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.

Have you read this book?

Have you read this book?

I highly recommend it. It is the (fictionally) fleshed-out story of Queen Esther. I happen to love the story. It has everything you'd expect to see on prime-time TV--drama, intrigue, lots of women living in one house trying to earn (catch) a husband, murder, politics. It's all there!

Actually, it's all in the book of Esther too. Reading this fictional book, always makes me pull out my Bible and read the historical account.

I like Esther. She's graceful, elegant, courageous, obedient, and willing--even when nothing makes sense. More importantly, I love what I learn from the Word through her story: you never know what He has planned for you or how your actions and decisions can change the world. But, if you're willing, He will!

"Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14b

New Vogues are Out!

The new Vogue patterns are out. Many of them are very "artistic". There were just a few that caught my eye.

Like I really need a dress. But if I did, do you think this design would give me a waist? (I'm a rectangle according to Bradley Bayou.)

Another dress. I think this one might be too scoop-necked for my taste, but it is so cool and summery.

This shirt is not flattering! The pants-however-are very crisp and sharp. And I'm always looking for cute pants.
So, like I said, nothing really floats my boat with this batch of patterns. That's one pattern sale at Hancock's I can skip!