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Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Sewing (Leisure Arts #15960)(Donna Kooler's Series) | 
| Authors: Kooler Design Studio, Leisure Arts, Donna Kooler
Publisher: Leisure Arts, Inc.
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $14.90
as of 9/6/2010 21:23 CDT details
You Save: $10.05 (40%)
New (15) Used (5) from $14.84
Seller: BugAnn
Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 1181090
Media: Perfect Paperback
Pages: 240
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 11.7 x 8.7 x 0.8
ISBN: 1601404565
Dewey Decimal Number: 646
EAN: 9781601404565
ASIN: 1601404565
Publication Date: December 1, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Sewing is a must for everyone who sews, no matter what their skill level. In the elegant style of Kooler Design's four previous encyclopedias, these 240 pages are wonderfully filled with the history of sewing, basic techniques, custom details, quilting, home decor, and embellishments. Also included are garment techniques with small-scale practice patterns, and 12 projects by top designers, with something for every skill level. Projects include a retro apron, mixed-media purse, simple skirt, embroidered quilt, and casual jacket, among others. Beautiful photography and easy-to-follow techniques make this a required addition to any sewing library.
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| Customer Reviews:
 No quite as clear as the previous volumes July 29, 2010
Natalie C. Numbers (Springfield, TN USA)
I own The Encyclopedias of Crochet, Knitting, and Embroidery, and picked up this Sewing version as soon as I saw it in the bookstore. I find the series to be wonderful resource and instructional books, particluarly for a semi-beginner like me. I have used some of the techniques before, so I do not consider myself a rank beginner, but need more "formal" instruction in many of the basic techniques in order to understand why certain stitches are necessary, and how to do them properly for a nicely finished piece.
The Encyclopedia of Sewing is the only volume so far which has disappointed me in this regard. While the information, layout, pictures, and history are as well-thought out as ever, the basic stitch techniques for both hand and machine sewing are far from clear. They are probably fine as a quick refresher for someone already familiar with them, but for people like me, who are wanting to start at the very beginner and get it right, they skip a lot of explanation. For example, the hand blanket stitch does not explain where to position the thread in relation to the needle as you are stitching (which is what gives this stitch it's distinctive look), nor how to finish off the line, nor handle corners/curves. Similar omissions occur in almost every technique.
I am a little dispaoointed that this book cannot serve as an all-purpose starter book, as the other volumes can, and that I needed to purchase another book which covers the same basics but has better explanations and illustrations of the steps involved. I still give this book a 4-star rating however, as it is an incredbly rich resource, and once you do know the very basics (which most readers probably will), it promises to be as useful in developing perfected skills as Donna Kooler's other Encyclopedias.
 Good information & value July 24, 2010
Maggie K (Texas)
I purchased this for my adult daughter who is "getting into" sewing. Lots of good tips and good pictures/explanations. I found a project or two that I will try also. Good addition to our sewing library for basic information. Small enough and easy to read so is not intimidating.
The Ultimate Sewing Encyclopedia December 16, 2009
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I was very excited to hear that Donna Kooler and her fabulous creative team have finally published another of their "Encyclopedia" volumes. This time, it's the Encyclopedia of Sewing. The Kooler Design Studio team have previously forwarded to me their other published encyclopedia of quilting, embroidery, crochet and knitting which I have reviewed here. I am delighted to have the opportunity to review this latest publication from the Kooler Design Studio. Donna has not disappointed with the most in depth explanation of all elements of sewing, together with the incredibly detailed instructions and most importantly graphics, both computer generated and photographs.
This book has been published by Leisure Arts and is beautifully put together, in full color and has been bound exceptionally well. This is important as I see this publication as being a reference book that will get much use by the owner.
In this day and age of make do and mend, we are more aware than ever that there are ways that we can budget and manage our limited income and we are realizing that the good "old fashioned" craft of sewing for your self and your home is one very big way of saving money and having a unique wardrobe and fashion accessories like no other. What we are also discovering is how fabulous it is to create our own fashion and decor, and the incredible satisfaction we gain from doing so.
This book is the definitive how to book on sewing that I have ever come across. The elements that are covered in this book include sewing basics with explanations about reading patterns, using interfacings and most important pressing skills. Other chapters include hand sewing, machine sewing, and constructions elements. There is also a great chapter on specialty sewing such textiles as fleece and fur, leathers and papers, plastics and sheers and interestingly how to use plaid fabrics in your fashion wardrobe.
Best of all, this book includes 13 projects for you to get started. There's a deep pocket chef's apron, a skirt and blouse and some delightful quilt and table runner projects and lots more.
Other information includes a comprehensive glossary with down to earth definitions, a broad further reading chart and a very thorough index. Donna has spent a great deal of effort to bring to the reader a very in depth explanation of the history of sewing, especially home sewing and the tools and gadgets that have been used over the years.
The photos in this publication are absolutely delectable, and feed your inspiration to create beautiful things for you and your home. I thoroughly recommend this book to beginner and more experienced sewers everywhere. This book will not disappoint.
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