Dressmaking for Real Women: How to Adapt Your Store-bought Patterns to Flatter the Curves You Want to Keep and Drape the Ones You Don't

Let me start by saying I don't think this book lives up to it's title. It's a strong promise and I'm not sure what I'd need to see in a book to live up to "Flatter the Curves You Want To Keep and Drape the Ones You Don't." Perhaps I'd like more suggestions and how-to for design elements that would help achieve the promise.This book starts at the beginning - seriously with Essential Sewing Equipment and a Fabric Glossary. Because of the title, I was expecting more intermediate info.Next is a very nice section on the body shapes: hourglass, triangle, inverted triangle, round and oval. For each figure type, you get an illustration, description of the body type, flattering styles, looks to avoid and appropriate fabrics. The styles and fabrics are summarized in a check list. There's nothing new here, but it's nice to see it included in a sewing book. It has examples of sewing patterns that work for each shape. To live up to the "flatter and drape" part of the title, more examples here would have been helpful.Next up is choosing and reading patterns, transferring markings, measurements and layouts. There are a couple of pages on seam allowance and ease. Meh.The Adapting Patterns section is pretty good. I really like how this part of the book has a mini table of contents. For each subchapter listed (Shoulder, Neckline, Bust, Hollow Back, Sleeve Length, Armhole, Waist, Hip, Stomach, Bottom, Crotch Depth and Height), there is a brief summary of potential fit issues. A very brief Dos and Don'ts for jacket sleeves, pants length and skirts follows; it's mostly about proportion. The alterations are photographed clearly (think  The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting .) A few garment construction tips are also included.The book includes a chapter on Making a Toile. It's pretty detailed regarding how to correct its fit. The book ends with Core Techniques, which covers basic sewing skills.I got the impression that this was a book for sewing for plus sizes. It may have been my mistake.  Sewing for Plus Sizes: Creating Clothes that Fit and Flatter  is a wonderful book on sewing for plus sizes.I guess the beauty of the book is that you get some fashion info with your pattern fitting and alterations info. Great information and it is a clear, concise read. Unfortunately, the book does not bridge the gap well enough between here's what you should wear and how to make it happen. Instead of just showing me how to adjust a standard pattern for wide hips, show me ways to change the neckline of a top to draw attention away from my hips. If part of the answer includes embellishment, show me how to apply trim or add studs.I do like seeing photographs and illustrations of "real women." You can get a more in-depth fashion info about fitting your shape from  Curves Rule and Flat Is Fabulous: Sexy, Stylish Looks for Every Figure  and/or  The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System That Works for Every Shapeand Size . There are certainly more in-depth alterations books out there.If you are new to sewing, this may be a good starter book. It's not overwhelming and it covers basic skills while providing sound fashion advice. As your skills progress, you'll need to expand your library. If you're also clueless about what looks good on you, this book is a lucky strike extra.

Fitting changes well described and shown by photo or drawings. The book makes these easily understood. Principles of flat pattern changes are followed. I highly recommend this book.

The technical information about how to alter commercial patterns to make a garment fit the individual is thorough and well presented in the text and line drawings. BUT the photographs of the alteration process with pattern tissue and muslin fitting toile are very difficult to decipher. Both tissue and muslin are light ecru. There has been to effort to provide contrast to bring out the details. The line markings on the patterns have not been enhanced for greater visibility (even the text on the pattern pieces is out-of-focus.) The photographs of the toiles are even worse -- muslin on a muslin-covered dress form on a pale background. Sometimes the edge of the toile is even indistinguishable from the dress form and the tell-tale wrinkles barely visible. It's simply frustrating. In addition, there is no information about altering patterns to fit those who fall well outside the normal commercial pattern size range such as Palmer and Pletsch's Real Fit provides.

I've been looking for a good affordable book on altering ready-made clothes. Although this his book is focused on altering patterns before cutting, it has good illustrations for troubleshooting specific areas that have helped me alter my clothes. I like the way its organized by fit issues. Would recommend.

Since the shipping was for Europe there was a slight delay in the delivery due to customs however everything went smoothly and product is as descripted.

I thought there would be a lot more patterns and styles in there to choose from.

This is a great book for addressing figure problems. The book goes into detail on the pattern adjustments needed to fit the specific area. I would recommend this book.

Wonderful for women who are not standard pattern size.

Like most women, I have curves, and trying to get dress patterns to fit me used to be a nightmare! This book helped me to understand that (the majority of) standard dress patterns are actually made to fit someone who is a B cup (no matter what size the rest of the patterns is); no wonder I had problems, I am an F cup! The book was clear and concise, showing you how to get your correct body measurements, working out which pattern size you actually are (this bears no relation to your high street clothes size!), and how to make the adjustments you need to get your perfect fit; this includes all aspects of fit, not just the bust.This book is a must for anyone who makes their own clothes, whether you are curvy or not, it will show you how to make alterations so that your handmade clothes fit like a glove, and make the most of the assets you want them to!

This book concentrates on how to manipulate dress patterns to ensure a good fit. I found the detailed diagrams easy to follow and this should be a valuable reference for the future. there is quite a bit of detail about sewing techniques and also about body shape relating to the best designs for your shape. One warning, this book seems to have come out at with two titles at the same time. As you cannot preview the content, I can't be certain but I think it is exactly the same as " Dressmaking to flatter your shape" by the same author. I chose this version simply because their were better used deals available.

this book has a lot of information, I am very pleased it has a lot of very good pictures you can see what you need to do