Patternmaking for Fashion Design (Paper) (4th Edition) Description:

Patternmaking for Fashion Design (Paper) (4th Edition) review:
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(A godsend) - I learned to sew a long time ago as a little girl, and as ten year old I could not identify with the outdated sketches in the pattern drafting books my mother had in her possession.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!