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book recommendation help needed (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)
Posted on: 12/6/07 4:46 PM ET
I am debating which books to buy, the Fit For Real People and Pants for Real People or try the more comprehensive drafting book Patternmaking for Fashion design. They all have good reviews, but I try to avoid having hundreds of books of the same topic as I see many repeat the same thing and also have limited space and money to spend on it.
Any recommendation from those who have both/all these books and can compare?
Thank you.
Any recommendation from those who have both/all these books and can compare?
Thank you.
Posted on: 12/6/07 5:31 PM ET
In reply to Orsi
These two books are on totally different subjects. Chalk and cheese, so you could buy both.
There is absolutely no overlap of information. If you buy only one then which one depends on what you want to learn.
Fit for Real People is about fit alterations.
Patternmakign for Fashion Design is about drafting a pattern from scratch.
Personally if your interest is in sewing then I'd recommend Fit for Real People. If you prefer design and drafting then chose Patternmaking. HTH.
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There is absolutely no overlap of information. If you buy only one then which one depends on what you want to learn.Fit for Real People is about fit alterations.
Patternmakign for Fashion Design is about drafting a pattern from scratch.
Personally if your interest is in sewing then I'd recommend Fit for Real People. If you prefer design and drafting then chose Patternmaking. HTH.
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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 12/6/07 7:49 PM ET
I would by FFRP (first). Everyone that sews clothing should have this book in their library.
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Erica Bunker
Birmingham, AL
http://www.ericabunker.com
Birmingham, AL
http://www.ericabunker.com
Posted on: 12/6/07 7:57 PM ET
I have a lot of fitting books in my library because I find that there is no one book that has all the fitting info I need. There are different fitting methods that work better in some situations than in others too. As for the pattern making book that is not in my library, but I would assume it doesn't primarily deal with fit.
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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Posted on: 12/6/07 8:19 PM ET
FFRP is the "bible" for sewers, IMHO. I'd buy that one before I bought anything else.
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If I sewed any slower, I wouldn't be sewing at all.
Posted on: 12/6/07 8:36 PM ET
I agree with Nancy K, my library not only includes FFRP but other methods as well. Personally I use the Pivot and Slide method more than the slash and spread method.
It is wonderful that we have so many options.....
The other book you mention is for drafting patterns, not altering them.
It is wonderful that we have so many options.....
The other book you mention is for drafting patterns, not altering them.
Posted on: 12/7/07 7:25 AM ET
My assumption was that if I draft a pattern from scratch based on my dimensions, I would need a lot less fitting than if I buy patterns. Maybe a false assumption.
FFRP sounds good then.
Any good resourse with detailed information on how to copy patterns of existing clothing? I have a hard time with pant backs.
FFRP sounds good then.
Any good resourse with detailed information on how to copy patterns of existing clothing? I have a hard time with pant backs.
Posted on: 12/7/07 7:59 AM ET
as mentioned in afore posts, each book affords different objectives so you have to state what your personal objectives are. The assumption would be for personal use to fit the clothes you are making from patterns or RTW clothes you've bougth and need alterations for a better fit, so then FFRP is the best book for you for alterations.
However, if you are an aspiring designer, you really have to know how to draft your own patterns from your illustrated designs, so the other book will be of greater assistance.JF
However, if you are an aspiring designer, you really have to know how to draft your own patterns from your illustrated designs, so the other book will be of greater assistance.JF
Posted on: 12/7/07 8:37 AM ET
And I can add a few more comments -
The drafting method that Armstrong uses does NOT produce a good fit IMO. Her information on drafting AFTER you get a basic fit is outstanding, but I would use another source to draft the initital basic bodice, skirt, etc.
I used Kenneth King's The Moulage for the bodice, and Elizabeth Allemong's The European Cut for the skirt and trouser initial drafts. If I were to do it again, I would go only with the Allemong book. Both use European drafting methods, but the Allemong book is far more comprehensive for the price, without sacrificing any information.
And I can only second everyone's opinion to get FFRP first. FFRP is far simpler to understand. Plus you will really need to understand fitting concepts in order to get a well-fitting initial basic draft. No drafting method produces the perfect-fitting block/sloper right off the bat, although I thhink the Allemong method comes pretty close. It WILL need to be tweaked, and I used FFRP extensively in the process.
ETA - So I think I am being a horrible enabler and recommending that you buy THREE books - FFRP, The European Cut and Patternmaking for Fashion Design!!
HTH
-- Edited on 12/7/07 8:38 AM --
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The drafting method that Armstrong uses does NOT produce a good fit IMO. Her information on drafting AFTER you get a basic fit is outstanding, but I would use another source to draft the initital basic bodice, skirt, etc.
I used Kenneth King's The Moulage for the bodice, and Elizabeth Allemong's The European Cut for the skirt and trouser initial drafts. If I were to do it again, I would go only with the Allemong book. Both use European drafting methods, but the Allemong book is far more comprehensive for the price, without sacrificing any information.
And I can only second everyone's opinion to get FFRP first. FFRP is far simpler to understand. Plus you will really need to understand fitting concepts in order to get a well-fitting initial basic draft. No drafting method produces the perfect-fitting block/sloper right off the bat, although I thhink the Allemong method comes pretty close. It WILL need to be tweaked, and I used FFRP extensively in the process.
ETA - So I think I am being a horrible enabler and recommending that you buy THREE books - FFRP, The European Cut and Patternmaking for Fashion Design!!
HTH
-- Edited on 12/7/07 8:38 AM --
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Suo ergo maledicto
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. - Steve Jobs
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. - Steve Jobs
Posted on: 12/7/07 9:35 AM ET
I already have one pattern making book (How to make sewing patterns) and it seems to have way too much ease. The pant pattern I made was huge, but I'm thinking the fabric was stretching out, too :(
I am leaning towards buying the FFRP books and maybe the DVD series from Peggy Sagers.
Isn't it cheaper to just buy clothes?! I just never find what I like or what would fit right, but doesn't have much time to sew. Maybe the DVDs will speed up my sewing a bit.
Thanks.
I am leaning towards buying the FFRP books and maybe the DVD series from Peggy Sagers.
Isn't it cheaper to just buy clothes?! I just never find what I like or what would fit right, but doesn't have much time to sew. Maybe the DVDs will speed up my sewing a bit.
Thanks.
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