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Books Related to Make Your Own Clothes PatternMaker with Marie Clayton - ISBN: 1843403897
A useful tool and a good all-rounder - Rated
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. If your skills are up to this and you have defined "problem areas", then this is definitely the book for you, since the computer generated patterns will be tailored to your specific measurements. If you are hoping to save money on patterns, your experience of the 1980s will undoubtedly colour your view of the garments on offer. They will either be fantastically suited to everything you can no longer readily buy (even considering current fashion trends!) or a painful reminder of why you were desperate to avoid current trends by sewing your own clothes in the first place!
It is a good idea if you like the patterns - but I didn't! - Rated
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.
The accompanying CD - Rated
The accompanying CD was easy to use (you need to do lots of photocopying) and for the first time I can be confident that it will fit me! So diffiuclt when the other half doesn't know how to do darts and so on with pins!
