5 comments about Patternmaking for Fashion Design (5th Edition).

1. This book is helpful in guiding first time commercial pattern making. It gives suppliers and necessary equipment. I will definately keep it as a reference book. It is written at a very high level of instructions. Sometimes it takes me several readings to understand with the instructions. I have sewn for 40 years, and have a good knowledge basis, and this book is teaching me quite a bit. Very helpful!



2. I love this book, I only wish that it was spiral bound, I thought that is what I ordered, I will get used to this though and use the book often.



3. This books has excellent diagrams and step by step instructions. It was pretty expensive. BUT the negative is that the instructions do not get the end result for most patterns. There is a lot of inaccuracies. But that is what the instructor at my school uses this book so i had to buy it. But some of these patterns are clearly not tested eg. raglan sleeve, exaggerated sleeve , to name a few.



4. Great book! Exactly what I was expecting in perfect condition as promised. I was disappointed with the arrival time though. It took almost a week longer than expected.



5. This is a good basic text for patternmaking, but I like the spiral bound edition better.

5 comments about New England Knits: Timeless Knitwear with a Modern Twist.

1. Great pattern book! Contains lovely patterns that are not too simple and not too difficult, yet with interest. Will make at least a couple of the sweaters in the book.



2. I have never written a review for Amazon before, but I was so taken with these patterns that I had to speak up. These patterns strike a wonderful balance between timeless elegance and a strong fashion sensibility. So often pattern books disappoint me because the patterns are either too youthful (read Brooklyn hipster) or too matronly (read Mid-western elementary school teacher). EEK! But New England Knits was a must buy the minute I saw it in my local knitting store. (And I am a cheap sake who normally just gets knitting books from the library.) You won't be disappointed with this purchase.



3. Maybe it is the cover, or the patterns in this book which are so wearable and classic that made me knit the Montague Bulky Lace Vest from the New England Knits at a Maine beach in 85 degree heat. But there I was, knitting away when I had a problem understanding what to do when the pattern called for "a yarn over before a purl stitch". My husband suggested I walk the beach and look for someone knitting; of course, no such luck. That's when I read the section on yarn overs and my problem was solved. This beautiful book is chock full of beautiful patterns. Often a book contains only one or two patterns which tempt me, but not this one. I may knit the Providence Hoodie on the beach next summer!



4. A Staple For Ever Knitters Library.
   I take pride in the fact that i seek out the cutest/wearable knitting patterns.Friends of mine(Im 26)have asked me to teach them to knit after looking through my knitting pattern books and seeing what i make from them.I love seeing my friends and people from my generation pick up the craft,And patterns like these help peak that interest.This Is an amazing book.Depending on the number of patterns in a book or pattern booklet,I have to like a certain # of the patterns to get the book(unless there are a couple designs in there that are so amazing that only liking 2 of 15 patterns makes it somehow worth it).
   This is NOT one of those books.But, of course how can I be surprised as it is a Cecily Glowik Macdonald collaberation.
   I love this entire book.With exception to maybe 1 or 2 patterns I will be knitting my way through this entire book.
   With 25 wearable flattering designs i cant wait to get started.I pre-ordered this book and i dont do that often.It just arrived this morning(A Saturday,last delivery day of the week.Yay!),and Iam so excited about it i just had to get online to leave a glowing and exstatic review for all who have yet to get this book to see.
   This runs the gammut of patterns to choose from:
   
   Cardigans:A couple of my faves,The Greenfield Cardigan looks comfy and pretty as well as the Ashfield and Hampton Cardigans!
   Sweaters both light-weight and heavy cozy ones to choose from,like the Middlefield Pullover(Cover)
   Cabled fabric lined shoulder bag:The Groveland Satchel.
   Colorwork Whale Watch Hat.
   vests:The Airy Lace backed Montague Vest.
   Jackets:The Salem Hooded Jacket or Melrose Peacoat.And much more...
   
   Go ahead and get this book.I know its hard to know if it's any good online since you can't thumb through the pages,but you wont be dissapointed.If you are on Ravelry you can always take a peak at the patterns there.
   5 Stars.Loved it.I really think you will as well.



5. I am so pleased with this book. I pre-ordered it before knowing about no more than 2 or 3 of the patterns, but I'm so glad I did. There are only 2 patterns in this whole book that I would not knit (unless I made some significant mods) but EVERY other pattern is one that I want to cast on for, NOW. I can't think of a book in my collection of over 50 knitting books that has nearly as many patterns that I love as much as those in this one. Buy it now, you won't be sorry!

No comments about Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks!.

No comments about The Bag Making Bible: The Complete Guide to Sewing and Customizing Your Own Unique Bags.

No comments about Modern Top-Down Knitting: Sweaters, Dresses, Skirts & Accessories Inspired by the Techniques of Barbara G. Walker.

4 comments about P.S.-- I Made This . . .(PS I Made This): I See It. I Like It. I Make It..

1. I just got this book and I can not wait to get started So many ideas can not decide which to do first.



2. The concept is so simple and so awe inspiring. Imagine creating whatever we LOVE through 3 simple steps...I see it. I like it. I make it.
   The pictures and step by step process are so simple and beautiful.
   It takes DIY to a whole new level.



3. This book is so great!!! Erica is the ultimate DIY guru and makes everything look so simple and fun! I can't wait to start a few projects! The shopping guide is awesome too!



4. so inspiring. Love looking at this book. Even if i never make a single project featured.
   The amazing images and killer shopping guide is fabulous!

5 comments about Sew Serendipity: Fresh and Pretty Designs to Make and Wear.

1. When this book arrived, I glanced through it quickly since I was packing for a trip to visit my mother, and took it along with me. My mother taught me how to use her sewing machine when I was very young and I have been sewing ever since, except for a 15 year period after my first baby was born. She a very well organized quilting stash that she gave me free access to, and together we picked fabrics and designed a skirt and two dresses. We both had so much fun working on these garments.
   
   I was a bit concerned that ruffly peasant style was not MY style, since I am old enough to have worn them the first time around I was worried that I was trying to wear stuff that was not "old" enough for me. But I receive complements whenever I wear my new stuff, and I used ruffles in moderation. Also, there are not just ruffly peasant style things in here, and peasant style might not be the correct term anyhow. The jacket is just fabulous, the skirts are easy and so variable. Every design in the book is so easy to vary and make your own, and I believe they are all flattering on any body. If you're in doubt, make a muslin first, which you should do anyhow.
   
   This book is good for both those who have not done any garment construction sewing and those who have. Kay's instructions are easy to follow and nothing is difficult to do. There is something for everyone to learn, and even if you know it all already, it's fun to sew garments using fabrics you love and - like the title says - fresh designs!
   
   There are some techniques like "intentional creases" that I had not done before, and I had never used a ruffler attachment. Was it ever fun! I was familiar with making a muslin first and did that with my first dress from the book, it is SO helpful and instructional as to how the designer's pattern fits YOU and how to tweak it to be perfect. I couldn't believe how nice fitting and comfortable my first dress was, I wore it all day long and love how it looks on me.
   
   There are pictures of the garments being worn by models who run the range of sizes given - from small to XL so you can see how they look on everyone. There are basic construction pages then instructions specific to each particular variation. Color photographs and line drawings, I think everything is easy to understand and follow. The patterns are tissue and in a sturdy envelope in back. The spiral binding lies flat. I loved using this book and the patterns and designs.
   
   I liked these designs so much that I bought some of Kay's other patterns and have been sewing for the past two months. It's like an infection I can't get rid of, but that's OK with me! Kay has plenty of other designs on her website, including hand bags. I'm thinking that I now need bags made to match my new outfits.....



2. I really like this book, it is very visually pleasing and inspiring, and I love that it includes full size patterns, but my only qualm with it is that the many projects within are really just variations on a few major themes. Don't get me wrong, each variation is cute and I do like the different possibilities for each style, but I wish there was more diversity among the projects. For example, the skirt on the cover is one of several variations on a basic skirt design which is explained in detail, and each variation differs from it only slightly, such as use of multiple fabrics, location of pockets, and use of ruffle trim. In fact just about every variation involves ruffle trim, which can be tedious and very time consuming if you don't own or purchase a special ruffle foot attachment for your sewing machine, so if you really love the look of the ruffles used throughout the book, plan on spending extra on the ruffle foot (or plan on spending a lot of time pinning and folding...). Don't get me wrong, I love a lot of the projects in the book and plan on making a few of them, but if you're really looking for a variety of garments to fill out your wardrobe, this might not be the book for you.



3. Although I haven't yet made any of the garments in the book, I will say this book is very well put together. I love the color combinations, and styles in this book. Upon closer look at the models, I am a bit concerned about how some of the designs will fit. I'm a professional, so am very critical. I like the idea of the patterns that come with the book.



4. I only rated this 4 stars because I haven't actually made any of the garments yet. However, the book is well written and the photos are beautiful. I am looking forward to making one of the coats. I am very pleased with my purchase.



5. From a sewers point of view I really appreciate the very detailed step for step instructions, written and in pictures. I am an intermediate sewer and after having just finished a dress from a pattern, which had hardly any instructions, and the little there where, were very confusing. I really do appreciate detailed help in word and picture in this book. The projects are fresh, cute and modest and have a certain chic that I know from my european girl friends.
   
   I really , really liked that some of the models had a fuller figure which I find very helpful to imagine what a pattern looks like on a real person like me who is a size 14 and not a professional model with a size 2.I mean everything looks great on a small size, but not every pattern flatters a size 14 or up, so I was very pleased to see that the fuller models just looked fab in the shown dresses, skirts and jackets.
   
   For my personal taste there were too many ruffles but I guess they will be easy to omit. I see these kinds of books and patterns anyway more as creative inspiration.

5 comments about The Art of Manipulating Fabric.

1. The photos alone provide an education in sewing possibilities, from the most basic applications to envelope-pushing artistic expression.



2. I thought I sent a review previously. I'm very pleased with the book. The fast service and condition of the book was great. The Art of Manipulating Fabric is a book I wanted the first time I saw it. The transaction was quick and easy. My expectations were met. Thank You



3. It has a very nice variety of techniques for making that piece of fabric "something else". There are more techniques out there that haven't been included in the book, but it's not an encyclopedia, just one book. I don't give it 5 stars because the photographs are quite small, and sometimes insufficient, but overall the book is useful an interesting.



4. Types of techniques are grouped in easy to find and peruse sections. Instructions are generally clear and are illustrated with LOTS of photos. My only negative criticism would be that some of the techniques seem a bit "out there" to me. In fairness, it may be that I simply have no particular use for them.
   
   If you do a lot of sewing, quilting or any fabric crafting this book is a must have.



5. This book is wonderful, it provides numerous techniques with excellent instructions that can be used in quilting and garment sewing. Fantastic ideas. Price was good and condition outstanding. Very prompt delivery.

5 comments about How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns: From store-bought patterns to drafting your own: a complete guide to fashion sewing with confidence.

1. Good pictures. Good explanations. Step-by-step instructions are very helpful. One of the best over-all books on the subject that I have seen.



2. whether you are just learning to sew or are looking to take your skills to the next level this book will be helpful for you. The book gives you a lot of great basic information and goes on further into more advanced concepts. I think this would be a great book for anyone who is interested in garment sewing.



3. I like the colorful visual presentation of the book. It's loaded with just about everything you need to learn how to sew garments, I would consider this a good reference book for alteration techniques, and for those who already have experience sewing but are new to making clothes, even if they prefer to stick with store-bought patterns forever. Even a veteran seamstress (or seamster) may pick up something new. Like many others, I bought this book primarily for design, so that's what I will review here. The design part of the book covers elementary techniques, such as shaping with darts, converting darts to seams, and using slash and spread. Besides the positives the other reviews already described, I do have a few complaints about this book though. First, the alteration techniques basically destroy your pattern and seems sort of wasteful to me - I hate to have to buy the same pattern again if my measurements change, especially since I prefer classic styles with a twist. (Nancy Zieman has a book that demonstrates an alternate method that doesn't render your pattern obsolete after one use). Second, there is no instruction on drafting your own blocks directly from your own measurements; instead it contains several pages of various sized sets of standard pattern blocks that I would still have to alter anyway before I could design with them. Third, even though the author included pattern blocks, there are no blocks for pants, which is annoying because I find pants need to be altered more often than anything else, plus, they are a staple in my wardrobe.



4. How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns: From Store-Bought Patterns to Drafting Your Own: A Complete Guide offers keys to finding patterns that fit right and are easily adjustable, showing how to get the most from patterns and how to understand all their markings and how to translate them into shape and length suitable for body and individual style. Any general interest library or needlework collection will find this a popular pick!



5. Easy to use book for beginners and those getting back into sewing. Nice illustrations. Easy to read.

5 comments about Couture Sewing Techniques.

1. I recently purchased "Couture Sewing Techniques" to expand my knowledge about sewing. This book is just a must have source for those who intend to go into high end fashion. It leds you from history to practice by introducing a useful amount of information, charts and schemes that covers the main sewing techniques used by european couture houses throughout the years.
   
   No waste of money at all!



2. Anyone who is serious about sewing should have this book in their library. Its an excellent reference book with detailed photos. I've lived in Paris and have "window-shopped" in many of the fashion houses on Avenue Montaigne mentioned in this book. Highly recommended.



3. I like to have reference books on hand to jog my memory and expand my skills but I usually scan through them and then put them on the shelf until their needed. This book was an exception, as I read it cover to cover! The author not only clearly explains the techniques, with helpful illustrations, but she also explains why and when they are used. The photos of couture garments are inspirational and coupled with the techniques used makes one feel like similar garments are achievable in your personal sewing studio. highly recommend this book if you are looking to expand your skills.



4. The pictures if the Haute Couture garments in the book are good. They are wonderful examples of vintage couture, which is what you want to look at when studying Haute Couture. Don't buy this book of you want sewing instruction. The Art of Couture Sewing By Zoya Nudelman is much better if you want to learn Couture sewing not just look at it.



5. Thoroughly researched, insightful and well written, this thoughtful and informative book presents the topic of fashion creation for women as a serious subject. It provides a history of the couture industry as it developed beginning in 1850 through today, an overview of the significant changes in fashion during that period and the relationship to historical events.
   
   This book also provides and well illustrates the fitting and sewing techniques which created this fashion. Both common and obscure techniques inspire the reader to try this at home. Anyone who sews or appreciates fashion will enjoy and learn from this wonderful book.