I got this & two other beginners books (I've never picked up a bobbin before). I found it explained things so clearly that the only problems i'm having are when I fail to keep track of where I am (I have the same problem knitting). Compared to the other two books (also ment as beginner books) it's excellent. I read the instructions in the other books first & thought I was going to have to resort to YouTube to follow it but turning to this book I suddenly realized what was meant. The patterns gradually get harder & with more bobbins which helps you see that you're progressing. Each patern tells you how many bobbins you need, what weight of thread & how much thread to wind onto a bobbin. I'm… Read more
This is the best book I have on tailoring technique (& I have quite a few). It includes all steps, shows a 'quick' method with fusibles as well as traditional tailoring & shows detailing (collars, pockets, button holes etc). The styles in the photos are a bit dated but that does not detract from the techniques shown. It has a bit on fit but it isn't really a book about fitting techniques. If you want to learn how to tailor a jacket: this is the business.
An excellent source book for anyone interested in the history of costume, re-enactment/stage work, or sewing. A nice blend from the academic to the practical. It includes notes on history (with photos, sketches on development over time etc), notes on fabrics/colours, construction techniques (including types of stitches, details on things like how to make buttons from cloth or wooden beads), resizing information, preparation techniques (how to starch & dress a ruff), how to wear (well how do you put on a farthingale once you've made it?), how to fit items like hose, & how to put your hair up to fit under a coif. This takes the excellent Janet Arnold books a stage further. The… Read more
