Fine Embellishment Techniques: Classic Details for Today's Clothing (Hardcover)

by Jane Conlon (Author) "Bead-embellished garments can be irresistibly gorgeous, but as anyone who's made or worn one knows, the visual allure of the beaded garment is only half..." (more)
Key Phrases: rouleau strips, bias rouleau, threaded running stitch, Tiger Tape, Wonder Tape, Perfect Sew (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Like knitters, today's sewers welcome ideas for embellishments to push their sewn garments beyond the boundaries of the ready-to-wear. The topic has yet to be covered fully in sewing booksAuntil now. Conlon, a frequent contributor to Threads magazine, divides embellishment techniques into five major types: beading, threadwork, trims, applique, and bindings/pipings. Separate chapters devoted to each of these techniques include information on choosing appropriate tools and materials, step-by-step directions, and ideas for using the embellishment in a garment. Instructions are crystal clear, and the whole is beautifully organized and illustrated. Highly recommended for sewing collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Celebrating all that is elegant and classic about vintage clothing, this book shows how to embellish new garments to make them look as though they were crafted in a more glamorous era. Readers will learn they don't have to be experts to add embellishment techniques from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s to their wardrobes. They'll discover the possibilities of adding threadwork, beading, trims, piping, and more to garments. These projects are elegant and sophisticated and especially appealing to those who like glamour but not glitz.
-- Features five categories of embellishment techniques.
-- Includes detailed instructions and 70 color photographs.
-- Offers design inspiration of all kinds -- from casual to evening wear.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Taunton; illustrated edition edition (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156158231X
• ISBN-13: 978-1561582310
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #672,444 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

96 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that goes beyond the expected, June 18, 2000

By A Customer

I own many, many sewing books and hesitated to buy another that would teach the same old basics. This book DOES teach the basics--and, like all Taunton books, with clear directions and beautiful, helpful illustrations. However, then the author goes a step further and shows some extremely sophisticated looks that a sewer can get from using the techniques in unexpected ways--or by combining two techniques. (I can't wait to try the combination of cording and bobbin work.) This is not an intimidating book--and makes you feel that if you take your time, you can get good results even if you aren't a couture sewer. Every embellishment technique you can think of is in this book--and I'd label it a basic reference work. I'm keeping it close at hand in my sewing room, right next to "Fabric Savvy," "The Art of Fabric Collage," "Make It Your Own," and my Lois Ericson books.

89 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most valuable book I have purchased for medieval costuming, July 23, 1999

By A Customer

I originally purchased this book for "eye candy", thinking it would only give me modern day examples of embellishment techniques I could apply to the medieval and fantasy costumes I design and sew.

I was mistaken. This is a resource guide of embellishment techniques. The (well done and many) photographs are a small part of what I have used from this book. I have learned the techniques for applying these embellishments and learned what sewing attachments and notions I can use in each case to make the task easier. This book has given me much advice on where best to use them and how.

I would recommend this book to anyone sewing fantasy or medieval costumes as the one book they should buy this year.

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, March 22, 1999

By A Customer

This book is full of wonderful ideas of how to add that extra zip to the clothes you make, or even pre-made clothes. The suggested designs are elegant, not craft-sy like most of the information and designs that are available on the subject.