Adventures With Polarfleece: A Sewing Expedition [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Nancy Cornwell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Marketed under various brand names, fleece fabric is an amazingly versatile material that is no longer limited to outerwear garments. Sewing expert Nancy Cornwell has spent years perfecting techniques and developing tricks for working with this sometimes tricky fabric. In Adventures with Polarfleece, she carefully explains all aspects of working with the material, including stitching basics, achieving no-hassle zippers and buttonholes, creating color-blocked patterns, adapting patterns not originally designed for fleece, mastering ready-to-wear finishing details, and adding class with designer details such as ultrasuede accents, sculptured looks, pin tucks, embroidery, and appliqué. Although the bulk of the book comprises tips and instructions for specific techniques and applications, there is also a chapter devoted to 15 step-by-step projects, from a jacket, vest, or cape to a "baby collection" of blanket, pillow, toy, and snuggle wrap. Even if you're used to sewing fleece garments from store-bought patterns, you'll find much to help perfect your technique and produce professional-looking results.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; illustrated edition edition (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873415558
• ISBN-13: 978-0873415552
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #721,062 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful information, August 27, 2001

By A Customer

I read this book simulataneously with Rochelle Harpers "Sew the New Fleece." There is much overlap and both books are good. Cornwell's book had a very useful section in the beginning that lists all the mills that make synthetic fleece and pile fabrics, who they supply (e.g., who supplies LL Bean, who supplies Patagonia, etc.), and what the various characteristics are of each type of fabric--she knows what she is talking about in this area. As far as fleece construction techniques, I thought that Harper's book beat out Cornwell's with more options and details. Cornwell's had a lot of "cheater" shortcuts that I wasn't interested in since I want to make good, solid ready-to-wear style outdoor garments. Also, Cornwell's focus was too much on the baby-bunting/"fashion" jacket/granddaughter's outfit-type projects rather than the serious outdoor garment scene. Many of the photographed garments screamed "I'm homemade!," and she spends too many pages on techniques like "fleece sculpturing" that could only have applications in tacky, crafty, homemade looking projects. If your goal is serious outdoor wear, Harper edges out Cornwell, but the serious sewer will want to read both.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, July 14, 1998

By A Customer

I just purchased this title and can't put the book down. It is extremely thorough and includes everything you could possibly need to know including identifying quality fabric, choosing the correct needle, troubleshooting, inserting zippers and embellishing. A definite must read for fleece lovers!

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond a doubt the best book on polar fleece on the market!, March 10, 1998

By A Customer

There is no question, the techniques and practical guides in this book are the best I've read. Nancy has comprehensive and detailed photos for each technique! And the ideas are todays look and ready to wear professional. I would urge anyone who is sewing on fleece to hurry and purchase this one. No affiliation just a happy customer! Enjoy