Sewing/Dressmaking book recommendation

bg · 08-17-2005, 02:58 PM

Hello everyone:

I have been thinking about making my own clothes. Being a graduate from an all girls Catholic High School, I was taught needlework for 5 years. So I know roughly 10 types of stitching patterns.

I don't intend to buy a sewing machine, till I am convinced that I am serious about sewing. I have made a skirt and table napkins with embroidery (something that I'm not very good at), and a stuffed teddy bear as part of school projects. I would like to sew a shirt and a pair of pants, but would like some reading material first. If you could point me to some titles, and places online where I could buy fabric I would really appreciate it.

If there is a thread pertaining to my question and someone could link to it I would really appreciate it. I did do a search here and didn't find what I was looking for.

**Michele Annette** · 08-18-2005, 10:32 AM

Two of my very favorite sewing resources for making clothing by Sandra Betzina. Unfortunately I let an acquaintance (not friend) borrow both of them and she took off witout getting them back!

I need to get new copies eventually they are great!

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561583634/qid=1124374219/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-5320156-3167928"]Amazon.com: Power Sewing Step-By-Step (9781561583638): Sandra Betzina: Books[/ame]

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561584940/qid=1124374219/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/104-5320156-3167928"]Amazon.com: Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure (9781561584949): Sandra Betzina: Books[/ame]

As for fabric link here are some that I like that you may want to try:

http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/

http://www.denverfabrics.com/

http://www.trimfabric.com/

http://www.sewbaby.com/

http://www.sewingstudio.com/

http://www.thethriftyneedle.com/

Good Luck!

**KatieInLa2** · 08-18-2005, 11:22 AM

I just checked out "Power Sewing" by Sandra Betzina. I am enjoying it very much wouldn't mind having a copy of my own.

bg · 08-18-2005, 11:45 AM

Thank you Michele! My local library appears to have several books by Betzina, including the ones you mentioned. I can't wait to borrow (and then even buy!) the books!

**Michele Annette** · 08-18-2005, 03:35 PM

Sam That's great! I was going to tell you to check your library, but I was in such a hurry typing. Sorry for all the typos too! Geesh! I really miss those books and I could kick myself giving them out. It's like a carpenter giving away his tools! The books are not cheap, so if you decide you don't like them no harm done! Different people like different resources. The good part is I've already picked up some techniques from the books that I still can remember.