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From: Sancin
Date: 09-30-2006, 03:30 AM (1 of 12)
I have been thinking I would like to purchase one of Claire Schaeffer's books. Any time I have seen her on TV or read an article by her I am blown away by her ideas. Do any of you own any of her books and which one would you recommend? 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-30-2006, 06:06 AM (2 of 12)
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If I were rich, I would have all of her books. I don't even know how many she has written. I have her Fabric Sewing Guide which is old now. It is a fabric bible, very thorough, covering all fabrics, their characteristics, how to sew with them and a sewing checklist. This tells you which needle to use, your machine settings, tension, etc. and which techniques work best with that fabric. For example, natural fiber fabrics should be sewn with polyester or cotton wrapped thread. I think she is doing this book over to include new fabrics that have come on the scene in the past few years. The pictures are dated, but the information isn't. I refer to it a lot, over 500 pages. She also shows designer garments and explains specific methods some designers use. Like I said, it is a fabric bible.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: paroper
Date: 09-30-2006, 01:23 PM (3 of 12)
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I have it too...it is a very important addition to a sewing library!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Sancin
Date: 09-30-2006, 02:41 PM (4 of 12)
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Mary and Pam - Thanks for that input. I have Sandra Betzina's book, 1st edition. I was wandering how they compare? Mary - a Google search indicates that CS hasn't written all that many that are available. One of the reason's I want to get one of her books now is because they are a little hard to get and getting out of print, though there does seem to be a number of second hand ones available. I really haven't seen any sewing author like her. I made a list of a title search I did last week, but as usual, it is lost in piles of papers on my desk. I guess I will have to do another. Must have been a bad week as I lost an uncashed cheque as well.  Found it!! * Sewing for the Apparel Industry - seems to be a rather big book * Couture Sewing Techniques * High Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers: A Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Stylish Seams, Buttonholes, Pockets, Collars, Hems, and More * The Complete Book of Sewing Shortcuts *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: MartySews
Date: 09-30-2006, 04:57 PM (5 of 12)
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I love Claire Schaeffer's books. I have the Fabric Sewing Guide, Sew Any Fabric and two other of her books but I cannot remember the names. She is on another discussion group and her advice is taken to heart. 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: MaryW
Date: 10-02-2006, 10:38 AM (6 of 12)
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She leans heavily towards couture. Absolutely beautiful garments with the highest quality workmanship throughout. Anything from Claire is top notch. Threads runs some of her columns. If I am not mistaken, she is starting another book now.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Cathie.Tombs
Date: 10-02-2006, 04:38 PM (7 of 12)
| Yes, C.S. is fabulous. A poster put the titles. I have the haute couture one, which is also interesting historically, and the sewing secrets from luxury RTW. I would recommend the latter, as you can make small up-grades to sewing techniques that patterns suggest, or small changes in the cutting out. She leads you through the process very well, and also, gives alternatives (a thing I really appreciate). This book helps us get sleeker looking techniques (no more bulky interfacings flipping out, etc). |
User: Cathie.Tombs
Member since: 08-27-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: weezyrider
Date: 10-03-2006, 10:27 AM (8 of 12)
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I've got the book on fabrics - only book I've ever seen with a total description of the fabric and how to care for it. I also picked up a sewing book by C. S. that was written for schools. I think it's out of print, but also quite good. Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-05-2006, 10:03 AM (9 of 12)
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This is her latest pattern, I think it just came out. http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V8333=x&TI=20001&page=4 MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: searose
Date: 10-05-2006, 11:35 AM (10 of 12)
| i love that jacket - i just wish my sewing skills were up to making it. searose |
User: searose
Member since: 09-30-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: Sancin
Date: 10-05-2006, 04:17 PM (11 of 12)
Personally, I wish I still had the figure to wear it. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: mommydionne
Date: 10-09-2006, 12:47 PM (12 of 12)
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I have two of her books, Couture Sewing Techniques(amazing...) it is about the couture techniques from the large houses such as Dior Chanel etc. Great photos, lots of hand techniques. I also have High-Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers it is more about high end ready to wear techniques, most of these can be done on a machine. So I guess it depends on what kind of sewing you like, the couture book is fascinating but I found the second one more usefull for my everyday sewing. Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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