Sewing For Dummies by Jan Saunders Maresh Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Sewing For Dummies
Book Review: I'm No Dummy Now
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is perfect for anyone who's utterly clueless about sewing. It's clear, direct, and simple to follow. It worked for me because I was able to pace myself and start small, for instance, a shirt for my dogs. Now, I feel confident enough to tackle some homedecorating projects.Book Review: It's just okay
Summary: 3 Stars
I give this book 3 stars, which means "okay," because that's exactly how I feel about it. It's a decent reference for some sewing terms and basic techniques--not great, but it will give you the general idea.
The biggest thing that I do not like about it (aside from the annoying "for Dummies" trappings: puns/plays on words, a self-conscious "accessible" style, and frequent attempts at humor) is the really abysmal editing. It's actually unclear which edition the author is writing when, at the beginning of the book, she mentions that she does not cover sergers much but gives more serger-specific advice in the second edition--because this IS the second edition, and there is precious little serger-related instruction to be had. I was confused. In a later section, she promises to show three techniques for gathering ... and goes on to describe TWO. Then, mere paragraphs after that obvious editing oversight, I looked forward to learning what a pin tuck and shell tuck were, only to be disappointed when she only covered the plain tuck despite an introductory paragraph promising information on all three types. I actually checked to see that I wasn't missing pages!
Additionally I found some of the instructions very difficult to follow. The illustrations it does have are pretty helpful as sewing illustrations go, but there is more than one place where more illustrations are necessary, in my opinion.
In all ... if I knew of a better reference book I would have bought that one. I am about to go check Amazon for a better-reviewed book! Also I would like one with slightly more up-to-date learning projects; maybe it's just me but a vest made out of placemats just doesn't appeal. The window treatment techniques are also pretty dated--I was somewhat surprised to see a publication date of 2004 since all the photos seemed so mid-nineties.
I don't like this book much but perhaps its direct style (if scattered and only passably organized information) could help some. It's not a big deal either way; I mean I am sorry I spent $20 on it but I will probably turn to it in the future just because I have it.
Book Review: Not all I was hoping for...
Summary: 2 Stars
After careful review of many different books, I chose this one. While it has a lot of information, I was specifically looking for a book on how to alter/"fit" clothing that is too big or small. I have very little sewing experience, so from a sewing basics standpoint, this book is a good choice, as it will give you a little (I stress the word little) information on many different sewing topics.
I felt the book could've had better illustrations and the author's duplicate instructions for those using a serger were a little annoying. I mean if you are reading a Sewing for Dummies book, what are the chances you are using a serger?!
I would suggest if you have a certain aspect of sewing you are wanting to learn about, try to find a book that is specific to that subject.
Book Review: Overall, good, useful book
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this book after deciding to re-introduce myself to sewing, after having taken one introductory high school fashion class about 10 years ago. I remembered basic things like the importance of pre-shrinking fabric, and slip stitching, but a lot of things I needed to bush up on. I bought Sewing for Dummies, and I've referred to it ever since. Overall, it's a really good book, and I definitely recommend it for people who have had a bit of familiarity with sewing before, and need to brush up. I do think the book could have more detailed imaging, and go into more description about the techniques. Some things, I did find myself referring to the internet for images and examples. I do think this book is defintely worth purchasing though, especially for the price.Book Review: Quick and Easy
Summary: 5 Stars
I used to sew a lot when my children were little. At some point I was "done" with sewing and I gave away my machine saying," I'm never sewing again!" But recently the sewing urge (and the practicality of it) hit me again and I've bought a new fairly basic machine. I was intimidated, at first by all of the new "bells and whistles". This book is a perfect tool to give me the confidence to try out all the new stuff the machine can do. Without this book, I think I'd stick to a straight stitch or some very basic zig zag stitches. Now with the help of the simple step by step instructions in the book, I am game to try out all kinds of new frontiers...like sewing knit fabrics and hemstitching by machine. This book is the perfect companion to match my limited knowledge and skill level for sewing and help me try many of the variable things my new sewing machine can do.