5 comments about New Complete Guide to Sewing (Readers Digest).

1. Sewing is a lost art but can save you a lot of money. My budget is tighter than ever and I needed to improve my sewing skills. This book is very helpful about taking the mystery out of sewing and helping to makes things look more professional and getting them done even faster. Whenever there is an instruction in a pattern that I do not understand, out comes this book and I learn exactly how to do it!! Do not hesitate to buy this book. I have an old sewing book that just wasnt as helpful. If this edition is anything like the one I have I recommend it without a pause. The book is easy to read with clear and concise illustrations with step-by-step instructions to walk through even a first-time sewer through an unknown step.



2. This is a wonderful general-reference sewing book. In almost every chapter, there is a project for you to try. As contained in this edition, I found them useless because none were of anything I wanted to make. The newer version will reference updated Simplicity patterns. I'm still not certain if that's how people will use this book, but I'm not the publisher. When I'm working on a project I use this book to look up a technique. It seems like Reader's Digest thinks you want to sew your way through the book.
   
   With regard to content, the Stitches and Seams chapter is excellent. It helped me understand understitching and for that I am grateful. The section on fabrics is disappointing. It's a fabric glossary with some pictures, but you have no idea what the pictured fabric is. There is a section on basic pattern alterations this is useful as a quick reference. The Tailoring chapter is pretty good. The book uses illustrations to show the techniques.
   
   Here are all the chapters:
   
   Sewing Equipment and Fabrics
   Cutting
   Stitches and Seams
   Neckline Finishes and Collars
   Waistlines and Belts
   Sleeves and Sleeve Finishes
   Pockets
   Hems
   Fastenings
   Tailoring
   Patchwork and Quilting
   
   I also have The Complete Book of Sewing. The topics are similar (they are both references pieces). However, I think the Reader's Digest versions goes into more thorough. I also think it is a bit more advanced. Together, both would take a beginning sewist to advanced techniques.



3. This book explains the many different techniques of sewing. There are illustrations to show how each techniques is done.
   It is a great addition to a person's library.



4. I am taking a course in dressmaking and design and thi is a great help



5. There's plenty of great general information in this, but for some reason it completely omits measuring and pattern alteration for men and children. The pages on these topics are specific to women and women's clothing. Very odd omission. I like the book as a reference, but it needs to be supplemented to address the shortcomings.

4 comments about Amy Butler's Style Stitches: 12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags.

1. I think Amy B. has been spending too much time looking at what other people have been doing in the handmade handbag category because so many of the designs and embellishments are knock offs from other designs out there (the accordian fold purse, the vintage brooch embellishment, the lady bug purse, the wallet, even the signature multiple colored zipper image which Purl Soho has been using in their ads for years). The "origami" minis don't even need a pattern, and many of the pattern"s" are larger vs. smaller versions of a single design. I am giving this book a 3 star rating for the two designs in there that I thought were up to what we would expect from Amy Butler. I also only give the book a 3 star because the instructions are not user friendly.



2. I really like Amy Butler's general mid-century modern look and this book does not disappoint. AB Style Stitches illustrates why her style is fresh and fun. I will agree with other reviewers that some of the styles have been "seen" before. However, the books is still a value, considering that most of Amy's sewing patterns run about $12 a piece in fabric shops. of course, using Amy's fabric really makes some of the projects come alive, but I felt they were versitile enough for other fabric lines.
   
   I am a fairly experienced seamstress and agree that these patterns are better suited to those who have a few projects under their belts. However, anyone with a little adventurous spirit will do just fine. Her patterns are very detailed and thorough. I will admit that many times I'd ask "now why is she doing it that way?" If I simply let go and follow the pattern (instead of trying to figure it out) I do much better... trust the pattern. Trust Amy, she knows what she's doing.



3. This came super fast and was in perfect condition so that is definitely a super job AMAZON.
   I have bought the In Stiches from Amy Bulter and was okay with it, but this is definitely a better and more valuable resource than that was. There are many different skill levels involved, especially if you are novice to intermediate sewer, like myself. It is an excellent design and layout so easy to understand, and the hints and tips she gives in the back of the book are perfect and handy when you need them.
   Overall you get quite alot for the price of the book, patterns for basic bags and some of her tips on embellishing them and detailing to make them pop! I am excited and cannot wait to start on the first bag in the book. By far my fav pattern is the blossom bag!! Way cool! I think this is a definite must have for anyone who like to sew accessories and likes to play with different fabric patterns and weights in your creations.
   LOVE IT and think Amy Butler has really stepped it up a notch in this release and is much better than her previous books.



4. Amy Butler's Style Stitches is full of lovely pictures of bags in her gorgeous fabrics and contains full-size patterns with instructions to make the bags. Be aware that when the subtitle says "12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags," it means that there are 12 different styles of bags with variations to make 26 bags. However, these variations are, more often than not, simply an extension of the straps to go from handbag to shoulder bag. The variations are NOT going to give you 26 different-looking bags.
   
   As with any sewing book, it depends on your expectations and how much you like the look of the projects as to whether you feel you've gotten your money from it. I feel that any sewer would like at least 3 of these bags well enough to want to make them, so that puts them at approximately $6 per pattern - cheaper than what you'll pay for single Amy Butler patterns.
   
   None of these patterns are exact ones you've seen before from Amy, though a handful are styles you've seen somewhere. The Take Flight Handbag, for instance, looks like a smaller Weekender Bag. A definite asset, in my opinion. The book features a shopper's bag (tote), "Origami Bag Set" - various sized smaller zippered bags (i.e. cosmetic-type bags), a checkbook cover, clutch, coin purse, wristlet, the aforementioned travel/flight bag, and five shoulder/handbags.
   
   This is a gorgeous book and one that I'm happy to own. I admit, that I was a little disappointed when I looked through it the first time - largely because I had misunderstood the subtitle and thought I'd be getting more patterns - but now that I've spent a little more time examining it and the patterns therein, I've got three solid patterns on my radar and am eager to get started.

5 comments about The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line.

1. Sensible, down-to-earth advice for artists & crafters.
   This book helps demystify my business questions.
   It is easy & enjoyable to read; not dry.
   This is the encouragement I've been looking for
   to start my own business, doing what I love!
   Wish it had been printed years ago.



2. Wow! This is a very comprehensive book. I was having a hard time figuring out where to begin. I knew where I was and where I wanted to be, but had NO idea how to get there until this book. It has great ideas if you already have a business going as well. The book is super easy to read and understand. It is also very up to date utilizing the internet to help get everything going and maintain a stream of business. If you are interested in starting your own crafty business this book is a MUST.



3. Hand Made Marketplace is written very clearly and extensively covers all details anyone would need when entering a venture of selling crafted items. I highly recommend buying this book. I doubt you will be disappointed!



4. The Handmade Marketplace is the best place to start when you are contemplating starting your own craft business. Each chapter has a wealth on information presented in a clear, concise, and approachable way. Kind of like having your best friends counsel you on what to do. Not only does Kari draw from her own craft-selling experience, she gathers advice from other well-known, successful artisans to create a dialogue on each topic. If you are thinking about taking the plunge into handmade craft sales, this is a must read!



5. Marketing is simply how you sell what you make, whether it's Ford automobiles, or one-of-a-kind felt hats. You make things; if you want to sell them, you need to market them. Author Kari Chapin seems to believe it's that simple, and her text on marketing for crafters //The Handmade Marketplace// certainly presents it simply. Yet, accomplishing these marketing concepts is a different matter. Chapin's handbook is a darned good starting place, especially for the entrepreneur with no prior business experience, who is handicapped by never having heard the terms "mobility", "business plan", or "pro forma." This work will not explain those terms, but does a pretty good job of delineating the expertice a new business owner should consult and cultivate. Frankly, some of the advice smacks of new-age gobbledygook ('build a nurturing place', 'welcome inspiration'), but much of it is practical, basic advice that will be appropriate not to just the handcrafter, but to almost any entrepreneur who needs or wants to explore the advantages of world-wide marketing via the internet.
   
   Reviewed by Claudette Smith

5 comments about Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 Patterns.

1. This is an excellent book for the beginners or for someone who needs a refresher after being away from sewing for a long time.
   
   The intermediate or advanced seamsters/seamstresses may find the patterns too simplistic or not interesting or challenging enough.



2. I recently purchased a new sewing/embroidery machine and needed a reference guide to go along with it. I am a complete beginner, as I've never so much as touched a sewing machine. Following the instruction manual that came with my machine just wasn't making the cut.
   I ordered this book after reading several reviews in it's favor. I am not disappointed. Before I finished the first section in the book, I felt inspired, motivated, and confident. Not only does the author go over every part of the machine (inside and out!), she also provides you with its function. Now if I'm online researching, I'll know what they're talking about when the take-up lever is mentioned!
   I haven't gotten to any of the patterns or projects yet, as I am still engulfed in reading the book, but from what I can tell they are written simply. I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to dive right in after I've finished reading the book.
   Another bonus? The book gives a list of the things you'll need to get started. I had no clue what to buy other than the machine itself. I now know what kind of scissors, rulers, tape measures, and even fabric I'll need to start sewing.
   Excellent book, don't pass it up!



3. I am a beginning sewer, and was looking for a comprehensive book to offer tips, and stumbled upon this one. It covers just about everything, like all the types of fabrics, stitches, techniques, tools to buy, etc. Really covers how to sew just about everything and anything! It also includes 25 sewing projects and 10 patterns. My only complaint is that sometimes the instructions are hard to understand but it could just be that I am still a beginner. I would still recommend this to any beginner sewer!



4. I've never touched a sewing machine in my life and I'm 26 years old. My first tote bag out of this book taught me the importance of measure, measure, measure then cut. I just finished the quilt from this book and it came out fabulous. I'm going to make the canine couture coat next for my puppy, and also have moved on to real patterns, making my first pair of PJ pants. I love this book and reference it regularly when there is something I don't quite know how to do yet. The book has it all!



5. I bought two books to learn with--this one and the Sew U book by Wendy Mullin. I really like the patterns in the Sew U book, but I couldn't make them because I have no experience with sewing and the directions, or lack thereof, really confused me. I read and re-read both books, but the best way for me to learn is to do. I need to make mistakes. Well, I decided for my first project, I'd make the Yoga Pants, but use a cute fabric (bears!) and wear them as pajama pants. On the side at the beginning of each project, she has the techniques laid out in the box, as well as which pages they are on. This was SO HELPFUL. I took a look at the techniques needed (zigzag and trim, backstitch, edgestitch, one step button hole), and decided I could tackle this this project. I finished my pajama pants last night, and they look great, like something I bought at a store! If it weren't for the fact that she details the steps and has written instructions as well as included the patterns (with notches), I would have completely screwed up this project. I'm so proud of my handiwork, I'm ready to go onto making boxers as well as a pair of pajamas for a friend. The fit is great, and my pajama pants are not only just so adorable, they are very comfortable, too.
   
   I highly recommend learning with this book, especially if you've got no experience with sewing at all. It was by far the most accessible to a complete beginner. The directions are easy to understand, the projects are useful and great ways to learn with.
   
   One more word of advice: it took several frustrating hours trying to figure out why my machine kept jamming up and giving me errors when I could find no problems with it. I finally realized it was because I had the wrong foot attachment on. Now I know. I made my project with this book and the sewing machine manual side by side. I highly recommend doing that, so you don't have to spend the hours I spent frustrated and ripping the seams apart.

5 comments about Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z.

1. I HAVE MARTHAS CRAFT BOOK. THIS BOOK IS GOOD,BUT NOT AS GOOD AS HER CRAFT BOOK. MOST OF THE PATTERNS I WON' USE.



2. I have long enjoyed Martha Stewart's cookbooks so I was thrilled when I saw she was releasing a book on sewing and fabric crafts. I have been sewing on and off for 14 years, but in no way consider myself an expert and always find there is more to learn. As such, I love books that share tips and give me project ideas.
   
   This book definitely fits the bill. Even after 14 years of sewing it still had great tips and ideas I could benefit from as well as a wealth of information that I imagine I would have found valuable when I was just startng out. I appreciated that it was approachably written and had easy to understand content.
   
   My only regret is that I received an advanced copy that did not include the accompanying CD so I cannot speak of the usefulness of that material, but can say I really enjoyed what was in the book and can see myself turning to it when I need an answer to one of my sewing questions.



3. I first learned about the simply singer sewing machine from the
   Martha Stewart show. I purchased one for myself and one for my
   daughter in law. When I heard about the book I just had to buy us
   each one as well. I'm very happy with my purchases and watch Martha
   daily.
   Thank You for making it so easy for me to order and receive the wonderful
   books!
   Janice Maughan



4. This book gives some interesting ideas from simple aprons and pillowcases to duvets, dolls and quilts. Pick your project from among these great ideas, visit your local fabric store and begin! It's incredibly easy.



5. I really didn't need the encyclopedia part of this because I hae sewn for a long time. But the templates are excellent for the project I have sewed so far. Just need a computer and a printer to run them off.

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

5 comments about Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love.

1. My daughters saw me looking through this book the day it arrived and they are just in love with so many of the completed items that my Christmas is going to be easy - so long as I find the time. I am knee-deep in the middle of two of the projects right now and have plans for more soon. Awesome book for a sewist with little girls (or nieces, grand-daughters, etc. - even a few boy-friendly projects).



2. I am new to doll making and I absolutely love this book! It is fresh and inspiring with so many different designs! My favorite it Margot... the topsy turvy doll. If you are looking for a book on doll making that is relevant for today's crafter/artist then this is a great book to add to your library!



3. Wee Wonderful is a very well rounded craft book. There is a real variety of items in this book; not just minor variations and tweaks to the same 'blueprint' to fill the pages. I love that the patterns in the back of the book do not require me to blow them up to use them. This happens all too frequently anymore.
   
   While the front cover shows only dolls, a good half of the patterns are not dolls (bears, elephant backpack, trolly car, giraffe, etc.) so you won't end up with a pile of dolls at the end of the book, if you choose to make them all.
   
   As with any good sewing book, there is a short section of basics which breaks down the process by explaining the sewing terms and showing illustrations of common stitches used in the patterns. It is a quick reference, and includes many 'specific to doll/stuffed animal' tips. Illustrations show steps well and directions are straightforward and concise.
   
   I own many sewing books, but this one in particular will get good use due to the diversity of projects.



4. 
   I love Wee Wonderfuls' blog so I was anxious to see the book. I was not disappointed. The little people in the book are so cute it was hard to decide which to make first. I went with the Sleepover pals; they turned out so cute and my granddaughter loves them. The directions and illustrations are great and easy to follow. One of the best things is that I will be able to make most of the creations without going out and having to buy new supplies; I'm able to use little bits and pieces that I have in my sewing room. I'm anxious to start on the the little pixie, she is so sweet. I think I will keep her for myself.



5. For some reason, I had it in my head that this book had tiny (wee) doll patterns. Now that I've gotten over the disappointment, I can say that this is a good book, and will stay in my collection.

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.