Nora Abousteit

nonfiction; advanced sewing. I didn't find this very helpful--the projects were mostly just ok, and each seemed to require dozens of alterations to the basic patterns included (without that much in way of instructions)--so much so that it seemed easier for one to just draft her own patterns from scratch, and if one were in fact up to that level of advanced stitchery, I'm not sure one would bother with this book. I didn't mind browsing the overview of the decades (signature silhouettes and designer influences, etc.) but found an evening flipping through this borrowed library book was sufficient--it definitely does not warrant purchasing. There were a few sewing patterns for men included, but they were more or less variations of your basic button down (with ruffles, tuxedo-style, or with a nehru collar).… (més)

Book comes with 5 base patterns (in an envelope at the back) which can be altered to make 20 different garments: 5 dresses, 2 men's shirts and a man's jacket, 8 tops, two pairs of pants, bloomers, and a petticoat.
Chapters cover various time periods, usually two decades, so the first chapter is the 1920s to 1930s. Two pages on the look of each decade, and instructions on making garments from that era. Pattern instructions are fairly extensive, with diagrams as well as written instructions. Fashion illustrations for the book are not particularly good. Fashion photography makes the garments look attractive. Good selection of different garments (although oddly no skirts).… (més)