Best sewing books?

I love Sandra's book, but think the other may also help. My suggestion is to get Sandra's book now and add the other to your Christmas wish list. :)

Someone in this group mentioned "101 Sewing Secrets" for detailed instructions on copying RTW items and after I found a copy at my local library I thought it was really well-done with great pictures. I don't think it's in print anymore, but check your local library (a great place to 'try it before you buy it') or amazon.com for used copies. I also like to scan used book stores, flea markets, yard sales and even antique stores for sewing/craft and cook books and have gotten a few amazing bargains. The older books don't cover today's high-tech fabrics, but they do offer some good ideas on construction and fit (and could help fill the void on your bookshelf!).

-j

I haven't read any of Ms Betzina's books, but she does have a good reputation. I do have a book by Claire Shaeffer (Couture Sewing Techniques) and it's very good. What you would find most useful depends on the kind of work you want to do really - I'm into embellishments, for instance.

Who are the publishers? One of the reasons the Shaeffer book is so good is the very high quality illustrations - it's a Taunton book. Taunton books are usually excellent and well worth the money. You can see them at

I also like the publishers Merehurst and Batsford

- their books are well written and well illustrated.

I've reviewed a bunch of sewing books on my website at

if you want to take a look, though many of them are on needlework techniques, designers and dyeing, etc, rather than garment construction.

:) Trish

I love my "Fabric Savvy" (FS). It's concise and to the point. I checked Shaeffer's book out at the library, very detailed. Not as user friendly as FS. Try the library first to see which you prefer. Then check eBay. I've gotten some great deals there.

My favorite home decor book is "Sew it Yourself Home Decor" by Coetzee & Bergh. Also the Singer Reference Library books.

HTH, Trish

Thanks so much for your suggestions and feedback, Kate, Trish, Julia and Trish (#2 : ). I will get started on my library since I'm still awaiting my machine. I feel like I'm waiting to have a baby or something! I have so many projects lined up: curtains for the family room, pillows and a throw for the newly painted guest house, making my daughter's curtains longer (they shrank in the wash), and many, many articles of clothing for myself. I have a fabric stash that is really out of control.

Dawn

Ah - well that will never change!

My project list is so long I've taken to keeping it on the computer so I don't forget it...

:) Trish

I know---I have to really avoid going to Joann's or to my favorite online fabric stores or else I'm certain to buy some MORE fabric. I have a pattern for pants and skirts that I love and I keep making the same two items of clothing using different fabrics. I can crank out about 3-5 garments in a day, maybe more if I'm uninterrrupted. So, I really need all that fabric, right??? Right!? : )

Dawn

3-5 garments a day?!! Yikes. Are you 18" tall? Or oblong? I can't do this many a month.

;) Trish

LOL! No, this is just a REALLY simple pattern for pants and skirts from Simplicity. The skirt requires one piece and is sewn together up the back with a small back vent on the bottom and an elastic waist. The pants are two pieces, but the only seam is in the inseam and inside of the legs. Also elastic waist, and I usually make them cropped. I've made so many that I have the length measured out so I just pin to that and sew the hems. The skirts I leave pretty long. The garments turn out really well, and no one knows they are "homemade" unless I tell them. Plus, I love the way they fit and they are so comfortable.

BTW, I have not been able to find this pattern again (mine is getting raggedy) b/c it was discontinued. I'll have to make a copy of it.

Dawn : )

When my girls were little, I once made a dozen pairs of shorts in one day--nine for them, and three for myself. They were all made of textured nylon--the girls were for playing, and mine were running shorts (not that I ran, but you know). They weren't difficult to make, obviously, and I used speed techniques. That was really a fun day, actually, with a huge sense of accomplishment at the end.

Ah, those were the days, when I could just spend the entire day in the sewing room.

Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

Sounds good! I love simple stuff like this for every day for me.

Iron what's left of ot to some light weight Vilene/Pellon. You can restore any missing bits this way and have the pattern just about forever!

Phoenix Textiles (fabric.com) is clearing out all the summer fabrics right now, and I sew so slow that they probably won't have any when it's time to start sewing next summer's clothes, and I really need some linen-rayon to make underlining for the piece of linen print I mean to make a dress of . . .

And all the shelves that cover two walls of the sewing room are full (albeit only the top layer are stash), the closet in here is stuffed, stash has spread to the bedroom closet and the laundry room . . .

On the other hand, I sew so slow that I have to start my summer clothes before the fabrics are in the stores, so I really ought to stock up now.

Joy Beeson

Yes, Joy, you really need to order now. Otherwise, who knows what will happen? You owe it to yourself...

...and other soothing mantras...

;) Trish

Oh, yes! Grab the fabric while you can! Who cares if it takes you three years to get to it! It matures nicely in storage, and eats no dinner while there!