Complete Photo Guide to Sewing - Revised + Expanded Edition: 1200 Full-Color How-To Photos Review

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(More customer reviews)If you purchase this book, be aware that is was published under another name, "Singer Sewing Step by Step" in the early 90's. I'm glad that I checked it out of the library before purchasing, because I already own the other book...yes, it has some decent photos, but I would be cautious in recommending this to a beginner, as I was when I purchased the older version. Construction techniques are not thoroughly explained, usually only one or two pages of photos are devoted to any one technique (collars, sleeves, etc.). Personally, I was very frustrated by this. One would be better off using this as a complement to another book, such as the Readers Digest guide to sewing or the Vogue sewing book, both of which are excellent resources but lacking in photo illustrations. The book is a bit dated, too, but if you can get past that, it is not too bad.

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The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing – Revised is the one reference every sewer needs. Its 352 pages and 1100 photographs cover every aspect of fashion and décor sewing. Sections include choosing the right tools and notions, using conventional machines and sergers, fashion sewing, tailoring, and home décor projects. Included are step-by-step instructions for basic projects like pillows, tablecloths, and window treatments. Sewers from beginners to the skilled will turn to this book again and again.

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The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques Review

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(More customer reviews)I just opened and went through this book last night after weeks of trying to decide if it was apropriate replacement to The New Complete Guide to Sewing put out by Reader's Digest (I bought that book years ago only to have it sit on my shelf and collect dust because I found the diagrams confusing and I had trouble finding things in it) and I have to say it is. Since there is no way to look in this book, I thought I'd include the table of contents along with the comment that everything is demonstrated within the book is done in full color photographes on colorful fabric so that there are no confusing diagrams whatsoever. Also, it is a very bright and attractive book that I think would add inspiration and joy to learning to sew thanks to all the pictures, the appropriate spacing and pacing of the instructions along with them, the encouraging voice of the author as well as the wonderful quality of the paper and binding.
It is divided into three sections: Practical Techniques, Decorative Techniues and Using the Techniues though each section has its own list of projects.
Practical techniues:
Setting up a sewing space
Basic tools
Fabric
Notions
Starting Sewing
Pressing and steaming
Hand Stiches
Machine stiches
Seams
Notching a curved seam
Princess seams
Inset corners
Hems
Couture hems
Blind hems
Edgings, bindings and piping
Continuous bias strips
Mitered corners
Fastenings
Invisable zippers
Bound Buttonholes
Decorative techniques:
Frills and ruffles
Pleats, folds and tucks
Decorative box pleating
Trimmings
In-seam trims
Scalloped edges
Fabric manipulation (gathers)
Yo-yos (like the ones on the cuff on the cover)
Stich and slash (creating faux chenille)
American smocking
Quilting, aplique and patchwork
Hand quilting
Trapunto (a really cool looking way to use shapes and stuffing to give fabric texture)
Reverse applique
Patchwork
Embroidery
Using the techniques:
Curtains
Pillows
Dressmaking
Designing
Customizing and recycling
Repairs and alterations
More tools are covered at the back of the book and there is a fabric guide, templates for the projects, a glossary, a section for further reading and a list of suppliers back there before the index. My only comment on the projects included is that they are very cute and vintage looking, which is something I like about them, but someone looking for more avant garde designs won't find what they're looking for in here. All in all, I love this book already and I know that it's going to be a constant companion as I takle the world of sewing without taking lessons in a classroom setting or a family member to teach me.

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A complete course on sewing—from threading a needle to couture hemmingFinally someone has created every sewer's ideal companion: a comprehensive book on every aspect of hand and machine sewing—from the most basic to the most advanced—with a modern aesthetic and 20 projects to boot. From simple tutorials to in-depth masterclasses, Ruth Singer packs in lesson after lesson on both practical and decorative techniques.The Sewing Bible includes:• Easy-to-use instructions accompanied by hundreds of beautiful photographs detailing every stage of each technique•20 functional, fashionable sewing projects that illustrate many of the lessons—from an easy T-shirt transformation to a complex handbag—making this a how-to guide and pattern book in one•Extensive guides to fabrics and tools, and resources to help you choose the perfect materials and equipment for your projects•Advice on using organic and eco fabrics and working with recycled and vintage fabrics With more excitement than traditional sewing manuals, and much more depth than a book of projects, The Sewing Bible is an easy-to-use guide that's as attractive as it is comprehensive. This is the one book you need whether you're a beginner, an expert, or anywhere in between.

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