Customer Reviews:
only half the story.......2007-08-20
this book is best for people grading by hand, as it gives step by step instructions on how to move the pattern to grade up/down.
it does NOT give standard grading charts of standard sizes. it gives only the BASIC BASIC grades between them, such as 2" for the waist.
I was expecting something a lot more thorough and updated than this, especially since the apparel industry has changed so much. I wanted standard specs with grading, not common-sense instructions on shifting a pattern up and out, etc.
The one that gets used most in the business.......2006-03-29
I can't believe nobody has reviewed this book because it is -hands down- the best book in the business. It's self-published so its release and publicity is limited but I can tell you this is the book that is most often USED in the apparel industry. Not the book most used in schools, but in real life (I've been a pattern maker for 25+ years). I guarantee all the pattern grading services keep it on hand! The way the grading charts and mapping is set up in the book most closely mirrors the way we work in the industry. The charts in competing books (Price/Zamkoff) are so complex but Handford's book nails it.
Unlike many book authors, Handford was a pattern maker for years. He'd work in the industry for a spate of years, get disgusted, go back to school, get disgusted with school so he'd go back to pattern making, then in to teaching, then back to school, then back to manufacturing over and over. He did this over the lifetime of his career finally ending up with a Ph.D and 50 years of industrial experience! I mention his background because it means his book is keenly attentuated to the needs of everyone, students, pattern makers and educators. He did it all so he'd know what was most efficacious for all parties concerned. His book blends the needs of everyone simply and succinctly. You could buy another book rather than this one but I don't know why you would.
Book Description
Sewing-from simple stitches to making dolls to understanding the sewing machine.
Book Description
This beginning sewing kit revives an appreciation for the art of hand sewing while developing children's motor skills.
Customer Reviews:
"I'm so proud I made this myself!".......2007-03-16
Can't understand calling this book a "gimmick." The author obviously likes children, loves sewing, and spent a long time making friendly, instructive rhymes that small kids can read (and remember, and quote) and follow ON THEIR OWN. There's real value to a small book (I have the kit, and it's great) that teaches one thing very well, and establishes good sewing rules (clean work space, hands washed, put the needle back in the cushion immediately). It lays a good foundation, and that's worth a great deal.
It's very true this only teaches the blanket stitch, but this is a great stitch to learn first, as there's less finger pricking and a chance to develop some control. My children were really excited to make stuffed animals for their younger siblings. Both of them came to me separately and said, "I'm so proud I did this." Now they have the confidence to go on to the "My First Embroidery Book," which will help them learn other hand stitching, in preparation for quilt work later.
Didn't initially expect much, but this has been one of the best teaching aids I've purchased.
A WHOLE BOOK FOR ONE STITCH?.......2007-02-14
This book is a gimmick. The only stitch taught is the blanket stitch, which is not often used by the beginning sewer. There are all kinds of patterns for useless felt toys -- not needed by anyone old enough to manage a needle.
Wonderful book and kit!.......2007-01-21
My 5-year-old daughter and I just love this book! Very clear descriptions of all the steps needed to make simple stuffed animals/shapes. The kit is a great purchase...includes patterns that can be cut out for 30+ animals/shapes and materials to make two felt birds. We've made several and have shared this book with her friends while having sewing play dates. Big hit in our house.
the first in a series of excellent books.......1999-08-30
This book is the first in an excellent series of books. Not only are the teaching methods sound, but children (and adults) will love the rhyme and the terms Ms. Cherry has developed. As my grandchildren approach age five, I will begin to teach them to sew with these books!
Amazon.com
Kid-friendly themes and eye-catching colors fill the pages of this charming book aimed at intermediate to experienced quilters. What sports-minded child could resist the Home Run, Touchdown, Race Day, or Dreams of Gold (gymnastics) quilts? Animal lovers will delight in the parading elephants, carousel horse, polar bear, and mischievous kittens eyeing the goldfish bowl. And fairy-tale fans are sure to adore the magnificent castle design. Each project features excellent directions, thorough colored templates, a good color photo of the finished quilt, and helpful tips on fabric selection. The opening section provides an overview of all the necessary techniques, including an easy approach to appliqué (though, as the introduction warns, the projects are geared toward a more advanced skill level). Quilters seeking truly unique designs to thrill a child will find an abundance here, and, in the words of the authors, their creations may become "cherished quilts for the child inside every adult." --Amy Handy
Book Description
Playfulness and practicality are combined in this book's fun-filled designs meant especially for the special young people on every quilter's gift list. Eleven delightful designs for quilts, pillows, and wallhangings are based on animal, fantasy, sports, transportation, or other themes that appeal to kids, some with unique hands-on play features and textured surfaces. Complete instructions using popular quilting techniques include rotary cutting, strip piecing, machine appliqu, and photo transfer.
Book Description
Master Pattern Included
Sewing for Toddlers has easy-to-follow sewing instructions with clear illustrations, time saving techniques and the most up-to-date sewing methods. All styles and creative ideas are shown throughout the book in full colour photographs.
With KWIK?SEW'S Sewing For Toddlers you can use the ideas in the book or combine them with your creativity for endless garment designs. In addition to the fun of sewing toddler's clothes, you will also save a great deal of money since at this age kids grow fast and are constantly growing out of their clothes.
A master pattern is included to create entire wardrobes for girls and boys such as: T-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, shorts, jumpsuits, dresses, skirts and over 40 variations. Some of the pattern pieces included on the master pattern are interchangeable so you can make many variations of the garments Also included are appliqués, tips and ideas to add a personal touch.
[KWIK SEW's Sewing for Toddlers Cover] The multi-sized master pattern is printed on durable white paper with colour coded lines for each size. The patterns are printed on both sides of the paper so we could include as many sizes and designs as possible. Trace the patterns using tracing paper or tracing cloth made of transparent pressed fibers.
All of the master pattern pieces include 1/4? (6 mm) seam allowances. This is the best seam allowance to use when sewing toddler clothes. You can use a regular sewing machine or a serger/overlock machine.
The master pattern includes sizes T1 to T4. Toddler sizing assumes that the toddler is wearing diapers. Patterns are made to fit specific body measurements with ease allowed for comfort and style. Before you trace the pattern, choose the size by comparing the toddler's measurements to the measurement chart. Choose the size closest to the height, then compare the chest, waist and hip measurements. If in-between sizes, choose the larger size. The book gives instruction for altering the patterns for the proper fit.
Customer Reviews:
Everything I Needed for My Toddler's Basic Wardrobe!.......2007-07-05
[[ASIN:0913212164 Kwik Sew's Sewing for Toddlers]
For someone like me, who have only attended basic dressmaking class and never learnt how to draft or sew children's clothes, this book has been a great teacher to me. I learnt and figured out much from this book. I even managed to modify and design many more designs, which people who found out that those clothes were not bought ready-to-wear were impressed!
The only things I missed, but managed to figure out from the basic patterns in this book too, were sleeveless tops, camisoles and panties -- these are most needed in my daughter's basic wardrobe as weather in the country where we live is summer all year long.
great book for amateurs.......2007-03-16
I have not sewn much since I was a child in 4-H and certainly had forgotten what I needed to know to make clothing and make it look good. I was pleasantly surprised with the wonderful instructions and ease of use. The first pants I made took no time at all and turned out great.
Wonderful!.......2005-09-05
I love this book! It has some great patterns for little ones, with lots of good ideas. I am sewing from it everyday and it is a joy to use. It pays for itself after making a couple of garments. Well illustrated and easy to follow instructions.
Molequa
the best pattern set .......2004-09-07
I am an avid sewer. I have found that most of my toddler clothes are made from these patterns = simple to use and easy to fit. A few minor alterations and I have my Halloween costumes, dress up cloths, school clothes. This basic pattern set is all you need!
A Must Have!.......2000-06-18
Easy, quick, and fun to do.
Book Description
Sewing-from simple stitches to making dolls to understanding the sewing machine.
Customer Reviews:
I made a name sampler pillow........1999-01-11
My First Embroidery Book is helping me make stitches in fabric squares. I like looking at the pictures that show you what to do. Carley 2nd grade
Customer Reviews:
I like this book a lot........1999-01-11
My First Doll Book is nice. The pictures are beautiful. It taught me a lot about sewing without dots and putting hair on a doll. Willy.
I made 9 dolls........1999-01-11
Sewing dolls is a happy thing to do. You can make baby dolls, kid dolls, adult dolls and Ninja dolls and put any clothes on them. My First Doll Book taught me how to make any doll. I use my imagination to make dolls. Chris.
My First Doll Book is neat!.......1999-01-11
I like how Winky puts pictures in the book. I like how if you don't know how to read you can just look at the pictures. Juliana.
Book Description
When Tina Davis publishedLook and Cook, she got thousands of kids in front of the stove and hooked on cooking as they enjoyed the results of their newfound skills. With this wonderful new companion book, she'll move kids from the kitchen to the living room, where they'll have just as much fun learning to sew everything from a strawberry pot holder to a drawstring bag, from a sock doll to a cat purse they can pin to their pockets.
See and Sew is a vibrant introduction to sewing that doesn't require a sewing machine or advanced skills. Full of charm and color, it offers simple instructions for basic stitches and techniques as well as easy step-by-step directions for 16 fun and kid-friendly projects. It also offers all-important safety guidelines. Designed with beautiful vintage illustrations throughout, the book is as pleasantly nostalgic for the adult in charge as it is engaging for the child at work. In no time at all kids will be exclaiming, "I made it myself!"
Customer Reviews:
Covers all the bases........2007-10-06
Our children's sewing instructor uses this book for her guide. This is a wonderful book. It covers all of the basic bases. When the student is done with this book they can sew most anything and many stitches. Thank you for such a good product!!
See and Sew: A Sewing Book for Children.......2007-08-17
Love this book. The feel of the paper and the illustrations are divine. This is one that lived up to the reviews I read and I am so happy to have it.
Even though it is a children's book it is a treasure to me and looks great displayed in my sewing room.
Evokes feeling of a bygone era and brings back a lot of wonderful old memories spent in the sewing room with my mum and granny.
You will love it too!!
The most charming book.......2007-03-23
I have so many books but this one is the best by far. From the explanations, to the projects, the lovely pictures and cute cover. I will recommend this book to anyone, this book will make a great gift to any young girl. I just love it!
Simply Must Have Sewing Book!.......2007-03-19
This is the most charming, useful sewing book for children and adults alike! The vintage illustrations are worth the price alone and the projects are adorable and easy to do...I will treasure it and use it to teach my daughter how to sew!
Great buy for young and old.......2006-07-24
I just bought this book and love it. I am 30 and teaching myself to sew. This book includes easy to read and interpret illustrations and wording. It teaches sewing stitches by hand, embroidery, sewing on buttons, and sewing projects. The projects are cute, and it even shows how to make tassels and pom poms. This book is simple enough to teach anyone the basics of sewing. I highly recommend this book for any beginner!
Book Description
Whether you're having that nesting feeling or you're looking forward to an addition to your clan, making gifts for babies can occupy your thoughts and your time for nine months and beyond.
From the heart of a mother of four children, through the aesthetic and expertise of a top-notch professional children's designer, and infused with the French sense of style, here are thirty-five comfortable and practical gifts for baby, each boasting an elegant, refined, and luxurious style.
The projects are organized into five sections: Mealtime, Bedtime, Bathtime, Clothing, and The Bedroom. Most projects are very easy and can take about an hour to complete. Crafting techniques, including sewing, knitting, woodworking, decorative painting, and applique, produce delightful gifts for a baby such as a cap of boiled wool, little slippers, a simple bodysuit trimmed with lace, kimono pajamas, a quilt, a toy box, and a decorated baby bottle.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful, mostly.......2004-07-04
This book has great, tasteful projects for special things for your (or someone else's baby). I made several of the sewn items: the angel's nest, the shamrock outfit and the bear bag. The items all turned out beautifully. I found two problems with the book. The patterns are printed on both sides of the paper. So if you want to use the patterns on both sides, you have to trace the one you want onto tissue to avoid damaging the patterns on the other side.
Secondly, the translation from the French is so poor that the sewing instructions are almost useless. On all the pattern sheets, it says that the seam allowance is included. In the book, it says that you have to cut an additional seam allowance. You actually have to make an item to find out that the seam allowance is NOT included. When you are using expensive Italian linen to make an outfit, this is not the kind of information you want to get after cutting out the pattern. Anyway, if you are an experienced seamstress, you will be able to figure out the patterns and put them together without much help from the book, but if you are not, I recommend you stick to the non-sewn items.
I love this book!.......2003-08-01
As you can tell from the title of my review, I'm very satisfied with my copy. It's a beautiful book with wonderful layouts and photos. As a first time mother-to-be and I wanted to make some projects for my expectant daugther. This book offers me 33 wonderful and darling projects. Granted I'm not going to do half of them, I still enjoyed skimming through the pages and looking at the designs. I love how the author has divided the projects into easy to view sections. ie: Mealtime, Bathtime, clothing, etc. I also love how the author listed the degree of difficulty and the time needed for each project. Now I can just tackle the project that I feel I'm capable of. Another added bonus are the patterns that come with the book inserted in the back pocket of the book. Overall, this book is a must-have. :)
Love this book!.......2003-08-01
As you can tell from my title, I love this book. As a first time, mother-to-be, I wanted to create little treasures for my newborn daughter. Most craftbooks out there were too general but this book was specified in projects to give to babies. The book is wonderfully divided into sections for projects of all occasions: Bathtime, meals, keepsakes. I also love the overall layout and photos. It's such a beautiful book. Even if I don't get around to making alot of projects in the book, it's simply a beautiful book to browse throught. The author also list the difficultly and the time needed for each project. That helps alot in my deciding if I'm going to tackle a project. An added bonus is the patterns that's include in the back of the book. They are so helpful and handle.
Book Description
Offering a delightful introduction to the world of sewing for children ages seven and older, The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids offers clear, colorful directions to help kids have fun as they develop skills that will last a lifetime. Thirteen kid-friendly projects easily teach children how to sew. As kids work their way through the book, each project builds on skills they have already learned. Easy-to-follow instructions and safety precautions start with sewing basics, allowing children to learn at their own pace.
Customer Reviews:
Review for sewing machine fun for kids book.......2007-08-28
This book was exactly as described. Easy to read and use. Cute projects for kids!
Great Beginner Book.......2007-05-16
This book is perfect for a beginning seamstress. If you have a young person wanting to learn to sew, this is a great start! The book is a step by step on using the machine. I got this for my 11 year old grand daughter and it's perfect. Even could be for a younger person as very easy to follow.
Great fun & excellent instruction.......2006-07-29
This book rocks, per my 8 year old. She loved the practice exercises, and reads the book without help. Highly recommend it!
Grandma's Helper.......2006-06-30
Great how to book to work through with children - good pace and keeps them interested while they are learning the very basic operation of a sewing machine. Good 'together time' activity.
The ABC's of sewing machine--made fun!.......2006-01-12
This book is primary level, the very basics of sewing. It can be used with very young ages and should accompany the first sewing machine. I love the games and drills that will increase proficiency on machine work.
Books:
- Quick and Clever Handmade Cards (Quick and Clever)
- Quilts in a Material World: Selections from the Winterthur Collection
- Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel
- Reading Reminders: Tools, Tips, and Techniques
- Reflow Soldering Processes and Troubleshooting: SMT, BGA, CSP and Flip Chip Technologies
- Saracens, Demons, and Jews: Making Monsters in Medieval Art
- Simply Primitive: Rug Hooking, Punchneedle, And Needle Felting (That Patchwork Place)
- Stack a New Deck: More Great Quilts in 4 Easy Steps
- Stage Makeup (9th Edition)
- Stick Control for the Snare Drummer
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Fashion Design
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Concepts of Pattern Grading: Techniques for Manual and Computer Grading
Professional Patternmaking for Designers: Women's Wear and Men's Casual Wear
The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: An Insider's Look at Starting and Running Your Own Fashion Business
The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing
Grading Techniques for Fashion Design Second Edition
