{"product_id":"dressmaking-the-indispensable-guide-9781770859388","title":"Dressmaking: The Indispensable Guide","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eA practical illustrated guide to techniques, tools and troubleshooting from a couture dressmaker.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e This book is a beautifully presented and comprehensive resource for dressmakers new to the craft and for those who want to take their skills further. It features scores of step-by-step sequences showing every kind of technique, from using and adapting paper patterns, to couture-inspired seaming techniques that will take garment-making skills to a new level. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Some notable and practical features of the book are: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e all photos illustrate the sewer's perspective from above, whether hand sewing or using a machine \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e fine details (such as a small notch) are shown in close-up photo call outs \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e photo annotations point out important details \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e lengthy descriptive captions leave no opportunity for confusion. \u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e The contents cover the full breadth of dressmaking. The following are just a few of them. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e Sewing Kit -- the tools and materials required, including a sewing machine, overlocker\/serger, and how to choose and use them \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Preparation -- Natural and synthetic fabrics, how to choose fabrics, prepping and handling, pre-washing, types of thread, interfacings, understanding and sizing a pattern \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Cutting -- Laying out and pinning fabric and patterns, weighting, marking, and tacking \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Making - Pressing is not ironing, creating shape, open and closed seams, pockets, openings and closures, zippers, sleeves and cuffs, collars, yokes, waistbands, decorative features, sewing jersey \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Finishing -- Bound edges, facings, hems, and linings \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e Resources -- Metric\/imperial conversion, sewing machine needles sizes and uses, common seam allowances, and US, UK and European size conversions. \u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e Other valuable topics covered are the anatomy of a stitch, correcting thread tension, fixing stitches, working 4-thread jersey, what selvedge is and how grain lines work, how to measure yourself (and why), how to alter a pattern to fit, making a toile (a personalized, muslin, fitting dress). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003eDressmaking: The Indispensable Guide\u003c\/i\u003e is an essential reference. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e Jules Fallon started out in fashion as an apprentice pattern cutter. She earned her Fashion Degree and became head of a college fashion department. She now designs and produces couture and ready-towear bridal and evening wear, and her company, Sew Me Something (sewmesomething.co.uk), runs hugely popular sewing workshops. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Firefly Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50433082818834,"sku":"9781770859388","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_88c9b42a-c6d8-40a1-9a21-da017d4e3e23.jpg?v=1729559068","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/dressmaking-the-indispensable-guide-9781770859388","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}