already passe even in 1995 when the book was printed), and they all have a grossly home-fashioned look to them.If you are really into baubles, embellishments, and that frumpy "mom made it" look, buy this book.If you are looking for a good guide to TRUE altering, spend your money elsewhere. My new copy is getting donated to the library.

Lots of good ideas, some seem difficult to execute
I bought this book with the idea of trying to alter ready-to-wear clothes so they fit better---I wanted to find a book that included basic techniques (hemming jeans/pants, making long sleeve shirts into short sleeve shirts, etc.) as well as more advanced ones (altering suit jackets to fit better, adding darts to shirts, skirts). I'm not sure if other such books exist (most other alterations/tailoring books explain how to alter/fit patterns when you're sewing a piece of clothing from scratch, not when altering an already-made piece of clothing) but I would be curious to if there are any others that people would recommend. I've seen that there is a book called 'Altering Women's Ready-To-Wear' by Mary Roehr (seems relevant) but don't know anything about it.
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Subjects:  1. Alteration    2. Clothing and dress    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Machine sewing    9. Repairing    10. Sewing   

Reviews (2)

From a complete novice...
As a complete novice to quilting, and with no one to turn to for help, I purchased this book in the hope of learning the basics. This book covers the basics and MUCH more! It walks you thru each step from selecting material colours, cutting, sewing and finishing. There are even a few patterns that I've never seen before in any other book! This is definitely one to add to your reference library!

Covering contemporary and traditional quilting designs
The Quilter's Companion: The Complete Guide To Machine And Hand Quilting by quilting instructor and needlecraft expert Katharine Guerrier is a broad-ranging sourcebook covering contemporary and traditional quilting designs, techniques for cutting, stitching, and applique, sashing, borders, finishment, embellishings, tips on the display and care of quilts, and much more. Logically organized and accessibly presented, featuring gorgeous full-color photographs, The Quilter's Companion is a truly first-rate resource, introduction, and guide to the respected tradition and art form of quilt crafting. Also very highly recommended are Katharine Guerrier's two previous quilting books: Quilting Masterclass and The Encyclopedia Of Quilting And Patchwork Techniques. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Patchwork    8. Quilting    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Sewing   

Reviews (4)

New to Quilting? Save time and money -Buy this book first!
This book has been a great help. I am a beginning quilter and it has guided me through learning to quilt smoothly. This book has great illustrations, easy projects (16 total), and clear explanations. I definitely did not encounter the frustration that I did with other books, it truely is a beginner's guide. I have already completed the hot pad, and pillow projects which turned out great compared to the projects in other books. The step-by-step instructions were so much help. The spiral binding is great because it allows my hands to be free while I am quilting and following the instructions.The book contains information on how to use your machine (including seam allowance information), the equipment/tools you will need to quilt (and information on what to look for when shopping),fabric information, batting information, cutting, layering and basting (the best step-by-step instructions I have encountered), quilting techniques (hand and machine), and binding.I recommend this book for anyone who is learning to quilt or just learning to sew with a machine.

Plenty of photos and diagrams, and an easy gradient
As a self-taught quilting novice, I've looked at several books and bought a handful of them. But I'm a little daunted by the amount there is to learn about the subject (especially for someone who isn't "handy"), and I wish I had someone sitting next to me, showing how it's supposed to be done. Of all the books I've encountered, Quilting 101 is the closest to this experience. Quilting 101
This is an excellent book for someone who has never sewed before and wants to learn how to quilt. It includes content on how to use a sewing machine, fabric selection, what tools and gadgets you need, and all the other information you would need to know to create a quilt. Definitions are included for all quilting terms and there are many helpful tips and hints throughout the book. The book includes several easy patterns geared towards beginners. I had never sewed before but wanted to learn how to quilt. Following the step by step instructions including full color photos, I learned how to use my sewing machine and I am well on the way to completing my first quilting project. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who wants an easy instruction manual for learning how to quilt. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Patchwork    5. Quilting    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Sewing    8. Quiltmaking