Book Review: Vogue Easy Sewing

Vogue Easy Sewing by Lynn Ferrari and the Butterick Company, Inc.

Published 1985

ISBN: 0-06-181128-9

Some Chapter Headings:

• Easy Wardrobe Planning
• Fabric Dos and Don'ts
• How to Press
• How to Sew by Hand

I liked:

• A great detailed "Needle and Thread Chart" on Page 31.
• The chapter labeled "How to Press", which had good guidelines, but even better pictures and diagrams! This section included fool-proof instructions for pressing darts, gathers, pleats, sleeves, hems, and seams. Probably the best pressing instructions I've seen.
• The chapter labeled "How to Sew By Hand", which included only a few stitches (back stitch tacks, slip stitch, blind stitch and thread chain), all essential to any sewer.
• The last section "Easy Sewing Techniques" that is broken down into chapters based on the techniques that "scare" some sewers, including bands, buttonholes, darts, pockets, sleeves and zippers.

My dislikes:

• There is no information on invisible zippers or collars with a stand.

Conclusion: This is a great reference for any sewer that has progressed past pillows and PJ pants and is now ready to tackle garments. The book is really easy to follow and has great illustrations for the techniques. I'll tell you again--I love the pressing chapter! One small warning--you'll have to look past the mid-1980s photos in the middle of the book. Gotta love shoulder pads! Would I buy it for myself? Absolutely. I've already looked it up on Amazon. Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Maybe.