Dressmaking: The Easy Guide: Mix and match skirts, sleeves and necklines for over 80 stylish variations Hardcover – August 1, 2023

I've been struggling to perfect a bodice TNT block. I was in that never ending loop of - Do I need a FBA? Is it a "forward shoulder" or "high round back adjustment"? Is the armhole to high or to low? Why is the back neckline to low? or to high? or gaping? Why are there wrinkles from my shoulder to armhole/waist. I would fix one thing, then something else would hang wrong.Used her measurement chart, made an ease decision, and made NO other adjustments, I wanted to see what would happen. The first muslin fit almost perfectly. I could have easily just gone with that. I did end up narrowing the shoulder at the armhole and bam....I had a TNT pattern!!!! And everything matched and sewed together perfectly, notches, seam lines, armholes . Even the basic sleeve fit my larger bicep and hung correctly from the top of the shoulder without adjustment. Picking the sleeve based on armscye measurement plus ease worked. I didn't think it would.I have spent too much time, slicing/pivoting,/lengthening/shortening patterns to try and make them fit. Starting over with a well fitting basic block is eye opening.I highly recommend. If you are on the curvy side, her inclusive sizing works.I took that base bodice, added a button placket and a collar from another pattern and I had a well fitting basic button down shirt that fit.....

I am an experienced sewing person and I found some very good instructions that will improve my garment construction. Certainly worth having in your sewing library.

The objective of the book is straightforward: you will come away with fitted blocks for top, skirt (and combo dress) to include different options for collars, sleeves, necklines. Additionally the book is to guide you expertly to making adjustments to the full size patterns that come with it so that you will have beautifully fitted garments, and expert guidance on how to make it from pattern fitting to finish. I'm ha hack at garment sewing, and I wanted a competent resource. This book ticks all the boxes. (And no I'm not a review bot--just a very happy customer)While there is much great content on the web, sometimes we need it at our fingertips. The book is (1) beautifully organized; (2) clearly written; (3) perfectly illustrated; and (4) suited for sewists new and experienced; (5) and at $20 you cannot even buy the included patterns for what the book costs.Regrettably, my book arrived with a crushed top back spine. It does not interfere with my enjoyment, and the book was so inexpensive, it's not worth the return hassle.

Excellent book for beginners or intermediate sewist.

If you are interested in sewing a dress that fits well, this is your book! This book would be helpful for beginners and experienced sewers who find fitting elusive. Check out the Facebook page and you will see that people who bought this book have ended up with dresses that fit beautifully. Simple cotton dresses that have been elevated by the mere fact that they fit. There are also YouTube videos that take the explanations a step further. After you get the fit down there are many variations of the pattern that will keep you busy for a long time.

I love the layout and the easy to understand explanations. I haven't sewn anything yet but this book is helping me gain confidence.

I’m so glad I purchased this jewel. It gives so much information easy to follow and really helps you with your sewing journey. It’s a keeper

A very good beginner book with patterns included for a basic toile. Since the necklines are listed as a feature I made an assumption that their patterns would be included in at least some form. I can’t imagine why basic linings instructions weren’t included, so there’s that.Overall good instructions, the author has video of some of it on YouTube.I wish I’d read the reviews before purchasing since I’ve already got the alteration instructions from other books, in greater depth. A little disappointed.overall, but if you are a beginner this will give you a good start.