Good basic sewing book?

Hi there Pat! :)

I like The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing (get the older version with the tailoring section rather than the not very good serger section), and Sewing for Dummies - a MUCH better book than its title!

When you get round to that serger, start with the Palmer Pletch books: very straight forward. :)

I recommend you go to your local free public library and see what they have on the shelves, and, if it is a small branch, what they might have in the main library or on interlibrary loan. Browse through several of them until you find which one "talks" to you. There are several out there, and each one suits different people. I have several, but some of them were picked up cheap at second-hand stores or on the remainder table. In fact, shortly before Katrina (by which all life is measured here) I was lucky enough to find a copy of the Vogue one, plus "Knitting in Vogue" and Readers Digest "Complete Guide to Needlework", all for $1 each at the church rummage sale.

p.s., I still haven't been inspired to buy a serger.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

Hit eBay, thrifts, rummage sales and look for "older" copies of "The Readers Digest Complete Guide To Sewing" and "Vogue Sewing", both are excellent books.

As for the serger, don't worry too much about it; yes they do produce "strong" seams and save one a step or two, but people have been sewing for ages without them, with many items/garments still intact after decades. Yes, the thread and or material may have weakened with age, but usually good stitching/workmanship is still holding up.

Candide

I second Kate's choice! Great book..in fact I have both editions :)

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

--------------

PAT!!! Welcome to the other side...lol. AS you can see, Kate and I inhabit this group fairly frequently, and you will find other RCTQ members pop in and out as well, like Irene, etc.

I have the SInger sewing book that I use for reference when I forget something, and have heard good things about the Sewing for DUmmies book...glanced through it, same stuff as the Singer book. You might want to check out the library first to see what they have and see what works b est for you.

LArisa

Like the others, I've always liked the Reader's Digest book for a plethora of basics and standards. For something more up to date that will make you anxious to try some new methods, I recommend Sandra Betzina's _Power Sewing_. Excellent book with tons of clear photos in a book that opens flat w/o damaging it.

Phae

Pat,

This is a good one:

101. I looked that one over for my DD. Lots of pictures. Not quiteas complete as the RDCG, but a good book.

My favorite is the Reader's Digest Complete Guide.

any of the Singer Reference Library books are good. They usually onlycover one topic at a time. But they are great. Lots and lots of pictures.Very concise directions. So if there's a single topic you want help withlook for these: HTH

Sharon

I forgot to mention "Linen and Cotton. Classic sewing techniques for great results." by Susan Khalje. It is a slender (138 pages) paperback volume put out by Taunton Press, but astonishingly comprehensive.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

I have that one too and it's indeed a good book.

Phae

What do you recommend for a basic sewing book?

HA!!! I resemble that remark.

What's worse is when you both remember the same story...and say he's telling it to someone else in front of you.....but he's getting all the details wrong. Just a word to the wise, correct him privately later. They get pissy when you toss out details while they're telling a story. Accuracy be danged. LOL

Sharon

Pat in Virginia wrote in news:PfVng.280681$5Z.155854 @dukeread02:

Pat, hit the library, section 646, and go crazy. You'll be amazed what they have to choose from. Then you can make an informed decision and buy your own.