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.