Publisher's Weekly Review
From choosing a sewing machine to finishing a hem, this guide to fashioning a variety of garments and household items will be appreciated by both novice and experienced seamsters. Opening chapters, which present an excellent review of equipment and fabrics, are unfortunately marred by unlabeled photographs that, in turn, are not aligned with the appropriate text. The lengthiest chapters, on technique and construction, are the best. Simple, step-by-step instructions and sharp, accompanying illustrations delineate challenging darts, pleats and buttonholes, and help readers to choose wisely between numerous stitches and seams. Eaton (The Complete Stitch Encyclopedia) concludes with chapters on decorative hand stitching, bed and table linens and window treatments that are less complete than previous sections but which should, nonetheless, answer basic questions and provide a source for ideas. BOMC and Better Homes and Gardens Book Clubs selections. (April) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
In the last five years, many major brand-name companies Simplicity, Vogue, McCall's have issued basic texts on sewing-machine technique. None of those books, however, can best this British import in quality. First, Eaton's text is minimal but clear; the step-by-step illustrations show even first-time home sewers how to put in a zipper or buttonhole with ease. Second, the book's layout catches and holds the attention of the reader, without unnecessary distraction. And third, the more unusual instructions on table linens, comforter covers, drapery linings are covered effectively as well. A must addition to craft shelves. Index. BJ. 646.2 Sewing [OCLC] 86-26514
