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Rating: 
Summary: Good overview, but skimpy on specifics.
Review: I admire this book's all-inclusive photographs (it seems to include every sewing-machine currently made), and it certainly covers the basics of choosing and purchasing a sewing machine. What it lacks is brand specific information. I'd like to see a comparison chart of available stitches and features, pros and cons of each machine, and critical evaluations. Sadly, there is currently no source for such information, and this would have been a perfect opportunity to give readers some real advice. Also, when the author does not seem to know something, she skips over it with a general statement (for example, when discussing oscillating vs. rotary hook systems, she merely asks "which system makes a better stitch for your work?" I'd like for her to do the research!). There is some decent advice on tension, although her contention that the stitches on a zig-zag should be perfectly balanced between the two layers of fabric would be argued by every sewing machine maker and dealer (I wonder how many people have pulled their hair out over this statement!). There's good advice on needle and thread selection (no brand-specific information), and wonderful, though not comprehensive chapters on using various presser-feet and decorative sewing techniques. The skimpy section on machine embroidery is not worth the space it takes in the book. All-in-all, a mixed bag. I really wish the author could state some real opinions, include the opinions of others, and make brand-specific recommendations, rather than encouraging the readers to explore all the options -- after all, aren't books supposed to contain information rather than just tell you how to get it?
Rating:
Summary: Good overview, but skimpy on specifics.
Review: I admire this book's all-inclusive photographs (it seems to include every sewing-machine currently made), and it certainly covers the basics of choosing and purchasing a sewing machine. What it lacks is brand specific information. I'd like to see a comparison chart of available stitches and features, pros and cons of each machine, and critical evaluations. Sadly, there is currently no source for such information, and this would have been a perfect opportunity to give readers some real advice. Also, when the author does not seem to know something, she skips over it with a general statement (for example, when discussing oscillating vs. rotary hook systems, she merely asks "which system makes a better stitch for your work?" I'd like for her to do the research!). There is some decent advice on tension, although her contention that the stitches on a zig-zag should be perfectly balanced between the two layers of fabric would be argued by every sewing machine maker and dealer (I wonder how many people have pulled their hair out over this statement!). There's good advice on needle and thread selection (no brand-specific information), and wonderful, though not comprehensive chapters on using various presser-feet and decorative sewing techniques. The skimpy section on machine embroidery is not worth the space it takes in the book. All-in-all, a mixed bag. I really wish the author could state some real opinions, include the opinions of others, and make brand-specific recommendations, rather than encouraging the readers to explore all the options -- after all, aren't books supposed to contain information rather than just tell you how to get it?
Rating: 
Summary: Just What You Need
Review: This book is full of instructional photographs with very clearly worded descriptions. It has been a while since I last used a sewing machine; this book is just what I needed to refresh my sewing skills and to update me on new techniques.I found several techniques that I am going to try by following the step-by-step directions.
Rating:
Summary: Just What You Need
Review: This book is full of instructional photographs with very clearly worded descriptions. It has been a while since I last used a sewing machine; this book is just what I needed to refresh my sewing skills and to update me on new techniques. I found several techniques that I am going to try by following the step-by-step directions.
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