Rating: 
Summary: just read the instruction book instead
Review: As someone who just recently bought and learned how to use a sewing machine, I hoped this book would serve as a dress-making primer. Instead, it's just a glorified sewing machine instruction booklet. The author devotes just a couple of pages to cutting out, and wastes space telling us stuff most people already know - like that linen wrinkles easily (she also says that lyrcra is very "in" right now, which gives me little faith in her fashion knowledge). The patterns included are uninspiring - the skirt is particularly hideous. A complete waste of money.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book for Sew-Phobics....
Review: Elissa's book is wonderful...I bought it here immediately after I borrowed it from the library as I had to own it and make the projects included in it. I had reviewed many beginning sewing books before finding this one, and it is really a unique guide that can help anyone learn how to sew, even absolute beginners and "phobics". It very simply and in plain language walks the reader through step by detailed step, how to thread a machine, lay out and cut pattern pieces and handle each of the progressive projects in the book.
I like that the book has "attitude" and personality and is not like any of the other boring sewing books out there. Another strength is that the three patterns included in the book are for items that most people would be able to use and are nicely (and simply) designed - a pillow cover, tote bag and very simple short or long skirt. There are a minimal number of pattern pieces but the results really look professional when the projects are completed.
Since completing the projects in this book, I've visited Elissa's web site and have ordered one of her additional patterns which I plan to start working on soon. She also has online classes which I plan to try as I do not live anywhere near her NYC studio where she teaches.
Excellent book, overall - I highly recommend it!
Robin
Rating:
Summary: Not just for beginners
Review: I am a self-taught intermediate sewers who's been off and on for about six years. Because this is marketed for the beginner sewer, I hesitated on purchasing it. However, after having so many frustrating experiences attempting to make a professional looking purse, I decided to buy it. This baby helped me so much that now I'm thinking of starting a small business! This book teaches you all the things you can't necessarily teach yourself or figure out on your own. Everything is super easy to understand, and the result is ALWAYS crisp and neat looking. I highly recommend this book to any level sewer, from novice to intermediate.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I bought this book because I read good reviews of it online. I bought a sewing machine after getting the book and used it to teach myself how to sew. I had no help at all except for the book. The projects were easy and very stylish. I've completed all the projects and just wish that I lived in NYC so that I could take lessons from the store. Check out their website. Buy this book and no other!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I bought this book because I read good reviews of it online. I bought a sewing machine after getting the book and used it to teach myself how to sew. I had no help at all except for the book. The projects were easy and very stylish. I've completed all the projects and just wish that I lived in NYC so that I could take lessons from the store. Check out their website. Buy this book and no other!!!
Rating:
Summary: Buy It
Review: I did not know how to use a sewing machine at all. My husband bought me a machine and I turned to this book for help. Within 2 hours I sewed a pillow case. 2 hours after that I sewed a pair of curtains for my bathroom. This book was a tremendous help.
Rating:
Summary: Buy It
Review: I did not know how to use a sewing machine at all. My husband bought me a machine and I turned to this book for help. Within 2 hours I sewed a pillow case. 2 hours after that I sewed a pair of curtains for my bathroom. This book was a tremendous help.
Rating:
Summary: This book is awesome!!
Review: I got a new sewing machine for Christmas and was very frustrated once I actually tried to follow a pattern. I got the book "Sewing 101" but it was still not clear. This book was great. I made the first two projects and was on my way. I have since made three handbags. If you are just learning to sew, this is the book for you!!
Rating:
Summary: Face to Face
Review: I have taken classes with Elissa. I was so inspired byher I purchased her book. It guided me the way to really comprehend the materials. Plus, its a great reference book to have when you leave the machine for a few weeks.
Rating:
Summary: Easy way to start
Review: I've always been frustrated by learning how to sew, but I saw this book in the bookstore, and I had to pick it up. The cover is what caught my eye: A bright pink design, and inside it goes step by step in teaching you how to sew with fun illustrations. She's encouraging from the beginning, saying "if I gave you a pair of ballet shoes, could you go on the point right away?" She admits it will take practice and time, but it is very rewarding. I bought this book before I bought the sewing machine! The only complaint I have is that when I bought it in the bookstore, it was kind of over-priced ...,but it is still worth it!
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