Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #213803 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From Amazon.com
Sewing garments and home-decor items does not have to be mutually exclusive; there are certain skills and fields of knowledge peculiar to each, and there are some areas of overlap. Remarkably, this extremely comprehensive, heavily illustrated volume manages to do justice to both apparel and decor techniques, from the rudiments of the sewing machine and other essential equipment to an exploration of fabric types, from taking proper measurements (of people as well as of windows and tables) to learning all the basics as well as more advanced skills for many kinds of sewing: women's wear, including tailoring; activewear, including swimsuits; babies' and children's clothes; window treatments, pillows, bed coverings, and table linens. The section on making custom alterations to store-bought patterns is especially helpful for garment sewers perpetually frustrated in trying to achieve a perfect fit. Novices will find this a very useful reference in understanding the often-cryptic instructions of commercial patterns; experienced sewers should have this guide on hand to help them achieve thoroughly professional results. --Amy Handy

From the Inside Flap
The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing is your most valuable tool for a lifetime of sewing success. Keep it handy by your sewing machine for instant answers to your sewing questions. You'll find the information you need for every step of clothing construction, from easy fitting to fine tailoring details. Sew stylish home accents for every room with the confidence of a pro. Beginner and expert alike benefit from this complete guide. From cover to cover, it is filled with the quality and expertise you recognize and trust from the editors of the Singer ( Sewing Reference Library (. Concise step-by-step directions and full-color photography show you the clear picture for every project and sewing technique.

From the Back Cover
Step-by-step sewing reference photographed in full detail. Whether you're a novice or a pro, this comprehensive sewing guide will be the one source you turn to over and over. You'll find answers to all your sewing questions for both clothing construction and home decorating. Professional advice for choosing patterns, fabrics, notions, and sewing equipment. Foolproof techniques for successful sewing, using both serger and conventional machine. Home decorating projects, including window treatments, pillows, bedding, and table decor.

Customer Reviews

This book is not complete
It is a compilation of excerpts from the other titles in the Singer Sewing Reference Library. Since I have those books, this book just repeated (exact same text & pictures) information that I already have, only, as I said, not as complete, because they're just excerpts. I highly recommend the individual books in the Singer Series, which are much more informative, but I can't recommend this rehash. Also, I feel that the description should mention somewhere that the book is excerpted from other books, because then I would have known not to buy it.

Not for Beginners
I bought this book with the idea that I could actually learn to sew by reading it. Not so. The book is a fine reference book with great pictures, but it is not for those of us whose greatest sewing accomplishments to date is figuring out how to turn the sewing machine on.

Best for the Money
I am a sewing teacher for adults. This is the book I recommend to my students as an adjunct to the class. The photos are excellent and nearly everything is included. Several of the reviews said you can't learn to sew from the book. Learning to sew or expanding your knowledge of sewing demands guidance from an instructor or other experienced person plus good printed references, too. To me, this is the best all around basic book in print today. It can always be supplemented with specialty texts and fliers available at fabric shops. Of course, if you already own the Singer specialty books this one will be a repeat and not as good for your needs.