Some of My Favorite Things: Sewing Books

[@Frugalisama]

I love books too, I have quite a few of those. The Readers Digest one is a good resource & timeless, I think my most used pattern book is the Named one.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I need to track down the Readers Digest one!

[@2logj]

Oh my God .what a great collection of books.thanks.you are doing a great service for those who love sewing being a hobby or as a profession.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you! I LOVE books and sewing so my sewing library is a precious one!

[@indymarie8661]

Whitney, you must have channeled my energy today! Just yesterday I signed up for an independent study with my university costume shop. Next spring I'll be working with the shop manager to create my own custom built slopers and pattern blocks and to use them to complete a few muslins. Today, I planned to present my supply list for approval and I've been trying to narrow down what books to use. You were a God send!

[@TomKatStitchery]

First, wow! What exciting plans you have!! Second, I’m so glad this was helpful. Good luck with your independent study. That sounds so fun!

[@patriciaoswalt6464]

Lucky you! What a great opportunity and fun too.

[@indymarie8661]

@@TomKatStitchery Its a dream come true, but also at 6'3" it'll be invaluable information. My pattern making for fashion design is on the way!

[@TomKatStitchery]

@@indymarie8661 ooh!! I can’t wait to see what you do!!!

[@SunShine-000]

Great review! Thank you for helping me plan my gift to self Christmas list! 😂

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 I love getting sewing books for Christmas!

[@smiffy116]

Great review--thanks from someone who is coming back to sewing after many, many years and realising how much I still have to learn. And love your fruit of the Spirit poster too.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

[@loispatrick2594]

What a great video! I really enjoyed seeing what you have in your library. I too love books ❤ Like others have mentioned i have the Readers Digest book and I'd say i it's great for beginners to have on hand.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@carolshain2163]

I also have all Ms. Furrer's Craftsy classes and last year, I bought this book. Love it!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I love her classes!

[@ceceliaharris5660]

I absolutely love Suzi Furrer. Her Craftsy classes changed everything about how I sew, from fitting to hacking to design. Sara Alm is great, too. Her dry humor makes her fun to watch. I also have tons of books so I am glad to see some here I don’t have and will be on the lookout for.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I also really love both of those women. They are great teachers and I’ve also learned so much from both of them!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

#alsoabooklover This is fantastic! I've already added several to my Amazon wishlist for Christmas. My family is always asking me what I want for Christmas and I never know what to tell them. Perfect!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good! I love getting sewing books for Christmas!

[@lindabrown7374]

Love the video. I have some of the same books that you do. I still have my first sewing book, Simplicity's 1973 version. Also in my collection are some from the 40s and 50s.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Aren’t they the best?

[@MsSparky321]

Thanks for sharing all those great books. I have ordered the Sarah Alm book. She also has some good classes on Craftsy. I would recommend Pattern Cutting Made Easy by Gillian Holman. It is a solid beginners' guide to designing off your own sloper and a lot simpler than those college textbooks.

[@Allycat3270]

Sadly the Gillian Holman is no longer in print...

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’ll have to look for that one second hand!

[@sewonsister]

It would be fun to do some sort of sew along for our pattern books. I agree, they are a great deal, and I need to sew from them more often.

[@TomKatStitchery]

That’s a great idea!

[@heidefries1825]

Thanks so much for this video ... I've been focused on finding worthwhile reference materials and happily found a few of these titles in the second hand market (win for the budget!) One of the first to arrive was David Page Coffin's Shirtmaking (the trouser version is also on order). After a quick flip of the book it truly looks like some great info ... appreciate your insight and recommendations!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good! They really are fabulous books!

[@annescanapico2181]

I have quite a few of those books. You have a Schaefer book I don’t have, will have to get. I’m fascinated by the style book by the designer from the 50’s & 60’s. I will have to get that. Great election, thanks for sharing. I have a tailoring and mending books by Mary Roehr that are. Excellent. She was actually a tailor, I met her back in the 90’s. And who doesn’t LOVE Suzy Furer, she is amazing. I have drafted my pants and a skirt block from her. I don’t have her book thought. I will have to out that on my Christmas list.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’ll have to look for those Mary Roehr books!

[@nikkiscott3634]

Hi, Whitney! Oh my goodness! I can't thank you enough for all the educational books. I had some and want others. Thank you ❤️ for sharing. I am always learning something new when it comes to sewing 👍🙂

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad!

[@shelleycassky1125]

My "go to" sewing resource book is the "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing". I got it when it first came out back in the good old 70's and have used it ever since. The home dec section is dated but most of it is still very relevant. Another great pattern book is "The Magic Pattern" by Amy Barickman, founder of Indygo Junction. It has six basic patterns that can be hacked into 36 different styles. You have given me some ideas to put on my Amazon wish list for the holidays. Thanks for another great video! And I LOVE that shirt on you - very flattering!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Ooh! I’ll look into that book. Thank you!

[@pharbottle]

I totally enjoyed your book “review”! I think we sewists love books on the subjects; great book collection you have!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@karenbudnick]

Loved this - now I have a Christmas list. DID you ever hear of an older book called Hot Tips? It's a timeless book from the 80's about creating a capsule wardrobe.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I haven’t! I’ll have to search for that one! Thank you!

[@christinemartin9449]

Hi from England. i enjoyed this video, I have some of the books and I am certainly going to buy some more, I also enjoy reading sewing related fiction and at the moment I am reading one called the Paris Seamstress, really good read, but it is partly about the birth of American style in the 40s and 50s. I am watching the jeans videos and can't wait for the coat making ones. Thanks for doing these videos,

[@TomKatStitchery]

Ooh! I’ll have a look for that book! I could use some good fiction for the upcoming winter!

[@sandy_sews]

I love books too! Looks like there are quite a few I will need to add to the collection. It is really hard to tell if it is going to be a good book if you can’t flip through it in person before purchasing. Luckily, I know if you have recommended it it will be a good one. Love watching your posts. I have learnt a lot already and now refer to you in conversation as ‘Whitney’ like we are close friends.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Aww! I love that!!!

[@jacquiehonnor4989]

I really enjoyed watching your video on all your pattern cutting/ sewing books. You have so many lol, love them I’m very jealous lol. I still have my pattern drafting/ pattern cutting book from college back in 1977 - 1980. I have a few other sew books, Tilly,s 2nd book is very good. Bought the latest sew bee book which I’m not impressed with. The pattern don’t quite work. I couldn’t get on with grading but still love cut and spread pattern adaption. I’m still on furlough here in the UK, 7 months now. So I’m having plenty of time to make a whole new wardrobe lol. I work in a military Tailors so you would think I would be fed up with sewing. That’s not the case, I love it. It’s Definitely helped my mental health. Love watching your videos on KZbin. This video was especially enjoyable, thank you 💖

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! Sewing is such a great distraction for all the craziness in the world right now. Enjoy it!

[@susank.wilson6436]

This is the book on serging I use “Successful Serging” by Beth Baumgartel. I also received yesterday “Sewing Jeans”by Johanna Lundstrom very good. You’ll really enjoy this book.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Ooh! Thank you! I will pass that serging book along as I get questions on that quite frequently. I saw Johanna’s book on Instagram yesterday and it looks beautiful!

[@susank.wilson6436]

@@TomKatStitchery You will love The Jeans book. It’s really amazing with the illustration she covers everything that you ever want to know.

[@ronhorner4060]

I love books. I have sooo much information on the computer but always find myself reaching for one of my books.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Me too! There is just something wonderful about a book!

[@lorraineclinch8482]

Thanks for a great vid, lots of books to go on my Xmas list! I have just got the new book from Johanna Lundstrom (thelaststitch) Sewing Jeans. Lots of pics and very informative. I am going to use the book in conjunction with your fab sew a long to finally dip my toe into the jeans making pond, wish me luck! Take care, Lorry 😁❤️

[@TomKatStitchery]

I saw that book on Instagram yesterday and it looks beautiful!

[@m00nwise]

Thank you! Some of my favorites and Lot’s of new book titles to look for, and some Craftsy instructors too.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@juliej6638]

Thanks for a great list. I have a bookcase in my sewing room dedicated just to sewing and knitting books and it is overflowing! I think we have the same addiction. I would recommend the "Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing". The older editions are preferred to the more recent ones. Mine is 1976 (!!!) with the orange handled scissors on the cover. I wouldn't be without it. You are so right when you say not much has changed. I also have Winifred Aldridge's Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's Wear which was the recommended text when I did a pattern cutting class. It's very thorough and easier to navigate than the Amstrong. I have another version of the Claire Schaeffer fabric book - mine is called "Sew Any Fabric" published in 2003. Finally I can recommend the Overlocker Technique Manual by Julia Hincks and The Complete Serger Handbook by Chris James. However the only way I got brave enough to take my overlocker out of the box it arrived in was by attending a local class called "Learn to love your overlocker' - that dealt with the fear!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you so much for some recommendations! We do suffer for the same addiction 😂.

[@marilynnbolduc5638]

Thank you! I got a long wish list of books!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@dianneandres3770]

I pre-purchased the book. Can’t wait to see your makes.

[@TomKatStitchery]

It’s a good one! I just filmed all the patterns today!

[@maryjackson5906]

WOW, WOW, WOW! What a wonderful review. I have several books you mentioned but you reviewed several new titles I now "must" find. Have to give a shout out to Sarah Veblen. She is my fitting expert as I am fortunate to live an hour or so from her *and now working with her remotely). You didn't mention any of Connie Crawford's titles - good pattern making resources. I could go on and on about other titles, but you have shared excellent titles in the various categories. Very well done!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sarah is great! I’m jealous you’re so close to her!

[@faithmathingsdal79]

This was so great. Thank you!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

My pleasure!

[@SewcalSewcialite]

I love sew books! It's the second thing I hoard after fabric 😆 I took a few private fitting classes with a certified Palmer Pletsch sewing instructor. We used the book "The Palmer Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting: Sew Great Clothes for Every Body. Fit Any Fashion Pattern." I highly recommend this book if you want to learn the tissue fitting method. I honestly don't spend enough time fitting patterns as I should (but I plan too, hehe), but this is a great method! I have many of the books you shared and I think your picks are great! There were some books I don't have and I'm going to check out 📗 Funny enough, right before I watched your video I pre-ordered the Itch to Stitch. Can't wait!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’ll definitely take a look at that book! I need to do some tissue fitting classes as well. I’d love to learn that process! The Itch to Stitch book is a good one. There are some really great patterns in there!

[@maryjackson5906]

Thanks for accepting my suggestion to review books. I will watch the entire episode when I get back from a medical appointment! From a retired librarian, Mary

[@TomKatStitchery]

I have a GREAT affinity for books in general, but especially sewing books. I hope you enjoy it!

[@PPatty13]

I have the 90’s edition of Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing that my mom bought me as a teen, and just recently I purchased the 1975 /76 edition of it from thriftbooks.com. I also have Vogue Sewing editions from the 70’s and one from the 80’s. I have the new edition of Fit for Real People that came out a few years ago, I've read it once but haven't used it yet.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’ve had a couple of people suggest the Readers Digest book. I’ll have to keep an eye out for that one!

[@cpiacenza]

Great video, you’re so communicating

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@charlenefiumara333]

Love your library.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you!

[@sparkleinco2035]

Some great reading suggestions!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@claireshaeffer7616]

Thank you for reviewing my books, Claire

[@TomKatStitchery]

They are some of my favorites!

[@claireshaeffer7616]

@@TomKatStitchery I'm glad; I enjoyed the research and writing them.

[@denisem9407]

No Kenneth King? He’s a master at making a moulage and fitting. His books on sewing techniques are wonderful.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I have taken classes with him, but I don't have any of his books! I need to remedy that!

[@denisem9407]

@@TomKatStitchery Smart Fitting, Cool Couture, Home Sewing Couture Techniques, all great. He has lots of CD/PDF books including pattern making, tailored jacket, making a pant moulage (a friend took that class with him and got perfect fitting pants) and working with faux fur and faux leather. He and Susan Khalje are my favorite teachers.

[@denisem9407]

He also has a fitting series on dvd.

[@sandimichaels2324]

Can't to get book from itch to stitch. Thank you for sharing your book library.

[@TomKatStitchery]

My pleasure! The book is in my Amazon shop (the link is in the description box!).

[@vickifenlon2235]

Great vlog! I have a few of those books, but feel a book shopping episode coming on...

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@craftymystic4868]

Thanks! I have lots of them, including the original Claire Schaefer Fabric Savvy from 1989! Needless to say, couldn’t find cupro, or PUL, 😂😂 probably google is just as good for filling in the blanks. And David Page Coffins Shirtmaking? 1993! I do own a series of 3 books by Antonio Donnanno, vol 1 is skirts, trousers, and shirts vol 2 is more on shirts, undergarments, dresses and suits, and vol 3 is jackets coats and cloaks and all are for men and women. You may like those, literally anything can be found in these and Have gone to these books again and again.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Ooh! Thank you! I will look for those!!

[@nanastevens4094]

I love books. I go through mine over and over. Another good author is Nancy ?. Shoot can't remember her last name.

[@Frugalisama]

Zimmerman?

[@nanastevens4094]

@@Frugalisama Yes! Thank you.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Nancy Zieman is great!

[@debbiehaynes8295]

Great stuff. I would love to see fitting tips from you.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sure! I do a few on my sew along series!

[@mamahops]

My question is in reference to the Itch to Stitch book.

[@margaretmillar7866]

I too love the physical book so I have pre-ordered the paperback version of Sew Beautiful. However I don’t see why Kennis couldn’t have included a code to download the pdf patterns too as I also don’t like tracing off patterns.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I would send her a message about that. I don’t know the logistics of the hard copy vs the ebook and if those could cross somehow, but it would be work an ask.

[@doreenbradley3849]

I love sewing books too 🤣. Does the Sew Beautiful book come with a pattern sheet you trace? What's the size range please?

[@TomKatStitchery]

It does! The printed book had a sheet to trace, but the ebook has the patterns as PDFs. The size range is her old range (US 00-20).

[@lesliegill-brassfield207]

Great review

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@debbiebridges5121]

I love the books, I would love to learn to draft especially sleeves and pants. Pants were the reason that I got back in to sew. Also, do you recommend the your first book on drafting for a beginner?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I learned most of what I know about drafting from the classes (and the book) by Suzy Furrer. I would recommend both the book and the Craftsy classes if you’re new to pattern drafting!

[@mamahops]

Do the patterns come in different bust sizes?

[@TomKatStitchery]

No. Her book doesn’t include cup sized patterns (it was cost prohibitive for the printed book). However, I’m normally a size 8 D cup in her patterns and I didn’t have to do any FBAs on these patterns.

[@pegasusdancing]

I love Gertie! She’s so meticulous with her sewing it makes it easy for me to follow her. Do you follow her KZbin channel? I love her tutorial videos. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful books. I will be checking some of them out for sure.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I do follow her KZbin (and am planning on joining her Patreon). She is one of the first sewing bloggers I started following. She’s so good!

[@texasproud8822]

Great info. Thanks

[@TomKatStitchery]

My pleasure!

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

It's ok Whitney! I noticed that the hashtags were still shut down today.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I know!!! This election is affecting EVERYTHING at the moment! I am checking it multiple times a day and will pick a winner as soon as the posts are all released. I’m so sorry for the delay!

[@jackieragan4006]

Thanks

[@TomKatStitchery]

My pleasure!

[@roxannlegg750]

Wish you had shown some pages of the inside of the books more...that why ppl watch these videos, you could buy an entire bookshop of books and still not find what you want. And bookshops rarely ever carry enough of sewing books, esp vintage/costume ones.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sorry about that! This is an old video. Maybe it's time for a refresh!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thankfully we have so many options with online library lending!

[@lilybogaards5089]

Should not have watched this one 😉 Don’t have room for any more books ... 💕

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 the struggle and need for more book shelves is real!

[@lilybogaards5089]

@@TomKatStitchery We’re already past the more shelves stage. They’re on the table and the floor. In neat rows, but still... 😉

[@kandacek63]

Fit For Real People has been replaced by their new book "The Complete Guide to Fitting".

[@TomKatStitchery]

Ok!

[@anessaharris9947]

😀

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️

[@susanmazzanti5643]

This use to be more normal for elections. Electronics have made it quicker to get counts unless we have lots of absentee ballots, which we did this year. You should get everything soon.

[@TomKatStitchery]

It has been an emotional rollercoaster of a week, for sure!

[@h.o.y.o]

Shouldn’t take 8 minutes to get into a video…

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sorry about that! I'm chatty. I am trying to remedy that.

[@sparkleinco2035]

I love books too but i will not buy one to get one pattern that I like. This is Bad for the environment. Of course it makes money for the author and others but there are other values than making money. i would like to make the bertha cardigan, but will not buy the book.

[@TomKatStitchery]

That makes complete sense! Being mindful of our consumption is very important in all areas. It’s good to not be wasteful!

[@veronicasavage8551]

Show the books already

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sorry 😂. I’m chatty.