Some Chapter Headings:

• Easy Wardrobe Planning
• Fabric Dos and Don’ts
• How to Press
• How to Sew by Hand

I liked:

• A great detailed “Needle and Thread Chart” on Page 31.
• The chapter labeled “How to Press”, which had good guidelines, but even better pictures and diagrams! This section included fool-proof instructions for pressing darts, gathers, pleats, sleeves, hems, and seams. Probably the best pressing instructions I’ve seen.
• The chapter labeled “How to Sew By Hand”, which included only a few stitches (back stitch tacks, slip stitch, blind stitch and thread chain), all essential to any sewer.
• The last section “Easy Sewing Techniques” that is broken down into chapters based on the techniques that “scare” some sewers, including bands, buttonholes, darts, pockets, sleeves and zippers.

My dislikes:

• There is no information on invisible zippers or collars with a stand.

Conclusion: This is a great reference for any sewer that has progressed past pillows and PJ pants and is now ready to tackle garments. The book is really easy to follow and has great illustrations for the techniques. I’ll tell you again–I love the pressing chapter! One small warning–you’ll have to look past the mid-1980s photos in the middle of the book. Gotta love shoulder pads!

Would I buy it for myself? Absolutely. I’ve already looked it up on Amazon.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Maybe.

Sewing equipment and fabrics
Neckline finishes and collars
Fastenings
Tailoring

I liked:

• The format! It is very easy to open this book to the contents and quickly identify the chapter I need.
• The great fitting section. There were lots of photos showing how and where to measure for 16 useful measurements.
• The great diagrams showing fit alternations on pattern tissue.
• The diagrams showing common “wrinkles” and how to adjust fit for each.
• 14 pages of hand stitches!

My dislikes:

• Only one-The extensive list and descriptions of fabric has pictures, but they aren’t complete or labeled.

Conclusion:
I refer to this book at least once a month. It has more information than I could ever list. In fact, it would be easier to list what’s not included than to tell you everything that is! So far, every time I’ve need information, I’ve found it here! I use the fitting chapters more than anything else!
This book has 20 projects throughout that use the techniques covered in each chapter. It also has a quilting chapter, but you should note that it consists of only 2 projects and no additional diagrams or explanations. The book also contains a 4 page glossary.

Would I buy it for myself? It’s the most used book on my shelf!

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Absolutely.

A lot of folks have recently shared their sewing backstory. So, like Kristine, Dawn, and Summerset, I have decided to share mine.

I grew up surrounded by women who sewed and the men who loved them and let them accumulate stashes and wander through fabric stores. Rather than give you dates and details, I want to show you some of the things these women have created. Let’s start with Mom.

My Mom has sewn forever. She has made dresses and PJs and doll clothes and tote bags for every girl I grew up with. I learned to sew on her trusty Singer Featherweight when she sent it back to OBU with me one semester! Mom’s current passion is quilting. She has made several full size quilts and tons baby quilts. Here are a just a smattering:

Mom pieced this quilt for the BG’s room. (I appliqued it and Aunt Kathy quilted it.)

The Tortoise and the Hare was created for Connor.

Here the LM and BG are with their cousin Will on his Football baby quilt.

This one was made for me!

The LM’s Cowboy quilt created for his birth.

Mom is holding the quilt she made for Sister #3, a Double Wedding Ring.

Mom made this one for my dear friend before John was born, but we forgot to get a picture until later–much later!

I’d venture to guess that Mom’s given almost 50 baby quilts in the last 5 years, so the pictures could keep coming. But I’ll stop for now. Mom, I hope you’ll be okay with me showing off your work!

Stay tuned for more about my sewing backstory–I’m hunting down the pictures of quilts made by grandmothers and great grandmothers and even great-great-great-great-great grandmothers to show you next!

Better Homes and Gardens Sewing for Your Home
Published by Meredith Corp.
Published in 1974
ASIN: B00161VWBI

Some Chapter Headings:
Colors and Fabrics
Window Fashions-A Decorating Asset
How to Make Pillows and Cushions
Room Dividers and Wall Hangings
Children’s Rooms are Special

I liked:

• The nice explanation of special cutting circumstances like fabrics with a pile, one-directional designs, or plaids.
• The sliding fabric panels on page 73. I love these! You’d have to see them, but basically the fabric panels attach to sliding tracks and essential create the impression of a fabric wall when closed.
• The introduction to quilting.
• The folding chairs that are made of 3 covered cushions that are hinged together. They can fold into cubes, chairs, lounges or mattresses.

My dislikes:
Not really any. I suppose that’s because the decor ideas are what I expected out of an early ’70s book.

Conclusion:

All that’s old is new again–well almost! If you are looking for a great home dec reference, this is it. This book includes great tables and diagrams for measuring and creating lots of basic, timeless home dec pieces: pillows, bedspreads, table runners, slipcovers, etc. I must also add that the chapter in color is wonderful with discussions and examples of rooms done in various color schemes. And, for an added plus, if you’re looking for some great ideas that translate into wonderful retro and modern ideas, a book published in the early 70s just might be the ticket!

Would I buy this book for myself?

Probably not, but as I “inherited” it, I’m glad it’s in my collection.

Would I buy this book for a beginner?

An old book is a great, and usually cheap, reference for a beginner. Somethings, like how to measure your windows, never change, making a book from a different decade, just as applicable.

In January, I finished: