Customer Reviews

Vogue Sewing, Revised and Updated

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

IF, that is, you're looking for a book that goes into further detail than the standard beginner's sewing book. My mother, who taught Beginner's and Advanced sewing for decades (after earning a full scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago straight out of high school for her sewing skills), told me that this was a book that she recommended to her advanced (high school) sewing classes, so it may not be the easiest book to just flip through and use off the cuff, but it definitely is an extensive book that brings in not just the craft of sewing, but the actual art of it - something that I, as an artist and art teacher, find to be very important. And my mom just couldn't say enough about what an excellent sewing resource this book is.

My first sewing book was The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition, which IS great for visual references on what the tasks you're undertaking should look like throughout the process, but I found it to be very bare bones when it came to answering my "okay, sooo, WHY am I doing this again, instead of doing that???" type questions. "Vogue Sewing" answers all of those questions for me, as well as offering very helpful hints on how to properly tailor a garment to your specific figural requirements, how to remove specific stains, why to use one fabric over another, what the differences are between a variety of fabrics.... and I got all of this from simply skimming through the book! Yes, this book may guide you towards using Vogue patterns, but considering that that company's name figures VERY prominently in the title, it should be pretty obvious that this book isn't necessarily going to steer you towards using Simplicity or Butterick patterns, especially since I doubt that they have easy access to the copyrights that would allow them to reference those companies' patterns. If that doesn't bother you (it sure doesn't bother me), this book isn't just worth a look, it's worth the full cover price, let alone the discounted price you'll find it for here on Amazon!

Again, if you want a book that's going to ease you into the world of sewing by holding your hand and helping you take baby steps (something we ALL can use at the beginning of anything new), you're probably better off with The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition, as a starting point. BUT, if you're looking for a book that will take about as much deciphering as a standard pattern's guide sheet but offers a great wealth more information about why you're doing what you're doing and everything you could think of in between, this is DEFINITELY the book you want to buy! Heck, you could just do what I did, and buy 'em both! If, however, you only intend to buy one sewing book in the near future, and you want something that will take a little more investment (of time and thought), and give you a MUCH bigger return in knowledge and experience, buy this one first!

I really like this book because it goes into advanced alterations which is what a lot of other sewing books lack. I was surprised to find out that it has that as a section, being that this is a general sewing book. But it's more than that, there's also couture sewing techniques and a section on how important color is, and guidance on choosing the right colors. That's also something I have a hard time with.

This book covers a lot of useful info about sewing, but the illustrations and instructions are confusing and difficult to follow. The book has only 2-color illustrations and no photos. I ended up having to buy another book, DK "The complete book of sewing", it is much better and at Amazon, it's almost the same price as this one. I wish I could return this Vogue book, but after shipping fees are discounted, it's just not worth the trouble.

This book describes everything about dressmaking. All the little details about how to make clothes that fit. How to measure a body and find the right size pattern to purchase. How to modify a pattern to fit your particular measurements. (pretty important for me since I do not look like Barbie!). Helpful chapter on how to determine which style and fabric is most flattering for your shape. I did not feel like Vogue is trying to sell their products to me. I found it helpful that they use samples of their products to illustrate concepts. If you are like me, early 40's, full time worker who doesn't have time to take a course in dressmaking and the 1-2 hour classes at JoAnns just don't cut it, this book will take you through all the nuts and bolts. I have purchased other sewing books, but none have the level of detail this book has. This is like a text book! I wish Vogue had a book on Home Style projects, like accessories, drapes, bedding, upholstery, etc.

I bought this book when I began sewing and it became quite useful when I ran into little hiccups on technique. Yes, it does push more of a couture apporoach to sewing, but I found the information to be quite informative.

Most books on the how-to of sewing are content to show the reader how to sew a seam, insert a zipper, set a sleeve, fix a rip, use iron-on interfacing, and tack a hem. This work persuades the reader to look beyond the mechanics of sewing and think in terms of fashion. For example, fabric textures, ease in wear, the overall silouette of the wearer, and color can make a garment so-so or totally unique. Better still, the home sewer is encouraged to pursue the fantastic opportunity to create one-of-a-kind clothing item to make heads turn.

The reviewer has assigned a three-star rating because this is a fairly big 450 page softbound manual that becomes a bit unwieldy in use.

This book is the perfect transition from the beginners sewing book to a more advanced level. The organization is wonderful, the instructions precise, and photos help detail what is featured. I LOVE this book and would recommend it to any seamstress who has been at the beginner level and is ready for a step up.

This book has a lot of plusses. It goes into great detail on a huge variety of sewing procedures, with a lot of illustrations. If I am doing something I don't do often, I definitely pull out the book to review before I start cutting or sewing. My criticism of the book is its vocabulary. A lot of the time it uses what I would have to call sewing jargon. I don't know what the terms mean. Sometimes I can look them up. Sometimes the illustrations alone will suffice. More often, I pull out my trusty Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing and review the same procedure. If you are a sophisticated seamstress, and understand all the sewing terms, this book will be beyond helpful; it's essential. If, like me, you are a sometimes seamstress with no formal training, the book can make you feel like you're in over your head.

Amazon keeps sending me emails asking if I want to send Vogue Sewing back. No, I don't. If you're a teach-yourself-sewing person like me, this is the book you buy, and you leave by your machine. If you're like me, you want to make SURE you're choosing the best option for each piece you're making, and you want to be SURE you're doing the technique correctly. Thumbing through it inspires you to change all your patterns, stopping to read makes you dream up something just so you can try a particular technique. It is the be-all and end-all of sweing books and if you have this with "How to Make Patterns" and a cheap old Singer machine, you're well on your way to years of fun and adventure at your sewing table. It covers the basics for every possible situation, from how to properly sew a dart to the various ways to sew in a zipper. It's a reference manual, a muse, and eventually, an old and cherished friend, at least until you wear out its spine and start losing its pages in with your pattern pieces. Then, you retire it with honors to the recycle bin, purchase a new copy (which, TREAT! turns out to be the 2nd edition, now with even MORE informative stuff) and it takes its place next to your machine.

If the publishers would add the "look inside the book" feature I could find out if I would want the updated edition. The book I have is quite good. Covers a lot of topics. I think it is geared towards the advanced beginner/intermediate level.