If only all dressmaking books were as simple to use as this! Learn how to lay out the pattern pieces on the fabric, transfer essential markings and cut with confidence. The teaching project in each section is illustrated with step-by-step photographs featured at key stages. With 20 projects in total, you'll never run short on inspiration. The accompanying PatternMaker CD (which runs on Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP) combines easy-to-use pattern drafting software with ready-made computerised pattern collections. A simple step-by-step pattern wizard asks you to select the style and details you want, and let the computer draws the pattern for you - in the perfect size and fit! In addition, the custom measurements of each pattern can be adjusted before it's printed out. Moreover, a useful, ready-reference flaps fold out with information on what the pattern symbols mean and basic hand and machine stitches.
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Review
"There are two brilliant aspects to this book, the first is that teaches basic dressmaking skills in a practical way and secondly that it includes a CD that will print out the required patterns sized to fit any reader!" Sewing World
About the Author
Marie Clayton is a professional writer, who has worked on a variety of sewing and needlecraft books including Ultimate Sewing Bible (9781843404118) and Make Your Own Clothes (9781843403890). She currently lives in London.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
There are certain basic tools that you will need but, except for a sewing machine, they are not too expensive. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
There are certain basic tools that you will need but, except for a sewing machine, they are not too expensive. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
124 of 124 people found the following review helpful
By Rozzy
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am no dressmaker but I made my (grown up) daughter a pair of trousers and a waistcoat with this system. She said they were the best fitting trousers that she had ever had. The material cost only £9.00 for both garments, now there's a bargain.
This is how it works, You install the CD, pick a garment, put in the measurements requested, print out the pattern, tape the A4 sheets together and follow the detailed instructions in the book. the instructions are really simple.
This system is suitable for beginners and the garments are the timeless classic type a terrific way to start making your own clothes particularly if you are not a standard size
It uses PatternMaker software. This is a well known system and you can buy other collections if you go to the PatternMaker website.
Right I'm off to find some material to make myself a swing jacket.
Hope this review was helpful
Rozzy
This is how it works, You install the CD, pick a garment, put in the measurements requested, print out the pattern, tape the A4 sheets together and follow the detailed instructions in the book. the instructions are really simple.
This system is suitable for beginners and the garments are the timeless classic type a terrific way to start making your own clothes particularly if you are not a standard size
It uses PatternMaker software. This is a well known system and you can buy other collections if you go to the PatternMaker website.
Right I'm off to find some material to make myself a swing jacket.
Hope this review was helpful
Rozzy
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By J. Delaney
Format:Paperback
It is a great idea to custom fit your clothes on the computer but unfortunately of the twenty custom-fit patterns (two for children) there were only two or maybe three items that I would consider wearing. You enter your measurements and then print off the patterns (which it cleverly does on any size paper in sections for you to stick together). If you like the designs you will find this book very useful otherwise it is not a lot of good.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ok simplest way of doing this is to split it into good and bad points, so here I go.
THE GOOD
1) The book is part of the C&B craft range and I have a couple of these books and find them fantastic reference points. They are great for beginners to advanced sewers and have good overall techniques and advice.
2)The cd-rom that comes with the book means you can print out patterns to be your exact size. You simply imput your measurements and it will create a tailor made pattern. You print it out on your own computer and stick the sheets together so you can make multiple copies of the same pattern.
(one tailored for you and one for a friend possibly?)
3)Lovely full colour illustrations and simple to follow steps.
4)Generally it is a nice book, nice print, nice pics, nice cd-rom =NICE! :)
THE BAD
1) The patterns are a little hit and miss. I would say just over a third of them I will attempt at some point. I am 21 but by no means looking for uber trendy outfits, just wearable. Sadly I have a feeling this book may have been rehashed from the 80s or 90s but with more modern pics. Some of the patterns are God awful! The swing jacket and elasticated waist trousers in particular!
2)Though the pictures are nice and in full colour the models all look a little stiff and uncomfortable. A teenage girl in a hideous swing jacket in YELLOW. Need I say more?
3)Some of the pieces which would be brilliant have been made in TERRIBLE fabric. It's a shame whoever was the design brains behind this book didn't research more trendy or even non-dating fabric.
4)The price. At the moment I think this is still a little steep for a book that is GOOD but not GREAT.... Read more ›
THE GOOD
1) The book is part of the C&B craft range and I have a couple of these books and find them fantastic reference points. They are great for beginners to advanced sewers and have good overall techniques and advice.
2)The cd-rom that comes with the book means you can print out patterns to be your exact size. You simply imput your measurements and it will create a tailor made pattern. You print it out on your own computer and stick the sheets together so you can make multiple copies of the same pattern.
(one tailored for you and one for a friend possibly?)
3)Lovely full colour illustrations and simple to follow steps.
4)Generally it is a nice book, nice print, nice pics, nice cd-rom =NICE! :)
THE BAD
1) The patterns are a little hit and miss. I would say just over a third of them I will attempt at some point. I am 21 but by no means looking for uber trendy outfits, just wearable. Sadly I have a feeling this book may have been rehashed from the 80s or 90s but with more modern pics. Some of the patterns are God awful! The swing jacket and elasticated waist trousers in particular!
2)Though the pictures are nice and in full colour the models all look a little stiff and uncomfortable. A teenage girl in a hideous swing jacket in YELLOW. Need I say more?
3)Some of the pieces which would be brilliant have been made in TERRIBLE fabric. It's a shame whoever was the design brains behind this book didn't research more trendy or even non-dating fabric.
4)The price. At the moment I think this is still a little steep for a book that is GOOD but not GREAT.... Read more ›
48 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I took a long time deciding whether to get this book or not, based on previous reviews, but would have to agree about the patterns. From the illustrations, this is clearly a newly published book (2008), but some of the garments date it by more than 2 decades and haven't been brought up to date, despite the current fashion for "vintage" clothing. The swing-jacket, "tulip skirt" scoop-neck top and equally dated double-breasted cropped-jacket are redeemed by most of the other patterns which are quite acceptable, but the unflattering photo of the drawstring shorts would probably convince most sewers to give them a miss as well. The lack of rear-view plan-drawings make some garments like the asymmetric jacket, difficult to assess on how fitted the garment is. -Another one for the more retrograde stitcher.
There are some timeless pieces, such as the classic jeans, sleeveless dress on the cover, tailored blouse or the more ambitious shawl-collared jacket, and both little girl tops are sweet and trend-proof, but not really adaptable for boys. Stylistically, most garments would fall into the "classic pieces" category, and as such would be easily included in formal or working wardrobes. I found myself disappointed by some photos, preferring the models own tops to the garments (such as the beret) on offer. The wrap-skirt, flared skirt and basic trousers are perfect for beginners and good all-rounders. Seasoned dress-makers will find most garments readily adaptable by changing necklines etc.
What clinched the purchase of this book for me was the possibility of modifying existing shop-bought patterns to my specific body-shape.... Read more ›
There are some timeless pieces, such as the classic jeans, sleeveless dress on the cover, tailored blouse or the more ambitious shawl-collared jacket, and both little girl tops are sweet and trend-proof, but not really adaptable for boys. Stylistically, most garments would fall into the "classic pieces" category, and as such would be easily included in formal or working wardrobes. I found myself disappointed by some photos, preferring the models own tops to the garments (such as the beret) on offer. The wrap-skirt, flared skirt and basic trousers are perfect for beginners and good all-rounders. Seasoned dress-makers will find most garments readily adaptable by changing necklines etc.
What clinched the purchase of this book for me was the possibility of modifying existing shop-bought patterns to my specific body-shape.... Read more ›
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm somewhat of a novice when it comes to making clothes [I've only started recently and have only really made clothes from written instructions as opposed to following patterns] however, all of the instructions in this book are easy to follow and the clothes are really nice.
I was unaware of the pattern-making software that is included with this book, and when I found it I was pleasantly surprised. The software is easy to install and allows you to make custom-fit patterns for each project as well as creating your own pattern from scratch.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who are new to sewing or those who are looking for something simple and quick to make.
I was unaware of the pattern-making software that is included with this book, and when I found it I was pleasantly surprised. The software is easy to install and allows you to make custom-fit patterns for each project as well as creating your own pattern from scratch.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who are new to sewing or those who are looking for something simple and quick to make.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Its ok
I got this because of the pattern cd software, which i thought was a bargain given there's 20 patterns that can be printed off with your own measurements. Read more
Published 24 days ago by Miss Ali
3.0 out of 5 stars
This book is okay - Patterns print out is a nightmare
I bought this book for my daughter. She tries to print out some patterns with the CD that goes with the book but unfortunately she got upset as the pattern wouldn't print in 1... Read more
Published 1 month ago by H. Y. Guims
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great product
Excellent product love the way you can customise your own clothes with the CD. Book very easy to follow. Great
Published 3 months ago by Trancey Henderson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Make your own clothes
This book is excellent for anyone who is able to make their own clothes, by using the disc the program creates a tailored pattern to fit the measurements which you enter and it... Read more
Published 10 months ago by CorinneS
2.0 out of 5 stars
Dated patterns with limited use
I had my hopes a little too high for this book and CD combo, it had been on my watch list a while and I thought I'd treat myself when ordering another item without looking at it... Read more
Published on 29 Dec 2010 by A. Pressey
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good basic dressmaking tool
The styles are very simple and suitable for a beginner who needs a well fitting foundation block. The only thing I did not like is the fact that you have to input measurements... Read more
Published on 4 Oct 2010 by Meg
2.0 out of 5 stars
Very very average...
I have a somewhat non-standard figure and find it hard to get the ready-made patterns fit properly (not impossible but a lot of work). Read more
Published on 3 May 2010 by aelita2u
1.0 out of 5 stars
Only for ABSOLUTE beginners
This was a complete waste of money for me. Would perhaps suit an ABSOLUTE beginner.
Published on 23 Feb 2010 by Flora McDonald
4.0 out of 5 stars
the basics and then some more
Great book for me, who likes to sew my own clothes without wanting to buy patterns but make up my own...with the help of this book, no problem. Read more
Published on 26 Oct 2009 by melancholicrafter
2.0 out of 5 stars
A bit old for my years!
I bought this book having just bought a sewing machine and wanting to make my own clothes. I really liked the dress on the front cover. Read more
Published on 1 Sep 2009 by Ms. E. L. Smith
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