Firstly, this DVD Rom
This DVD puts the entire Threads magazine archive from 1985 to 2009 on to your very own computer. That’s 146 issues and you can read every page of every issue “faithfully reproduced and in its entirety” (I quote here from the box). It shows you thumbnails of all the covers, which you can click on to open them up and browse through the pages, or you can use the search facility that allows you to quickly find any particular subject or article that you’re interested in. You can then zoom in and read it in detail or you can easily print it out. It costs $149.95 (they ship to the UK), which is quite an investment but I really do LOVE it and so, for me, it’s been money well spent.My second indulgence was this book
I have to confess that I do already have a lot of sewing reference books (how many would be too many, I wonder?) but this one really is wonderful and has taken over as my ‘go to’ book. It has had some glowing reviews on the U.S. Amazon website (click here if you want to read them) and I can see why.
It’s a very comprehensive guide (560 pages) to sewing the professional way but if you are a home sewist (like me), don’t think it’s not for you. It is written in easy to understand language and has very clear illustrations. I have taken a picture, at random, of a couple of pages to give you a ‘sneak peak’ at what it looks like inside.
I love it because it takes a fresh and modern approach, both in its style and in the advice it gives.
There is, of course, one drawback with my new purchases – too much reading about sewing and not enough actual sewing! Do you have this problem, or is it just me?
Yea, You, for making to the one-year mark and for your first review on Pattern Review.
ReplyDeleteDo you know how many sewing reference books is enough? Just one more.
That book looks wonderful! We home sewers strive for a "designer" appearance in all of our garments, so I think it's totally appropriate to use a book for design professionals.
ReplyDeleteLast night I picked up Simplicity 2564 at JoAnn's 99 cent sale b/c I needed a pencil skirt pattern to go with the jacket I'm working on. I was so excited to discover that it was your "plain skirt" pattern! I re-read your helpful post, and plan to refer to it when I sew the skirt (probably next week).
Anywho, have a good weekend! Just bought tickets last week to come over to the UK again for a week to see my family. I'll be over the last week in May - hoping the flowers (and weather) will be glorious!
The book looks really good. I could definitely use another reference!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the Burda instructions never did make much sense, but I have soldiered on. I am almost there.
That threads DVD is on my wish list!! I also want Connie Long's book on Linings.
ReplyDeleteBoth of those are on my "want" list! I have all the Threads magazines, and they take up so much space. I'd like to replace them with the DVD. And the book--I keep looking at it and it's on my wish list at Amazon.
ReplyDeleteWow, have fun with all that reading. Reading/research does count as sewing.
Oh yeah, I am totally coveting that Threads DVD! You are going to be so inspired to sew!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your PR "first-review" year anniversary. lol. Very cool. Great gifts - I'm going to have to add the Julie Cole book to my Amazon wish list
ReplyDeleteI am sure I spend more time thinking/reading/planning sewing than I actually do sewing, so I can relate!
ReplyDeleteThanks for those reviews. I definitely want that Threads DVD and I will have to take a look at that book.
ReplyDeleteYour purchases are wonderful, and no you are not the only one. If I could sew everything that I plan and dream about I would have a wonderful wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteGreat resource haul!
ReplyDeleteOoo... nice presents!! Congrats on the one year mark! I'm jealous of your resource collection! :) Thanks for these two suggestions... I'll have to put it on my list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lead on another great sewing book.
ReplyDeleteEugenia, you have provided the answer to my latest quandry. It's time to renew my Threads subscription but I've been debating whether I should do it or not because in the 10 months I've been back to sewing seriously, I have developed a bit of a ummmmmm storage problem. The answer - Threads on DVD. Yea!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have not succumbed to the Threads CD yet, but that book looks fantastic! I know what you mean about reading and not sewing, though....only with me it's looking at patterns, at Burda magazine, thinking of new projects...but then not getting to the sewing room!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your Pattern Review Anniversary!!! You definitely got some great picks. I own the book and absolutely love it but I have yet to lay hands on the DVD-ROM. Have fun with all that reading--it's what inspires us to sew and try some new techniques out!
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