Bodymapping: The Step-By-Step Guide to Fitting Real Bodies

Rating:
Summary: Not easy to use
Review: Although the concept is brilliant, I did not find the process at all easy to follow. There could have been far more information given on how to use the princess line pattersn resulting from the protuding buttocks/stomach adjustments. For example an armhole princess line should be easily converted to a shoulder princess line but there was no information given as to how to do this.

Rating:
Summary: Not easy to use
Review: Although the concept is brilliant, I did not find the process at all easy to follow. There could have been far more information given on how to use the princess line pattersn resulting from the protuding buttocks/stomach adjustments. For example an armhole princess line should be easily converted to a shoulder princess line but there was no information given as to how to do this.

Rating:
Summary: Not for beginners
Review: I read this book out of curiousity only. I am a professional patternmaker and designer. I had several problems with the author's approach. She is essentially making custom slopers. You can do this by draping fabric over a live body, but it takes time and skill to know if you are doing it right. Secondly, no one should use gingham as a grid for the body. Gingham rarely has perfectly square squares and the fabric is extremely difficult to get on grain because it usually has a high content of polyester. Finally the author sums up finalizing your custom pattern and what to do with it when you are done in just a few pages. The whole subject is far more complex. If you really want to learn how to drape or make your own custom slopers, there are far better books out there!! Try The Art of Fashion Draping by Connie Amaden-Crawford or Patternmaking for Fashion Design by Armstrong.

Rating:
Summary: Before Purchasing, Understand What You'll Be Getting....
Review: I was looking for an up-to-date book that would contain techniques and hints for altering commercial patterns. At the time I purchased BODYMAPPING, there were no customer reviews. I went by the synopsis that stated the book contained streamlined techniques for garment fitting. If you are willing to spend a day working with a friend to create a fabric "map" of your body which you can then use to sew the patterns in the book, you may find value. However, if you just want a book that will help you learn the best ways to alter your commercial paper patterns, this is NOT the book for you. I am giving an "average" rating in the interest of fairness. To me, the book was worth "0" stars, but other readers who found what they were looking for gave it "5" stars.

Rating:
Summary: Before Purchasing, Understand What You'll Be Getting....
Review: I was looking for an up-to-date book that would contain techniques and hints for altering commercial patterns. At the time I purchased BODYMAPPING, there were no customer reviews. I went by the synopsis that stated the book contained streamlined techniques for garment fitting. If you are willing to spend a day working with a friend to create a fabric "map" of your body which you can then use to sew the patterns in the book, you may find value. However, if you just want a book that will help you learn the best ways to alter your commercial paper patterns, this is NOT the book for you. I am giving an "average" rating in the interest of fairness. To me, the book was worth "0" stars, but other readers who found what they were looking for gave it "5" stars.