|
Reading List: Fabric
This issue of Costumer's Notes is focussed on fabric and so
too, is the Reading List. There are many good books out there
that specifically address the issue of fabric selection. But
I find that two stand out above the crowd. These two books take
totally different approaches and both deserve a place on the
costumer's bookshelf.
Fabric Savvy: The essential Advice for
Every Sewer by Sandra Betzina.
Unlike many other titles that focus on fabric, this
book is beautifully illustrated with full color pictures of sample
garments and diagrams for sewing technique. Fabric Savvy
avoids becoming a dry series of lists and statistics by using
an easy-to-read well-designed layout with numerous hints and
tips arranged around the images. Although the samples are all
standard clothing, she addresses the special issues of designer
and specialty fabrics that are used extensively in dance wear.
She offers helpful suggestions for selecting the best needle,
presser foot and thread choice. This book also offers numerous
pressing techniques and seam finishes that can be invaluable
for anyone faced with a complex or difficult to work with fabric.
The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat, and each fabric
is covered in a two-page spread so there is no flipping to find
the facts you need. . I highly recommend this book for every
seamstress interested in improving her technique with complex
or difficult to handle cloth. Sandra Betzina is the host of HGTV's Sew Perfect television
show and has authored many books. Visit her website
for more information on her projects, show and publications.
Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide by
Claire Shaeffer.
This book is a comprehensive encyclopedia of fabric.
I use Fabric Sewing Guide as a textbook for my design classes
and recommend it to every serious seamstress and designer. This
book is well organized, and filled to the brim with facts and
information about fabric. It has a straightforward approach that
is broken down into six major parts. Opening with sections on
fiber content and fabric structure, this book gives the reader
a solid understanding of the defining components of each variety
of cloth. From there it goes to surface characteristics, linings
and interfacings and then sewing techniques. For those who want
to look up a type of fabric - such as lamé - you will
have to flip through the book, to different sections to get all
of the info. But, this book goes into depth and is comprehensive
in scope with lots of detailed information. This is an excellent
reference tool for everyone who is looking to beef up his or
her reference library. This is, without a doubt, a book you will
turn to again and again.
|
