Book Review: Of Course You Can Sew!

Of Course You Can Sew! Basics of Sewing for the Young Beginner

by Barbara Corrigan

Published in 1971

ISBN: 978-0385076975

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.

Great Resource (Not Exactly a Book Review)

I stumbled across this great book at the library:

Sew Far, Sew Good! An Advanced Guide to Creative Styling by Peggy Hoffmann

It's a book for the beginner who's ready to take the next step. Published in 1966, it's language is quaint and the styles are a bit dated.

I highly recommend it for these two great sections:

• What's Your Line?-with tables "What's Your Problem?"and "What type of Clothes for You?"
• Be Your Own Designer-with line drawings of silhouettes, sleeves and shoulder lines, necklines, jackets, collars, and skirts.

Book Review: Applique Martha's Favorites

Applique Martha's Favorites

by Martha Pullen

Published in 1991

ISBN: 978-9992865163

Some Chapter Headings:
Types of Applique
Stitch Maneuvers
Applique Designs
Fancy Closures-Not Just Buttons

I liked:

• The clothing patterns included with this book: a girls' jumper, a boys' suit, and an apron.
• A great supply list that explains why you need all those things, like stabilizer and interfacings.
• The very detailed (at first glance primitive, but actually quite informative) diagrams in the "Stitch Maneuver" chapter that instruct you as you begin to applique, turn inward or outward curves, form corners and stitch points.
• The "Little Red Riding Hood" applique design.

My dislikes:

• While some of the designs are very cute, others are quite dated (think things we wore in the 70s!).
• I found the boys' suit to run very small.
• No instructions for sewing snap tape into the crotch of the boys' suit.

Conclusion:
First, this book is a bargain, when you consider all that it contains. Just purchasing a girls
jumper and a boys' suit pattern could run you upwards of $20. Plus, you get all the applique designs and how-tos.

Second, if you can sew, you can applique and this book is detailed enough to show you how. Even if you don't love these designs, you can take this information and make your own designs.

Would I buy it for myself? I already did--several years ago, when I wanted to reproduce similar designs to those I'd seen at a local upscale children's boutique. While I don't refer to the book often anymore, it was invaluable while I was learning to applique.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? This book would better serve an advanced beginner.

Book Review: Simply Irresistible Bags

Simply Irresistible Bags: 45 Designs for Going Out, Looking Chic, and Shopping Green

by Marie Claire Idees

Published in 2008

ISBN: 978-1-57076-403-5

Some Chapter Headings:

• Simply Stylish
• Urban Chic
• For Children
• Storage

I liked:

• The Whimsically Retro Bag (page 18), the Artist's Satchel (page 42), and Off to the Orchard (page 80).
• That so many of these bags require skills I don't normally use. What a great way to learn how to dye fabric, punch leather, or perfect your running stitch.

My dislikes:

• I found that most of the bags lacked structure.
• The templates looked difficult to enlarge. You are given a set length that needs to be enlarged to a certain length, but it doesn't give percentages, so you have to do the math!

Conclusion:
This book has some neat ideas, but I didn't love anything. I checked it out from the library, and since I wasn't planning to make a purse, I didn't actually try any of the patterns.

Would I buy this book for myself? Nope. Should I decided later that one of those purses catches my fancy, I'll check it out again, but no need to spend money on it--unless you love bags!

Would I buy this book for a beginner? Absolutely not. It assumes that you already have advanced beginner to intermediate skills.

Book Review: Every Woman's Book of Fashion Design

Every Woman's Book of Fashion Design

by P. J. Ireland

Published in 1972

ISBN 877492336

Some Chapter Headings:
Lines
Proportions
Sleeves
Fabric Treatments
Figure Proportions

I liked:

• The line drawings showing collar styles, pleat styles, and cuff variations.
• The simplicity of the black and white drawings that illustrate the effects of darker colors and lighter colors and placement on the body.
• The great list of definitions in the back of the book.

My dislikes:

• The model sketched throughout the book was tall and leggy. Not at all true to life (at least not my life).

Conclusion:
This book is a little treasure--perhaps the best illustrations I've seen on using lines and colors to flatter your figure.

Would I buy this book for myself? I can see how this book would be very useful for the person sewing clothes for themselves. So often we sew something because it's cute on the envelope, but this would also help a person determine if it would be cute on a real body.

Would I buy this book for a beginner? This book would be a great addition to the library of a budding fashion designer.

Book Review: Simply Irresistible Bags

Simply Irresistible Bags: 45 Designs for Going Out, Looking Chic, and Shopping Green

by Marie Claire Idees

Published in 2008

ISBN: 978-1-57076-403-5

Some Chapter Headings:

• Simply Stylish
• Urban Chic
• For Children
• Storage

I liked:

• The Whimsically Retro Bag (page 18), the Artist's Satchel (page 42), and Off to the Orchard (page 80).
• That so many of these bags require skills I don't normally use. What a great way to learn how to dye fabric, punch leather, or perfect your running stitch.

My dislikes:

• I found that most of the bags lacked structure.
• The templates looked difficult to enlarge. You are given a set length that needs to be enlarged to a certain length, but it doesn't give percentages, so you have to do the math!

Conclusion:
This book has some neat ideas, but I didn't love anything. I checked it out from the library, and since I wasn't planning to make a purse, I didn't actually try any of the patterns.

Would I buy this book for myself? Nope. Should I decided later that one of those purses catches my fancy, I'll check it out again, but no need to spend money on it--unless you love bags!

Would I buy this book for a beginner? Absolutely not. It assumes that you already have advanced beginner to intermediate skills.

Book Review: The Vogue and Butterick Step-byStep Guide to Sewing Techniques

The Vogue/Butterick Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Techniques
by the editors of Vogue and Butterick Patterns
Published in 1989
ISBN: 0-13-944125-5

Some Chapter Headings:

• Applique
• Bindings
• Collars
• Facings
• Gussets
• Linings
• Overlock
• Shoulder Pads
• Yokes

I liked:

• The quick, easy-to-use format. They certainly don't waste any words. The only text not in a tutorial is the opening page, where the book is explained.
• Opening any one of the 47 sections to find well-illustrated instructions on sewing techniques.
• The "Binding" section. It starts with a quick tutorial on making your own binding strips and then covers those icky situations like turning corners and neatly joining binding.
• The information in the "Layout" section that covers cutting plaids and stripes. It includes gentle reminders like, "Avoid placing a heavy, dominant horizontal stripe at the bust line or waistline." (page 209) Sounds like really good advice to me!
• The "Pocket" section. I wish I'd had that information the first time I tried to make a self-faced pocket. The illustrations are very clear.
• That this book even includes a section on "Shoulder Pads". Should they ever come back into high fashion, I'll know just where to turn!
  

My dislikes:

• The "Lining" section
• No "invisible zipper" reference
• The entire book is dedicated to garment sewing. Sure some techniques could cross-over into home decorating, but all the examples illustrated are garments.

Conclusion:
At first glance, this was one I wanted to put back on the shelf. But, as our local branch of the library has such a limited selection, I figured I better at least have a second look. I'm so glad I did!

This book is one to have on your shelf if you are moving toward an advanced beginner and intermediate sewing level. Not every sewer has mastered every technique, so having a quick, well-illustrated guide is quite handy. While I had the book for 2 weeks, I managed to use the sections on:
Binding
Buttonholes
Collars
Edge Finishes
Gussets
Hand Sewing
Layouts
Pressing
Vents

Would I buy it for myself? I have it "Saved for Later" on my favorite book-buying site. But, I'll probably pass. At least, as long as I can find it on the shelf at the library.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Maybe. This is definitely a great addition to the library of an advanced beginner.

Book Review: Sew U

Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe
by Wendy Mullin with Eviana Hartman
Published in 2006
ISBN: 0-8212-5740-4

Some Chapter Headings:
Getting In Gear

Chop, Chop

Skirts

Shirts

Pants

I liked:

• That the book is very easy to read.
• The wonderful inspiration for "designing your own" based on a pattern.
• The notions and supplies chapter because she points out that you don't have to have much to get started and encourages you to wait until you know what you need before investing.
• The "Anatomy Lesson" defining and describing pattern pieces.
• Page 82 that has an excellent explanation of thread tension and why it is so important.
• The Project Ticket Form

My dislikes:

• The section on measuring yourself is not detailed and only includes instructions for measuring bust, waist, and hip. In my experience, using only these 3 measurements leads to ill-fitting garments and loads of frustration.
• I found the A-line skirt pattern to be almost a pencil skirt.

Conclusion:

While this book isn't as thorough as other "Complete Guides..." it certainly has its place. I personally picked up the book because the look of it appealed to me. And, the book is actually quite detailed for the beginner, describing and explaining techniques that more intermediate and advanced sewers would take for granted: stay-stitching, stitching direction, finishing seams, topstitching, understitching, and even sewing on a button!

Another feature that appealed to me: the book includes 3 patterns. While only the skirt has worked for me, the shirt and pants provide new options and can be a jump-start for a new sewer. That said, the limited measuring instructions and virtually no fitting information are potential roadblocks in sewing your own wardrobe.

Would I buy it for myself? I do own this book and I've made the skirt several times and in several ways.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? I whole-heartily recommend this book to a tween, teen, or even 30-something beginner--as long as they have a fitting resource (like a very, very good friend) handy.

Book Review: Vogue Easy Sewing

Vogue Easy Sewing by Lynn Ferrari and the Butterick Company, Inc.

Published 1985

ISBN: 0-06-181128-9

Some Chapter Headings:

• Easy Wardrobe Planning
• Fabric Dos and Don'ts
• How to Press
• How to Sew by Hand

I liked:

• A great detailed "Needle and Thread Chart" on Page 31.
• The chapter labeled "How to Press", which had good guidelines, but even better pictures and diagrams! This section included fool-proof instructions for pressing darts, gathers, pleats, sleeves, hems, and seams. Probably the best pressing instructions I've seen.
• The chapter labeled "How to Sew By Hand", which included only a few stitches (back stitch tacks, slip stitch, blind stitch and thread chain), all essential to any sewer.
• The last section "Easy Sewing Techniques" that is broken down into chapters based on the techniques that "scare" some sewers, including bands, buttonholes, darts, pockets, sleeves and zippers.

My dislikes:

• There is no information on invisible zippers or collars with a stand.

Conclusion: This is a great reference for any sewer that has progressed past pillows and PJ pants and is now ready to tackle garments. The book is really easy to follow and has great illustrations for the techniques. I'll tell you again--I love the pressing chapter! One small warning--you'll have to look past the mid-1980s photos in the middle of the book. Gotta love shoulder pads!

Would I buy it for myself? Absolutely. I've already looked it up on Amazon.

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Maybe.

Book Review: New Complete Guide to Sewing

New Complete Guide to Sewing:
Step-by-step techniques for making clothes and home accessories
Published 2002 by Reader's Digest
ISBN:0-7621-0420-1

Some Chapter Headings:

Sewing equipment and fabrics
Neckline finishes and collars
Fastenings
Tailoring

I liked:

• The format! It is very easy to open this book to the contents and quickly identify the chapter I need.
• The great fitting section. There were lots of photos showing how and where to measure for 16 useful measurements.
• The great diagrams showing fit alternations on pattern tissue.
• The diagrams showing common "wrinkles" and how to adjust fit for each.
• 14 pages of hand stitches!

My dislikes:

• Only one-The extensive list and descriptions of fabric has pictures, but they aren't complete or labeled.

Conclusion:
I refer to this book at least once a month. It has more information than I could ever list. In fact, it would be easier to list what's not included than to tell you everything that is! So far, every time I've need information, I've found it here! I use the fitting chapters more than anything else!
This book has 20 projects throughout that use the techniques covered in each chapter. It also has a quilting chapter, but you should note that it consists of only 2 projects and no additional diagrams or explanations. The book also contains a 4 page glossary.

Would I buy it for myself? It's the most used book on my shelf!

Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Absolutely.

Book Reivew: Sewing for Your Home

Better Homes and Gardens Sewing for Your Home
Published by Meredith Corp.
Published in 1974
ASIN: B00161VWBI

Some Chapter Headings:
Colors and Fabrics
Window Fashions-A Decorating Asset
How to Make Pillows and Cushions
Room Dividers and Wall Hangings
Children's Rooms are Special

I liked:

• The nice explanation of special cutting circumstances like fabrics with a pile, one-directional designs, or plaids.
• The sliding fabric panels on page 73. I love these! You'd have to see them, but basically the fabric panels attach to sliding tracks and essential create the impression of a fabric wall when closed.
• The introduction to quilting.
• The folding chairs that are made of 3 covered cushions that are hinged together. They can fold into cubes, chairs, lounges or mattresses.

My dislikes:
Not really any. I suppose that's because the decor ideas are what I expected out of an early '70s book.

Conclusion:

All that's old is new again--well almost! If you are looking for a great home dec reference, this is it. This book includes great tables and diagrams for measuring and creating lots of basic, timeless home dec pieces: pillows, bedspreads, table runners, slipcovers, etc. I must also add that the chapter in color is wonderful with discussions and examples of rooms done in various color schemes. And, for an added plus, if you're looking for some great ideas that translate into wonderful retro and modern ideas, a book published in the early 70s just might be the ticket!

Would I buy this book for myself?

Probably not, but as I "inherited" it, I'm glad it's in my collection.

Would I buy this book for a beginner?

An old book is a great, and usually cheap, reference for a beginner. Somethings, like how to measure your windows, never change, making a book from a different decade, just as applicable.

Book Review: Little Retro Aprons for Kids

Little Retro Aprons for Kids
by Cindy Taylor Oates
published in 2007 by Taylor Made Designs
A link on Amazon

Contents:
General Instructions
7 Children's Aprons
1 Doll Apron
Master Pattern Sheet

I liked:

• The whole book--particularly aprons A-3 and B.
• The butcher aprons (Patterns A-1, A-2, and A-3) have adjustable straps that pull through loops to tie in the back, rather than a tacked neck strap and separate ties.
• The General Instructions are very thorough and designed for even the most beginner sewers (for example, the first set of instructions is "Tracing Your Pattern").

Dislikes:

None really.


Conclusion: This is the cutest book of patterns! I love creating aprons for gifts and these are so simple! The doll apron is designed for an 18 inch doll (and perfect for Kit K. who came to live with us this Christmas). The best part of these aprons--the flexibility! You can have fun with fabrics, embroider, and change out elements. This book would be a great addition to your library if you have little people to sew for.

The purple and yellow apron pictured above was made for a 4-year-old friend. I used pattern A-3, but I only used 1 ruffle. The size 4 was so small that the 3 ruffles originally in the pattern were too much.

Book Review: Little Retro Aprons for Kids

Little Retro Aprons for Kids
by Cindy Taylor Oates
published in 2007 by Taylor Made Designs
A link on Amazon

Contents:
General Instructions
7 Children's Aprons
1 Doll Apron
Master Pattern Sheet

I liked:

• The whole book--particularly aprons A-3 and B.
• The butcher aprons (Patterns A-1, A-2, and A-3) have adjustable straps that pull through loops to tie in the back, rather than a tacked neck strap and separate ties.
• The General Instructions are very thorough and designed for even the most beginner sewers (for example, the first set of instructions is "Tracing Your Pattern").

Dislikes:

None really.


Conclusion: This is the cutest book of patterns! I love creating aprons for gifts and these are so simple! The doll apron is designed for an 18 inch doll (and perfect for Kit K. who came to live with us this Christmas). The best part of these aprons--the flexibility! You can have fun with fabrics, embroider, and change out elements. This book would be a great addition to your library if you have little people to sew for.

The purple and yellow apron pictured above was made for a 4-year-old friend. I used pattern A-3, but I only used 1 ruffle. The size 4 was so small that the 3 ruffles originally in the pattern were too much.

Book Review: Sandra Betzina Sews for your Home

Sandra Betzina Sews for your Home

by Sandra Betzina and Debbie Valentine

Published in 2002

ISBN: 1-56158-446-0

Some Chapter Headings:
Kids and Pets
Seating
Sleeping Comfort
Outdoors

I liked:

• The "Tricks of the Trade" sections spread through out the book that include topics like making bias tape and preparing fabric.
• Lots of great measuring worksheets for bed covers, table covers, and window coverings.
• Interesting projects like a Faux-Leather Hassock, a Floor Pillow, Futon Covers, Buffet Silverware Holders, and Jumbo Bolsters.
• The fun kids projects like a puppet theater, a child's tee pee, a child's playhouse, and a fort in a bunk bed.

My dislikes:

• None really.

Conclusion:
This book is an excellent resources for home sewing. It includes really good worksheets and tips for buying enough fabric. It also has lots of pictures to show you the techniques used in slip covering, mitering corners, and other techniques. Definitely one to turn to when you are ready to change a room.

Would I buy this book for myself?
Nope. I wouldn't have even looked at this one. But... my mom found this one on the cheap table at a local bookstore and picked it up for me and I love it!! I have ideas for Christmas gifts and for my living room.

Would I buy this book for a beginner?
If she was into home dec. Like the book points out in the intro: "...home-dec items are a great place to begin because the fabrics are easy to work with and you don't have to fuss with the fit." (page 3)

Book Review: Fitting Finesse

Fitting Finesse
by Nancy Zieman
Published in 1994
ISBN: 0-8487-1486-5

Some Chapter Headings:
Fitting Facts
Shortcuts and Specialized Fitting
Pants Fitting Finesse
Fine-tuning the Fit

I Liked:

• That she starts with the most important part: "Choosing the Right Pattern Size"
• This handy little tip: "The measurement I recommend using to determine which pattern size fits your shoulders is the front width measurement. You won't find the front width measurement printed on the back of the pattern envelope, but it's quick to take and does not change even if you gain or lose weight. " (page 8) She goes on to say that a FWM of 14" = size 14 and 13.5" = size 12 and 14.5" = 16, etc...
• The "Pivot and Slide" method of altering a paper pattern. This was new to me and I haven't completely wrapped my mind around it, but it makes a lot of sense.
• Great measurement tables, including those to help you determine how much to adjust a pattern.
• The Checking for Wrinkles portion. This is the most concise information I've found: horizontal fold wrinkles = too long; vertical fold wrinkles = too wide; horizontal pull wrinkles = need more width; vertical pull wrinkles = need more length.

My Dislikes:

• She has a section on body silhouettes, but I think they are incomplete. For example, she tells you how to dress for a short-waisted body, but she doesn't actually tell you how to figure out if you are short-waisted.

Conclusion:

Wow! What a book! I only wish I had time to actually work on a project while I had the book. I think the "Pivot and Slide" method would have made a lot more sense if I had actually been able to use it. I picked up 2 really great tips (see above), and those alone made this book worth my time.

Would I buy this book for myself?

I'm thinking about it. Wonder if it's online...

Would I buy this book for a beginner?

Beginner sewer? Probably not. Beginner to fitting? Absolutely!

Book Review: 10, 20, 30 Minutes to Sew

10, 20, 30 Minutes to Sew
by Nancy Zieman
Published in 1992
ISBN: 0-8487-1118-1

Some Chapter Headings:
Minutes to Organize
Fast Fashion Elements
Serging, the Ultimate Time Saver
Super-Quick Knits
Elastics--Fast and Fun to Sew
Needle Know-How and Feet Smarts
Begin to Sew

I liked:

• The idea that I don't have to spend a whole day to do some worthwhile sewing.
• The tip about using a recipe card file to keep track of alterations for yourself and others you sew for.
• That she writes out this tip (I knew this, but I'm not sure how I knew it, so seeing it in writing was reassuring that I was doing it correctly): "When you are sewing together 2 fabric pieces of different lengths, stitch with the longer layer down (next to the feed dogs of the sewing machine) and the shorter layer up (next to the presser foot). The feed dogs will gently and evenly ease the longer layer to meet the shorter layer." (page 25)
• The great introduction to a serger.
• The "Seams Great Elastic Casing" ( I wish I'd used this on this dress.)
• Her "Favorite Gathering Method" (page 133) that uses a zig-zag stitch rather than 2 rows of basting stitches.

My dislikes:

• Some of the fashion ideas are a little dated.
• Her centered zipper instructions (pages 35-36) didn't work for me.

Conclusion:
This book works to dispel the notion that "I have no time to sew". As she points out in her introduction, so much of sewing is the prep and the pressing, rather then the actual time stitching a seam. With that in mind, it becomes easy to take a project and break down into smaller steps that fit much better into a crazy, busy lifestyle. On a side note, McCalls patterns are now offering some "10,20,30 to Sew" patterns that are supposed to have Zieman's tips include in the instructions. I haven't looked at them, but I'd be interested in knowing if they break the project down into smaller steps like the book suggests.

Would I buy it for myself?
I probably would have never chosen it for myself, simply because the book screams 1990! However, I grabbed it off Mom's shelf on a lazy weekend at her house and discovered the tips. I still haven't returned it. Oops!

Would I buy the book for a beginner?
I think a beginner could benefit from this book, particularly if she is having trouble finding the time to start and finish her new projects. Plus, the elastics and serger chapters are great for trying new techniques.

Book Review: Tailoring for Women

Tailoring for Women: Step-by-Step

by Dorothy Donielson and June Pond

Published in 1963, 1969

Some Chapter Headings:
Equipment and Supplies
Pressing Equipment
Fabric Preparation
Layout, Cutting and Marking
Constructing the Skirt
Style Variations and Construction Hints

I liked:

• The great introduction that includes how-to's for Hand Stitches.
• An excellent measurement table to help you get started fitting.
• Instructions on creating the pressing tools you'll need.
• A great pattern alteration chapter.
• After a lengthy technical section on the basic jacket or coat, following chapters give you the modifications in constructions for other styles.

My dislikes:

• There are no photographs. All the images are line drawings.
• The pages are not "pretty" and very easy to get lost in, unless you are following along while working on a project.

Conclusion:
If you've read many of my "reviews", you've probably picked up on a couple of things. 1.) I love these older books. They have instruction and details that I just haven't found expressed so beautifully in today's books. 2.) I think hand stitches are a lost art and I'm always looking for tips to improve mine. 3.) Fitting is critical. Pressing is a close 2nd.

This book contains all those things and more. I actually borrowed this one from my local library. It's not pretty or flashy, but if you're looking for instructions on underlining or bound buttonholes, you can find it here.

Would I buy this book for myself?
I do like this book. A lot. But, I don't have any need to tailor anything for myself. If, and that's a major if, I ever do, I will probably try to track this book down.

Would I buy this book for a beginning sewer?
Nope. It would bog them down. There are plenty of other vintage sewing books out there that would be much more appropriate.

Book Review: 101 Crafts Under $10

101 Crafts Under $10: Easy-to-Make Ideas for Gifts and Home

Edited by Julia Bernstein

Published in 2000

ISBN: 1-57389-017-0

Some Chapter Headings:
Frames and Photos
Pillow Panache
Speedy Stitchery
Toys for Tots
The Craft Tool Kit

I liked:

• The idea that my thought and time add so value to $10 worth of supplies.
• The variety of ideas from paper crafts to painting to sewing to cooking.

My dislikes:

• This book encourages hoarding (like we crafters need any encouragement hanging on to things that "might be good for (insert your project here) someday."

Conclusion:
Frankly, these type books are a dime a dozen. I find that this book and others like it are wonderful inspiration when you've hit a slump. These are also great sources of ideas for smaller gift giving, like teacher gifts, party favors, and hostess gifts.

Would I buy this book?
Probably not. In fact, this book, and others like it, are the reason I love the library. I don't need an idea book often, and I don't have room to keep them at my house. But, I know I can always find them in the library's stacks (usually in the 640s.)

Book Reivew: Sewing for Your Home

Better Homes and Gardens Sewing for Your Home

Published by Meredith Corp.

Published in 1974
ASIN: B00161VWBI

Some Chapter Headings:
Colors and Fabrics
Window Fashions-A Decorating Asset
How to Make Pillows and Cushions
Room Dividers and Wall Hangings
Children's Rooms are Special

I liked:

• The nice explanation of special cutting circumstances like fabrics with a pile, one-directional designs, or plaids.
• The sliding fabric panels on page 73. I love these! You'd have to see them, but basically the fabric panels attach to sliding tracks and essential create the impression of a fabric wall when closed.
• The introduction to quilting.
• The folding chairs that are made of 3 covered cushions that are hinged together. They can fold into cubes, chairs, lounges or mattresses.

My dislikes:

• Not really any. I suppose that's because the decor ideas are what I expected out of an early '70s book.

Conclusion:
All that's old is new again--well almost! If you are looking for a great home dec reference, this is it. This book includes great tables and diagrams for measuring and creating lots of basic, timeless home dec pieces: pillows, bedspreads, table runners, slipcovers, etc. I must also add that the chapter in color is wonderful with discussions and examples of rooms done in various color schemes.

And, for an added plus, if you're looking for some great ideas that translate into wonderful retro and modern ideas, a book published in the early 70s just might be the ticket!

Would I buy this book for myself?
Probably not, but as I "inherited" it, I'm glad it's in my collection.

Would I buy this book for a beginner?
An old book is a great, and usually cheap, reference for a beginner. Somethings, like how to measure your windows, never change, making a book from a different decade, just as applicable.

Book Review: Big Book of Kids' Crafts

Better Homes and Gardens Big Book of Kids' Crafts

301 projects for kids 4 to 12

by Edited by Don Rosenberg
Published in 2005

ISBN: 0-696-22540-9

Some Chapter Headings:
Create something FUN with paint and markers!
Make some FUN with paper!
Let's have some holiday FUN!
Go outside and find some FUN!
Sculpt some FUN with clay and beads!
Try something new (it'll be FUN!)

I liked:

• The supply list listed on page 7.
• The "out-of-the-box" ideas for everyday objects.
• The easy watercolor techniques. (I even trust the 3-year-old to do these.)
• The idea of using kitchen utensils as stampers (page 62-63).
• The "Good Manners Napkins" (page128-129)
• That the book has ideas for young children as well as for middle schoolers.

My dislikes:
None really.

Conclusion:
While not actually a sewing reference, I do think this is a great tool for inspiring creativity in children. This book outlines some great beginning techniques that children can learn. From these, the creative possibilities are only limited by the child (and how big a mess Mom will tolerate!).

Would I buy it for myself (and my kids)? I probably wouldn't have picked it up for my kids, but Mom gave it to them. We love it. I especially love the fact that their are some techniques that are appropriate for the Little Man as well as my Big Girl.