Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics

by Francesca DenHartog and francesca-denhartog

Book Overview

Blending expert advice with inspiring designs, Sew What Skirts will delight both novice and veteran sewers alike. This spiral-bound book lays flat for easy reference and features full-color photographs of 16 sample skirts, with illustrated step-by-step instructions for completing each one. Encouraging you to experiment with bold patterns and unique fabrics, Francesca DenHartog and Carole Ann Camp provide simple guidelines for translating body measurements...

• Format: Spiral-bound
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580176259
• ISBN13: 9781580176255
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Storey Publishing
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Fabulous. Simple, Inspirational!

I have tried sewing, on and off, since I was kid, but between all the confusing pattern instruction and, if I am honest, not wanting to take the traditional route of learning basic sewing skills by making bags and other items I don't want... I always end up putting everything in a closet. This book takes a different approach! I was able to create basic patterns for several skirt styles that fit my body and let me be creative. I made my first skirt in just a few hours and three more, so far. They look great, are well made thanks to this amazing little book. The skirt possibilities are endless. Buy this book!

great book

When I started sewing, I did so seeking freedom, independence, and thrift. I hated having to buy an expensive patten that I would probably have to spend extra time altering. I just wanted to make some skirts. Then I discovered this book. It is exactly what I needed. It gives just enough information to get you started, but isn't so full of rules that you feel constrained. The author encourages you to experiment and try, and not be afraid of failing. This is the best sewing book I've read, and I've read a lot. I hope it is just the beginning of a series! Would love one on tops and pants! I don't know if that's possible, though.

Free yourself from patterns

I sew almost every day. I never use patterns. I hate them. I mean, what's the point of putting all that time into making a garment if it's going to look like something you bought at the store? That's why I design all my clothing and handbags, and this book is now one of my favorites. It doesn't come with built in patterns, but directions for how to measure yourself and make patterns or - better yet -mark the skirt dimensions right on the fabric. What's more, the designs are unique and versatile, and the author encourages personal creativity. The day after I bought it I sewed the Country Charm skirt using some quilters cotton and another cotton fabric I'd hand-dyed a few days before. The directions were simple, accurate and within a couple of hours I was done. Thanks to the wonderful instructions, my fabric choices and an applique I ended up with unique, wearable work of art and a new style of skirt to sew for myself or others. It's not often I'm impressed with a sewing book. This one gets my highest recommendation.