Product Description
Wind, wrap, and sew fabric strips into fantastic containers! Start with a plate shape to learn the technique. Then experiment with four basic container styles to create round, oval, square, and other shapes.

• Create purses, baskets, and bowls in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors

• Simply wrap fabric strips around cotton clothesline, coil into the desired shape, and secure with machine stitching

• Special sections on lids, handles, and embellishments offer unlimited options for your own variations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

It's A Wrap
wonderful directions with good photos.easy to understand.A pleasure.Great crafting book.

This is a Great Book!
This is a great book, easy to follow instructions with pictures of what you need to do!These projects go together easily with a little practice on my first piece -easy to adapt my own fabric design to personalize the baskets, I've made.I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to add a new craft into their spare time.

Loved the Book
This book was great to explain all the fine details to you.It was an exceptional how to book.

Depends on what you enjoy doing
The reviews of this book are almost all good to great. That is because the book is well done and illustrated.

Whether you will absolutely love this book like a lot of the reviewers did depends on how much you like to sew on a sewing machine. The process is simple and stress free, but also time consuming and involves a lot of strip cutting and clothes line wrapping with 1 inch wide strips of fabric. I mean 100 feet or more of clothesline. I mean yards of fabric strips.And you cannot wrap endlessly, after a few yards of wrapping, it is time to sew what you wrapped up before it gets too loose or gets tiny pleats in it.

You need a decent sewing machine with a good zigzag capability, (three step zig zag a plus) ability to sew through thick fabrics without constant needle breakage is definitely essential. You need sewing machine needles for denim sewing. And patience to guide this under the machine and shape it into various bowls, purses, lidded containers and whatever else you like.

Washing the items is iffy, because of the cotton cord, it may shrink, and it will be hard to dry so you probably would not make place mats although the technique is really good for place mats.

Although I like to sew with a machine, and make things, after a while it got tedious on my first item. I rate the book highly, but probably I will not be making many items from it due to boredom factor.

exactly
It's exactly what I needed to get started and I received it in good condition and in a short amount of time!!! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Not the best serger book
I am relatively new to serging and have been soaking up information from any source I can find and this book was a disappointment. Especially since my first copy was lost before I could look at the book and I had to reorder. So, not only did I waste money on purchasing this book - it was multiplied by 2! I have a Singer sewing book that I love and had the same expectations for their serger book - big letdown :(

Quick and Easy Sewing with Your Serger
I recieved my order with in a week, in good condition. Fun projects, good directions.

ugh
This book is just okay -- i expected new and up-to-date projects but it is very similar to books I purchased years ago. The fabric weren't even very inspiring. disappointing, there are much better choices out there.

Great place to start
I bought this book to go with my new serger. At first, I was only finishing seams--which was great--but this book has been a big help in getting me to understand everything else the serger can do. I've tried a couple of these special techniques and now am experimenting with ideas on my own. Great extra to have along with the machine manual.

Really disappointing
I should never have bought this book.I didn't check out the projects and there is nothing in it that I would make.I suppose every serging book has good suggestions about using that pesky machine, but so far I haven't found them.Some of the projects require capabilities that my machine doesn't have, like a cover stitch, so I'm not really even getting as many projects as the book's title says.

For me it was a waste of money.

... Read more

Product Description
When Tina Davis publishedLook and Cook, she got thousands of kids in front of the stove and hooked on cooking as they enjoyed the results of their newfound skills. With this wonderful new companion book, she'll move kids from the kitchen to the living room, where they'll have just as much fun learning to sew everything from a strawberry pot holder to a drawstring bag, from a sock doll to a cat purse they can pin to their pockets.

See and Sew is a vibrant introduction to sewing that doesn't require a sewing machine or advanced skills. Full of charm and color, it offers simple instructions for basic stitches and techniques as well as easy step-by-step directions for 16 fun and kid-friendly projects. It also offers all-important safety guidelines. Designed with beautiful vintage illustrations throughout, the book is as pleasantly nostalgic for the adult in charge as it is engaging for the child at work. In no time at all kids will be exclaiming, "I made it myself!" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Unrevised Faux Retro Gives Me Pause
I've looked at this book extensively in bookstores and I'm not sure whether to buy it. It's well made and its instructions are very clear.My problem is its faux-retro theme which is kind of sexist and racist.If this a book for "children" why is a little girl featured, like every other old-school kids' sewing book?(The cover of the author's cooking book is similar -- a little girl cooking.In the corner is a much younger boy for whom she's cooking.) Same old same old. Perpetuating an exclusionary past that wasn't so great.

And since it's faux-retro, of course all the subjects are white, since minorities didn't exist as far as mainstream 1940s and 1950s America was concerned.

I'd have to think twice about giving this to a child. Certainly it wouldn't be the only sewing book or the first.

See and Sew: A Sewing Book for Children
This is an excellent book for working with young children who are interested in sewing.All the basics of sewing are explained in simple terms and are well illustrated.I work with 8 year olds and they were delighted with the draw-string bag project.I will soon be doing the sock doll project with after I have them make the frog pin cushion.Children are eager to sew and do have the patience to learn to thread their own needles, make knots, and sew various types of stitches.They love the finished projects.This book will add a lot to my classes where I have taught embroidery and applique as well as simple sewing.

Wonderful Book for Adults and Children
I ordered this book for a co-workers 5 year old daughter.Both Mother and Daughter are enjoying the book and making the projects together.The 5 year old is a bit young for some of the projects, but with Mom's help is doing a fine job.

I'm thinking of ordering one for myself, as the drawings of various hand stitches are the best I've ever seen.

ok generally good
My daughter (and I) are new sewers so I purchased this book thinking I would provided some good info to get her (and me) stared w/ sewing. The book provides good instruction but the project ideas need some serious updating. I mean an egg cozy?? Overall ok book there are probable some better books w/ good instruction and cute up to date project ideas

A substitute for Grandmother!
My granddaughter wants to make doll clothes but doesn't live close enough for me to teach her.So, I purchased this book with its clear photographs, explanations, patterns, and directions. I added all the things she needs in a sewing basket with a variety of fabrics, buttons, and bows.It won't be the same experience as learning from her grandmother, but sometimes you need to find a good substitute teacher.This is a charming book and just what I was looking for. And, it might even help grandmothers teach a little better! ... Read more

Product Description
"Finishing Touches" is a creative, easy, and inexpensive way to dress up ant room in the house with pillows, chair covers, tablecloths, lampshades, rosettes, bows, and tassels.Amazon.com Review
With stylish fabric choices and a tasteful approach, this handsome--albeit slender--guide avoids the overly precious look that tends to invade others of its type. Projects include table elements (napkins, place mats, basket liners), decor accessories (picture frames, lampshades, cushions, chair covers), and bath items (appliqued towels, shower curtains, vanity coverings). Also offered are explanations for making lace flourishes, fabric bows, and rosettes. ... Read more

Product Description
The Southern Sewing Circle mystery series continues.

Yankee librarian Tori Sinclair is basking in the warmth of her new circle of friends from South Carolina's Sweet Briar Ladies Society sewing circle. That is until local author Colby Calhoun reveals an unflattering secret about the town's historic past-and then disappears, leaving a bloody trail behind him. And when Tori begins to see a pattern of the townsfolk's age-old Southern pride standing in the way of justice, she knows it's time to unravel the mystery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Elizabeth Casey must hate small Southern towns...
and the people who live in them.Sweet Briar, SC is portrayed as the typical idyllic small town so beloved by cozy writers, BUT the men utter death threats against a man who has only written an unpopular news story, and the women treat his wife--a supposed lifelong friend--like a pariah.It takes a Yankee newcomer to shame the town into some sense.I have lived in the South, and I have never met people there who would behave like this!The mystery itself was good, which is why I have given the book three stars.I only wish Ms. Casey had more affection for her town and its people.

I loved it.
As the previous story it is funny, entertaining and fresh.The author does not need to need to use gross language, sex or violence to write acan't-put-down book.Honestly I hope there will be more sequels.

The descriptions and stories of Sweet Briar make you really 'see' it and make you wish the town really exists.The characters are endearing and very funny, very well pictured.

I must say, though, that all this series books do remind me of the Grub and Stakers series.But that does not tarnish the delight one gets from reading it.

Fun book, but author needs better editor
I won't go over the storyline as others have already done that. I read the first book, thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly got this one. I found reading it a little frustrating, not because of the story, but because of the wording.

First, there is a spoiler in this book! The author reveals the ending of the first book in two places. If the reader isn't reading them in order, the first book will be spoiled by this one. Major blunder, in my opinion.

Inconsistencies from first to second book. There are a few instances of continuity mishaps in the carried-over facts regarding characters and descriptions. For instance, in the first book Milo's wife is said to have died of a brain aneurysm. In the second she is said to have died from cancer. Elaborate descriptions of furniture change as well.

Finally, the dialog is very hard to follow. The author uses pronouns instead of names when attributing quotes. Since most of the characters are women, and many of the conversations take place among several of them while meeting in their sewing circle, it's impossible to keep track of who's speaking when the quote is closed with "she said" instead of "Rose said" or "Leona said".

Some of this may be chalked up to Kindle formatting, but I think with the popularity of Kindle that should be taken into account by the editors and publishers.

Death Threads
Just finished Death Threads and loved it. Being from a small southern town I love the characters and the way they become your friends. I did not know who did it until the very end and for me that is a good book. I have already preordered her next book(Pinned for Murder) and cannot wait for October 5th. I give this book 5 stars as I did her 1st book. If you love a really good mystery please read both of her books.












































i could not figure who did it until the very end

Even Better Than The First in the Series!
This book, in my opinion, was worlds better than the first in the series "Sew Deadly" and that is saying a lot because I enjoyed meeting the characters there first.

Now, this was a cozy mystery and I did not see the culprit until the Author chose me to. Meanwhile on the journey, there was witty dialog, and complex inter-relationships. This not only could happen in any town/city but,does.

If you want a solid good book... Buy it! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent for beginners
I am pretty much a complete beginner when it comes to sewing - i.e. I know how to thread my sewing machine and sew a simple stitch (pretty much just what the salesperson showed me at the store when I purchased the machine). I found this book very useful and I highly recommend it for the beginner, although I'm sure advanced seamstresses will also find this useful as a reference book.

This book is extremely easy to read and follow. For the most part, there is one topic per page (sometimes one topic spans a few pages) and an excellent table of contents page to guide you to the topic you need. The instructions are concise - you don't have to read through the ramblings of the author and fanciful language to get the info you need. You can really just look up the topic and glance through it quickly as you're sewing - there's no need to sit down and read through a whole chapter before starting. There are also illustrations that accompany the instructions that are very helpful.

General topics covered include (taken from contents page)

- All about sewing machines
- Tools of the trade
- Working with patterns
- Getting set to sew
- Essential techniques
- Sewing special fabrics
- Fabrics glossary


The only reason why I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars is because there is another version/edition of this book called Singer Simple Sewing: The Complete Illustrated Machine-side Reference of Tips and Techniques (Hardcover-spiral). It is an expanded version of this book. The exact same pages from this book can be found in this expanded version - however the expanded version may have several more subtopics covered within each topic. For example, there are many more techniques listed in the essential techniques topic. There is also the addition of Home Decor and Mending & Repairing sections. For only $3.00 more, I personally would rather purchase the expanded version.

I do think that this version is better for a younger beginner who may be overwhelmed by the amount of information in the expanded version. This version is entirely helpful in teaching the basics of sewing and getting a beginner on their feet.

Singer Simple Sewing Guide
I checked this book out at the library because I am learning to sew.It was so helpful that I decided I needed one of my own.Amazon is always the place I look first and I found it.It really is helping me to understand the basics of sewing and is helping me learn terms used in sewing.It also has pictures that help visualize the instructions being taught. I am very pleased with this book and will use it alot as I learn how to sew.

Refresher for the experienced
I am an experienced seamstress and I found this book to be very helpful when it came to techniques I had not used in a while. The book goes through various techniques and offers helpful tips on some (not all) of the techniques. The book is very well written and easy to understand. The photos included are very easy to decipher even for the novice. I personally think it is a good book even for someone who wants to learn as it goes through the various types of sewing feet, stitches, tools, threads...etc.

Good for basic Instruction
I purchased this book for my adult daughter when she expressed an interest in sewing. I chose this one because it has basic instruction without a lot of confusing clutter on the pages. The info is similar to the handouts I got in Home-Ec class. This was the most basic book I could find. It covers parts of the sewing machine, tools to use, choosing fabric, pattern lay-out, sewing seams, inserting zippers, piping/trims and making buttonholes. Now at some point she will want to look at more advanced books as well as online hints.The cover is cardboard with spiral binding so it will stay open, but it is not as sturdy as other bindings. I recommend this as a reference for a beginning sewer.

Helpful reference
Easy to use if you have just about any kind of question. The drawings are simple and clear. Makes a nice addition to my (too big) library of sewing books. I bought the Home Decor book, too. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Easy and Clear Directions
Sewing from Square One is geared more for the beginning sewer.The patterns are easy and well written.This morning I used the napkin tray pattern to make a holder for my handmade coasters.This project was very easy to personalize the size and shape of they tray and my coasters had a new home within 45 minutes.Very cute!I will be making a larger tray with a small opening specifically for the cord to store my cellphone when charging. I plan on making the book cover for a last day of school gift.I definitely will also be making the warming rice bag.I might make it in a camouflage print for my father-in-law for those cold winter evenings to keep his feet warm and comfortable.There is also a nice pattern for hanger pockets.I will be making it a tad bit larger to store my winter hat,scarf and mittens in.Because it is made to drape over the bottom of a hanger, I can still hang my winter coat on it and have my necessities stored away neatly and within reach of my coat. I also plan on making the remote control holder that fits over the arm of a sofa or chair.I plan to add velcro to the bottom of it and use it on my wooden swing outside.Then, I will have a place to store my drink, ipod, bird book, binoculars and etc.I think this is an great book with great patterns that can easily be modified without a lot of brain work.Cheers to Darlene!

Great for beginners, not for the advanced
I'll admit, I feared the sewing machine.It made me nervous.I couldn't understand (and still don't, really) how it worked, and so couldn't visualize myself doing anything effectively.

This book, although it only contains a few patterns, was a great starter.It includes patterns, extremely clear directions, great tips on using your machine, and I was able to complete my first-ever project in just a couple of hours, including a set-in fringe (not so easy your first time out!).

If you're an advanced sewer, this book will probably not be terribly exciting for you.

T.A
I love to sew and i teach and this book is great for a beinger who wants to sew and start sewing right away the instructions are easy and i love it i couldnt get the book at hsn because it sold out and i found it here for a better price thanks must buy !! for home projects its for any crafter who needs some easy and fun ideas thanks

Thanks Darlene!
Ordered this book the first day available.Well written, lots of great pictures, very easy to follow and understand - like Darlene's presentations on HSN.This is pretty basic stuff but since Darlene could sell me sand by the truckload (insofar as sewing) in the middle of the Sahara, well, 'nuff said.Cannot wait until she gets a DVD ready for sale.I just always wonder why, as personable, friendly, helpful, and knowledgable as she is, she stays with this terrible line of products (Euro-Pro) when she could easily speak for any of the top of the line machine companies. Just as good as I hoped for, but be advised - pretty basic stuff.As always, thanks Darlene, and keep those tips coming! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Another Great Singer Book
This is a great book for those who would like to add a 'twist' to the regular sewing style.I ended up buying one for each of my three sisters also. ... Read more

Product Description
A sewing business must be marketed in a special way to earn a profit. The biggest mistake sewing professionals make is failing to market their business. The only way to gain success and earn a profit is through marketing. This book is designed for all types of sewing businesses and will show you how to: Get free publicity for a new and existing sewing business; make attractive Business Cards, Letterhead, Flyers, Brochures, and Catalogs complete with illustrations and examples. Get ideas for Logos, Graphics and Slogans. Develop a beautiful Website and Shopping Cart. Learn how to start and manage an e-mail marketing newsletter. Discover great ideas for marketing a sewing business using furniture stores, travel agents, day care centers, trunk shows, trade shows, home parties, the telephone and other innovative methods. Plus, how to get free advertising money for your sewing business and more!

Do not forget to see all of Barbara Wright Sykes Sewing For Profit products. Note: The Marketing Forms CD, Marketing Graphics Forms or the Deluxe Marketing Forms along with the Marketing Your Sewing Business book make it easy to earn a profit as a sewing professional!

Here is a list of Barbara Wright Sykes, sewing for profit books:
Do You Sew For Profit: Wholesale, Retail, Consignment
Marketing Your Sewing Business
Pricing Without Fear
The "Business" Of Sewing Vol. 1
The "Business" Of Sewing Vol. 2
The "Business" Of Sewing

See all the FORMS offered here for sewing professionals:
Forms On Computer Disc
Home Decor - Interior Design Forms
The Marketing Forms CD
Marketing Graphics Forms
Deluxe Marketing Forms

See The Business Of Sewing AUDIO CD series: Take The Fear Out Of Pricing
Marketing Your Sewing Business
The "Business" Of Sewing
The "Business" Of Sewing Audio Album (Get all 3 and save). ... Read more

Product Description
This is a basic handbook providing information for collectors on how to judge an object, locate research sources, spot variations and reproductions, catalogue a collection and contact fellow collectors. It also offers historical information with photographs and old catalogues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very informative and well researched.
This is the best book on thimble history I have seen. It has quite a lotof information on sewing impliments, too. I have used it for a referance onmore than one item. ... Read more

Product Description
Needles.
Thread.
Drama!

Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica, is not a seamstress. She is a thread artist. And in Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing, she'll show how to harness the power of her fearless kamikaze sewing style–just dive in and give it 100 percent. Here you'll not only find out the nuts and bolts of sewing, but learn to have confidence to blaze your own sewing trail with confidence and flair. (And sprinkle of glitter!) The Crafty Chica is here to bring out the thread artist in you.

Whether you can hardly sew on a button or are already threading bobbins like a champ, Kathy's got a project just for you. From place mat totes to embellished skirts, Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing proves that you're in charge of your sewing machine, not the other way around. With these 30 fun fabu-low-sew projects to carry, wear, and use around the home, you can leave the ordinary behind and channel your own Crafty Chica within. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Reluctant to say it, but... not impressed.
I love Crafty Chica.I love her style, her blog, etc etc.So, it pangs me to write a less than stellar review of her book. But, I'm going to be honest, I was a bit disappointed with this book.

The first 41 pages of the book is giving you the basics on your sewing machine, why to sew, how to thread a bobbin, how to use a seam ripper.I found this section lacking if you are a beginner, but too much wasted space if you have experience in sewing.I wonder who this section was written for since it doesn't seem like it would benefit the beginner nor the advanced sewer.

So, then we are left with the whole point of the book: the projects.I love Crafty Chica's style.These projects don't disappoint when it comes to combining flashy color and patterns.The part that disappointed me, however, were the instructions.

Only a couple of the projects have diagrams of how they were constructed.The majority of projects are explained, in decent details.But, most people find it easier to understand something when it's shown to you and not told to you.I was disappointed with the instructions.I am an experience sewer, but I had to puzzle over what was meant with instructions such as, "cut up 12 inches".Um, from where??Just a small black and white diagram for each project would have helped tremendously.

If you have difficulty figuring out how to do something by someone telling you how and you prefer to be shown how, this book might frustrate you.If you can figure out how to make something just by looking at the finished product, then you'll probably be fine with this book.

If you want to have a book of inspiration from a gifted artist, then this book is for you as well.

Not as amazing as everyone is saying...
I was really excited to get this book but was very disappointed in the lack of good creative projects. Yes the projects in the book that she is giving you are creative, but is showing you how to recreate what tacky crafts she came up with. I was hoping for base project ideas that I could add my own flair too. This book kind of seemed to take out your end of the creativity. I didn't want a tutorial on how to sew and definitions of each piece of a sewing machine. I've been sewing since I was a young girl, I figured she would give a few basic steps for those beginners but not about 1/2 of the book.

If you are a beginner and never touched a sewing machine and have no creativity of your own, this is the book for you.

This just was not at all what I had high hopes for.

*Fabuloso*, but left me wanting more
While I await my book to arrive, I checked out a copy from the library.I've not made anything yet, but plan to dive in soon.I absolutely LOVE the author's attitude, joie de vive, and approach towards sewing and style.She freely admits to not being a seamstress, which is cool by me.As long as someone has something valuable to offer the world, great ideas, and they know what they're doing and are good at it, I don't care if they have a "pedigree".The only thing that I see as a drawback, and why I gave it only 4 stars, is that I was hoping to see more projects.The rest of the book is super in its information, tips, and instructions.It was quite colorful, and like at least one other reviewer mentioned, heavy on the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos.No problem, in my humble opinion, as the reader isn't bound nor limited by the author's examples -- just simply motivated to go out and create masterpieces of their own.Overall, this has got to be the most inspirational and fun craft book I've ever seen.Muchisimas gracias, Senora Cano-Murillo! :-)

Any crafts or needlework library will find it a user-friendly, artful guide
Kathy Cano-Murillo's CRAFTY CHICA'S GUIDE TO ARTFUL SEWING: FABU-LOW-SEW PROJECTS FOR THE EVERYDAY CRAFTER covers crafts for both sewers and those new to sewing. From purses made of T-shirts and place mats to original clothing styles and designs for photo albums, pillows and more, CRAFTY CHICA'S GUIDE TO ARTFUL SEWING is a winning collection of projects that require no prior knowledge to prove successful. Any crafts or needlework library will find it a user-friendly, artful guide.

Great book!
The latest Crafty Chica book was a pleasure to read. She is full of colorful and inspiring ideas. Her words are thoughtful and the images gorgeous. Highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Master Pattern Included

Sewing for Toddlers has easy-to-follow sewing instructions with clear illustrations, time saving techniques and the most up-to-date sewing methods. All styles and creative ideas are shown throughout the book in full colour photographs.

With KWIK?SEW'S Sewing For Toddlers you can use the ideas in the book or combine them with your creativity for endless garment designs. In addition to the fun of sewing toddler's clothes, you will also save a great deal of money since at this age kids grow fast and are constantly growing out of their clothes.

A master pattern is included to create entire wardrobes for girls and boys such as: T-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, shorts, jumpsuits, dresses, skirts and over 40 variations. Some of the pattern pieces included on the master pattern are interchangeable so you can make many variations of the garments Also included are appliqués, tips and ideas to add a personal touch.

[KWIK SEW's Sewing for Toddlers Cover] The multi-sized master pattern is printed on durable white paper with colour coded lines for each size. The patterns are printed on both sides of the paper so we could include as many sizes and designs as possible. Trace the patterns using tracing paper or tracing cloth made of transparent pressed fibers.

All of the master pattern pieces include 1/4? (6 mm) seam allowances. This is the best seam allowance to use when sewing toddler clothes. You can use a regular sewing machine or a serger/overlock machine.

The master pattern includes sizes T1 to T4. Toddler sizing assumes that the toddler is wearing diapers. Patterns are made to fit specific body measurements with ease allowed for comfort and style. Before you trace the pattern, choose the size by comparing the toddler's measurements to the measurement chart. Choose the size closest to the height, then compare the chest, waist and hip measurements. If in-between sizes, choose the larger size. The book gives instruction for altering the patterns for the proper fit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Perfect for my Grandkids
I had used other Kwik Sew patterns years ago but had not tried the books.I haven't been sewing much the past few years but decided I wanted to sew some pajamas for my grandkids for Christmas.The books arrived in a timely manner and the patterns were exactly what I wanted.I was able to sew some pajamas for a granddaughter and a grandson using the patterns in this book and they turned out exactly as I had hoped.I really like the fact that Kwik Sew patterns "fit".

Excellent book
Excellent book for beginner and nonbeginners, I made a lot of the outfits for my daughter. I would recommend if you are starting to sew. Simple designs.

Needs to have clearer instructions
I bought this after viewing all the positive reviews.This book does contain information for just about every article of clothing a toddler would need, as well as ways to deviate from the standard pattern.Patterns for 4 different sizes are included.I feel that I am mid-level when it comes to sewing, have sewn with commercial patterns, basic instructions off the internet, and basic items without a pattern.Having said that, some of the instructions are missing, or assume that you know a lot more about sewing.There are some good ideas in here, but if you want to sew just one or two of the items, I'd recommend buying a specific pattern.

Everything I Needed for My Toddler's Basic Wardrobe!
[[ASIN:0913212164 Kwik Sew's Sewing for Toddlers]

For someone like me, who have only attended basic dressmaking class and never learnt how to draft or sew children's clothes, this book has been a great teacher to me.I learnt and figured out much from this book.I even managed to modify and design many more designs, which people who found out that those clothes were not bought ready-to-wear were impressed!

The only things I missed, but managed to figure out from the basic patterns in this book too, were sleeveless tops, camisoles and panties -- these are most needed in my daughter's basic wardrobe as weather in the country where we live is summer all year long.

great book for amateurs
I have not sewn much since I was a child in 4-H and certainly had forgottenwhat I needed to know to make clothing and make it look good.I was pleasantly surprised with the wonderful instructions and ease of use.The first pants I made took no time at all and turned out great. ... Read more

Product Description

Discover how your wardrobe (and your wallet) can reap what you sew

Even the easiest garment sewing patterns won't come together correctly if you don't have the skills to execute them. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Fashion Sewing is the go-to book for aspiring fashion sewers who learn faster by seeing and doing than by wading through tedious instruction books.

You'll get visual guidance on the specialized tools and skills you need to move beyond the basics to advance to garment sewing. Photo by photo and stitch by stitch, you'll learn how to make darts, pleats, and gathers; work with facings and underfacings; and so much more.

• Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review
• Detailed color photos demonstrate each step
• Helpful tips provide additional guidance

Packed with step-by-step instructions and fun, innovative projects, Teach Yourself VISUALLY Fashion Sewing gives you the tools you need to create fashionable new pieces and the skills to repair and repurpose old ones. ... Read more

Product Description
Create the enormously popular boutique look and luxurious feel of chenille with easy-to-use continuous bias. Traditional techniques such as multi-layered embellishment along with new techniques that use a chenille-only process are demonstrated to create a variety of unique wearables. Features a full explanation of the chenille process, the tools needed, specialty processes and design ideas. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (11)

Unstructured but helpful
As much as I admire DPC's handiwork, his writing style is quite hard to follow due to lack of structure. While the shirtmaking book also had occasional rambling paragraphs, the "Making Trousers" book is far worse. There are lots of helpful recommendations in here, but you basically have to read the entire book and make notes for later reference. Simply looking up say "zipper insertion" or "waistband" in the index will only lead you to some of the relevant passages as there are many more sprinkled throughout the book.

Very good intro
This isn't quite as to-the-point as "Shirtmaking" by the same author, but this is still a fine book.The disc that comes with it, however, is outdated (Quicktime?Give me a break!).

recommended
I just bought this book . . . and it looks [not having read it through completely] very good.[I own the other shirt making book by this author.It's good too.]When I ordered it,I did not know that it came with a DVD.And also some templates for pockets. I have not seen everything on the DVD, but what I did see was produced nicely, very clear, and a great complement to the book.This book plus the DVD are great guides to remind me how to sew pockets, zipper and button flies, etc.I make my own pants and skirts, and this book gives me the techniques I need and explains why I need them. The pocket templates [like the templates provided in the shirt making book by this author] are valuable to me because it's usually pockets and seam detailing that add the designer look to my custom-made pants and skirts.I also, like the other reviewers, have other books to help me fit and make pants patterns, as this one concentrates on construction techniques.

Making Trousers for Men and Women
When I heard that David Coffin had written a book on trouser making I ordered it at once.His book on shirt-making has been like a bible for me and I anticipated good things from his new book.I have not been disappointed.This book is filled with suggestions for construction techniques and ideas for details such as pocket, waistband, fly fronts etc.I have already tried out his techniques for welt pocketsand fly fronts and have been happy with the results. His step-by-step construction process is so logical and easy to follow you can just throw out the instructions that come with commercial patterns. I was a little disappointed that there were no tips on fitting but he states that fitting was not his intention in writing this book.He recommends having a individually drafted pattern to work with. I highly recommend this volume to the home or professional sewer.

Boring cover: beautiful book inside
The cover is unassuming but Making Trousers is amazing on the inside--full of gorgeous photos and clear illustrations. I don't own this book (yet) but got to spend some serious time with it in person.

It's true, Making Trousers is not for beginners and it doesn't cover fitting. (There are plenty of books that will teach you how to fit pants or the basics of sewing.) But every aspect of pants construction--every detail you could possibly imagine--is in here, explained in clear, concise language and lavishly illustrated. Anyone who is serious about pants design and construction will find this book useful. ... Read more

Product Description
This definitive book on sewing church linens explains the materials and equipment needed, a variety of hemming options, special instructions on small linen such as purifactors and palls, working with fair linens, white work embroideray, and caring for church linens. In this revised and expanded edition, the author has added directions for rolled hems, chalice veils, an improved worksheet for planning shrinkage, special advice for beginners, an updated "Sources and Resources" section, and new patterns. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Sewing Church Linens
Excellent item and it will be very helpful when I do the linens for our little church in Zion Hill, PA.I am very pleased with the purchase and with the speed of shipping it to me.Thank you.

A Great Book for a Beginner
If you are new to this type of sewing, this IS the book for you.It is easy to understand and helps to explain how to do the different types of hems, and so much more.

This is THE book for church linens
This is the only book I have found on the proper methods and reasons for those methods of making ecclesiastical linens.I bought the book as part of a workshop on altar linens for the Washington National Cathedral.Mrs. Morgan is a wonderful and very patient teacher.After getting home and sitting to read this book I realized that the book is as good as having Mrs. Morgan right there with you to answer questions and help!

This book is complete and explains in detail the materials, techniques and any equipment that is needed to make simple yet lovely altar linens. The care and laundering of linens is also covered.

And believe it or not, the techniques that Mrs. Morgan teaches help in everyday life from hemming clothing to craft projects!

This is a great book for the beginner or for the experienced sewer who wants to get into something new and special.

I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This unique book outlines the history of children's sewing and features over 700 full-color photographs of sewing sets, dolls, toys, books, and patterns. Extensive illustrations and detailed descriptions will inform collectors on the correct placement of items and the completeness of their sets, making this an indispensable identification and value guide. You will find details on sewing sets featuring mannequins, as well as sets with dolls made of bisque, composition, hard plastic, paper, celluloid, cloth, and rubber. There are also chapters on dolls' clothing, millinery sets, plain sewing, embroidery, needlework, crocheting, knitting, and patterns. A listing of more than 150 books dating from 1831 to 2000 which focus on children's sewing projects is provided. This is truly a must-have book for all who sew, as well as collectors of toys, dolls, television characters, patterns, children's books, or period graphics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The latest values accompany these color photos
From dolls and books to patterns and sewing sets, Encyclopedia of Children's Sewing Collectibles is an excellent collector's reference and packs in an amazing variety of color photos of antique kids' sewing items. The latest values accompany these color photos, along with reviews of the contents of kids' sewing kits and manufacturer details. ... Read more