Have you ever bought a pattern but wished you could alter
some detail of it? Change the neckline, add sleeves or pockets
and make it your own? This book shows you how this can be
achieved, and thus make the most of the patterns you own and
expand your wardrobe.
I do like a book that sets out plainly on the first page who
the book is for and what you can expect from it. This is not
a book for the dressmaking beginner, nor is it a guide to
altering patterns to get them to fit your shape. Instead you
can learn how to customize what you have and alter the look
of a garment. You don’t have to be an accomplished pattern
maker to do this, but a good working knowledge of dressmaking
and using patterns is essential. The book opens with a look
at commercial patterns as well as a list of tools you need.
This is followed by a chapter of sewing terminology, so you
can find out what staystitching is and why you ought to do
it, cut your own bias binding and choose the right interfacing.
The rest of the book is a series of chapters focusing on different
features and how to customize patterns to add them. Make your
garment individual by adding pockets, cuffs and collars, alter
the neckline, convert to a different closure or change a waistband.
There are plenty of diagrams with written instructions and
I found it all very doable despite not having done much alteration
myself – but then I do cut my own patterns. Any intermediate
level dressmaker should find this a good addition to their
sewing bookshelf.
If you cannot find a good range of sewing materials locally
try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
If you are in the UK you can buy a good range of patterns
online from www.sewdirect.com/
|