Readers Digest Sewing Book

If you can find the earlier edition of the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, maybe at the library, and browse through it and compare with the latest, it's my opinion you'd see why many prefer it. I ordered one of my DDs one from Amazon. No, I am in no way affiliated with them. I am over 70 YO, and have been sewing for the past 60+ years. I have had a subscription to Sew News for the past 10+ years, and Threads as well. Why not visit the library and or a news stand and look at different magazines to see which you think will help you most? Emily

I've had both editions and I like the 2nd one better. I gave my first edition to my niece, who is quite a sewist as well.

-Irene

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

--Mae West=20

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I'm lucky - at 5'4" and with a long back, I don't need to shorten tops, and as I like my skits ankle length... ;) But I sew for others, and I have to say clothes look and fit so much better when shortened proportionally rather than just slashed off at the hem.

I have several older copies and the new one. There's very little difference in the quality of the book, except that in the later one they have removed a truly excellent chapter on tailoring and replaced it with an inadequate one on serging/overlocking. In my (not very!) humble opinion you are better off hunting up an old version with the tailoring section and going to Palmer/Pletch for the basics (and a lot more!) on serging.

Threads magazine and the Vogue/Butterick/McCall's magazine together are probably the best places to keep up to date with some of this stuff. For some fabrics that are ultra slippery or very fine, strips of tissue followed by ripping out are STILL your best way to go! However, most DECENT* modern machines have variable presser foot pressure (as did all the old black cast iron jobs!), and less ferocious feed dogs than some of those older machines, so the tissue isn't quite so necessary for protecting the fabric. There are also a whole slew of different feet available to help you, and sergers /overlockers come with differential feed to adjust to suit the fabric you are sewing.

Some of the modern fabrics respond better to different types of needles, and rather than just relying on size you'd do very well to look at needle TYPE as well! :) I have needles for various levels of stretch, twin needles, embroidery needles, needles for metallic thread... I like needles!

Welcome back to the ever-expanding adventure that is sewing in the modern world! Seen any new horizons recently? We're on the far side, enjoying the view! ;)

I think the Singer series illustrates the new notions, best techniques.

I like the Readers Digest book as well. Here are a couple of other suggestions. The Vogue Sewing videos featuring Kenneth King. He's a whiz, and has some great suggestions. Also, the Islander series of videos (she's my hero!). She was in the industry for years, and has great suggestions, especially for fretful fabrics.

Teri

I've got a few of those books. The one on Tailoring is fantastic, as is the '101' secrets!

-Irene=20

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

--Mae West=20

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Check your public library's catalog for Gower, J. 2000. Notions: Over 50 great gadgets you can't live without. Taunton Press.

Not an essential purchase by any means, but probably a useful look at some new stuff for you.

Or ask here... someone's probably tried whatever you're interested in. Or has a different way of doing something you've done before.

Kay

Thanks for the responses. I'll find the old edition and look at the tailoring chapter and then look at the serger chapter in the new edition.

I'll also look for the Notions book at the library.

Valerie

Our library puts on a used book sale twice a year. Yesterday my DH and I went to it (it runs over 4 weekends) and I found a copy of the earlier edition of the Reader's Digest book -- price? 50 cents. I also picked up a Vogue Tailoring book and a Singer Home Decorating book, also for 50 cents each. If there is anything like this in your area (including used book stores) don't forget to check there as well!

-Irene

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

--Mae West=20

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I don't have the Reader's Digest sewing book, but I have many more, including the Vogue Sewing book, Singer series and a few that were textbooks when I was in college. One of the most helpful books I have for garment construction techniques is the book titled Unit Method Of Clothing Construction (seventh edition) by Phyllis Brackelsberg & Ruth Marshall for the Iowa Home Economics Association. We used this book when I was in college and I've always found it pretty handy when I need to either learn something I've never done before or need to refresh my memory. I honestly don't know if it's still in print, as it seems that textile books come in and out of print very quickly, unless they are published by a big company.

good luck!

lisa