Inspired by the PBS-TV series "Sewing Today", this guide shows how to add professional details to home-sewn garments to achieve an authentic "designer look". Lavishly illustrated, the book profiles top designers such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and others, revealing sewing techniques that make their clothes extraordinary.

A sourcebook for the home sewer contains more than 500 fundamental techniques for altering or repairing garments, using patterns, and creating your own designs

Sheets of patterns are in an envelope inside the front cover, each sheet is doubled sided.

Author Page draws on twenty years of shirtmaking experience to share the construction secrets of garments from the world's finest shirtmakers, using simple tools and techniques any sewer can acquire.

Expert crafter, Lisa Comfort shares the secrets of her sewing passion. She guides you through all the basics of sewing by hand and machine, as well as providing you with the skills you need to follow her simple but stylish projects.

Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses is Gretchen Hirsch’s modern reinvention of a simple idea, focusing on easily mastered sewing skills, minimal pattern pieces, and fabulous designs. “Gretchen ‘Gertie’ Hirsch is a passionate home seamstress, a sought-after sewing teacher, and the creator of one of the web’s most popular sewing blogs.” —Creativebug In the ‘50s and ‘60s, Simplicity released their popular line of Jiffy sewing patterns, which had minimal pattern pieces and simple constructions, yet were chic enough for fashion-conscious customers. This approach appeals now more than ever to stylish women who are continuously looking for ways to fit their love of sewing into busy lives packed with family, work, school, and countless other obligations. With the lessons offered here, you can make a Popover Dress, Chemise Dress, Swirl Dress, Boatneck Dress, and Patio Dress. Everything you need is included: pattern maps, finished garment measurements, and more. And the best part? Readers will end up with a sparkling wardrobe of easy-to-wear, fun-to-style dresses that will fill busy modern lives with retro charm. Chapters include: Supplies and Tools Fabrics Getting Ready to Sew Dress Construction: The Basics Dress Construction: Essential Skills Trims and Flourishes Fitting Hirsch writes in her introduction, “So why did I write this book? Because I want to show that it’s possible to cultivate real sewing skills without spending days or even weeks on a project. Sewing more projects means more practice!” The vintage aesthetic of these projects will appeal to beginner and expert crafters alike. They stand on their own as great examples of retro fashion. They aren’t just simple sewing projects. So, don’t wait. Start sewing! Includes color photographs and illustrations Also available: Gertie Sews Vintage Casual Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing Gertie’s New Fashion Sketchbook