Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe
Book Description
Like knitting before it, sewing is being reclaimed by a new generation; one that is tired of poor quality and bored by homogenous design. Indie fashion designer Wendy Mullin, of Built by Wendy, teaches the creatively inclined and ultra-stylish how to make the perfect skirt, shirt, and pants. She gives readers everything they need to know to begin sewing and provides step-by-step instructions and patterns directly from her studio. She explains how to customize everything from the fit to the pockets so readers can create a thousand different looks using the same three basic patterns. These ideas will inspire readers to rethink and revamp their old clothes to make unique, custom fashions. For those who find themselves brimming with ideas, but unable to make everything themselves, Wendy also offers guidance on how to work with a tailor. Includes three Simplicity pattterns.
Customer Reviews:
The BEST of the BEST!!!.......2007-10-03
I've done a little sewing in high school (the ubiquitous home ec. class), but my sister made some amazing dresses that didn't look "home-made" at all, which intrigued and impressed me. I thought I'd do a little investigation into sewing and sewing books, and came upon this gem. I can't imagine a better beginner's sewing book (albeit one for adults and older teens). Just some of the things I love about this book: it is a hardcover, yet it's spiral-bound inside (so it lays flat if you need it as a constant reference for a beginner such as myself); the artwork/illustrations are really beautiful and unique looking; the writing style is very friendly and inspiring; and the book is filled with tips and tricks (such as why a tempting, seemingly logical shortcut is a really bad idea). I've read it cover-to-cover, and I'm on my second read-through now, but this time in an actual hands-on manner. If you're new to sewing (or a bit rusty), this is hands-down one of the best sewing books out there!
Good patterns inside.......2007-09-01
Well, this bbok is really nice but I was a bit dissapointed with the patterns that are inside them. If you see the patterns in the Built by Wendy range and the ones in the book it seems like the fun and cute ones where left for sale and the ones in the book were the ones more boring.
I like so much her patterns and that's why I bought the book but will have to buy the patterns anyway because in the book they have not the same cute style.
Patterns too small.......2007-08-30
I hate to admit but the patterns are too small for me. So, while I love the book now I have to loose weight to make clothes I want to wear. Which kind of defeats the wanting to make close I can wear now while I loose weight thing.
best book for a beginner.......2007-08-07
I consider myself a beginner sewer, and I am very happy with this book! I've already sewed the first skirt, with the instructions of the book and the pattern. She teaches how to modify the basic patterns, and while you are sewing her patterns and reading the hints, you get a pretty good idea of how all the sewing and pattern are. Is really great and actual! Loved it - the best book for sewing ever. Thank you, Wendy! I just can't wait for your "how to sew knit fabrics" book!
Fabulous sewing book for making your own clothes.......2007-07-09
I love the layout of the book and the concept of making the 'basic wardrobe' pieces.
Excellent design and presentation, easy to use. Love that it's spiral bound so you can lay it flat while working or reading it.
An excellent reference book for those looking to make their own clothes who don't have alot of dressmaking experience.
Book Description
The best-selling comprehensive, practical, and inspiring sewing reference, now fully revised and updated. Clear, simple instructions by sewing experts, and thousands of illustrations and diagrams show each stage of the sewing process. This guide is the standard stitch-and-seam reference book for both beginner and seasoned sewers.
Customer Reviews:
sew-sew.......2007-06-05
Although this is a well produced book with lots of lovely pictures, the instructions are lacking for a beginner such as myself. Superfically flicking through the book it looks great, it's only when you sit down and need to do something that you find that this book doesn't equip you with enough explanation of the terms and skills needed to allow you to complete a simple sewing task.
It promises much, but it lacks thorough, simple and clear explanations and a beginner will still need other resources to learn how to sew basic things.
I don't know who this book is targeted at, as it isn't for the beginner, yet the concepts it covers really are basic and I doubt experienced sewers would get much out of this book for this reason.
I guess it's not a bad book, just so-so. I tried to edit this to make it a 3 star, rather than the 2 I initially gave it, as that seemed fairer, but I can't edit the 'stars.' I just wouldn't recommend it for a beginner looking for a how-to reference.
Excellent reference book.......2007-02-15
So far this book has been a good reference for me. Very good pictures and descriptions. I haven't gone through it completely yet. Wouldrecommend it for people that know how to sew.
Everything you need to know about Sewing.......2006-11-11
The title says it all. The book is full of beautifully photographed techniques and explanations.
in response to a previous review.......2006-07-28
"The book starts off assuming you know how to read and cut patterns, piece together parts, and construct clothing." I just wanted to say that the book does explain how to read and interpret patterns. In fact there are about 8 really good pages dedicated to reading patterns. I really hated how every pattern I bought wouldn't give an explanation of all the symbols they used. I didn't understand the symbols and some of the steps used in patterns until I got this book.
However the previous reveiwer was right about the book not explaining how to use a sewing machine, so I woudln't recommend getting this book if that's what you're after. If you've played with your sewing machine a bit and have figured out how to reasonably use it, then go for it.
Reasons to get the book:
-Great detailed images to follow
-shows how to properly fit a pattern and ways to fix common fitting problems
-index of stitches and how they're used
-has examples of how to sew specific garments
-explains how to execute common construction pieces like placket pockets and lapped zippers
Cons:
-like previous reviewer said it did not give an overview of how to use a sewing machine (pretty bad for a "complete guide")
new complete guide to sewing.......2006-03-09
excellent book. worth every penny I paid for it.A must have for your sewing library.
Book Description
Sewing is back! Young, crafty women are discovering the fun and creativity of working with fabric, needle, and thread to create simple, colorful skirts, suitable for showing off as wearable art. Sew What! Skirts assumes no prior sewing experience (and no home ec. class or mother with sewing skills!), and doesn’t get bogged down with overly complicated instructions or patterns.
Author Francesca DenHartog, a fabric fanatic and sewing instructor, has stripped skirts down to the basics: 15 styles, ranging from an A-line to a circle, wraparound, gored panel, tiered “hippie,” layered, and more. All it takes to get started is basic body measurements (no need to go out and buy an expensive pattern), a machine, great fabric, fun embellishments, and a few sewing fundamentals.
With a creative can-do attitude, playful photographs, and super-simple step-by-step instructions, Sew What! Skirts will connect a whole new generation with the craft of making clothing that expresses your own unique look and personality. It’s all about the fabric, as DenHartog demonstrates with the colorful array of patterns and motifs featured throughout.
Whimsical, colorful, and easy, the designs in this book are sure to unleash the creative spirit of every budding seamstress.
Customer Reviews:
A new lease on skirt-making!.......2007-10-06
I've always felt the need to use a pattern to make skirts, and they've never fit all that well. Using this book, I just made a skirt that fits me perfectly, and I'm really excited about making more! There are a few little details that you have to figure out on your own (like, if you use darts, you have to adapt the waist or facing pattern), but all in all, a great book that frees you up from depending on ill-fitting patterns all the time!
What? No bias?.......2007-09-24
I really like this book, it does as many others reviewers have noted and gives you the knowledge to easily make skirts without a pattern. However, I was very surprised to find nothing at all in here about making bias skirts. I actually bought it assuming there would be modifications for bias layout. A skirt cut on the bias is swirly and hangs beautifully. Maybe there will be a Sew What! Skirts II including an easy method for lining up fabric at 45 degrees and estimating yardage, etc. All the skirts in this pattern are cut on the fold on the lengthwise grain. For now I will assume the construction is the same if I just turn the pattern piece I make 45 deg. Still, I recommend this book.
Dare I call it-DORKY?.......2007-09-18
When "Sew What! Skirts" arrived in the mail I assumed that I must have ordered the wrong book by mistake--this book appears to be at least 5 years old because the styles presented are so out of date. But guess what, I had ordered the right book, published in 2006.
I understand that the concept behind the book is to "create your own style" but the skirts presented are so old-school dorky that it leaves me completely uninspired...If you are interested in looking fashionable and not like an old school-marm, stay away from this one. Try Wendy Mullin's "Sew U" instead.
Frustrated by commercial skirt patterns?.......2007-09-16
I picked up sewing two years ago, starting with reconstructing items already in my wardrobe, then moving on to sew dresses from commercial patterns. However, when I tried sewing skirts for myself, the results always came out far too small. I just do not have the right waist to hip measurements for skirt patterns to fit me well without some serious alterations.
After picking up this book and following the (very easy!) instructions on how to draft my own pattern, boom! I end up with the skirt I've been envisioning for months after only an evening in the sewing room.
So Pleased.......2007-08-25
Love this book - it is broken down so that it is not overwhelming to try something new. The fit is fantastic using the formula to make the patterns. I have made three skirts from the book and can't believe how great they fit and look for the time and money spent - better than some of the high end stores. Every sewer should own this book.
Book Description
Written by a seasoned professional Fashion Designer, this comprehensive reference covers all the technical aspects of developing precise professional patterns for garments. The focus throughout is on the procedures and principles of professional flat patternmaking using Basic Slopes (i.e., Pattern Blocks, Master Patterns, or Foundation Patterns), and on cutting and testing each completed pattern in tissue, pinned on the form completely marked. The exceptionally clear and visually detailed illustrations can easily be understood by readers without having to read the accompanying text. All the patterns diagrammed are shown in the exact stages and sequence of development--from plot to completion--including all necessary markings, such as punch holes, notches, seams, and grain lines. All About Patterns. Introduction to Pattern Making. CAD. Preparing the Form for Measurement. Drafting Basic Slopers from Measurements. All About Slopers. Sub-Sloper Development. Dart Manipulation: Pivot and Slash (Bodices; Skirts; Sleeves; Collars: Concave, Convex, and Straight; Flat and Stand Variations; Sleeve Bodice Combinations: Fitted and Deep Armhole Variations; Shirt; Suit-Coat; Capes and Hoods; Pant--Culotte-Shorts; Jumpsuits; and Dresses). Garment Details--Construction and Finishing (Buttons and Buttonholes; Seam Finishes; Hem Finishes; Buttons, Hooks and Eyes, Snaps; Basting Stitches). Figure Analysis: Bodytypes. Overview of the Fashion Industry. For fashion design students, professional designers, and anyone in the business of fashion design, regardless of their level of expertise.
Customer Reviews:
patternmaking,a reference for fashion design.......2006-03-09
a great book, very informative, little pricey though, but worth it.
Old styles.......2005-05-26
I am disappointed in this book. The patterns are very old styles.
However, it has some useful bacis pattern making information. If you are a beginner, it is helpful.
Thorough and Concise.......2005-02-12
I have not bought the book as of yet but I was privy to certain things that went into the book. Sylvia was my patternmaking teacher. She was working on this book while I was in school and all the students anticipated its release. Sylvia's teaching style is thorough and concise and so is this book. I recommend anyone interested in learning the right way to make patterns should purchase this book.
Patternmaking - explained in simple terms!.......2004-12-13
This is THE pattermaking book that every top fashion school is going to be using. If you are interested in learning about pattermaking this is a great place to start. (Actually the BEST place to start.)
The author has been a patternmaking teacher for a long time, and at all the best schools on the east coast. I was a student of Sylvia's and her method of teaching is very thorough and precise. Patternmaking isn't easy and you have to be a certain mind to understand it sometimes. I know that with the step by step instructions in this book, as well as the extensive illistrations, it is made as simple as possible.
Don't waste your time with other books.
Looking at the other reviews, I feel that they aren't doing the book justice. Maybe they were expecting something more advanced. (Which is coming out in a few years.)
This is a great book to add to your collection.
Used by apparel design college.......2004-11-20
I'm signing up for a pattern-making class in a college, and they use this book for their main reference. I hear it's used by other teachers as well. Not having read the book or taken the course, I cannot comment beyond observing that these teachers and the program director have chosen this book from the entire palette of available pattern-making books.
Amazon.com
If you want your notched collars to lie smoothly like Ellen Tracy's, your pants zippers to be as invisibly fused with the inseam pocket as Giorgio Armani's, and your topstitched facings to have the impeccable look of Chanel, this is the book to have. Home sewers need and want exactly the kind of painstaking construction tips that Claire B. Shaeffer provides. She not only tells you how to add designer details such as those mentioned above, but also how to copy any garment, alter a sleeve, change seams to darts or folds (or vice versa), and make a basic pattern. This is one of the best intermediate sewing guides on the market.
Book Description
Internationally known sewing expert Claire Schaeffer reveals the secrets of high-fashion legends such as Geoffrey Beene, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Liz Claiborne, and Calvin Klein. Claire's illustrated, step-by-step instructions let you duplicate the design details made famous in expensive ready-to-wear. Plus, Claire's timesaving patternmaking and copying methods can be used to create one-of-a-kind, original garments.
Only a few simple tools and patternmaking skills are needed to copy your favorite garments.
Customer Reviews:
I am torn on this book.......2007-09-24
It does have some great tips, and instructions on copying clothes etc. but one cannot deny that many of the "secrets" are indeed dated. For example, I can promise you that you will never need to know how to make a Double Flounce collar (page 79). Many of the designers highlighted here hit their popularity in the 80s and much of couture sewing in general (but especially couture of 20+ years ago) is just not relevent to every day style. Definitely use the "Search Inside" feature to see what I mean. Still, it is not very expensive and I believe that overall there is enough in here to warrant having it in my library.
great idea book.......2007-07-27
The book is good. The service fast. -just not exactly what I had expected for the type of book.
If you're still learning about sewing - BUY This book.......2007-03-30
There's a lot of books out thee - but if you're still learning a lot of the more advanced tricks - BUY THIS BOOK. Seriosuly - I am usually happy to get half a dozen new ideas out of a book - usually makes up for what I spend - but that is all this book is about. New Tips and Tricks.
I was estatic to see some of the coat lining techniques used in one of my Amrmani coats broken down and described so well. Its like "OH Ok - thats how its down" Its full of stuff like that.
Maybe if you've been sewing for 30+ years and have a college degree in fashion - you might know everything from cover to cover already - but if your a still new or an intermediate still learning - this book is an ideal find.
Wow!.......2007-03-17
This book packs in so many tips and techniques! The author could have written 10 books with all the material in it. This book is geared towards advanced sewing, and would be over the head of anyone looking for basic information. In addition to an unbelivable amount of information on finishing details, there is a section on pattern making. I thought this was kind of an odd subject change, but if you're doing advanced sewing, there does come a time when you just can't find what you need in a comercial pattern. I really liked this book, and would recommend it for anyone moving to the next level in sewing.
Pretty Good Stuff.......2007-03-09
This book is much more basic than Shaeffer's Couture book, and some of the style and design suggestions are a bit dated (copyright is 1997), but all basic instructions can be applied to more current and/or trendy styles and details, with just a bit of imagination and determination. Excellent construction, no matter how "now" your design may be, will always add that bit of flair, so the book is helpful in improving and adapting your sewing skills to produce garments that avoid that "home made" look.
Product Description
'Couture Sewing Techniques
Customer Reviews:
VERY INTERESTING AND INSIGHTFUL.......2007-10-03
I read this book from cover to cover, and all I can say is that it is a Jewel!
So informative with easy to understand instructions.......2007-08-04
I thought that I knew how to sew, but this book has taught me so much. It makes sewing easier and more professional when finished. It has been very helpful.
the other things.......2007-06-11
I've sewn a lot starting with all my many cocktail and formal dresses as a teen, whole wardrobes, kid's clothes and I rate this book a deep bargain and one the home sewer who aspires to fine clothes ought to buy. Now.
Who should not buy it? If you are in love with your serger and have perfected 92 ways to avoid basting or marking fabric, forget it. If a wardrobe in a weekend is what you want, this would definitely set you on a different track that's not going that way. If you can't see the difference between a $30 skirt and a $300 skirt, let alone a $3,000 one, you probably won't care for half the stuff in this book. But if the idea of making your own couture quality clothes excites you, this is your book.
This is not for the uncertain beginner who wants to know everything, but a brave beginner could use it and learn a lot about finishing and fitting alongside standard pattern instructions. The intermediate and experienced sewer will get the most from it fastest. The basic theme is how couture differs from everything else. For instance--far fewer darts. For instance a lot more hand sewing, even of major seams. It is explicit in the areas it covers, exactly how to mount a collar, or exactly how long a basting stitch should be and when you should use a running stitch or backstitch. Which end of the thread from the spool goes in your hand-sewing needle. Now there's something most of us never even thought about,and it is a tiny thing, yet knowing the right way helps. There are a number of techiques that make usually difficult areas a lot easier.
The beauty of this book is a subtle one. Claire Shaeffer can write lucid instructions. It is not an easy thing to explain sewing steps that don't sound like jabberwocky, and she can.
Some will hate the old pictures, but those with designer instincts or artistic types will understand them as inspiration and examples to prime the creative spirits.
I've already improved my finish product with a couple of techniques. Wish I had this book 30 years ago.
Mother's Day.......2007-05-22
I got this book for my ol'girl for Mother's Day so this review is based on her impressions, as I can't sew to save my life.
********
Well written
Comprehensive - for the advanced levels
Great pictures
Lots of tricks of the trade info
Good binding - great presentation
Fantastic price
********
Basically, it made it onto the top shelf of her 'Supreme Sewing Book Collection"
reads like a novel.......2007-05-08
I have allways wanted to learn about couture but never could find easy access to information. This book really gives you insight to the field
Customer Reviews:
Briday Gowns: How to make the Wedding Dress of your Dreams.......2007-05-15
The book arrived quickly and in great condition. It looks like it has lots of information to help with making my daughter's wedding gown...I'll begin sewing in September.
bridal gowns; how to make the wedding dress of your dreams.......2006-08-07
Very informative I will use the book alot
Wonderful Resource.......2006-02-01
I am in the Bridal Alterations business and also sew weddings on the side. I am just starting out and wanted to learn more about the insides of wedding gowns. I have used other books by these women (Fit for Real People) to teach sewing classes in local fabric stores and knew they'd put out a great product. Inside they tell you what fabrics to use for interlining, interfacing, step by step construction, patern fitting, and more. There's even a checklist for constructing a wedding gown and yardage and instructions for making petticoats. I REALLY recommend this book!
A Good Guide, But Know How to Sew.......2002-12-12
I was toying with the idea of making my own dress and bought this book. The author is very knowledgeable and the text is well-written. However, if you are a novice you do not want to ACTUALLY attempt a dress without either a.)guidance, or b.)other books to walk you through. This is written for those who truly understand patterns and sewing. However, if you don't sew it is a great book to understand what things you should be looking for if you are having it made by a dressmaker, and the types of fabric/necklines/veils, etc. If you're expecting a step-by-step this is not the book for you.
Wonderful!.......2000-06-07
Well written, clearly illustrated, great on all the details. Obviously written by a pro who is very creative! Highly recommended even if you don't plan to sew your own--you will get lots of ideas to have the perfect dress made for your special day!
Amazon.com
Though ostensibly a how-to manual on wedding gown construction, this magnificent book teaches all about advanced dressmaking skills, and its principles can be applied to creating many other types of haute-couture-style gowns. The very thorough text details all aspects of fabrics and construction: the unique characteristics of each type of fashion fabric, including extensive information on manipulating lace; preparing the muslin mockup (a necessary first step to ensure a perfect fit); adjusting the bodice, sleeves, and skirt and joining them all together; adding ornamentation; and handling bustles and trains. The final chapter presents all the specifics of making four gowns of different styles. The novice and even the advanced sewer will learn much here, and perhaps best of all, pattern-drafting experience is not required--the author works her transformations on purchased patterns. If you're ambitious enough to make your own wedding gown, this book is absolutely essential, but even if you're hiring someone else to custom-make your gown, you'll find this an invaluable guide. And anyone pursuing a dressmaking career should have this important reference work on the shelf. --Amy Handy
Customer Reviews:
Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for WEdding Gowns and Evening Wear.......2007-05-15
The book arrived quickly and in great condition. It looks like it has lots of helpful information that I'll need for my daughter's wedding gown...I'll start sewing in September.
Great book!.......2006-02-02
I bought this in addition to Bridal Gowns:How to Make the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams. This book had some different ways of approaching the same topics in the other book so it was nice to have a different perspective. She goes into detail on fabrics and lace and how to use them, bustles, embellishents and takes you step by step through the making of several of the gowns you see in full color in the "gallery" in the front of the book. Also includes detailed construction techniques to give the dress a couture look inside and out. I would highly recommend this book!
bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear.......2005-10-06
This is a very good book with all the details you ever want to know on how to sew a wedding gown.
I would recommend it.
fine techniques but outdatet style for Europe.......2005-09-03
If you have a strong interest in making bodices this is a good book to add to your collection.
For me, the only problem is the limmited amount of techniques being described.
Susan Khalje for me is someone who really knows what she's talking about, but she seems a little conservative. ( style wise )
Then again, i'm european and i have this problem with more books from the us.
But, i am glad i have bought it.
A MUST HAVE for all sewing enthusiasts.......2001-07-24
I bought this book never having heard of the author before. I was fairly "blown away" by the high quality of the information offered, the wonderful works shown and the fact that this author obviously cares about those who will use her book. She provides her readers with some of the best, complete and accurate information I have ever seen written in a book. The reader (in this case me) knows that she/he is being provided with information of the highest standard, the author doesn't withhold important facts and obviously loves what she does as seen in the quality work she produces. Sewing from the soul.
I don't do Bridal Sewing but am interested in Couture Sewing. This book is one of the finest on the subject. I highly recommend it.
Customer Reviews:
Great for beginners or advanced sewers!.......2007-07-03
This is a very helpful book for whatever level you are. A recommended addition to any home library!
Very comprehensive.......2002-11-03
This is the most thorough and comprehensive of all my sewing books... I have many sewing books, but this one is the best!
V. Useful.......2002-07-23
My sister gave me this book when she taught me how to sew. It has been invaluable. And even though my cat kicked it off my sewing table in an attempt to stop me from sewing and split the spine of the book so that the pages are all loose and floating around my apartment, I still use this book all the time. The explanations are well written and easy to use and the pictures are also terrific, for all you visual types. I consult this book often and swear by it. It's a good one.
Great book for a beginner.......2002-07-10
I found this book very helpful. The pictures and illustrations are numerous. The explanations are detailed enough for a beginner like myself!
Really does not go out of date.......2002-07-09
I have the FIRST edition, 1976, of this book...it is actually just as fact-filled as the new edition, and it hasn't the glitz of color through-out, though it has color plates. But, the information is great in both editions, and I urge the sewer to have this book around. I use it still for reference and refreshing the memory of things I do in sewing too seldom to remember! The new one seems devoid of the neat home projects the first edition had, and they are really retro now!!!
Average customer rating:
- This book is expensive, inaccurate, and underwhelming.
- THANKYOU CLAIRE SHAEFFER!!!
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Sewing for the Apparel Industry
Claire Shaeffer
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ASIN: 0321062841 |
Book Description
This easy-to-use workbook details the sewing processes, practical skills, and equipment used in apparel manufacturing. It contains step-by-step directions, approximately 1000 illustrations, and numerous reference charts. Efficient and cost effective procedure descriptions compliment material on the basic concept of design and desired quality—providing users with an understanding of various production methods, how they affect design decisions, and relate to garment quality and labor and material costs. Divided into three parts, the chapters logically guide readers from basic intrinsic operations to more complex specific applications for particular structural elements. Coverage includes basic machine and production skills; a complete treatment of seams; hems; darts; facings; plackets; interlinings; cuffs and waistbands; sleeves; closures; zippers; collars; pockets; bias; and linings. A practical reference for apparel manufacturers and sub-contractors, training and production supervisors, professional dressmakers, theater costumers, homesewers learning professional techniques, and a helpful tool for problem solving in the workplace.
Customer Reviews:
This book is expensive, inaccurate, and underwhelming........2004-01-13
Claire Shaeffer writes informative books about sewing and fabrics for the home sewer. Claire Shaeffer should have either stayed in the sewing industry or gained real experience in the garment industry before she dare charge $71 for a vacuous outsider's perspective of this so-called "apparel industry". The book has a generic text book tome and the corny needle and thread clip art screams "home sewer". There is nothing wrong with home sewing. I've been sewing since I was 10. Making clothes has been my quiet hobby and a source of unending fascination. The truth is: the garment industry doesn't want to deal with home sewers. "Fashion" designers and home sewers both share ignorance and arrogance as annoying, unappealing traits. Anyone can doodle on a napkin, but who can construct it from a sketch, fit it right, and sew it up professionally, within your cost structure? Not a "fashion" designer or a home sewer can do that, yet they think that they are greater than the process for they are completely unaware of the process. The goal is to work well with the fashion and garment industries. If you are looking for this kind of information in this book, you won't find it.
This book is expensive, inaccurate, and underwhelming. The "sewing on paper project" (page 50) is laughable. How will sewing on a piece of paper get me any closer to dealing with "the apparel industry"? Claire Shaeffer's terms are off. Apparel is nebulous - it's either the fashion or garment industry. The fashion industry sells the clothes while the garment industry makes the clothes. It's "block" rather than "sloper". Good blocks are everything, so learn how to make them and alter them yourself - for everything revolves around your blocks! It is your block that you take to garment manufactures from which they sew a sample. They don't need your pretty little sample. It is good to sew your "first sample" for your benefit, for you will know, in general, how to construct it and the number of steps for costing benefit. What are those 101 steps of garment production? You won't find the answer in this book. It is quite a leap going from home sewer to design entrepreneur and those of us taking that leap need accurate and relative information about the ways of the garment industry. Without accurate information, that leap means you'll never know how to contact garment manufactures; you can't define what you want and they don't know what to deliver; your clothes will never fit and you will have committed tons of money on a "dog"; you won't ever know the language of the garmento and you will sound like an a buffoon; you will sew the long, circuitous route rather than the expedient way like the professionals using industrial machines and practices. For those of you looking for information to facilitate crossing the chasm from home sewer to design entrepreneur, you won't find it here.
THANKYOU CLAIRE SHAEFFER!!!.......2002-08-09
This is the type of book that should be used in schools for Merchandising OR Fashion Design. I cannot get over it's usefullness. Everything I wanted (and needed) to hear about about clothing manufacture is in this book! Fairchild Pubs could never publish such a USEFUL and INTELLIGENTLY WRITTEN book. Those bastards always make textbooks difficult to understand and fill them with meaningless JABBERWOCKY!! Half the time, they don't even have a decent glossary or INDEX (if there is one at all) whereas Claire it seems, has given us the full tour. Peripheral data you could care less about is not here!! Nothing to waste your time, only a step-by-step layout of what happens when a person or people manufacture clothing for retail purposes. From the design concepts (who and how they're created) to what type of people you would need (including full job descriptions) to what the considerations are for contracting, shipping etc.. There are also tons of other little things including pictures that are laid out in a very intelligible way. The beauty of her writing is that the data is always concious that you may not be a huge entreprenuer, and applies methods for the little guy as well. Just an amazing book. I almost don't want anyone else to know about it...
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