Reviews (5)

Very useful, but dated
I think I actually bought this book at a garage sale a long time ago.It is really useful, but as a reference.It's so dated that reading it would be basically useless.All of the styles and many of the techniques are either unpopular or obscelete.However, as a reminder of concepts it's great.When patterns don't make sense this is really helpful to figure out what the pattern is saying.If you want something more updated, I would assume the New Complete Guide to Sewing would be more helpful.

very god book
Iam teacher from Lithuania,the book'sis very good.

A great standby reference even today!
I have had this book for a long time.I constantly look into other books.For the sewing classes I teach, I keep coming back to this one because it has really good laid out information and photos.Especially basic stuff that does not change!Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts & Hobbies - General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Sewing   

Subjects:  1. Coats    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Patterns    8. Sewing    9. Textile Arts    10. Vests   

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. General    5. Home Furnishing    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior decoration    9. Sewing    10. Slip covers   

Reviews (7)

William Morris cross stitch
I first purchased this book prior to hearing about Beth Russell.The projects in this book are relatively straightforward and attractive, however, they do veer off from what William Morris was really trying to accomplish (i.e. rich, medieval tapestry, etc..).Please compare to Beth Russell's interpreetation of W. M. I have made a couple of projects from the Barbara Hammett book, but in future, I will work on Beth Russell's William Morris interpretations which capture the Arts and Crafts essence alot better.Some of the skein counts in B. Hammett's book were inaccurate as well.
I'm Having Reservation About This Book.
I just received this beautiful book in the mail. Several projects will look great in my American Arts and Crafts bungalow home. I have purchased the material for the Orange Bell Pull and found the materials information for the item inaccurate. Specifically, the fabric called for cannot be Sage Aida 16 count. When I placed all the skeins of floss against the fabric called for many colors washed right into the color of the fabric!
Beautiful, accessible designs
I love the William Moorris style and this book presents his designs in beautiful needlepoint patterns that can be produced by even a novice.There is also a good variety of types of projects.CLear charts and instructions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canvas embroidery    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Cross-stitch    5. Decoration and ornament    6. England    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    9. Patterns    10. Sewing    11. Contributions in decorative arts    12. Fiction / Thrillers    13. Morris, William   

Reviews (2)

Good design sourcebook - but not for beginners
As the title states, this is a book of designs and styles. The author assumes that you are already familiar with the basics.Thorough instructions are provided in the author's other book, appropriately entitled, "Curtain Making Course."(The one downside of ordering books on-line - you can't flip through the book before you buy!)

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - Windows    3. Draperies    4. Draperies in interior decorati    5. Draperies in interior decoration    6. Home Furnishing    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House furnishings    9. Residential Interior Design    10. Sewing    11. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (12)

Excellent book, easy to use even for a beginner
An avid do-it-yourselfer that loves to work on decorating projects around the house writes this review. I purchased the first edition 20 years ago, and have been using both editions of the book for some time.I learned to make window treatments from this book.I live in an old Victorian home with 10-foot ceilings.When we first moved in, a long time ago, we couldn't afford to pay to have drapes custom made for 30 windows and no one sold them stock that long, so I decided to do it myself.The first edition of this book was my only reference.Surprisingly, all went well and according to plan.
A publisher of window decorating books
The baby is a dinosaur; are you kidding me, this thing was first published in the 80's. Before you buy go to Barnes & Noble and look at it, please. Can I say outdated! Unless you are into retro 80's or want something your Grandmother would be proud of-don't buy this book.
Not for Beginners
I found this book to be very difficult to follow.The writers assumed a certain amount of prior knowledge of both "sewing jargon" and technique.The window coverings were also quite complicated.For a true beginner, I would recommend "Window Basics" by Better Homes and Gardens. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Draperies    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Sewing    8. Window shades   

Reviews (2)

Wonderful
This book offers the basics of sewing with fleece.She teaches the "finishing touches" that transform an ordinary garment into an extraordinary creation.She begins with a refresher course on the basics, including designer buttonhole techniques, then shares innovative ways to sew and embellish fleece to make designer-quality projects.Nancy includes patterns and templates with the step-by-step instructions and has added "Scrap Happy," a chapter of fun fleece projects.
SHE DID IT AGAIN!
Nancy never fails to be creative and inspire us.If you've never seen her in person you need to know that her sewing seminars are high energy and inspirational also.The designs are easy to follow and she helps get the juices flowing to easily come up with your own designs as well.This is amust-have book.The first one was so well done that I couldn't wait to get this copy.Way to go Nancy, you did it again and I'm hoping you have another one in the works!Thanks!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques/Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Endocrinology & Metabolism    5. Machine sewing    6. Polarfleece    7. Polyester fibers    8. Sewing    9. Needlework & fabric crafts    10. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Reviews (5)

A Closetful of Doll Clothes
Rosemarie Ionker very rightly describes her designs as not for beginning seamstresses.Some of the directions are confusing, and it can be daunting finding the right pattern pieces.The styles make up beautifully, though.
A Trouseau of Doll Clothes
The author, Rosemarie Ionker, is well established in the doll world with her doll clothing company "Petite Creations". Her company offers the highest quality doll clothing line available, so she speaks with the voice of experience. But, Ionker herself confesses in the text of this book that her designs are not for beginning seamstresses. They are presented for those who aspire to the level of detail, design and professionalism found in the garments offered by her company.
Great patterns and easy to sew!
I wanted to make doll clothes for my granddaughter's various dolls and this book has been wonderful!It has patterns for 11 1/2 inch, 14 inch, 18 inch, and 20 inch dolls.They include a coat, panties, dresses, pinafores, blouses, bloomers, jumpers, collar variations, sleeve variations and embroidery/embellishment suggestions.Read more

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

Reviews (2)

A visual delight!
This is a *wonderful* reference for anyone interested in vintage fashion or vintage patterns.Wade Laboissonniere tells the history with page upon page of breathtaking photographs of patterns from the past.Each page truly is more delightful than the last.I will be ordering Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s immediately and can only hope that Mr. Laboissonniere is working on the 1960s and 1970s.

Wonderful reference for dressmakers and fifties lovers
This book begins with an interesting overview of the beginnings of the home-sewing pattern industry, and has many interesting tidbits on that alone.But the real treat is page upon page of reproductions of the frontsof pattern envelopes from the fifties, most in color, and all beautiful. Hundreds of ideas for clothing for today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Clothing and dress    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Dressmaking    6. General    7. History    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Patterns    10. Sewing    11. United States    12. Antiques & Collectables    13. Fashion design    14. Needlework & fabric crafts    15. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (2)

Creative Serging
I loved this book.It has lots of photos and the instructions are accurate.Lots of ideas, too.

disappointed
I found this book very disappointing.I have a large collection of sewing & serging books that are inspiring and useful, and this book isn't either of those.There are few applications in this book I would ever use, and it most likely will just sit on the shelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Serging    5. Sewing    6. Sewing machines    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    8. GAMES (bks) - CARD GAMES TRD PB    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (9)

A milliner's milliner
Ms. Albrizio based this book on the courses she used to teach at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is now 93 years old and retired from the millinery business, but I have never forgotten her spirit and determination to teach the future milliners of the world and to inspire all her students to wear their creations with flair. I spent a decade in the millinery business because of her instruction and had some great fun. I highly recommend this book and will always remember Ms. Albrizio, the Grand Dame...all decked out for the NY Easter Parade with her students...all wearing their favorite creations. Great fun!!!

Excellent Hat-Making Guide
This book covers most of the techniques needed for making hats. It is beautifully bound and tasefully illustrated.

Milliner ~ Hatmaker
Lovely compelation of photos that go hand in hand w/ technique.
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Subjects:  1. Clothing Construction    2. Clothing Design    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. General    7. Hats    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Millinery    10. Sewing   

Reviews (6)

Great fun & excellent instruction
This book rocks, per my 8 year old. She loved the practice exercises, and reads the book without help. Highly recommend it!

Grandma's Helper
Great how to book to work through with children - good pace and keeps them interested while they are learning the very basic operation of a sewing machine. Good 'together time' activity.

The ABC's of sewing machine--made fun!
This book is primary level, the very basics of sewing.It can be used with very young ages and should accompany the first sewing machine.I love the games and drills that will increase proficiency on machine work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Handicraft    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Juvenile literature    6. Machine sewing    7. Sewing    8. Needlework & stitchcraft   

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

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Machine sewing    5. Sewing    6. Sewing machines    7. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

Luscious photos ripe with shimmering silks, crisp linens, colorful cottons, and rich wools showcase a delicious array of drapes, valances, shades, and tiebacks. With an eye for drama and a fearless use of color, interior designer Heather Luke serves up lots of floor-to-ceiling treatments of chintzes, toiles, sheers, checks, plaids, and stripes, sometimes several at once. Headings are pleated, gathered, tabbed, ruched, buttonholed, bunched, reefed, grommeted, and gobleted; edges are bound, bordered, fringed, piped, and rolled.Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful Photos, Short on Advanced Details
Great, creative curtain designs, marvelous for inspiration. There are solid instructions for basics such as estimating yardage, seam types, lining, etc.However there are NOT actual instructions for making most of the styles shown.The occasional detailed instructions are patchy (just showing the basics of one detail, rather than how to achieve the whole effect, and sparsely illustrated)I give this book 5 stars for photography and ideas, but only one star for detailed instructions for all but the most basic curtain sewer.There are many lovely curtains in this book I'd love to know how to assemble.It is so frustrating to see all these cool ideas and then find only the barest coverage of the techniques needed to create them!

Great book for making curtains
Curtains are more complex than one would think and this book does a great job of getting you through the basics and into advanced designs. It book starts out helping you choose fabric, curtain fittings and poles. Preparation for sewing both curtains and shades, planning, measuring and caring for your curtains is also covered. A section on estimating amounts of fabric and accessories needed was a big help. Curtainmaking--Making them so they flow like the pros
If you are inspired by visualization, this book is for you!I purchased this book primarily for ideas and and I received plenty of them.What stands out far and above everything are the beautiful photographs.They are pictures of the different types of drapes and curtains that Ms. Luke has created for the homes of various clients.She has created alot of wonderful drapes that also serve as creative artwork.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - Windows    5. Draperies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Sewing   

Reviews (14)

I love this book!I just bought it!
I love to sew and sometimes I like small projects to have fun with.This is the best napkin book around!Every page has things to do and great ideas and I have even come up with my own ideas!
Instructions work!
Great book!Between the clear sketches and photos you can actually do these napkin folds.The use of colors is really effective - a good lesson to learn.
Worth it just for the photos!
The photography in this book is simply spectacular. Yes, the instructions are well-written and clear, but the reader can extract all sorts of ideas just by flipping through the beautiful pages. This book makes a great gift -- I've stocked up on 15 of them, just for thatpurpose.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Decorating - General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Napkin folding    6. Napkins    7. Sewing    8. Tablesetting    9. Textile crafts    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (2)

Anyone can do it!
This book is an invaluable source for fresh window dressing ideas, as well as old favorites, that can be easily constructed using the clear, detailed instructions.The drawings and photos really clear up any confusion, too. I loved the "materials list" because it usually reminded me ofsome item I would have forgotten at the fabric store!Even though I havesewn many window treatments, the "Tips" always solved someproblem before it messed up my project!I highly recommend this book forboth the novice and the professional who is looking for some fresh ideas.

Anyone can do it!
This book is an invaluable source for fresh window dressing ideas, as well as old favorites, that can be easily constructed using the clear, detailed instructions.The drawings and photos really clear up any confusion, too. I loved the "materials list" because it usually reminded me ofsome item I would have forgotten at the fabric store!Even though I havesewn many window treatments, the "Tips" always solved someproblem before it messed up my project!I highly recommend this book forboth the novice and the professional who is looking for some fresh ideas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating - Windows    3. Drapery    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Sewing    7. Valances (Windows)    8. Window shades   

Reviews (1)

Fantastic Project!
This is a great book, easy-to-follow instructions and versatile projects. Make them in any color scheme you wish for any time of the year. This is a frequently requested class with our students -- we sell more of this book by far than any other. If you're looking for an easy, fast project for yourself or a gift, this is it. ... Read more

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

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