Internet Info 1994 March/Internet Info CD-ROM (Walnut Creek) (March 1994).iso/answers/rec/crafts/textiles/books/part1

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Newsgroups: rec.crafts.textiles,alt.sewing,rec.answers,alt.answers,news.answers
Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!hookup!batcomputer!cornell!alg
From: [e-mail] (Anne Louise Gockel)
Subject: Textile Related Books FAQ: Part 1 of 2
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Followup-To: rec.crafts.textiles
Summary: Bibliography of books on sewing, fitting, pattern drafting and a few
    other (sewing) subjects.  Emphasizes books currently in print or easily
    available.  Includes strengths and weaknesses of various books.
Keywords: FAQ, textiles, sewing, books, tailoring, fitting, pattern, drafting
Sender: [e-mail] (Anne Louise Gockel)
Supersedes: <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Organization: Cornell Univ. CS Dept, Ithaca NY 14853
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 1994 10:41:31 GMT
Approved: [e-mail]
Expires: Wed, 8 Jun 1994 10:41:15 GMT
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Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu rec.crafts.textiles:7030 alt.sewing:7414 rec.answers:4762 alt.answers:2342 news.answers:17699

Archive-name: crafts/textiles/books/part1
Last-modified: 19 Nov 1993


The following is the third of three lists of Frequently Asked Questions for
the alt.sewing and rec.crafts.textiles groups.  I plan to use the same FAQ's
for both newsgroups as long as most of the information remains pertinent to
both groups.

This FAQ covers books related to sewing, fitting and drafting.  Like most of
us, I don't know all the answers, I've just collected the wisdom of the net.
Some of these answers have been culled for postings over the last year or so.
Many regular posters have contributed to this list through their postings and
email.  However many of the comments in this particular FAQ are my own.  Thus
you may be assured that they represent my own biases and shortfalls.

Any additions or comments about books in this list or books that are missing
will be appreciated and can be mailed to me.  Many of these reviews could use
a bit more organization and I'm working on it as time permits!  This FAQ is
definitely a FAQ-in-progress so please be patient!


                    -Anne Louise Gockel
                    Cornell Computer Science

Internet: [e-mail]        UUCP: cornell!alg
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The first list concentrates on general sewing questions and supply information
and restoring antique sewing machines.  The second list concentrates on
costuming and historical clothing.  The third posting contains a list of books
that cover sewing, fitting and pattern drafting.

While creating this list I have concentrated on books that are easily
available.  Most books listed are in print.  Those that are out of print are
occassionally available in used book stores or from Inter-library loan
programs.  (See the "Sources For Out of Print Needlework Books:" section of
the textile FAQ).  This list does NOT cover every book available, but I have
tried to include a few comments about the most popular and most useful books.

I have tried to acknowledge the sources for most comments.  Electronic
addresses are in square brackets.  My own comments are labelled "[alg]".
Cross references in the text are in squiggly braces (with apologies to people
on machines where this convention isn't easy to read).  The cross references
use the abbreviations listed in the Table of Contents below.

Additionally, some books contain the label [HIST-COST].  Most of these books
are in the drafting section.  These books are particularly relevant for
historical costuming.

Some of these reviews are fairly lengthy so I have used "ctrl-L" between the
different sections of this FAQ.  Note: within the "rn" news reader you can
use:
      g VBS:
at the "More --##%--" prompt to go directly to book review labelled VBS: (note
that case is significant for "rn").  I have used this abbreviated form to
allow easy access to the list.



Significant changes since posting of 11/19/93:




Table of Contents:

Magazines and Periodicals considered extremely useful (brief list):
    MP: Magazines and Periodicals

General sewing books suitable for complete novices:
    GSB: Suggestions for general sewing books suitable for a novice

General sewing books suitable as reference for novice or intermediate sewers:
    RDCGtS: Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing
    CBoSSC: The Complete Book of Sewing Short Cuts. Claire B. Shaeffer
    FSG: The Fabric Sewing Guide. Claire B. Schaeffer
    VSB: The Vogue Sewing Book. Elizabeth J. Musheno (editor)
    SSSbS: Singer's Sewing Step by Step
    VBSbSGtST: The Vogue/Butterick Step By Step Guide To Sewing Techniques
    DE: Dressmaking Explained. Anne Ladbury.
    SS/C: Sew Smart. Judy Lawrence and Clotilde.
    SRL: the new Singer Reference Library series of books
    SB: Sandra Betzina's books. Sandra Betzina.
    NZ: Nancy Zieman's books and videos. Nancy Zieman.
    T: New books from Tauton Press
    OOP: Out of print recommendations

Sewing books on specialty topics:
    NT: Notes on Tailoring
    TT&CT: Tailoring: Traditional and Contemporary Techniques.
        N. Marie Letbetter  & Linda Thiel Lansing
    CTT: Classic Tailoring Techniques.
        Roberto Cabrera & Patricia Flaherty Meyers
    pointers to books in other sections
    C: Couture. Roberta Carr.
    IS: Innovative Serging (todo)
    PP: Sew Any Patch Pocket (Claire B. Shaeffer)
    S: Shirtmaking. David Page Coffin
    NSBC: Notes on Sewing Books for Children
    MFSB: My First Sweing Book
    LS: Let's Sew, a Beginners Sewing Guide

Sewing books on home decorating:

The rest is in Part II:

Books on Fitting:
    IF: Introduction to fitting
    VF: Vogue Fitting. Sandra Lenker.
    FF: Fabulous Fit. Patricia Perry (editor)
    MYCF: Making Your Clothes Fit. Patricia Burkhart Smith.

Books on Pattern Drafting:
    IPD: Brief intro to subject of pattern drafting
    PFD: Patternmaking for Fashion Design. Helen Joseph Armstrong.
    EK: Ernestine Kopp's series of books. Ernestine Kopp, et. al.
    PPfD: Professional Patternmaking for Designers. Jack Handford.
    DD: Dress Design: Draping and Flat Pattern Making.
        Marion Hillhouse & Evelyn Mansfield
    MPD: Modern Pattern Design. Harriet Pepin.
    AFD: Art of Fashion Draping. Connie Amaden-Crawford.
    DfFD: Draping for Fashion Design. Hilde Jaffe & Nurie Relis
    PD: Precision Draping. Nelle Weymouth Link.
    PoFPD: Principles of Flat Pattern Design. Nora MacDonald & Ann Weibel.
    HtMSP:  How to Make Sewing Patterns. Donald. H. McCunn.
    FoMFD: Fundamentals of Men's Fashion Design. Nasaaki Kawashima.
    MPCfM: Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear. Winifred Aldrich.
    TS:  Tailoring Suits: The Professional Way. Clarence Paulin.
    S: Sleeves. Louise Todd Cape.
    FDPS: Fashion Design for the Plus-Size. Frances Leto Zangrillo.
    GTfMD: Grading Techniques for Modern Design.
        Jeanne Price & Bernard Zamkoff
    MNPD: Miscellaneous notes on Pattern Drafting

Miscellaneous: (todo)
    DD: Decorative Dressmaking. Sue Thompson
    MYOJC: Make Your Own Japanese Clothes. John Marshall.
    FYF: Flatter Your Figure. Jan Larkey.
    GE: Great Expectations (maternity)
    ARtW: Altering Women's/Men's Ready to Wear

FAQ: Where can I get an up to date copy of this FAQ?

MP: Magazines and Periodicals

Threads: Great source of ideas and techniques.  Covers sewing and many other
crafts.  Very high quality articles and pictures.  Each issue typically has
*at least* one article about a clothing designer and one article discussing
techniques for a specific sewing topic (e.g. welt pockets, traditional
collars, cuffs, etc).  Many articles discuss techniques used in haute couture
houses or well known designer's workshops.  Some articles discuss drafting
patterns or special fitting issues. $4.75/issue. Subscription about $24 for 6
issues (one year).  Taunton Press; 63 South Main Street; PO Box 5506; Newtown
CT 06470-9976 [alg]


Sew News: Available in many fabric stores.  A number of fashion related
features that show patterns and material, several question and answer columns
and reviews, a column that shows how to copy an (expensive) designer original
for minimal cost, articles on techniques for clothing or home decorating.
$2.95/issue.  About $15 for one year subscription (12?  issues; this price
could change now that the magazine has changed to a traditional magazine
format; before June 1992, magazine was printed on newsprint.)  PJS
Publications; PO Box 1790; News Plaza; Peoria, IL 61656.  [alg]

Piecework: (new magazine, summer 1993).  Emphasized historical crafts and
reproductions of historical crafts.  Sewing, embroidery, weaving, etc.  Wide
variety of topics similar to Threads' variety in earlier years.  Stresses the
historical aspects of crafts and historically accurate reproductions.  $24 for
6 issues per year. Interweave Press; 201 East Fourth Street; Loveland, CO
80537; 1-800-645-3675; [phone] 8-5 Mountain time.


Burda: see sewing FAQ
Vogue Patterns: see sewing FAQ. recommended for ideas and techniques by
    Yvonne Wilson ([e-mail])
Butterick Patterns: see sewing FAQ
McCalls Patterns: see sewing FAQ
Handwoven: Interweave Press, see sewing FAQ
Spinoff: Interweave Press, see sewing FAQ



GSB: Suggestions for general sewing books suitable for a novice. [alg]

Very few books discussed in the newsgroups seem to be appropriate for a
complete novice.  Most introductory books are written for a person who has had
a minimal amount of experience, possibly in high school Home Ec classes.  For
this reason, I would suggest that people who have never sewn before consider
take an introductory class from a local community college, BOCES (vo-tech),
experimental college class or sewing store.  Or consider learning from some of
the videos available from Sandra Betzina {SB:} and Nancy Zieman {NZ:}.
Nancy's Notions includes a video rental club.

However, if you are the sort of person who prefers learning a new hobby by
reading books, your best bet may be Singer's _Sewing Step By Step_ {SSSbS:} or
several of the new books in the Singer series {SRL:}; the first book is _Sewing
Essentials_ {SRL,SE:}.  Both of these books are discussed below under general
reference books.

For anyone on a limited budget, don't forget to check used book stores and the
public library or Interlibrary Loan program.  Many public libraries have large
collections of hobby related books.



General sewing books suitable as reference for novice or intermediate sewers:

RDCGtS [alg]

_Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing_: This is my favorite general sewing
reference.  Although I've sewn for many years on my own, I learned alot when I
borrowed this book for a weekend and read it cover to cover.  This book is
laid out as a reference book.  The reference section is very well illustrated
and easy to use.  The illustrations are two, three or four color drawings.  A
typical page contains a paragraph of general information, 6-8 illustrations
and 3-5 sentences of notes under each illustration.  Topics include the basics
of supplies, types of fabrics (caution: this book is faily old!), fitting a
muslin and basic construction techniques.  Other subjects include necklines
and collars, waistbands and belts, sleves, pockets, hems, buttons, zippers,
other closures, tailoring, sewing for men, sewing for children and sewing for
the home.

I have found all of the sections to cover a wide variety of methods and the
instructions and illustrations are clear.  Generally every step of a technique
is illustrated so you can easily follow the pictures while working through the
method.  This book is very valuable as a thorough reference for someone who
knows the basics.  Given the price and the availability, I feel this is a very
good basic reference.  However, this is a fairly old book and it's age is
starting to show.  The "projects" in the back all have a 1960's-70's feel to
them.  The section on fabrics does not include many of the newer synthetics
commonly available.

_Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing_. The Reader's Digest Association,
Inc. copyright 1976, 1977, 1978. ISBN 0-89577-026-1. 528 pages.  Readily
available in chain stores for about $22+/-; often available in used book
stores for about $15.



CBoSSC: [alg]

_The Complete Book of Sewing Short Cuts_: The "shortcuts" in the title of this
book does not refer to "quick and dirty things you can do that won't really
show too much" but rather to "techniques you can use to make your garments
look professional without wasting too much time trying to figure out tricky
or complicated methods by trial and error".  I wish Shaeffer had not used
"shortcuts" in the title as I feel it implies speed rather than perfecting a
technique.

Like the Reader's Digest book, this book is a reference book that covers a
wide number of techniques.  The book is illustrated with two and three color
drawings that show the important steps of each technique.  While the
illustrations in the Reader's Digest book cover each method step by step,
Shaeffer's book has more techniques and more advanced techniques.  I have used
her procedures several times (rolled hems, set in zippers, interfacing) and
have found them generally easy to follow and well written.  Occassionally you
need to flip between sections to check on definitions, etc.  The book is a
combination of tips and techniques in a reference format.

Topics include: organization, sewing machine, basic skills, interfacing,
preliminaries, seams, hems, facings, controlling fullness, zippers, buttons
and closures, sleeves, cuffs and plackets, collars, waistlines, linings,
pockets, fashion details and special techniques for special fabrics.

I am very fond of both Shaeffer's book and the Reader's Digest book.  I would
be hard pressed to say which I found more useful.  Many procedures are covered
in both books and either is a very good reference.  The Reader's Digest book
has better illustrations and may be more appropriate for a novice.

_The Complete Book of Sewing Short Cuts_. Claire B. Shaeffer. copyright 1981.
ISBN 0-8069-7564-4.  $12.95 paperback. 256 pages. Sterling Publishing Company.
(Note: Shaeffer also has a new book called the _Fabric Sewing Guide_ for $28
that tells how to select, handle and sew a wide range of fabrics.  I have not
read this book.)


FSG: The Fabric Sewing Guide. Claire B. Schaeffer [alg]

highly recommended reference.  Very detailed.  Too repitious to just read
cover to cover (altho I'm working on it!), but good as a reference.  "real"
review to be added later.  $30 paperback


VSB: [alg]

_The Vogue Sewing Book_: The first edition of this book was in 1970 and the
second edition was released in 1973.  I believe it was updated and re-issued
again around 1979.  My copy is the 1973 edition and I do not know what changes
were made between the various editions.  I believe this book may be out of
print, but it is often available in used book stores.  The pictures in the
book are rather dated as they show mostly 1960-70's fashions.

This book is more like a general sewing text than RDCGtS.  It is suitable as a
reference book, although I don't think it is the best reference.  It is
illustrated with a series of two and three color drawings (typically 2-4
drawings per page) and a several sections of color photographs of 1960-1970's
fashions.  There are several large glossaries (one in the fabric section and
another in the back).  The basic subjects include supplies, fabrics (a fairly
detailed section), patterns and fitting and general construction techniques.
There is a large "handbook" section that includes details about standard items
such as hems, zippers, cuffs, waistbands, pleats, etc.  Other topics include
tailoring, couture techniques, trims, sewing for men and planning a sewing
room.  In general, Vogue Sewing Book seems to present only a few variations
for accomplishing most tasks.  Many other reference books present a wider
range of methods allowing the sewer to select the one she feels most
comfortable with.

The Vogue sewing book.  Published by Vogue Patterns.  NY, NY. copyright 1973.
Elizabeth J. Musheno, editor.  464 pages.  Often available used.



SSSbS: [[e-mail] (Nancy Reynolds, c/o Adam M Gaffin)]

Singer's Sewing Step by Step: My mother taught me to sew, so I don't know what
the "best" beginning sewing book is.  I have Singer's "Sewing Step by Step."
It costs $24.95, is hardbound, has slick pages and beautiful color photos.
Here are some of the topics it covers.  (a mixture of both beginning and
advanced material.)

Essential Equipment--marking tools, measuring tools, cutting tools, etc.
Notions--thread, trims & tapes, buttons & closures, zippers
A Place to Sew
The Pattern--The pattern envelope, Inside the pattern
Fabric Essentials--handling special fabrics, sheer & silky fabrics,
    lustrous fabrics, knits, classic fabrics, etc.
Interfacing, Layout, Cutting & Marking--preparing the fabric, laying out
    the pattern, laying out plaids & stripes...
Fit--understanding ease; General guidelines for pattern adjustments
Seams--encased seams, stretch seams, conventional edge finishes
Construction basics include: Darts, Gathers, Sleeves, Collars, Waistbands,
    Cuffs; Closures; Hems
Tailoring (definitely advanced!)
Sewing activewear
Sewing for children
Machine Heirloom
sewing Home decorating projects (This is a 100 page section!)

This book explains things carefully without it feeling like a textbook.  The
color photographs are a delight. The home sewing section explains how to do
projects in such a way that you don't need to buy patterns to carry out the
ideas.  The nice thing about this book is that it is so comprehensive.  I am
not a beginner--I started sewing when I was 9 and just made my wedding
gown--but I recently bought this book to get extra tips and learn about
aspects of sewing which are foreign to me, such as tailoring and home
decorating.  But there's a lot of extremely basic stuff, such as how to read
the back of a pattern envelope and how to sew a plain seam.


Alternate comment [Diane Barlow Close, [e-mail]]: I found
Singer's Sewing Step by Step to be greatly lacking in certain steps.  On the
points I was interested in learning more about (attaching cuffs or collars,
for example) this book would state "There are so many different methods.
Refer to your specific pattern for the best instructions."  Heck, if I could
read and follow the pattern's instructions _I wouldn't be looking for a book
like this in the first place_!!  I just found it to be too lacking for my
needs.



VBSbSGtST: [[e-mail] (Diane Barlow Close)]

The Vogue/Butterick Step By Step Guide To Sewing Techniques: I've been sewing
for a while but I'm self-taught and sometimes I just get caught up on the
beginner details.  I chose The Vogue/Butterick Step By Step Guide To Sewing
Techniques.  I looked at all of the others very carefully and found that this
one provided the most niggly details on the my specific problem areas
(collars, cuffs, buttonholes).

I really liked the Reader's Digest book and it was a toss-up between choosing
this one and the Vogue/Butterick one.  What made the decision for me was the
Vogue/Butterick one is a more recent pulication.  The Reader's Digest book
hasn't been updated since the 70's and it shows.  The V/B book is 1989.



DE: [alg]

_Dressmaking Explained_: an alphabetical reference to a large number of sewing
terms and techniques.  While it's usually easy to find a topic, there is no
index and occassionally you have to guess what name Ladbury uses.

Illustated with ample text and numerous black and white drawings (2-6
illustrations per page).  Since the illustrations are not labelled you
sometimes have to spend some time figuring out which illustration goes with
the text.

I use this book occassionally, but I'm not very thrilled with it.  It contains
a vast amount of information and covers many many techniques in detail.  The
alphabetical organization is sometimes handy and sometimes frustrating!  I
have found that some of the explanations are confusing or difficult to
understand.  Furthermore the illustrations are only barely adequate.  If you
have a chance to pick this book up cheaply, do so.  I would not recommend it
as a single reference book nor as a first reference book.

_Dressmaking Explained_: A-Z of terms, processes, stitches.  Ann Ladbury.
copyright 1982. Arco Publishing. $14.95. ISBN: 0-668-06460-9.  paperback.  358
pages.  A few years ago I often saw this book remaindered for about $6.



SS/C: [alg]

Sew Smart with Wovens, Knits and Ultrasuede Fabric.  Also: Sew Smart Supplment
and UltraLeather Sewing Tips Booklet.  I have looked through these books, but
have not read them closely nor used them frequently.  _Sew Smart_ is almost a
cross between the Reader's Digest reference book and the _Vogue Sewing Book_.
It is basically a reference book with three color drawings.  Topics include:
sewing preparation, equipment, basic techniques, pressing, interfacint, darts,
facings, collars, sleeves, pockets, zippers, buttons and closures, tailoring,
hems, UltraSuede, knits, miscellaneous tips.  Each topic has an introduction,
description of basic styles and problems, list of techniques and list of tips.
The Supplement is a series of general tips.  This looks like a pretty good,
all around introduction and reference.

_Sew Smart_ by Judy Lawrence and Clotilde.  first printing 1977; revised
edition copyright 1982.  ISBN 0-8087-1261-6. 271 pages.  Also _Sew Smart
Supplement_ and _UltraLeather Sewing Tips Booklet_.  All available directly
from Clotilde, I don't know if they are available elsewhere.  I believe prices
are about $20 for _Sew Smart_, $8 for the supplement and $3 for the
Ultraleather tips.  Clotilde, Inc; 1909 SW First Ave; Fort Lauderdale, FL
33315; 305-761-8655



SRL: [alg]

Singer's Series:  Include:
    * Sewing Essentials
    * The Perfect Fit
    * 101 Sewing Secrets
    * Creative Sewing Ideas
    * Sewing Update No 2
    * Sewing Pants that Fit
    * Sewing Activewear
    * Sewing Lingerie
    * Sewing With Knits
    * Tailoring
    * Decorative Machine Stitching
    Clothing Care and Repair
    Timesaving Sewing
    Sewing for Style
    Sewing Specialty Fabrics
    Sewing Update
    Sewing Update No 1
    Sewing for Children
    Sewing with an Overlock
    Sewing for the Home
    More Sewing for the Home
    Machine Quilting
* Additional comments on contents included below.

Each book is about $15.95 paperback (often available on sale!) and about
$24.95 hardback.  The hardback (?) books can be ordered by subscription for
about $15.95 + p/h.  For more information, write to:
    Cy DeCosse Inc
    5900 Green Oak Drive
    Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343

From my own observations and other comments in this newsgroup I have mixed
feelings about the Singer Series books.  All are beautiful books, lushly
illustrated with full color pictures that show each method step by step.  Each
book seems to be a good introduction to the topic of the title.

My reservations stem from the fact that the books are only an introduction to
a single topic.  These books are not reference books and they often cover only
a single method of doing any task.  The step-by-step color photos are
extremely clear and inspirational; unless you find that watching a
perfectionist causes anxiety or you wish to make a modification that the book
does not cover.  The books assume that you have access to an extremely well
stocked sewing room and they seldom suggest alternatives for those who have
fewer tools.

Some subjects are covered in several books, sometimes with variations in the
topics presented (e.g. swimsuits are covered different in _Sewing with Knits_
and _Sewing Activewear_).

All in all, these books *are* a very good *introduction* to a wide range of
subjects.

SRL,SE: [[e-mail]]
_Sewing Essentials_ from the Singer Reference library.  This one is great for
beginners, very clear and takes you step-by-step through the basics everyone
needs.  I have used it on 2 beginners, and with great results despite my lack
of teaching ability.  Pictures seem to be very helpful.


SRL,PF: _The Perfect Fit_: See comments in the Fitting section (in part 2)


SRL,101: [alg]
_101 Sewing Secrets_: This book is a worthwhile investment for any sewer who
has a few hours of free time to read through it.  It's just a list of tips
many of which may be new.  Topics include:
    organizing your sewing room and fabric (ha!)
    dealing with short yardage
    testing (guessing!) fiber content
    pins, needles, threads, pressing aids (including improvised aids)
    freezer paper for careful piecing
    using the rub-off technique to copy a garment (quite useful!)
    topstitching
    flat felled seams
    tab plackets (e.g. on shirt cuff)
    elastic
    zippers
    button loops and other fasteners (incl Chinese ball buttons and frogs)
    ruffles
    bias cut garments
    single thread tucks and darts
    edges and hems
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to grab a few more ideas.

SRL,CSI: [alg]
_Creative Sewing Ideas_: This book is similar to 101 Sewing Secrets, but it
contains a number of ideas for making unique garments.  Some ideas include:
    piping, including double and triple
    unique seam edges including a ravelled seam
    some dying ideas
    some fancy buttonholes and fasteners


SRL,SU2: [alg]
_Sewing Update No 2_ is similar to _Creative Sewing Ideas_ It includes a
series of several page articles written by a wide variety of people.  Some of
the topics covered include:
    Teaching Your Child to Sew
    Specialized Needles and Feet
    Computerized & Mechanical Sewing Machines: What are the Differences
    Ruching
    Marbling
    Dyeing
    The Alure of Lace
    Large-Size Savvy
    Couture Sleeves


SRL,SPtF: [alg]
_Sewing Pants that Fit_: There is a review of this book in the June/July 1992
issue of Threads (#40).  The review says the book is very useful for fitting
problems and alterations.


SRL,SA: [alg]
_Sewing Activewear_ covers a wide range of different types of materials and
techniques and thus covers each type only briefly.  I was disappointed in the
lack of depth for most of the subjects, however this book is a good intro to a
wide variety of subjects.  The sections include: 1) Getting Started, fabrics,
insultaions, interfacings, supplies, notions, patterns.  2) Actionwear:
swimwuits, peotads, tights, bicycle shorts, adding zippers.  I felt that the
_Sewing With Knits_ {SRL,SwK:} book had a better (and more detailed)
introduction to sewing swimsuits (fitting, different styles, adding elastic,
etc).  However _Sewing Actionwear_ includes instructions for modifying
patterns to add custom panels or using striped material for a unique look.  3)
Comfortwear includes sweatsuits and warm-ups with several different ideas for
neck, waist and leg finishes.  4) Outerwear has short sections discussing
details like zippers, waistbands and pockets and covers a rain poncho and and
insultaaed fleece-lined vest or jacket.  5) Personal Style includes
suggestions for using stripes, piping, braid or customized belts to
personalize your garments.  Includes a number of tips on the length of elastic
to use for various projects.


SRL,SL: [alg]
_Sewing Lingerie_ covers both intimate apparel such as underwear and slips and
sleepwear and loungewear such as robes and night clothes.  The book has four
sections.  1) Getting Started discusses patterns, fabrics, laces, elastic and
threads.  2) Basic Sewing Techniques includes tips for pattern layout and
cutting, a couple of treatments for seams, a couple of edge and hem
treatments, and applying lace and elastic.  3) Intimate Apparel includes a few
pages on slips, camisoles, panties, french bikinis, teddies, sports bras and
leggings.  4) Loungewear and Sleepwear covers nightgowns, pajamas, boxer
shorts, roboes and kimonos.


SRL,SwK: [alg]
_Sewing With Knits_ includes an interesting combination of simple clothing
from knit materials and advanced techniques to use with knit fabrics.  The
sections include: 1) Getting Started discussed fabrics, patterns, interfacings
and elastics, and cutting out the patterns.  2) Basica Sewing Techniques
includes seams and seam finishes, hems, ribbed edges and bound edges.  3) Easy
Wardrobes includes a few pages on standard patterns such as tank tops,
T-shirts and pullovers, skirts, pants and cardigans.  4) Easy Design
Variations is a section of interesting ideas such as cowl neckline variations,
modified V necks, plackets, different types of pockets, elasticized
waistbands, layered and slashed garments, and making and using twisted knit
trims.  5) Specialty Knits includes napped fabrics, sweater knits, two way
stretch knits and swimsuits and leotards.  I feel that this is a better
introduction to sewing swimsuits than the _Sewing Activewear_ book.  Also look
at Threads issue #29 June/July 1990 which has an article on sewing leotards
and exercise clothing.  The section on swimsuits includes guidelines for the
amount of stretch in patterns and the lengths of elastic to use.


SRL,T: [alg] _Tailoring_: See comments in the Tailoring section


SRL,DMS: [alg]
_Decorative Machine Stitching_ includes sections on: 1) Getting Started
discussed supplies, materials, specialty threads and needles, presser feet,
stabilizers, embroidery hoops. 2) Basic Stitches discusses a number of
different stitches and methods including decorative stitch patterns,
decorative topstitching, twin needle stitching, satin stitching, and couching.
3) Appliques discusses methods of machine applique.  4) Heirloom sewing
includes short introcutions to cutwork, fagoting, hemstitching laces and hems,
pintucks and French Hand Sewing (by machine).  5) Free motion sewing in an
introduction to free motion embroidery, thread sketching and thread painting,
and making and using battenberg lace.



SB: [[e-mail]] [alg]

_Power Sewing_ and _More Power Sewing_ by Sandra Betzina.  My personnal
perennial reference is Power Sewing by Sandra Betzina. It's not that you
wouldn't learn a lot by reading it straight through.  But it really shines by
its discussion of small precise topics, in the vein of how to do a perfect
lapel.  And it has a good range of topics, from specific fitting problems to
categories of details like pockets or collars.  I've rarely found any other of
those specifics that I like better elsewhere. [mahe]

Sandra is an extremely clear and entertaining teacher, and this reflects it.
She covers a variety of tapics from fit to mitered corners, which are culled
from her column (in the San Francisco Chronicle at least).  If you have read
her columns and not quite gotten the point, it's because the wonderful
illustrations by Amy Maeda get censored, so try the book.  This is the book
you want to use when you can't figure out what the pattern company wants you
to do.  As a matter of fact, one of Sandra's principles is to ignore the
pattern directions and just do what you know is right - this is the book that
teaches you what's right.  For example, you should just find out how to make a
really great welt pocket, and do that everywhere you want a welt pocket.  Or
figure out how to ease the sleeve, or how to add ease to it.  (Sandra makes an
exception for Issey Miyake, by the way, and she is right on that too) [mahe]

This is the best book for pointers on recovery.  Of course, it's best to
follow her advice from the start.  But if you don't and you get yourself into
trouble, she can usually help you recover.  She understands what you go
through, and she doesn't try to conceal the fact that she often doesn't buy
enough material, or sometimes messes up something.  The Saga of the White Suit
at the end of the 2nd book is priceless, it had me on the floor (it was under
'project burnout'). [mahe]

The books contain copies of articles so each topic contains a number of
articles that are short one or two page descriptions of specific problems and
solutions.  The articles are arranged by subject. The first book has a general
index; the second book does not. [alg]

The address is:
  Power Sewing
  185 Fifth Avenue
  San Francisco, CA 94118
  voice [phone]  fax [phone]
Prices are $16.95 for volume I, $19.95 for volume II, and $3.00 postage &
handling. (March 1992)




NZ: [alg]

_The Busy Woman's Sewing Book_ , _The Busy Woman's Fitting Book_ and _Slacks
Fitting Book_ by Nancy Zieman.  $9.95 each.  Book + video $34.95.  From the
creator of the _Sewing with Nancy_ show on PBS.  Several people including
[[e-mail] (Eleanor Midkiff)] have reported that they find
Zieman's books useful and helpful. Zieman also has a large number of videos
and her store even has a video rental program.  The rental program is not
cheap, but I believe it is a good way to get a vast amount of instruction in a
short period of time.  Nancy's Notions; 333 Beichl Ave; PO Box 683; Beaver
Dam, WI 53916-0683; 1-800-833-0690.


T: [alg]

Taunton Press has two new books called _Great Sewn Clothes_ and _Fit and
Fabric_.  Each is paperback, 128 pages, about 140 photos, about 60 drawings
and $16.95 ($29.95 for both).  From the information in the ads, these appear
to be books that contain approximately two dozen articles from the first four
years of Threads magazine.  I've read most of these articles and referred to a
number of them when trying to perfect a technique.  All are well written and
well illustrated.  If you do not have access to the first four years of
_Threads_, these book are probably very useful and interesting! Taunton Press;
63 South Main Street; Box 355; Newtown, CT 06470-9959; 1-800-888-8286


OOP: [alg]

The following books have been recommended in various places, often in articles
in Threads magazine.  Most are out of print.

Clothing for Women (Lippincotts Home Manuals). Laura I Baldt. c. 1927.
Includes draping, etc. (Ref: Threads #15, pg. 10)

The Dressmaker. Butterick. 1911. (Ref: Threads #15, pg. 10)

Dress Design: Draping and Flat Pattern Making. Hillhouse & Mansfield. (Ref:
Threads #15, pg. 10) Definitely Wonderful!!  Lots of draping examples.

Sew the French Way. Line Jaque. c. 1961. (Ref: Threads #15, pg. 10)

Complete Book of Dressmaking. Ann MacTaggert. c. 1975. (Ref: Threads #15, pg.
10)

Clothing Construction. Evelyn Mansfield. c. 1953. (Ref: Threads #15, pg. 10)

Modern Tailoring for Women. Francis Mauck. c. 1948 (Ref: Threads #15, pg. 10)

Creative Dressing. Kaori O'Connor. c. 1980. (Ref: Threads #15, pg. 10)

Modern Dressmaking Made Easy. Mary Brooks Picken. c. 1940. (Ref: Threads #15,
pg. 10)

Women's Instutute of Dress Design. series of books from 1910 - 1930.

There are a couple of other out of print series.  Time-Life did a series on
sewing back in the 1960's and Vogue did one in the late 60's or early 70's.  I
have seen some of the Vogue books and they seem to be fairly interesting and
useful.

Diane Barlow Close recommends _Draping and Designing With Scissors and Cloth_,
1920's and 1930's.  This is a two volume set from The Women's Institute
series, used by coutures of the era.  A reprint is now available from: Body
Blueprints; 1734 Scott St., St. Helena, CA 94574.  $18.95 + $2 s/h each vol.




Sewing books on specialty topics:

NT: Notes on Tailoring
Note about Tailoring:  There are three general methods for tailoring jackets:
    -) classic or custom method: uses horsehair canvas and hand pad
    stitches to shape the front and collars.  Labor intensive, but
    beautiful results
    -) Machine method: Uses a sewing machine to attach interfacing and
    shape a collar and the front.
    -) Contemporary methods: Uses fusible interfacing to shape the front
    of the jacket and the collar
Other aspects of tailoring, such as attaching the lining and making the
buttonholes, have several methods.  Often the methods are labelled as either
classic or contemporary.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages.  Some books (Tailoring in
{SRL,T:} and {TT&CT:}) cover all three; some books only cover one or two
methods.

Furthermore, there have been many articles on tailoring subjects.  Many
articles in Threads cover tailoring (including an examination of a quality
men's suit in an early issue!).  Many articles in Sandra Betzina's {SB:} books
cover tailoring and include good tips and suggestions.  In the July 1992
issue, Vogue Patterns started a four article series discussing tailoring.


SRL,T: [alg]
Singer Reference Library: Tailoring. I bought this book when I needed to make
my first tailored suit in about three days.  This book is suitable as a step
by step introduction to tailoring women's jackets for someone who is an
intermediate sewer.  The book discusses the three methods for tailoring the
collar and lapels: the traditional hand pad stitches, a more modern machine
stitching method, and the contmporary methods using fusible interfacing.
Whenever applicable, the book presents the three methods, starting with the
traditional hand methods and ending with the contemporary fusible methods.
The book also discusses traditional and contempory methods for attaching the
lining, setting in sleeves and making buttonholes.

The _Tailoring_ book covers only jackets and really concentrates on women's
jackets although it does mention men's jackets.  It covers a traditional
collar and a shawl collar. If you read through the book carefully (before you
start!), you can throw away the original pattern instructions and construct a
well tailored suit jacket.  You may need a fitting book to help solve
non-trivial fitting problems. If you combine this book with a more complete
Tailoring book (e.g. Ledbetter and Lansing's book) you will have a very good
introduction to a complete set of tailoring procedures.



TT&CT: [alg]

Tailoring: Traditional and Contemporary Techniques.  This is a very good and
complete guide to tailoring.  However it is NOT for beginners!  If you have
some experience sewing and want to get into tailoring, I would recommend
getting the Singer book on Tailoring {SRL,T:} and this book.  This book is a
complete reference on all aspects of tailoring, whereas the Singer book is a
good introduction with nice pictures to show you many details.  _TT&CT_ covers
all the traditional and contemporary methods discussed in Singer's book and
goes into more detail for most topics.  The illustrations are simple pen
drawings with 2-4 illustrations on each page.

TT&CT is a dense book and slow going if you try to read it cover to cover.
However if you have time, skim the book and then use it as a constant
reference while making a tailored suit.  The book is well laid out, has room
for notes in the margins and includes 30 pages of fitting and construstruction
critiques (i.e. a check list of common problems to be used during all phases
of construction).

Tailoring: Traditional and Contemporary Techniques.  N. Marie Letbetter and
Linda Thiel Lansing. copyright 1981. Renston Publishing Company.  about ?$30?.
ISBN: 0-8359-7534-7. 385 pages.


CTT: [alg]

Classic Tailoring Techniques: A construction Guide for Women's Wear
Classic Tailoring Techniques: A construction Guide for Men's Wear
both books by Roberto Cabrera and Patricia Flaherty Meyers
copyright 1984 by Fairchild Publications
both books available from Unicorn as of 4/92 (see sewing FAQ for more info)

These books discuss the classic techniques that use horsehair canvas and hand
pad stitching for shaping.  The books do not discuss machine or fusible
methods.  The Women's book includes chapters on: 1) general tailoring
supplies, equipemtnt and techniques 2) chooseing a pattern and making
preliminary adjustments such as the roll line, vents or cuffs 3) fit: taking
measurements, making a muslin, fit adjustments for the muslin, 4) selecting
and preparing fabric 5) layout and cutting, with a section devoted to stripes
and plaids 6) details of the jacket, many types of pockets, attaching and
adjusting a muslin sleeve and then attaching the final sleeve, linings and
facings, a peplum 7) skirts, basic straight with various options, strait
skirts with shiring or pleats 8) pants 9) alterations to labels, sleeves,
lining, waistline and pants.

If you do not plan to use classic construction techniques, you may find some
useful chapters in the Women's Wear book such as: discussions on bound
buttonholes, method of attaching and customizing the fit of a sleeve,
discussions of shoulder pads, many types of pockets on the jacket and in the
lining, notes on a peplum jacket, sections on skirts and pants, many types of
pockets for the skirt and pants, and the sections on fit and alterations.

Several of the sections in the Men's Wear book are very similar to the
sections in the Women's Wear book.  But the Men's Wear book includes quite a
bit of information specific to Men's Wear and if you plan to do extensive
tailoring for both sexes, you may wish to read both books.

The Men's Wear book includes sections on measurements, pattern adjustments and
fit for men's jackets, vests and pants.  Most sections include detailed
information about working with stripes or plaids.  There is a long chapter
(>100 pages) describing the steps in making the jacket, darts and pockets,
making a custom collar, making custom sleeves, fitting a muslin sleeve to
guarentee the correct hang, and the lining and lining pockets.  The section on
the pants includes several types of pockets, and customizations in the crotch
and fly that are traditional in men's tailored pants.

The Singer book on Tailoring {SRL,T:} has a very good introduction to the
classic method.  If you plan to use classic methods, the {CTT:} books provide
many details that the Singer book does not discuss.  The {CTT:} books could be
used with {TT&CT:} since they describes some details that are not in {TT&CT:}
and they have a more casual writing style with more illustrations.  Both
{CTT:} books are illustrated with simple pencil drawings and a few black and
white photographs.  The illustrations in {CTT:} are generally adequate and the
descriptions are usually clear.  The {CTT:} books have some very good tips and
illustrations for working with plaids and stripes.  Both {CTT:} books are
easier to read than {TT&CT:}, but {TT&CT:} is a more thorough general
reference.  Most importantly, the {CTT:} books cover *only* the classic or
custom methods of tailoring.



See also: Tailoring Suits: The Professional Way. Clarence Paulin. {TS:}

See also: The two Power Sewing {SB:} books by Sandra Betzina.  Each book has
quite a few articles on topics related to tailoring.  The Singer book
_Tailoring_ and the two Betzina books would make a very good reference set for
making tailored suits and jackets.  Both books concentrate on sewing women's
clothing.

See also: Many sewing reference books include a section on tailoring.


C: Couture:

Couture: The Art of Fine Sewing.  by Roberta Carr. published by
Palmer/Pletsch. 1993.  About $30, 208 pages, paperback.

[Diane Barlow Close <[e-mail]>]

I finally saw Carr's _Couture_ book.  I found it to be a disappointment.  It
is badly laid out imho.  I found it very hard to skim, as things just seem to
be mish-mashed together -- text, pictures and diagrams all haphazardly placed
-- very surprising for a Chilton published text!  The colour photos that are
supposed to represent "couture garments" aren't of classic Chanel or
Schiaparelli or Poiret but seem to be a combination of junk and MTV!

When I sat down for twenty minutes with the book to study one chapter
intensely, to see if I was "missing the point", I still had a hard time
following all the loose ends and diagrams and text jumbled together on the
page.  I did find some useful stuff out of my reading and I can see how the
book could offer useful couture tips to the uninitiated, but I can't see how
that mess is worth $30!!  I _might_ still buy it on discount, simply for the
chapter on bias, but I think I'll keep an eye out for useful 1920's and 30's
texts first.

[alg]

I found many useful tips in _Couture_, but Carr did not include the extremely
step-by-step instructions that I expected.  The photos of garments are
beautiful, but there are no in-progress photos.  The chapter on bias discusses
bias cut skirts, godets and bias binding.  There are no sections that discuss
designing entire garments with bias cuts (ala Madame Madeleine Vionnet).

_Couture_ includes alot of good tips and many good ideas.  It is not a
comprehensive reference of techniques, but rather an annotated sketchbook of
ideas.


Note: Robbie Fanning and Claire B. Shaeffer are both writing books on couture
techniques.  As of spring 1993, Shaeffer's book is expected to be published by
Taunton Press in about early 1994.  Shaeffer has written a number of very
good, very detailed articles on couture techniques for Threads.


PP: Sew Any Patch Pocket (Claire B. Shaeffer) [alg]   (or is it Schaeffer?)

First of two books on pockets.  Second book supposed to be available ?1993?.
Covers many variations of patch pockets (however neither Diane nor I was able
to find directions for the pocket on the front cover!).  I found layout
slightly ackward, but reasonable and not too repetitive.  The third section of
the book includes all of the directions that apply to all pockets (e.g.
methods of applying facing, methods of sewing the pocket to the garment, etc).
The middle section is a collection of pockets with the basic directions for
each pocket.  The directions for each pocket usually refer to the instructions
in the third section so you will have to flip back and forth a few times.
This book has numerous variations and this is it's strongest point.  Shaeffer
includes half a dozen (or more?) ways to face and line a pocket!  She also has
3 or 4 ways of attaching invisable patch pockets and several options for
bellows-style pockets.  Illustrations are pen drawings and are sufficient and
plentiful.

paperback, approx $12.  I look forward to Shaeffer's second book on pockets.

real review and full reference will be added to this FAQ later.


S: Shirtmaking. David Page Coffin [alg]

New book from Taunton Press (spring 1993).  Will probably be fairly detailed.
$30 for paperback book, there's also a video available.  Have not seen it yet.
real review and full reference available later.




NSBC: Notes on Sewing Books for Kids
[[e-mail] (Carolyn Peterson)]

I think _Let's Sew_ is a good beginning sewing book.  After an older teen or
adult has the basics down from this book and wants to do more on their own, I
suggest _Mother Pletsch's Painless Sewing with Pretty Pati's Perfect Pattern
Primer_ by Pati Palmer and Susan Pletsch (list $7.50).  It expands on the
basics with additional information about selecting thread, fabric,
interfacings, etc.  There is basic fitting information, more pressing
techniques and more basic sewing tips.  It could also be a good review and
update on sewing techniques for someone who hasn't sewn for years, but wants
to start again.



MFSB: _My First Sewing Book--Hand Sewing_ by Winky Cherry. (list price $8.50)
[[e-mail] (Carolyn Peterson)]

This book is written for the 5-11 year old child.  The projects in it are made
of 2 identical pieces of felt, which are whip stitched most of the way around
the edges, stuffed and whip stitched shut.  The projects are very appropriate
for that age group.

What I didn't like about the book: The sewing supply list includes thread
snippers--it took a while to convince my 5 year old daughter that it was ok to
use scissors to cut the thread.  The recommended needles and thread were a
nuisance to locate--finally just used regular thread and needles I had on
hand.  I didn't care for the instructions for knotting thread and finishing
up.  The book is written in an awkward rhyme.

I am usually a big fan of Palmer/Pletsch books, but was disappointed
with this one.  It is the only one I have found that is geared toward a
student that young, though.



LS: _Let's Sew--A Beginner's Sewing Guide_ by Nancy Zieman. (list price $5.95)
[[e-mail] (Carolyn Peterson)]

This book is written for the teenager and pre-teens.  It starts out with a
reasonable supply list (IMO), explains the parts of a sewing machine and a
serger, covers some information about information on patterns and some
information about selecting fabrics.  The fabric information isn't extremely
detailed, but has very basic information for a beginner.

One odd point was the book jumping into how to lengthen and shorten patterns,
with little or no other fitting information.  The cutting and marking
information is good, but I did feel *old* when I noticed tailor tacks weren't
on the list of marking methods!

I thought the sections on seaming, finishing seams and pressing were well
done.  It covered facings, casings, hemming, darts, gathering, a wrapped
corner collar, zippers, tips for knits, closures, setting in sleeves and
putting in waistbands.

The book uses new sewing gadgets and techniques, to make things easier instead
of insisting you learn the old, hard way first.  Example: for hemming, it
suggests you may want to machine stitch or fuse the hem on the first project.



Sewing books on home decorating:

Todo:

                    -Anne Louise Gockel
                    Cornell Computer Science

Internet: [e-mail]        UUCP: cornell!alg