Some Chapter Headings:
The Red Carpet Questionnaire
My Ten “Dress-Sexy” Commandments
The Four Steps to Sexy
The Fitting Rooms: 1-12

I liked:

• The math I could use to determine my shape. (Much more analytical than just looking at my silhouette.)
• The “Conceal and Reveal Exercise” (pages 23, 24)
• Good definitions of “Skinny fabrics and cuts” (pages 50-51). Now I know what to look for when shopping for fabrics and patterns.
• Mr. Bayou’s method of complimenting your assets before telling you what to hide and how to hide it.
• The comprehensive list of the types of dresses, tops, skirts, pants & jeans, coats & jackets, jewelry & accessories, and shoes that each type should wear and not wear.
• Three perfect options for each size and shape (casual, career, and formal).
• A fashion must-have for each size and shape (mine’s a peplum jacket–guess what new pattern I’m looking for…)
• The most awesome glossary at the end of the book. It includes the definition and line drawing of 100+ styles of shirts, dresses, pants, skirts, jackets, accessories and shoes!

My dislikes:

• Only the first 67 pages applied to me. Then, only 4 more out of the remaining 230+. Of course, to make an entire book about 1 body type would mean that he would have to write 11 other books about the other body types…
• It wasn’t quite as precise as the “math and science” suggest. I actually fall into 1 of 2 categories depending on the day of the week.

Conclusion:
Okay. I confess. This isn’t a sewing book. But, since I am still trying to figure out my style–and I want to make clothes that flatter me–then, this qualifies as a sewing reference book to me. I read this book just before a huge snoop shopping trip. Since I knew Mr. Bayou’s recommendations, I could try on styles to see what I really liked and what I didn’t. Now I have a good idea of the next few pieces I’d like to make.

Would I buy it for myself? Okay, another confession, my sister actually bought this book. And during the 3 hour trip to the beach, we identified all our body types and recommendations. Definitely got our (her) money’s worth!

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Yet again, it’s not a sewing book. However, if you are a beginner at garment sewing for yourself and you don’t know where to start, this might work.

Some Chapter Headings:
Leather-Then and Now
Making a Leather or Suede Garment
Selecting Furs and Patterns
What About Mink?

I liked:

• The plain and simple instructions.
• The “clean” explanation of the preparation of leather and suede.
• The list of types of skins and their common uses.
• Specific instructions about which needle to use and how to find the correct machine stitch for sewing with skins.
• Instructions for recycling (restyling) old fur garments

My dislikes:

• Not any really. The book appears to deliver on its title.

Conclusion:
While this book isn’t cute or trendy, I think it serves its purpose right well. If you are ready to tackle a garment of skins, check this one out before you cut.

Would I buy it for myself? Probably not. If I decide to remake an old fur or tackle a genuine leather garment, I’ll just check it out again.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Not a beginner’s book.

Some Chapter Headings:

Generally Speaking
Shirtmaking (actually, every section is about skirts, so I believe there’s a typo in the table of contents!)
Muslin-making
Blousemaking
Dressmaking
Pantsmaking
Know-How
Sewing for Children

I liked:

• The good tips in “Generally Speaking”, that are written for beginners, but are good reminders for more advanced sewers. For example, “Always choose a thread one or two shades darker than the fabric… ” (page 11).
• The comprehensive measurement chart on pages 13 that includes 27 measurements, and the instructions on how to measure them.
• The bluntness of Chapter 5 “Coming to Grips with Your Figure”. Yikes! The subtitles are “Which type are you?” and “What is your problem?” Double yikes!
• Awesome instructions for using your dress form and padding it to match your measurements! This is the first time I’ve found these!
• The way the chapter on fabrics shows photographs and labels of many types of fabrics.
• A great table on the faults of wrinkles in a skirt, and the pattern adaptations to correct them.
• An actual plan for making, fitting, perfecting and using a muslin!!!!
• The great Vogue patterns from the 1970s that were made and photographed for this book. You can tell they are dated, but many of the styles are still very classic!

My dislikes:

• It’s ever so slightly difficult to find the tip you need.
• The horrid picture of 2 little girls on page 237 wearing fuzzy yellow fleece coats. They look like miniature ducklings!
• The idea that it is very likely I probably wore a stretch terry cloth playsuit like those pictured in the Sewing for Children chapters. But hey, it was the 70s!

Conclusion:
This book is thorough. You can find instructions for everything from using your muslin to adapt patterns to covering snap fasteners with fabric. And, during this season of the dress, I can’t rave enough about chapter 36, “The shirt dress story” or chapter 34, “The jumper conversion”. I’m not familiar with Golden Hands or any of their other how-tos, but if you are looking for another great, well-rounded resource for garment-making then this is your book.

Would I buy it for myself? Despite the very blunt advice regarding my “figure problems” (“If this is your problem, your figure needs the very best support you can afford.” Gee, thanks.), I have already ordered this book from my favorite online bookstore. You can get it as low as 13 cents + shipping. That’s crazy!

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Yes. Yes. and Yes.

Some Chapter Headings:
Equipment
Fabrics
Accessories from a Straight Piece of Material
A Shift or Robe from Turkish Towels
How to Use Patterns

I liked:

• The prose. For example, take this paragraph from the Introduction, “Haven’t you envied your friends who have an endless supply of new clothes which they’ve made for themselves? You hear tales of how an inexpensive piece of material from a remnant counter has turned into a lovely party dress, while you’ve been trying to figure out how to persuade Dad to give you still another advance on your allowance to cover a down payment on that dress you saw in the store window.”
• The chapter on “Basic Stitches” that covers everything from threading a needle and diagrams showing how to knot your thread to explaining running stitches, back stitching and hemming.
• Instructions on how to use a thimble (a lost art for certain!).
• A great chapter on the basic sashes, belts, totes and headbands.
• The “How to Use Patterns” chapter that is most thorough, including pinning, marking darts and notches, stay stitching, and facings.

My dislikes:

• Not any really, especially when you consider this is a book for beginners.

Conclusion:
“Cute.” That’s the word I’d use to describe this book. I think it is absolutely darling. I love the way it’s written. It covers the most basic of basic (“Now place two layers of material together, and pin them together.”, page 22) while also explaining techniques like under stitching. Plus, I love the confidence it exudes when, in closing, it promises “When you have learned to make all the things presented in this book, you will be able to create an almost complete wardrobe, lacking only a coat and slacks…” (page 127).

Would I buy it for myself?
As a sewing instructor, I am considering this book. I think the progression it uses to teach sewing would work very well for beginners of any age.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer?
Most certainly. This book would be perfect for someone that has never sewn, but is ready to start.

Some Chapter Headings:

• Applique
• Bindings
• Collars
• Facings
• Gussets
• Linings
• Overlock
• Shoulder Pads
• Yokes

I liked:

• The quick, easy-to-use format. They certainly don’t waste any words. The only text not in a tutorial is the opening page, where the book is explained.
• Opening any one of the 47 sections to find well-illustrated instructions on sewing techniques.
• The “Binding” section. It starts with a quick tutorial on making your own binding strips and then covers those icky situations like turning corners and neatly joining binding.
• The information in the “Layout” section that covers cutting plaids and stripes. It includes gentle reminders like, “Avoid placing a heavy, dominant horizontal stripe at the bust line or waistline.” (page 209) Sounds like really good advice to me!
• The “Pocket” section. I wish I’d had that information the first time I tried to make a self-faced pocket. The illustrations are very clear.
• That this book even includes a section on “Shoulder Pads”. Should they ever come back into high fashion, I’ll know just where to turn!

My dislikes:

• The “Lining” section
• No “invisible zipper” reference
• The entire book is dedicated to garment sewing. Sure some techniques could cross-over into home decorating, but all the examples illustrated are garments.

Conclusion:
At first glance, this was one I wanted to put back on the shelf. But, as our local branch of the library has such a limited selection, I figured I better at least have a second look. I’m so glad I did!

This book is one to have on your shelf if you are moving toward an advanced beginner and intermediate sewing level. Not every sewer has mastered every technique, so having a quick, well-illustrated guide is quite handy. While I had the book for 2 weeks, I managed to use the sections on:
Binding
Buttonholes
Collars
Edge Finishes
Gussets
Hand Sewing
Layouts
Pressing
Vents

Would I buy it for myself? I have it “Saved for Later” on my favorite book-buying site. But, I’ll probably pass. At least, as long as I can find it on the shelf at the library.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Maybe. This is definitely a great addition to the library of an advanced beginner.

Well, PR’s mini-wardrobe contest is over and I’ve finished it. Time for a new sewing plan: Tim Gunn’s 10 Essentials.

A number of sewers are working on a similar project right now, and quite frankly, it just makes sense. I have the fabrics to create these pieces, so why not go for it. Here’s his list and my takes on it. You’ll notice, I’ve some of the pieces already!

1. Basic Black Dress -I just finished 1 in my big wardrobe and a very dark chocolate brown (which I love more than black) in my mini-wardrobe.
2. Trench Coat – This one has been cut and ready to sew for 3 years now. Maybe it’s time to finish this UFO!
3. Classic Dress Pants – My goal for the summer is the perfect fitting pair of trousers. I haven’t decided which piece to use from my stash: the navy, the brown tweed, the brown plaid, the black…
4. White Shirt – I think I look better in ivory. And, I’ve just finished one button up and one pull-over in ivory. That’s done. Check.
5. Jeans – Well, I’ve mastered the jean skirt, so how hard can a pair of jeans be…
6. Cashmere Sweater – I’m buying this one! It’ll be my treat to me when I finish the other 9 pieces! I’m think V-neck and maybe royal blue or orange. Something striking.
7. Skirt – A-line, I think, and maybe in a dark grey or brown suede or a cute plaid?
8. Day Dress – I just bought a shirt dress (Vogue 8021) and I have got a beautiful pink cotton that is screaming to be a summer dress. I think I will take out the front and back pleats and just gather the skirt.
9. Blazer – Would my mini-wardrobe jacket count?
10. Sweat Suit Alternative – Can I just remind you how much I love my TNT pants pattern? I think my new khaki pants from the mini-wardrobe count here. Oh, and then there are the black pants and the jean skirt from the big wardrobe contest. I think we can count this done.

Bonus: 1 trendy item. Hum? Gotta think on this one.

I post a storyboard of sorts later. Let me know what you think…