Amy Barickman

Using one's own measurements, one can create patterns for sleeveless blouses, skirts, dresses, cardigans, coats, and accessories. Simple tweaks, additions, and accessories can transform a basic silhouette into something unique. Each design is depicted in a variety of recommended fabrics, further diversifying options. For stitchers seeking custom fits instead of adapting commercial paper patterns, this book offers many options. Discussion of fabric types, notions, pattern cutting, and sewing techniques round out this stylish volume. Highly recommended. (85)… (mehr)

I finally purchased my own copy of this book, which I've been wanting for the last couple of years, with a gift certificate recived for Christmas of 2012. Having spent a few hours pouring over the various articles and carefully reading the January chapter, I've decided that I am ready to start my review. Since I was reading the monthly segments at the appropriate times, I could not finish this review by the end of 2013, due to holidays and personal considerations.

First, I feel compelled to disagree with some points made by Maggie O. Yes, indeed this book can be classified as a craft book, but one that inspires and encourages the reader to deviate from step-by-step directions and try something he/she has not tried before. To get "crafty" with this book, you need to think outside the box, not expect to be hand-fed the exact processes to create something designed by someone else. To that end, the "magic" sewing patterns are more of an explicitly detailed essay giving you enough information to re-create the projects described. No paper patterns are given; you are expected to either use no pattern or to create your own. Same for the less detailed explanations for embroidering small pictures or your initials on garments, handkerchiefs, etc. For the embroidery, there are detailed instructions in the back of the book giving you information on how many different types of stitches are created, with an indication of when to use them.

I also disagree with Maggie O's statement that the book is not well titled. One must always remember that words in the English language frequently bear multiple meanings, as is the case with the word "notions." A notion is just as validly an idea as it is an item connected with sewing, so in my view the title is appropriate and well thought out.

I read through that article titled "The ABC's of Good Looks," among others. I did not find it troubling nor nauseating, but that article did bring a smile to my face. No, I don't and would never spend that much time "primping" nor spend any time at all studying politics; yet I have no objection to women educating themselves on any number of topics; both those mentioned and many others probably thought unsuitable for women, and downright inappropriate in the 1920's. Women today should be proud of their intelligence and not too prideful to display it on occasion. I think that probably was not the case in Mary Brooks Picken's day; women were expected to know a lot, but not to flaunt that knowledge.

The lack of articles on knitting doesn't bother me, but I do wish there had been one or two crochet patterns included. Then again, I'd have liked there to have been some (maybe just three or four) embroidery diagrams large enough to reproduce in counted cross stitch. One such diagram can be found here: on Amy Barickman's Blog scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the PDF link. That said, I think I may be able to see some of the illustrations well enough to create my own usable diagrams. Flowers illustrating at least one of the articles (pages 108-110) are actually photos of embroidery. I'll be able to reproduce the sailboat on the back of a chair (page 115) which is clear enough that given some time and graph paper won't be a difficult task for me. Incidentally, I do keep the graph paper on hand, since I never know when or why I may want it.

I'll second Maggie O's suggestion that you look over this book carefully to be sure it's something you'd enjoy prior to spending the money on it. Amazon.com has this book in their "Look Inside this Book" feature, which is secondary to getting a chance to view the book first hand, but is better than nothing. To that end, you'll find a few sample pages from the book on the author/editor's website, as well as a book club guide. Even if you're not interested in starting your own book club, download the guide to find a link to some monogram letters that you can use for embroidery on various articles.

If you're interested in the olden days, or nostalgia-type crafts, this book can be inspiring. If you expect everything handed to you on a silver platter, this may not be the type of book you'd find intersting.… (mehr)