102 of 102 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Useful techniques and patterns, July 23, 2003
This review is from: Kwik Sew's Beautiful Lingerie (Paperback)
This is a well-written, readable, very useful book. My only
regret is that it was published in 1990, and shows its age a
little bit. For example, in the past several years many
more types of knit fabric have become available for home
sewing, and some (e.g. slinky) are quite a bit more stretchy
than the knit fabrics listed in the book, so they may
require taking in the patterns for a closer fit.
The book has sections on techniques and on how to use the
patterns to make whole garments. The patterns include a
camisole, half slip, chemise or full slip, teddy, panties,
nightgowns with different yokes, and robes. They are sized
XS-XL, which means bust measurement 31.5-45" and hips
32.25-47". They are to be cut on the straight grain of the
fabric when using knits and on the bias for wovens. They
are printed on both sides of the paper, so unless you don't
want the pattern on the back of the one you're using, trace
it onto other paper before you use it.
Some people have found that Kwik Sew's panties tend to be
cut too wide in the crotch, so it's a good idea check that
pattern against some of your ready-to-wear. Other than
that, their patterns seem to fit well and have the correct
sizing according to measurements.
The half slip is your basic two-piece elastic-waist version
like the kind you'd find in a store, with an optional slit.
The camisole and chemise have an M-shaped upper front edge,
curved shirttail hem, and narrow straps. The teddy is
closer fitting and designed for knits only, with wide
straps, princess seams, and an elastic waist. The
nightgowns and robes are the loose type gathered to a yoke,
but further along in the book there are explanations of how
to use the camisole or teddy bodice pattern pieces to make
closer-fitting gowns.
The book has a large, detailed section on how to use lace,
and another on different hem finishes. Near the back is a
section on how to make trims and applique. All these
sections have step-by-step instructions and good
illustrations. (If you prefer accompanying photographs
rather than drawings, try out Singer's Sewing Lingerie
book.) In the rest of this book there are lots of photos of
finished garments showing different design ideas and
explanations of how to use the patterns to accomplish them.
Even if you never use the patterns in the book, the
techniques described can be extremely useful on other
projects, even if they're not lingerie.
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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book, August 22, 2006
This review is from: Kwik Sew's Beautiful Lingerie (Paperback)
This is a very good book, as all the other books that Mrs. Martensson has published. It is very detailed, shows how to do all the things with plenty of illustrations and photographs, and gives the patterns in the most common sizes. It even shows you how to do some basic alterations to them for a great deal of garments. The only thing I missed in this book is a basic bra pattern, but other than that, all other patterns are great, and I have used them extensively. I sew most of my clothes, and these patterns have made making my underwear and lingerie a pleasure. I have enjoyed making the things in this and in other books I have bought from Kwik Sew for many years. I highly recommend it.
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