Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book

by: Anne Marie Soto (Editor), Simplicity Pattern Company

Topics include:

Book Description:

Good, but not the best -- When my Simplicity book was on order from Amazon[.com], I went to the library and checked out the "Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing." Since I only want one basic reference on sewing, I want it to be the most comprehensive one. The Reader's Digest guide is, in my estimation, much more inclusive. I am more or less a beginner, and Readers Digest covers more techniques in better detail. It includes a fabric dictionary, in case a pattern recommends dimity and you don't know what that is. "Simplicity" seems to assume that you want to knock garments out in the least possible time, whereas I want to sew garments that have the best possible finish inside and out. "Simplicity" does have some information that Reader's Digest does not--such as patternless projects and directions for sergers. On the other hand, the hand sewing techniques and fabric dictionary in Reader's Digest are things "Simplicity" doesn't have, and which I need. "Simplicity" is well-liked for its chatty style, but some might find that style more condescending than chatty. My "Simplicity" book came shrink-wrapped, but did not include anything to get a free pattern. It is THE Best! -- Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book is a great book for beginners and advanced sewers. You can read it chapter to chapter or use the extensive index in the back to look up techinques as you sew. The book is divided into 3 parts with an index and free coupon in the back: Part One: Your Own Sewing Style Includes 4 chapters on sewing basics --sewing for today, pattern use, guide to fabrics and notions, and finding the perfect fit Part Two: Simply The Best Sewing Resource Includes 2 chapters on using your sewing machine --universal basics and the best sewing techniques Part Three: Simply The Best Patternless Sewing Projects Includes 3 sections that allow you to jumpstart your sewing experience without using storebought patterns. This is my favorite section of the book. It comes with COLOR photo inserts and has projects for your home,baby, and even a simple wardrobe. The procedures are very basic, but yield wonderful results! Lastly, the finishing touch is that you get a mail-in coupon to get any one Simplicity pattern FREE. There is a catch, of course. You have to also send [postage] and wait 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. But it's still a good deal! So, what are you waiting for? Buy THE BOOK! Happy Sewing!

Perfect for my needs. -- I am really satisfied with the content in this book. I am also very pleased with the spiral binding. The information provided in this book is exactly what I was looking for. Couldn't put it down -- After reading a couple other sewing books and getting nowhere in my quest to teach myself to sew, this book answered all the questions I had as a beginner. I literally couldn't put it down because suddenly all the sewing, fabric and pattern jargon that had been rolling around in my brain suddenly made sense. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading it from cover to cover. Great for beginner -- I'm just learning how to sew and needed a full referenece since I haven't sewn since I was in 7th grade and forgot everything I may have learned. Lots of good pictures, explainations of techniques. Very straightforward. It's good for beginners -- Reviewer: Marla1001 "Marla1001" (California, USA) - See all my reviews Buy this book if you are beginner at sewing, and ONLY if you are interested in sewing clothing. Good self-teaching aide. I just expected more information on other than sewing basics, and was disapponted.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A NEW SEWER! -- I've been sewing for over 30 years, and I still turn to this book as a way of either improving on old methods or simplifying them in some way. I've gotten books over the years that never seem to have my particular question. This book ALWAYS does. It is easy to understand, the illustrations are clear. It shows each method the "conventional" way AND the Overlock way. The section on fabrics is pretty good, although if you want a more comprehensive book, look for Sandra Betzina's book on Fabric Saavy. If I were learning to sew and could only have one book, I'd go with this one. I would highly recommend the Spiral binding as it lets the book lie flat--important if you're working while using it. Excellent -- When I began sewing, I received this book and Sewing for Dummies. Over and over again I found myself turning to this book. It was much more comprehensive, where as Sewing for Dummies only included the most basic information. Even "beginners" patterns include instructions not covered in the Dummies book! This book also has a very thorough index, something necessary in a reference book. The tone was conversational enough for you to read straight through before ever picking up a needle. In the back is a lovely section on "Easy Patternless Projects" that will help you gain confidence in your sewing and show you that your options aren't limited to the patterns available in the store. I gave it four stars rather than five because the clothing styles used throughout the book a little outdated and there could be more emphasis on non-fashion sewing, i.e. home accessories.

Reviews:

STILL the best!!! -- I used an earlier edition of this book back in school, in Home Ec class, and I used it 20 years later to teach my daughter sewing. I also used it myself, all the years in between. I'm an advanced sewist, and I would recommend this book to anyone learning to sew, or who wants to improve their skills and knowledge. Its an excellent book, and the newer edition is just great. Its also a good reference for more experienced sewists to have on hand. Don't Sew Without This Book -- I'm an experienced sewer, but my daughter isn't. I bought her this book when she inherited her grandmother's sewing machine. It is the best sewing book printed. Period. She has used it so often I decided I'd purchase it for myself, and I learned things I didn't know before. The writing is clear, the diagrams and pictures are wonderful and very helpful. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who sews no matter their skill level. SO much information for beginners -- If you are like me, and have a sewing machine that you were given and have always wanted to try, but were afraid to, this book will really help you get up your courage and want to try it. I agree that the styles they suggest are outdated, but the techniques are so numerous and the directions so thorough that for the timid beginner like me, this is a great book to start with. It's almost a "Sewing for Dummies" but with a much more positive, upbeat attitude. Also included in the book is a section on tools, and notions, which again, for a beginner is SO helpful. It tells you which ones are worthwhile and you should consider buying and which ones are less so. And to top it all off there's a coupon in the back to send for a free pattern (of your choice!) to help you get started. For the price, I think it's fantastic.

Sewing for Dummies -- What an awesome book for the novice seamstress. ( and I emphasize stress.) It is difficult to take up new hobbies as adult learners but this book makes it SUPER EASY to sew. I started right away and no matter the term or question or difficulty, I have found the answer in "Simply The Best Sewing Book." Notable is the chapter on patterns. How to get the proper fit, and selection of fabrics. Also, the chapter on patternless wardrobes is outstanding. Want to learn to sew or just need a great reference ? This is the book for you. I love it. Wow That Was Easy! -- I barely remember taking home economics in jr. high, you know the class that you made the apron in. I just decided to purchase a sewing machine and begin again. This book was on the shelf next to the sewing machines, grabbed it without looking at it and glad I did. This book is very helpful in those forgotten basics and has advanced techniques as well. What is a plus in this wonderful book is that it has lots of helpful tips. You will flip through this one while sewing or quilting, whether your a beginner or old hand at sewing, this book is for you! The only sewing reference I've needed -- I started learing to sew a few months ago. In that time, I've had lots of questions, and this book has always had the answers! Highly recommended! Must Have -- I purchased this book, when I bought my sewing machine. (And I am a beginner.)I have found that this book is a must have because, the instructions in it are very easy to follow. And the patterns included in the book ar great. I would recommend this book to anyone. A BOOK FOR EVERYONE WHO SEWS -- I have been teaching sewing for nearly ten years. This is the first book that I fully endorse and the only one I use in my beginning sewing classes. Every level of seamstress, from beginner to very advanced needs to have a copy of this book in their homes. All instructions are very clearly written, the pictures are beautifully done and the information is correct. If you are new to sewing you need this book to help you figure out how to start. If you've been sewing for years, you need this book as a quick reference. This book is "Simply the Best"!

Extremely Useful Information -- The text and accompanying illustrations are actually useful (some other sewing books with great photos or illustrations that leave out steps hurt more than help). I actually bought this book after taking a sewing class where hemming and other techniques were xeroxed (hopefully teacher had copyright permission, pages were cited correctly). I would expect all levels of sewing experience to benefit from contents! It is "Simply the Best" -- If you have ever taken sewing in high school, and you remember, "Hey I liked doing that!", but can't remember how to do it, this is the prefect sewing companion. It refreshes your memory, and teaches you things your teacher didn't. It has shortcuts, tips, and even a section on how to work with an overlock. It is clear, easy to understand, and fun to read. The first time you pick it up you want to sew something, anything, but you definitely want to sew! It has a FREE pattern offer, so you can start even sooner, color pictures, pattern-less patterns, and even neat little tricks! Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book is, quite simply, "Simply the Best"!