Customer Reviews

The Costume Technician's Handbook: A Complete Guide for Amateur and Professional Costume Technicians

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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I am a student costumer and I hav had nothing but good experiences with teh Costume Technician's Handbook. I finally learned to draft my own patterns from this book - a skill no teacher has ever been able to drive into my skull. This is an absolute necessity

I was introduced to Rosemary Ingham's book when I was in college getting my degree in Technical Theatre. It was from this book that I learned to draft patterns, an event that forever changed the way I work, giving me the freedom to design for myself. While the lack of color illustration makes for some very dry visuals, the information is invaluable.

I am a former student of Rosemary Ingham's, now graduated and working as the Costume Shop Supervisor for Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. I use her book almost everyday. Her instructions for sewing, altering, and patterning are easy to understand, clear, and concise. Plus there are great visuals to go along with the words by her writing partner Liz Covey. I can't wait until the next edition is complete. This best thing about it is that you don't have to be a professional costumer to use this book. A must for all sewers.

This is an excellent resource for anyone who makes costumes for theatre at any level. It assumes a basic knowledge of sewing but never gets too technical. This book gives realistic techniques for creating costumes from any period, using basic tools. They do introduce some more specialized techniques, but only as an introduction.

When I am in the middle of a production this book is always handy in my workshop!

I am a free-lance costumer that travels around the country a lot for my work. This is the one book that travels with me as a basic reference for whatever the directors might throw at me. Most of the information is presented on a basic level (ie pattern blocks are for slopers, not finished garments), but a book would have to be the size of an encyclopedia to include detailed information on how to construct everything and would still miss something. This book gives you enough information to get you started and you can figure out the rest.

I do more sewing and tailoring of regular clothes than costumes (which is a hobby). And I use this reference all the time. For example, when taking measurements or doing fittings for family and friends, I pull this out. It actually helped me to understand patterns better, and my tailoring skills have increased dramatically.

I also found it useful when finishing our basement and creating my dream sewing space.

I'm also using it for my research for a class on fabrics and fibers.

I recommend this book as a great resource for anyone making clothes.

picked this up off the shelf in order to help myself with a major sewing project which will result in my throwing an historical costume party to debut my creation. It has to be good so I needed the extra tips because I have no quick access to anyone with experienced costuming under their belt. Have been no less than satisfied. It could use some more concise instructions and is in need of more color pictures.

This book is wonderful. I got the book when I was in school and it has been in my tool box ever since. I recently had the pleasure of working with Rosemary and found her working style to be as informative and educational as her book. It has helped me with many projects, both professional and personal, and should be in every costume technician's library.

I consider myself a knowledgable and accomplished seamstress. I recently began to work for a theatre company and had some specialty costuming questions (hoops, bustles, and fat pads) and the book provdided the answerers. Someone with little sewing experience will find this a great handboook of technique. highly remommended