The Little Black Dress: How to Make the Perfect One for You [Paperback]

Simon Henry (Author), Andrew Fionda (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 2009

Every woman needs it! The Little Black Dress is the ultimate timeless, failsafe garment. But where is a girl to find an LBD that’s tailor-made, fits perfectly, and compliments her body? The answer: make one! Expert dressmaker Simon Henry guides even the sewing-impaired through the entire process. He explains all the materials and the techniques, and shows how to construct and fit a personalized body block that forms the basis for every pattern in the book. Choose from three classic styles: a chic shift, a fashionable wraparound, and an elegant strapless cocktail dress with a jacket and hat to match!

 

 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Simon Henry started to knit, sew and crochet from the age of nine. A family friend, talented seamstress and sample hand, taught him traditional techniques that she learned in the ateliers of some of the best couture houses - techniques that he still uses and teaches today. He has been designing and making couture end wedding gowns, formal wear for balls and red carpet events, plus tailored day and cruise-wear for over thirty years. An experienced dressmaking tutor, Simon has taught and mentored many students over the years. Simon lives in Derby, UK with his civil partner Clive.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Guild of Master Craftsman (April 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861086237
• ISBN-13: 978-1861086235
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #279,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best book I've seen so far for beginners. :), July 1, 2009

By 

Jessica Chambers (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Little Black Dress: How to Make the Perfect One for You (Paperback)

I have a growing collection of books on how to sew. This book is the one I will recommend to others. The Little Black Dress book teaches basic sewing techniques in a step by step format, from sewing a straight seam to invisible zippers to boning. The author takes a fairly conversational tone, helping to remove the fear and build your confidence as you go along.

Considering that my motivation for learning to sew is to make clothes that fit ME, this book is invaluable. It walks you through how to create patterns based on your own body and measurements, all 3 dresses are based off of the the pieces you cut in the beginning. The first process of making the 'body blocks' does require TWO PEOPLE, so bear that in mind.

The three dresses are: the Audrey Hepburn style dress on the cover, a wrap dress, and a Marilyn Monroe style lightly boned wiggle/tube dress.

Truly, I cannot recommend this book enough, the photos and descriptions are so easy to follow and the directions are clearly stated... and I absolutely love the methodology behind making these dresses.

Enjoy!

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Class Dressing, November 19, 2009

By 

D. V. Woodard "Soulnoir" (university city, missouri United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Little Black Dress: How to Make the Perfect One for You (Paperback)

i think it is ambitious to teach so much in such a small book, but it is well done. The information is concise, well illustrated and pertinent to the production of a fine garment. So many books today use short cuts and "RTW techniques" that do not result in a quality garments. If one were to learn to sew from this book, it would result in a quality garment. Excellent reference for beginner and more experienced sewers alike.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This Book!, September 18, 2009

By 

Andrea Phillips "Crazy Crafter" (Franklin Township, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Little Black Dress: How to Make the Perfect One for You (Paperback)

This book is absolutely wonderful! If I could give it 10 stars I would. Why you may ask? Because as the saying goes "A picture paints a thousand words". The photographs in the book are so clear that nothing is left up to your imagination. Minimum instructions make this book a delight to read through - there are a few typos though. The dresses are simple and beautiful. So do not pass this creative delicacy up, you'll be missing out. The Little Black Dress: How to Make the Perfect One for You is perfect for beginners and advance sewers alike.