5 stars (Excellent resource) - This book contains everything the experienced person needs to get a good start at making their own patterns. Obviously, you'd need to be at least at the intermediate level to even contemplate a larger project . . . 4 stars (A plea from a taller woman) - A tall woman with shoulders broadened by swimming, I spent hours looking for clothes (in flattering colors) that actually fit. Although I hadn't sewn much since I was in 4-H more than 30 years ago, I was inspired when I saw the marvelous patterns in this book and was able to follow the instructions fairly readily. This work, and the marvelous book, the Triumph of Individual Style by Carla Mathis and Helen Connor, have allowed me to dress in both flattering and expressive ways. Simultaneously, I would love it if Ms. Armstrong would include in future editions information relevant to pattern making and modification for the thousands and thousands of women taller than the sizes specified in standard misses patterns, information that I ended up culling from less comprehensive books on pattern alteration. 5 stars (A godsend) - I learned to sew a long time ago as a little girl, and as ten year old I could not identify with the outdated sketches in the pattern drafting books my mother had in her possession. This book on the other hand inspires creativity, I look in it and I see her explaining methods that result in clothes close to what you see on the runway. She doesn't get into haute couture but you can make some pretty darn amazing stuff using her instructions. She also includes variations and encourages readers to practice or at least figure out the method used to achieve it. I did think that she could have had more clearly defined areas for her basic blocks, and she really didn't delve deeply enough into pants for me. Overall though I am thrilled with this book and even though in my money it is six times the price you see, I think it was a great investment! ... Prentice Hall :: Art & Design & General :: Pattern design :: General :: Fashion :: Family & Parenting & Childbirth :: Dressmaking :: Design - General :: Decorating - General :: Art :: H :: Patternmaking for Fashion Design (Paper) (4th Edition)
4 stars (Another edition, and the first is still the best...) - I have the FIRST edition, 1976, of this book...it is actually just as fact-filled as the new edition, and it hasn't the glitz of color through-out, though it has color plates. But, the information is great in both editions, and I urge the sewer to have this book around. I use it still for reference and refreshing the memory of things I do in sewing too seldom to remember! The new one seems devoid of the neat home projects the first edition had, and they are really retro now!!! 4 stars (Nice overview of sewing techniques) - I purchased this book when I had a general understanding of sewing and wanted to improve my skills without having to take sewing classes. I refer to this book when I have a slight understanding of what I'm doing and need to see the details about how it's done step by step. This book does just that - no skipped steps, illustrations for every step. There are few photos, but the drawings actually serve you better because you can see the seams more clearly. The book covers a very wide range of assembly techniques, which is quite helpful if you've got a blouse all done but are stuck on sewing the collar. I have bought a lot of sewing books and find that any that include "complete guide to..." in the title try to cover too many topics and lack the detailed content many of us are searching for. If you are really lost on how to do pattern alterations or working with knits etc., you will be much happier with a book that only deals with that topic and has the space to give you in-depth instructions. Overall, it is a very good book to have for reference when the pattern you are working with does not give you the extra help you need. 3 stars (Not for beginners) - The book is too advanced for beginners. The book starts off assuming you know how to read and cut patterns, piece together parts, and construct clothing. It also assumes that you are very comfortable with using a sewing machine. The... Readers Digest :: Crafts & Hobbies & General :: Tailoring :: Sewing :: Household linens :: Hobbies&Crafts :: Dressmaking :: Crafts & Hobbies :: Crafts & Hobbies :: Reader's Digest edit :: New Complete Guide to Sewing
5 stars (Great Reference Book) - I have carefully compared this book with the New Reader's Digest Sewing Guide. Although some topics are covered in the Reader's Digest book (Patchwork & Quilting, Tailoring, & Projects) that are not in this book, most of the basic sewing topics (Tools, Patterns, Fabrics, Stitches, Seams, etc.)are covered in both books. What I like most about this book was the ease of finding what you need and side by side comparisons/lists, also the photos are easier to look at than the drawings of the Reader's Digest Guide. This book also has a section on mending, and separate chapters for Interfacings & Interlinings / Darts, Tucks, Pleats, & Gathers /and Edges which I did not find in the Reader's Digest Guide. It also shows you how to do things like make bows. And has a chart for fabric care. I would recommend this book for anyone, it is a great reference. 4 stars (Advanced for more serious sewing!!!) - This book has great detailed, color photos and explanations. The only problem I had with this book was that it goes beyond my field of sewing expertise. If you are into making clothing, and I mean complex clothing projects, then this book is for you. 5 stars (Great Book!) - The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition is a wonderful new reference book. I think that it is important to have a handy guide that you can use as a review, while you are working on large projects. This book has wonderful photos, and direction. I think that is successfully joins that advanced sewer and beginner together nicely in this book. I am always looking for a book that is clear and will "remind" me how to fix something I might have done wrong. This is a good buy for the money. ... DK ADULT :: Crafts & Hobbies & Sewing :: Sewing :: Reference :: Hobbies&Crafts :: Dressmaking :: Crafts & Hobbies :: Crafts & Hobbies :: Chris Jefferys :: :: The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition
4 stars (Glad I bought it) - This book has been very helpful in my struggle to break out of beginning sewing. It helps the reader construct garments on a much more professional level. And it helps you to alter existing patterns to create your own design ideas as well as make your own patterns from scratch. I don't know if this would be really useful for someone who is very advanced in his or her sewing skills, but for someone like me it's a huge eye opener and a great introduction to pattern drafting. 3 stars (Expected alot more than received) - being a fasion student in America I look for any resource that I can find pertaining to real Haute Couture, but this book was a real disappointment. It basically has everything that I've already learned expect for the roses thats a pretty good idea. But for home sewers its absolutely PERFECT! Home sewers will really get alot of experence from this book. 5 stars (transformed me from a beginner to a confident sewer) - I bought this book about 6 months ago and read it from cover to cover. I was fascinated, but I didn't want to write a review until I had actually tried some of the techniques. Well, I've done the piped pockets, the bias cvered seams, and I'm working on the flounce collar (which happens to be fashionable again), and they look pretty good!! But worth all the money, are the pages on manipulating patterns. With commercial patterns costing well over $10 today, this book enables you to play with what is already in your collection. Before this, I was a slave to the pattern companies, but now, I know how to make what I want. I eliminated a waist seam on a jumper for my daughter, and created an unusual skirt by combining two patterns. My confidence in my ability to construct a garment, and have it look professional, has increased mani-fold. ... Rodale Books :: Crafts & Hobbies & Sewing :: Tailoring (Women's) :: Tailoring :: Sewing :: Patterns :: Pattern design :: Hobbies&Crafts :: Fashion :: Dressmaking :: Crafts & Hobbies :: C :: High Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World-s Best Designers - A Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Stylish
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