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While some of the pattern alterations are out of date, the book is still useful and helpful in making fashion adjustments. I just finished drafting my first pattern - a pair of pants for my daughter. As someone who has sewn over 30 years, the book has also really helped me to understand pattern construction and will definitely help me when adjusting commercial patterns as well. The instructions were clear and concise, and they fit perfectly the first time. I had one question about a line, but referred to one of my commercial patterns, and then understood what the author was trying to explain. I'm very pleased to have this book as part of my sewing library.For anyone who is interested in drafting their own patterns, I would highly recommend purchasing the appropriate measuring tools, especially a french curve. They are relatively inexpensive at your local fabric store, and help create the perfect lines.
Yes the book is no frills, but the techniques make sense and easy to follow/use. I grew so much in my sewing since getting Don's book and being in his free group. Many are so amazed that a disable veteran can make her own patterns. His critique is awesome. How To Make Sewing Patterns (HMSP) is the first and last book I pick up. I am always telling people about Don amazing skills. Don book is reasonable priced and is what I used in learning to make patterns. His classes are reasonable priced too.
It is hard to express, how making patterns and learning to be creative has improve my overall health. Fabulous. Lastly I must say, you feel at home and welcome in Don's diverse group. I am not only able to make basic patterns but I can create my own designs too. I have others patternmaking books which I paid more money for and do not use them. You got to do your part but someone is always there to see you through.
They think I am very heavy in sewing. Don is an awesome pattern drafting teacher and group owner. Buying this book changed my life. I found the group listed in the back of book.
This book was pointless: it teaches you how to self measure which was great, but then you take a bunch of measurements only to wind up with a great big square block of drafted "patterns" that require TONS of altering and fitting.this is not what i bought this book for. I wanted to be able to draft patterns, alter them minorly, and be able to make clothes from them. I've already spent endless hours shaping big pieces of square fabric into patterns and thought that this book would save me some time from doing that, but esentially, it doesn't.I was still screwing around with big pieces of fabric darting them everywhere in order to make them fit even AFTER I was done drafting the slopers in this book.it's just not worth it.
The how-to's ofpattern drafting are illustrated and clearly written. I've had this illustrated book for many years, it is clear, practical,and accurate. This book has detailed instructions & photos about how toaccurately take your own measurements for pattern drafting---muchappreciated by those who don't have a sewing helper. I used theinstructions to draft a dress pattern, and it fit perfectly. I took mycopy of the book apart and used a paper punch to put it in a 3-ringbinder so that it lies flat, like a cookbook, during use.
This book was a little too complicated for me. I'm sure it would be great for someone more advanced though.
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