|  | | | |  As you may have noticed, the sewing andcraft sections at the bookstores seem to be overflowing...with books thatare, largely, not worth the effort. Of course, you don't know if they areworth the effort or not until you actually have them at home and are attemptingto use them as inspiration or reference. So, I present this little excursioninto my bookshelves, in the hopes that I can point you to some worthwhilebooks that will make your creative endeavors more enjoyable. Since I ama firm believer in instant gratification, I have enlisted the help of thenice folks @ amazon.com to provide insty-ordering of my top picks, justin case your local Books-R-Us had to stop carrying decent sewing booksin order to squeeze in more Beanie Baby price guides. Amazon.com will takegood care of you!
Couture &Tailoring
I'm a big fan of the Threadsseries...these are collections of reprints of the best articles from themagazine, organized by topic. It's easier than digging through your stackof back issues. On my bookshelf: Other books in the series (I haven't boughtthese yet, but I suspect that they must be pretty great also!)I will also buy just about anything that ClaireSchaeffer puts out. On my bookshelf:- CoutureSewing Techniquesthere are not enough words to express how great thisbook is, if only for the voyeuristic thrill of seeing how incredible dressesare put together! Then, once you actually start sewing with it, the qualityof your work will go up dramatically, without a great deal of extra effort...thisis sewing smarter! This is not a cheap book, but amazon's price on it isquite attractive! [ORDER]
| High-FashionSewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers: A Step-By-Step Guideto Sewing Stylish Seams, Buttonholes, Pockets, Collars, Hems, and moreThisbook is everything the title says it is! Don't let your hours and hoursof work be ruined by a less-than-optimal hemline, or a slightly out-of-skewcollar. I love this book; it really focuses on the classic trouble spots,and provides understandable, workable solutions. [ORDER] |  |
- ClaireShaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guidethis is the only reference you needfor learning about fabrics. The Sewing Gods sent this book my way a fewmonths ago, via a used book store, and I bought it because I thought Imight glance through it once or twice. Wrong! This book has logged verylittle shelf time, as I am always pulling it down to check on something.[ORDER]
Other highlights of my collection: | Fine Embellishment Techniques : Classic Details for Today's Clothing by Jane Conlon—Ready to try something new & exciting on your next project? How about adding extravagant beading, breathtaking Celtic knotwork applique, faggoting, or any of the other fascinating techniques in this book. Plenty of color photos, and easy to follow instructions make this a top pick for anyone wanting to step beyond the ordinary. Another winner from Taunton Press! [ORDER] |
| Scarves to Make by Linda Lee —I'm a bit of a scarf addict. So, I really like this book, which includes several wonderful scarf ideas, with detailed technique and project instructions. [ORDER] |  |
 | BridalCouture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear,by Susan KhaljeWhew! What a gorgeous book! This is THE reference book for anyoneattempting a bridal gown, or just something fabulous to wear to, say, theOscars. Seriously, this is high-level sewing at its best, but it is farless intimidating than you might expect. What I love about this book isthat it makes everything seem so accessible; the illustrations are wonderful,and the instructions are very clear. [ORDER] |
Silliness & FunStuff to Try It's not always about creating theperfect seam...sometimes, it's good to just have some fun with your needles!Here are a few of my favorites for really enjoyable ideas: | The Artful Ribbon : Beauties in Bloom , by Candice Kling—what fun! Learn how to form ribbons into gorgeous flowers! This book features step by step instructions, plus highly inspirational photos of vintage ribbonwork. I've been making big cabbage roses, and sewing them to lavendar-stuffed silk dream pillows. Wonderful![ORDER] |  |
| ClassicMillinery Techniques: A Complete Guide to Making & Designing Today'sHats, by Ann Albrizio, Osnat Lustig, Ted Morrison (Photographer)Hats!I haven't started a hat project yet, but, when I'm ready, this book willbe my guide! Tons of inspiration, plus practical advice on materials, technique,design, etc. [ORDER] psst...wanna see some gorgeous hats?Check out the Fino Fino web site! |
| TasselsBook: An Inspirational Guide to Tassels and Tassel Making, by AnnaCrutchleyI love tassels. This book will make you love tassels, too! They'renot terribly difficult to make, and you can design your own, in the perfectcolors to match your decor. Really beautiful tassels are so expensive,so you have very little to lose by giving it a try! [ORDER] If you need tassel supplies, checkLacis. |
 | FantasticCostume Bookhotel rooms Canico, by Michelle Lipsonno over indulgent aunt should be withoutthis book...it's a step by step guide, with patterns, to creating dozensof the most amazing children's costumes! It's not too hard to envisionthese scaled for adults, either. [ORDER] |
|
