Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: HeatherL
Date: 11-30-2004, 07:51 PM (1 of 16)
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Okay...I love, cherish, and crave reference books. Right now the top title on my wish list is "Pattern Drafting for Dressmakers" by Pamela Stringer. But it's out of print, difficult to find, and expensive...and I probably won't be buying for myself until after the holidays. So, I have some shopping time. What reference do YOU find to be the most helpful? Particularly for beginners? |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-01-2004, 12:09 AM (2 of 16)
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The two best books I've ever bought are: How to draft basic patterns and Designing apparel through the flat pattern method. You can usually find the older copies on eBay or Amazon.com for fairly reasonable prices. The newest editions are expensive, but the older ones are just as good, IMO. Both are packed with all the technical information for how to create basic slopers of almost any style. Oh...I should say you really need both books. The first one has all the information about measurements, pattern grading and muslin fitting. The second has all the basic instructions for different styles and ways of altering the styles of individual garment peices. "No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152 
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From: suzan
Date: 12-16-2004, 03:44 PM (3 of 16)
| I found an interesting book on e-bay by Rene Bergh. It is called Make your own Patterns. I have been trying to use it as a guide to making my own patterns. I am quite the novice but am having fun trying out what the book says. I am presently on my second try. |
User: suzan
Member since: 03-05-2002 Total posts: 22 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-16-2004, 03:55 PM (4 of 16)
Hi Suzan, welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: suzan
Date: 12-22-2004, 12:26 AM (5 of 16)
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Hi Mary Thank you for the welcome. I really enjoy this site. Actually because of all the information on your site I have actually starting sewing. I still consider myself a beginner but things are getting better. I didn't think I would ever be able to construct something that I can wear but surprise, surprise. Thank you so much for taking the initiative to do this. |
User: suzan
Member since: 03-05-2002 Total posts: 22 |
From: MartySews
Date: 12-22-2004, 12:54 AM (6 of 16)
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Elizabeth Allemong has a great book called "The European Cut" and it can be found on www.vestisbooks.com website. Another book is Judith Rasband's "Fabulous Fit (?)". I cannot remember the rest of the title - sorry another senior moment. Helen Joseph Armstrong's book on patternmaking is considered one of the best. I also have Rene Bergh's book and one by Donald McCune called "Make Your Own Sewing Patterns". I find that these are good references. I'm just learning to draft my own patterns. I've almost mastered flat pattern adjustments on commercial patterns but want to learn to draft my own. Many I know use a Patternmaking Software. There are many available that range in price from $99 - $399. Hope this helps. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: mommydionne
Date: 01-03-2005, 12:41 PM (7 of 16)
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I use Pattern Making for Fashion Design author Armstrong, publisher Harper and Row, has just about everything in it, Amazon carries it too.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Sheri
Date: 01-05-2005, 10:14 AM (8 of 16)
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I use Pattern Making for Fashion Design author Armstrong, publisher Harper and Row, has just about everything in it, Amazon carries it too. Does it deal with hard to fit men? |
User: Sheri
Member since: 12-04-2000 Total posts: 126 
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From: jennhi
Date: 01-10-2005, 11:08 PM (9 of 16)
| do any of the recommended books have instructions to build lingerie patterns? |
User: jennhi
Member since: 09-24-2004 Total posts: 8 |
From: MartySews
Date: 01-11-2005, 01:33 AM (10 of 16)
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I have a separate book for sewing lingerie. Kwik Sew has one with patterns included. I bought it with a 50% off coupon at Hancock Fabrics. It was under $15. Hope this helps. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: sable
Date: 01-11-2005, 03:08 AM (11 of 16)
| I have a book called "Pattern Cutting for Lingerie, Beachwear and Leisurewear" by Ann Haggar. It has instructions for all sorts of lingerie and also touches on knitwear blocks and swimwear. I haven't actually got around to using it yet, but it looks good. I also have Pamela Stringer's book, plus 2 by Natalie Bray. I am looking for a good one for Infants and toddler's wear. Also one that deals more with menswear would be good. |
User: sable
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 76 
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From: jennhi
Date: 01-11-2005, 03:58 PM (12 of 16)
| great, thanks! |
User: jennhi
Member since: 09-24-2004 Total posts: 8 |
From: Serenity
Date: 01-13-2005, 01:33 PM (13 of 16)
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I have a few drafting books, I found them at various thrift stores. I am presently trying to create a library of sorts for reference. I made a wish list (which I call my personal holiday wishlist), and I have several books that I saw at Amazon that are supposed to be workbooks as well. Serenity (Who misses Vermont and can,t wait to get back home.) "The struggle is not greater than the goal". Be blessed. Stay encouraged.
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User: Serenity
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 85
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From: cera
Date: 02-08-2005, 10:09 PM (14 of 16)
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I have many pattern drafting books, including Pamela Stringer's book (which BTW is available here is Toronto, I saw it the other day in a sewing store, if you are interested, I can get it for you, email me off list). However, a really good book for beginners IMHO and very easy to use is a book by Gillian Holman called Pattern Cutting Made Easy (it's a bit hard to find), it's a great book, I was able to draft a bodice pattern in less than 2 hours first time around. With all these books, having a set of accurate measurements is half the battle. Hope this helps
Toronto, Canada :)
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User: cera
Member since: 09-27-2000 Total posts: 34 |
From: sewgorgeous
Date: 02-09-2005, 07:45 AM (15 of 16)
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Hi Cera, I'd like to know if the drafting instructions in the book of Gillian Holman's Pattern Cutting Made Easy, if it uses inches or centimeters? And have you drafted any sleeves? How's the outcome? Thanks. |
User: sewgorgeous
Member since: 01-15-2005 Total posts: 4 
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From: cera
Date: 02-09-2005, 09:51 AM (16 of 16)
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It uses both, which is the other nice thing. I haven't drafted sleeves as yet, but from what I see, it seems like a good method, and she gives instructions for various types of sleeves. There is also a torso draft for jackets and coats.
Toronto, Canada :)
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User: cera
Member since: 09-27-2000 Total posts: 34 |
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