Rating: 
Summary: OK but not brilliant
Review: I bought this book used, so of course the patterns were not included. I used the Internet to search for the author's website to get replacement patterns which arrived in a few days. The styles are a bit outdated for the tuxedo shirt and the jacket, but the advice is great for use with other patterns. The t-shirt and both styles of pants are classics. I found the suggested notions like the elastic on-line as chain sewing stores don't have them. This book is OK as a starting point, but the author has newer books that provide more in depth sewing tips.
Rating:
Summary: good advice, dated wardrobe
Review: I bought this book used, so of course the patterns were not included. I used the Internet to search for the author's website to get replacement patterns which arrived in a few days. The styles are a bit outdated for the tuxedo shirt and the jacket, but the advice is great for use with other patterns. The t-shirt and both styles of pants are classics. I found the suggested notions like the elastic on-line as chain sewing stores don't have them. This book is OK as a starting point, but the author has newer books that provide more in depth sewing tips.
Rating:
Summary: How do you acquire the patterns that this book is based on?
Review: I have just gotten my copy of this book (used). There are a couple of items that could be really, really useful to me such as the full pants, the full teeshirt, the skirt, and perhaps, the shawl-collar jacket. Here is my problem. Are the patterns she uses for the book still available, anywhere? I have never seen Rodale patterns in a store. Nowhere in the book does it tell where you are supposed to get them. I THINK I can substitute similar patterns from other lines and make changes in them, but it would be far simpler if I could just get the patterns the author uses. Perhaps the patterns were supposed to be included with the book. If so, they were gone before I got my copy, used.
Rating: 
Summary: I like the speed sewing techniques
Review: I like this book very much and have made several of the patterns that are included. The palazzo pants are quick to make up and flattering as well as comfortable. The wardrobe advice is nice if you need to develop your own style. If you have been sewing for yourself for a while you don't really need it. I like the classic styles and her speed sewing techniques make this book a good one for beginners or advanced sewers.
Rating:
Summary: Best sewing book of all time
Review: If you are a beginning sewer, don't hesitate, buy this book now. Basically the content of this book is expanded pattern directions, written step by step for someone who has trouble following a commercial pattern. If you have tried to sew many times and things dont come out right or you have problems figuring out standard commercial pattern directions--you will love the way Sandra walks you through everything. I am a pretty experienced sewer and reading this book over and over is like a breath of fresh air! The fashions are classic, they are very attractive made up...I hesitated to buy this book because I thought some of the styles were frumpy, they are not at all frumpy when you sew them in real life...The palazzo pants are my favorite...I get tons of compliments everytime I wear them (I have made several...this pattern is worth the cost of the book alone) I was shocked they looked good on me, I am only 5-2 and not slim! I also LOOOOVVEE the vest.
Rating:
Summary: Use this book as a starting point on your new wardrobe!
Review: Of my three feet of sewing-related books, this one has been the most useful to me. Before my efforts seemed to be creating wonderful bits and pieces that never coalesced into a practical, versatile wardrobe. I still go off on creative tangents now and then, but when I need simple clothes I can really wear, I go back to this book every time. (There are a few styles that leave me dubious, let the sewer beware.) As a large woman, I have not been able to test the patterns on myself, so I cannot speak on them. They look good to me and the instructions are clear and complete down to variations.
Rating:
Summary: A useful source for building a workable wardrobe
Review: Of my three feet of sewing-related books, this one has been the most useful to me. Before my efforts seemed to be creating wonderful bits and pieces that never coalesced into a practical, versatile wardrobe. I still go off on creative tangents now and then, but when I need simple clothes I can really wear, I go back to this book every time. (There are a few styles that leave me dubious, let the sewer beware.) As a large woman, I have not been able to test the patterns on myself, so I cannot speak on them. They look good to me and the instructions are clear and complete down to variations.
Rating: 
Summary: Do Not Buy this Book if you are Plus Size
Review: The book description states it is for any size but then only supplies patterns for S-M-L.
Rating: 
Summary: Mostly classic, but easy to sew.
Review: The sewing instructions are easy to follow. Many of the designs feature over-sized clothing, but are still flattering. I especially like the tuxedo shirt - it's a twist on a real classic.
Still, I'm wondering whether pull-on palazzo pants are "classic" or if this is just elephant pants revisited from the '70s that will be out-of-fashion in 2 years? Some of the fitting advice doesn't make sense -- for example, to adjust the crotch depth, compare whether the pants you buy are long or short crotch depth - now, really, as if one would knowingly buy pants that fit poorly! Ignore the wardrobe advice section - it's absurb to still read the dated notion that all women over 30 must wear makeup.
Rating:
Summary: Very practical and wearable clothes.
Review: These patterns are easy to follow and adjust for a short, round person. My favorites are the six gore skirt and the jacket. With just these two outfits, I could make a whole wardrobe. The jacket has seams down the front and the collar is easy to attach. It has bias seams at the shoulders and it looks double-breasted but isn't. It also looks very hard to make but isn't since the sleeves are attached to the body of the jacket. The vertical lines are very slimming. This is the best sewing book I've used yet.
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