Sewing Book from Reader's Digest

Hi Pat

I have an old version of this book (and an old Vogue one and an old Butterick and Simplicity Tailoring and many others of this basic sort of book). If you've sewn garments before, then I'd suggest not much has changed since you last sewed them (at least if you want to sew what now seems to be called "classic" clothes). The current style of ready to wear clothes seems to be a "one size fits all" (or close to that sort of philosophy) and seem to be loose, dartless, elastic waisted, lack facings or many construction details at all and that really doesn't need a great deal of skill.

I guess it depends on what sort of garments you wish to sew, and what your previous garment construction experience was, but I know that these sorts of books are readily available at second hand book shops for very small amounts of money so I no longer buy any of these sorts of books new. Putting in a dart or doing a fitted waistband hasn't changed to any great extent in any of my books where the publication dates range from the 1940s to the mid

1980s.

There are reviews of this book at Amazon and I ntoice that the cost is lower than the price you quoted if you do want a new one.

Fran

If they get you on their system, it can take years before you finally get shot of them. I was silly enough some 20-30 years to buy from them, and it must have taken at least 10 years before I managed to stop them sending me junk mail.

Pat,

I am pretty sure that I have an older version of this book. As noted in another post, not much has changed. I rarely use it and would be happy to bring it to you in September, if you like. This, of course, assumes that I DO have it. Will check at home tonight.

Rita L.

Pat > Reader's Digest Sewing Guide (2003 edition) is now $28.00 US, reduced

I have it, and irt is good, but I prefer my older edition, which has the tailoring section (very good) rather than the serger section (rather useless!).

Mine is an older edition and I've found this book helpful as a solid reference over the years. Just a couple weeks ago I was looking for information on some detail (sorry I can't recall what!) and, after looking at maybe 6 or 7 other books, I found what I needed in the RD book.

Sounds like fun. You're on!! I'll get back to you with the book info tonight or tomorrow morning along with details on our travel plans.

Rita L.

Pat > Wow! That is an offer I can't refuse, Rita. Thank you so much. Even if

> HTH

better than Amazon, if you don't mind used books, is: they have several of the 1976 and '78 editions, which are better IMHO.

I have used that site several times, and always been happy with the product.

NAYY,

Beverly

> and they have several of the 1976 and '78 editions, which > are better IMHO.

First check home-town sources for used books. The stores that list on ABE add a bit to cover their ABE expenses, so if a local store has a copy (or copies) they would be even less than through ABE.

Very good advice! Fortunately, I have Powell Books *local* to me.

Beverly

I have the 1973 edition and got the 2003 as a gift a couple years ago. I find the older one has more information about sewing than the new one. If you have HALF-PRICE BOOKS INC. in your area, check them out. They do have really good bargains sometimes, I found one of Sandra Betzina's book, complete with all uncut patterns for less than one-fourth the price of the new one. They are online, although I've not ordered from them, there are two stores nearby. NAYY, just a frequent & satisfied customer. Another book that I have that is useful even to a person with over 60 years experience in sewing is SEWING FOR DUMMIES. It has a lot of information, that we often forget. Emily

It's very unladylike to brag and gloat like that. :(

Whose ya callin a "lady", huh??? :->

Beverly

Ooooops.

> Even better than Amazon, if you don't mind used books, is:> A woman after my own heart! I use ABE all the time and will continue to do so rather than use Amazon. I simply refuse to buy anything from Amazon as I think some of their practices in terms of the vendors are beyond the Pale. I do like to read the reviews on their site though.

And another tip for anyone who likes to support the little traders is to ring the shop and order books direct from them as they make a bit more if the order goes direct to them.