Cheryl E. (sweetlizze) reviewed The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques on + 6 more book reviews
I have to say I was more "in love" with the "idea" of this book, than the actual book. No doubt, Ms. Singer has an amazing repetoire of skills, from simple stitches to couture closures. I purchased the book from Amazon ($$), thinking it would be the ideal book to use as a manual for my sewing students. I returned the book soon after receiving as it did not meet my expectations.
As stated, the author has a vast array of useable skils and an expert's knowledge. The text is well-written and directions are clear and precise. The full-color photographs are bright, well-lit, with many close-ups. My problem with this book is that as much as it is offered as a "visual learning tool", the visuals (photographs) leave much to be desired as "tools".
I am a visual learner, as most who would be purchasing this book may well be. Sewing students take classes in order to be "shown" techniques, rather than read about the "how-tos". The text is great for what it offers and as a back-up of sorts, however, pictures are the key to any great "how-to" book.
I was very disappointed with the photos, most of which use "vintage-type" busy prints to demonstrate the majority of techniques. These prints distract the eye from the technique and interferes with the presentation. And, to add to the dilemma, the author often uses same color or well-blended thread, making the stitches harder to see. Granted, the author wants to present "hip" fabrics, however, it would be much better for the learner/viewer to showcase techniques in plain,light-colored fabrics with contrast thread. I was quite dismayed by the demo of inserting piping-bright Red fabric stitched to bright Red fabric may be trendy, but completely obliterates the purpose of the demo!
There are a few techniques demonstrated with dark colored fabrics (denim) with contrasting stitching, which leads me to believe the author may have the "contrast idea", although did not follow through with the majority of the book. The few projects with contrast seemed more "designed", rather than part of a concept of successful teaching.
The "projects" also leave quite alot to be desired as well, concentrating on home-dec (panel curtains, a simple pillow, etc) with a few "fashion items" (circular skirt), all of which you can easily find patterns and tutorials on the web. I found these projects simplistic and not at all what one might expect in a book with "progressive techniques".
This lack of perspective by authors (and many You-Tube "teachers") for the learner's point of view happens alot with technical "experts". While no fingers or hands block the view between presser foot and fabric, the photographic demonstrations are largely wasted by the choice of materials.
This book is NOT for the Beginning sewer, more that it attempts to be for all sewers. The intermediate seamstress that needs a "refresher" may find the text a good "road-map" for more advanced skills, however, one needs to have experience to understand the techniques by text alone. While the lay-out is great, the approach and "build-on techniques" is also excellent, the photo demonstrations are NOT a good way to learn sewing.
This book is price-y, hopefully this review will give you an indication of "what's inside". This book is NOT recommended for beginners or those with less than intermediate skills.
As stated, the author has a vast array of useable skils and an expert's knowledge. The text is well-written and directions are clear and precise. The full-color photographs are bright, well-lit, with many close-ups. My problem with this book is that as much as it is offered as a "visual learning tool", the visuals (photographs) leave much to be desired as "tools".
I am a visual learner, as most who would be purchasing this book may well be. Sewing students take classes in order to be "shown" techniques, rather than read about the "how-tos". The text is great for what it offers and as a back-up of sorts, however, pictures are the key to any great "how-to" book.
I was very disappointed with the photos, most of which use "vintage-type" busy prints to demonstrate the majority of techniques. These prints distract the eye from the technique and interferes with the presentation. And, to add to the dilemma, the author often uses same color or well-blended thread, making the stitches harder to see. Granted, the author wants to present "hip" fabrics, however, it would be much better for the learner/viewer to showcase techniques in plain,light-colored fabrics with contrast thread. I was quite dismayed by the demo of inserting piping-bright Red fabric stitched to bright Red fabric may be trendy, but completely obliterates the purpose of the demo!
There are a few techniques demonstrated with dark colored fabrics (denim) with contrasting stitching, which leads me to believe the author may have the "contrast idea", although did not follow through with the majority of the book. The few projects with contrast seemed more "designed", rather than part of a concept of successful teaching.
The "projects" also leave quite alot to be desired as well, concentrating on home-dec (panel curtains, a simple pillow, etc) with a few "fashion items" (circular skirt), all of which you can easily find patterns and tutorials on the web. I found these projects simplistic and not at all what one might expect in a book with "progressive techniques".
This lack of perspective by authors (and many You-Tube "teachers") for the learner's point of view happens alot with technical "experts". While no fingers or hands block the view between presser foot and fabric, the photographic demonstrations are largely wasted by the choice of materials.
This book is NOT for the Beginning sewer, more that it attempts to be for all sewers. The intermediate seamstress that needs a "refresher" may find the text a good "road-map" for more advanced skills, however, one needs to have experience to understand the techniques by text alone. While the lay-out is great, the approach and "build-on techniques" is also excellent, the photo demonstrations are NOT a good way to learn sewing.
This book is price-y, hopefully this review will give you an indication of "what's inside". This book is NOT recommended for beginners or those with less than intermediate skills.
