Vogue Sewing
Revised and Updated
In A Nutshell: Elegant and stylish book explaining the sewing techniques required to achieve a professional standard.
I feel I am treading on hallowed ground in even attempting to review this classic book, originally published more than 40 years ago. Its high reaching aim is to elevate the craftsmanship of an amateur sewer to a professional level. As such, it has a wide scope, taking a beginner from analysing their figure, choosing a pattern and fabrics, sewing equipment, pattern alterations, construction techniques, tailoring and adding a custom touch.
One of my favourite chapters concerns fashion analysis and explaining the fundamental concepts of design. This section puts many “How to Dress” books to shame with useful pointers in choosing flattering and attractive outfits. I particularly enjoyed the exposition on the use of line and in future I will be thinking much more carefully about my use of horizontals and verticals.
This is an elegant and stylish book which I am pleased to have on my bookshelf. However, I have to admit this is not my go-to reference book when I want to look up a sewing technique. That honour belongs to the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing which has the edge in providing detailed and clear explanations.
The Vogue book would have benefited from more photos. For example, a lovely chapter on creative trims is illustrated with line drawings. These are charming but I would have been more inspired by an actual photo.
Despite a few drawbacks, Vogue Sewing is a beautifully written book well worth adding to a sewing library.
