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Member since 7/25/08
Posts: 11055
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Posted on: 10/31/08 10:05 AM ET
What are your favorite books for quick tips and RTW hints you don't see in the patterns? I have seen some like Claire Schaeffer's 1980's Sewing Shortcuts, especially if you use mechanical machines. I am not looking for couture-type, just everyday shortcuts where we say, "I could have been using this hint for 5 years!"
  
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Member since 7/26/07
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Posted on: 10/31/08 10:10 AM ET
I like Nancy Zieman's "Sewing Express" and "10-20-30 Minutes to Sew". There are quite a few quick tips that are not couture but produce nice results.
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin

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Member since 11/30/04
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Posted on: 10/31/08 11:50 AM ET
I love Roberta Carr's Couture Sewing Techniques book (I think that's what it's called). It's superbly written, easy to understand, and simply some great sewing "stuff" in there.

I understand you don't want couture, but there are lots of everyday info tips in her book that I use in my non-couture sewing projects.
-- Edited on 10/31/08 11:53 AM --
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Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!)
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing: Elna 760, vintage Kenmore Model 33 (1967), Janome Gem Gold 3, Singer Model 99, Singer 221/Featherweight, Bernina 1630. Sergers: Babylock Enlighten and Babylock Ovation. Embroidery Only: Janome 300E. Embroidery/Sewing Combo: Brother Dream machine. Straight Stitch: Janome 1600P.
Certified Palmer/Pletsch Pants Fitting Instructor
Blog: 21stcenturydiy.blogspot.com
  
Member since 9/7/08
Posts: 20
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Posted on: 10/31/08 11:53 AM ET
In reply to gramma b
My library of sewing books is quite extensive but my favorite "go to" book when explaining techniques is
Sewing Secrets From The Fashion Industry by Susan Huxley the instructions are clear and well written and there are excellent photos of each technique.
  
Member since 12/28/04
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Posted on: 10/31/08 11:53 AM ET
In reply to gramma b
For all around good, current sewing tips I love Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing.
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Member since 11/26/06
Posts: 2701
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Posted on: 10/31/08 2:04 PM ET
In this order...

1. Power Sewing (Sandra Betzina) for LOTS of fabulous tricks and techniques.

2. High-Fashion Sewing Secrets (Claire Schaeffer) - covers a great deal of useful techniques. I've referred to it ad nauseum for seam finishing techniques.

3. Fabric Sewing Guide (Claire Schaeffer) for how to deal with - start to finish - any imaginable fabric. It really is an exhaustive compiliation. I have the original but now covet the new revised edition, too, just because.

Eve
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Member since 6/18/08
Posts: 2609
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Posted on: 10/31/08 9:06 PM ET
Shirtmaking by D.P. Coffin
Fine Machine Sewing by C. Ahles
Tailoring, The Classing Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket.

Sewing Pants, a CD book by Coffin, seems to be a good companion to Shirtmaking -- but I only got it last week and haven't gotten through all of it yet.
  
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