When I first pulled this book out of its Amazon package, I thought, wow, it’s much smaller than I expected. Actually, its 8 x 6.5 inches to be exact, which makes it perfect for my working bag.
It has a hard cover and it's spiral bound.
I presume it’s meant to be durable and manageable.
The first chapter was as not as rewarding as the latter ones.
At first glance.
I loved the two column layout which makes for the illusion of shorter sentences, providing easy navigation through each answer.
There are photos to match almost every answer on each page. The answers are straight-forward and written in a simple language style.
The first chapter is all about the basics, so as you may have guessed, I was beyond bored.
I've been sewing for five years so basic sewing "know how" is like listening to background music, after a while, you unconsciously block it out and forget that it is even there.
Therefore, I quickly lost interest and tossed it aside.
A week past and I was determined to go through it fully before I put it in the “to be returned or give away” pile.
Once I was finished with the second chapter "Choosing and understanding patterns" it occurred to be
Ahhh, I see what is happening here and felt like such an idiot.
This book showed early signs of being very PRACTICAL, so it only makes sense that it would naturally progress from easy questions to more advance.
The questions are meant to take you from being a complete novice to being able to sew proficiently, one step at a time.
When I first started to sew, I asked these very questions on pattern review's beginner's forum but I guess it has been so long I just didn't put much thought into it. Now I really wished I had something like this at that time.
But moving on.....
This chapter also goes through pattern selection, interfacing, notions and everything you need to know about how to understand the paper pattern you will be working with.
Isn’t that what every beginner wants/needs to know?
When I got to Chapter 3 "Getting good fit" my previous suspicions was confirmed and now I was fully engaged in the book.
Fit is my biggest issue so I loved where this was going!
One of the many questions in this chapter is "Before I start, is there a sequence for Pattern alterations?"
Hmmm, that's a thought, which never occurred to me before.
Chapter 4 talks about getting your pattern ready for the fabric.
I am so automated when it comes to pattern prep, I don't even think about the WHY anymore and I'm sure I wouldn't be able to take someone through this step by step like the author of this book did.
There are further questions about nap, grain lines, how to preshrink your fabric, how to make your pattern pieces last longer, how to cut chiffon (which is a pain if you don't know how to do it for sure) and many more.
Chapter 5 is what totally turned my initial feeling about this book around.
This chapter is the first set of garment adjustments starting with blouses and tops.
You will find questions such as how do I change the shape of the neckline and the pattern is tight over my back but fine over my bust how do I alter?
From here, the sections are split into the main garments you will need adjusting for proper fit.
Chapter 6 (Skirts), chapter 7 (sleeves) and chapter 8 (Pants).
Chapter 9 is for those of us that like to “play” with our patterns. If you like to remove darts, combine top and skirt patterns to make dresses and create your own facings, you may find this part interesting.
Chapter 10 discusses finishing techniques, briefly, but it’s a good starting point and there are so many books that cover this from cover to cover that I can let the author of the hook here.
Its good!
It started off slow for me, but I feel like its one of those books that you are supposed to find your place and get in where you fit in. I hope you get your hands on it to see what I’ve experienced.
And to beginners: YOU NEED TO GET THIS BOOK!
Enjoy!
Oh, I had not heard of this book before your review. I must get it though. I'm currently devouring fit/alteration books.
Posted by: Amy | October 12, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Ohh i've never heard of this! Hmmm lol
Posted by: adrienne | October 13, 2011 at 12:16 AM
Thanks for the review.
Posted by: sheila | October 14, 2011 at 07:18 AM
Thanks for the review. I've also never seen this book. I like to collect so I'll check it out. Thanks!!!
Posted by: Victoria Baylor | October 14, 2011 at 10:52 AM
I will have to try this book since I am totally lost right now being so new. Love your blog, btw!
Posted by: jamie | January 10, 2012 at 07:58 AM
Just an update-this book is great for the beginner-Only on chapter 2, but it's really helping answer my pattern questions. Thanks for the suggestion!
Posted by: jamie | January 24, 2012 at 10:24 PM