A comprehensive guide to machine sewing, including basics of using a sewing machine, mending tears and altering, embellishing, and finishing, with advice on marketing designs online, common sewing questions, and glossary of sewing terms.
“[A] stylishly presented collection of sewing patterns for 10 LBDs; O’Shea also shows how each pattern can be adapted to another look.” —Publishers Weekly Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly . . . Each of these women had an influential take on the most classic wardrobe staple of all: the Little Black Dress. In this chic sewing book, patternmaker Dolin Bliss O’Shea pulls inspiration from famous LBDs throughout history—including Mary Quant’s mod mini, a classic wrap dress worn by Liza Minnelli, Princess Diana’s smart A-line, and more—and offers patterns for reinterpreted versions that are perfectly stylish. Including ten full dress patterns with sewing variations to make twenty garments in all, a primer on sewing techniques, vintage photographs of style icons, and full-color shots of the finished pieces, this book has everything fashionistas need to bring timeless style right into their closets. “Features famous little black dresses over the decades. Learn how to sew up Audrey Hepburn’s Sabrina Dress or Kate Moss’ sexy lace dress of the millennium . . . The patterns in this book can take you through the work week to weekend cocktail parties!” —Coquette
A COOKBOOK FOR YOUR CLOSET Personal style expert Jessica Quirk approaches getting dressed just as you would plan the perfect meal: With a smartly stocked pantry and a few gorgeous “spotlight ingredients,” inspiration comes easily. In What I Wore, named after her enormously popular blog, Jessica shares recipes for creating a stellar wardrobe to get you through spring, summer, fall, and winter. From delicates (bras, slips, lingerie) to the basics every woman should have (black pants, white shirts, knee-high leather boots) to the dramatic touches that set just the right tone (scarves, jewelry, handbags), she shows you how to take your look from ordinary to outstanding without breaking the bank. Inside you’ll discover how to • remix the clothing you already have for dozens of fresh, pulled-together looks • become a smarter shopper and always get the most bang for your buck • create wow-worthy ensembles for special occasions, weekends, and the office • supplement basics and investment pieces with fun and inexpensive accessories Plus you’ll learn tailoring tricks, handy hints, and packing tips to ensure that you always leave the house looking your best. Loaded with hundreds of vibrant, original illustrations and unique suggestions for combining colors, patterns, and textures, What I Wore will help you feel stylish and confident, each and every day.
Nancy Zieman's pattern fitting approach is easy - no cutting, slashing, tucking or pinching—just logical and easy pivot-and-slide techniques, providing a painless method to follow that results in a garment that is comfortable and attractive. Once you learn Nancy's techniques for fitting, you will find it easy to make every garment you sew fit your size and shape. Multiple fitting charts are included in the book, as well as an index for locating technical information at a glance.
Connie Crawford would like to introduce you to this new up-to-date edition of Patternmaking Made Easy.The strength of Patternmaking Made Easy is the visually apparent instructional layout. Continuity between frames is clear. Each concept is laid out seamlessly on one page or facing pages. Yet each pattern process is complete and hasn¿t sacrificed detail at the expense of instruction. Each subject is approached thoroughly with simple directness so that the average student may enjoy this logical journey into the world of fashion.Connie¿s drafting techniques are the same REQUIRED methods in the fashion industry. She demonstrates pants for smaller and mature figures, princess seams, plackets, bustiers, knit designs, lingerie and tailoring -- just to name a few. All the techniques needed to draft flat patterns for bodices, skirts, pants, jackets, and sleeves are in this mammoth 459 page, spiral bound hardback. It will provide patternmakers with the means to execute all of their creative ideas in a nearly infinite variety of clothing styles.
Highlighting the extraordinary influence Japanese craft has imparted on the world of fiber arts, this brilliantly illustrated manual showcases the stylish sensibilities of eastern expertise in creating gorgeously sophisticated handbags. Revealing a balanced selection of cleverly constructed handbags, exclusive pull-out pattern templates, intricate details and instructions, and simple sewing techniques, sewers are shown how to create distinct and fashionable works of functional art, such as a wool tweed travel bag, a stylish denim bag with grommet and zipper details, a roomy tote with contrast lining and inside pockets, a handy laptop bag, a wool messenger bag with flower detail, and a soft luggage tote. With several concepts offering matching companion projects--such as change purses, drawstring bags, and wristlets--and accessible advice and information, this lively guide will inspire sewers of all experience levels.