downtownDIY Sewing: 14 Easy Designs for City Girls with Style (downtownDIY)
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Book Reviews of downtownDIY Sewing: 14 Easy Designs for City Girls with Style (downtownDIY)
Book Review: Good projects, mediocre directions
Summary: 3 Stars
The best thing about this book is that the patterns are printed on real paper, rather than flimsy tissue, making them super easy to work with. The bad news is that the directions are not always clear, and some of the patterns aren't 100% accurate.
For example, I made the tunic dress and the collar was too small to fit all the way around the neckline. Secondly, the collar slouches and depending on how you move, you can see the unfinished seams that are supposed to remain unseen. My solution to this was to increase both the collar length and width, fold it in half lengthwise, and press the edges in. Then I hand sewed the collar onto the neckline, "sandwiching" the neckline between the two halves of the collar. This looks much neater!
Also, depending on your fabric, the front pleats might not stay as pleated-looking as you like once you're wearing the dress. I edge-stiched the inside and outside of the pleats to make them permanent.
This book has many cute projects, but as a beginning sewer (this dress was the 2nd project I've done besides pillows/curtains) I felt the process was more frustrating than it had to be. Definitely try some other projects with set in sleeves, collars, interfacing, etc. before attempting these projects. First try a couple of Built By Wendy patterns, and then you'll probably know enough to fill in the information that is missing here.
Book Review: four out of five ain't so bad...
Summary: 4 Stars
i do love this book!
the patterns are cute and hip. the instructions are pretty easy to follow and the illustrations and photographs are lovely as well. i've used this book for how- to's and inspiration. i do not recommend this book for the very beginner... but, to someone who has sewn just a little on their machine! the tunic pattern that can be seen on the cover is my favorite!