No Time to Sew : Fast & Fabulous Patterns & Techniques for Sewing a Figure-Flattering Wardrobe [Hardcover]

Sandra Betzina (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1996

Classic clothes, quick techniques, and goof-proof patterns add up to a perfect wardrobe for the busy sewer. No matter what your size, you can create a wardrobe with designer details by following the expert instructions of sewing star Sandra Betzina.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Betzina is well known to home sewers, both for her lively television series, Sew Perfect, and as the author of "Power Sewing," a syndicated column emphasizing time-saving techniques. This book demonstrates that in a short amount of time, a woman can create a complete wardrobe that will be more flattering and comfortable than any ready-to-wear garments she might buy. Nine items, from full pull-on pants to a shawl-collar jacket to an oblong scarf, are the basic elements of this wardrobe. Most can be completed in an evening or two. Betzina suggests appropriate fabrics for each garment and then takes readers through the garment-making process in easy-to-follow timed segments. Note that the Rodale Designer Collection, a collection of multisize patterns, accompanies the book and may need to be stored separately. Even those who prefer hand sewing to machine work may be tempted by this book to drag out the sewing machine and give it another try. Highly recommended for public library sewing collections.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Home economics as a required high-school course still leaves a

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 213 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; Book and Access edition (October 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875967442
• ISBN-13: 978-0875967448
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #651,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Expert Advice > Sandra Betzina

More About the Author

Sandra Betzina, the "power" behind Power Sewing, is the author of More Fabric Savvy, Fast Fit, Power Sewing Step-by-Step, Sandra Sews for the Home, No Time To Sew and Fear of Sewing and most recently, the Power Sewing Toolbox series. She has produced a skill series of Power Sewing DVDs and also designs a full line of patterns for Vogue under the tab of Today's Fit. Sandra hosted her own show, Sew Perfect, on HGTV for six years and now has a regular, online sewing show called Power Sewing TV, which is co-hosted by Canadian sewing expert, Ron Collins. Sandra is also a popular speaker and hosts several week-long Sewing Retreats San Francisco throughout the year.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best sewing book of all time, July 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: No Time to Sew : Fast & Fabulous Patterns & Techniques for Sewing a Figure-Flattering Wardrobe (Hardcover)

If you are a beginning sewer, don't hesitate, buy this book now. Basically the content of this book is expanded pattern directions, written step by step for someone who has trouble following a commercial pattern. If you have tried to sew many times and things dont come out right or you have problems figuring out standard commercial pattern directions--you will love the way Sandra walks you through everything. I am a pretty experienced sewer and reading this book over and over is like a breath of fresh air! The fashions are classic, they are very attractive made up...I hesitated to buy this book because I thought some of the styles were frumpy, they are not at all frumpy when you sew them in real life...The palazzo pants are my favorite...I get tons of compliments everytime I wear them (I have made several...this pattern is worth the cost of the book alone) I was shocked they looked good on me, I am only 5-2 and not slim! I also LOOOOVVEE the vest.

96 of 106 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Do Not Buy this Book if you are Plus Size, September 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: No Time to Sew : Fast & Fabulous Patterns & Techniques for Sewing a Figure-Flattering Wardrobe (Hardcover)

The book description states it is for any size but then only supplies patterns for S-M-L.

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Use this book as a starting point on your new wardrobe!, July 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: No Time to Sew : Fast & Fabulous Patterns & Techniques for Sewing a Figure-Flattering Wardrobe (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to make more than silly frou-frou things and other stuff that collects dust. I prefer utility, and these clothes are utility and fashion at the same time. I've made two tuxedo shirts, two dresses (one cowl-necked with a matching scarf), seven pairs of slim pants, one t-shirt, and plan to make a lot more, plus some I haven't done yet. These are the clothes that look good, are easy to make, easy to wear, and have endless variations. Soon I hope to make a nice poly/wool jacket, and maybe a cool-weather dress with a vest. I'm still thinking about trying the palazzo pants, but I didn't buy this book for that. The other garments are not going to be out of style anytime soon, even if the palazzo pants are. Unfortunately, I think about how to make these clothes while I'm driving, which is not safe in Houston. But really--measure twice, cut once, and enjoy the easiest to make modern clothes around.