Simply Slipcovers

Rating:
Summary: Thank goodness for slipcovers!
Review: I am an experienced sewer so I didn't think I needed a book to teach me how to make a slipcover. After all, I had made slipcovers for two upholstered chairs before. But I decided to buy this book to get "tips" on slipcovering my sofas--definitely much bigger projects than 2 chairs. I am happy I bought it. I love their techniques for roughly cutting out all the fabric you'll need in rectangles and squares and then simply draping these pieces over the couch, pinning in place, removing and sewing. This resulted in a very fitted and tailored look. One sofa down, one to go..... I'll admit I didn't follow all of their instructions--they are so long and detailed! They would probably be helpful for a beginner, but like I said, I've sewed for years so once I got to the pin-fit method on the couch I didn't open the book again.

Rating:
Summary: Very impressive content.... but poor book construction
Review: I have never seen such a wonderful and varied collection of slipcovers in one place. There are examples of slipcovers with piping, ruffles, bows, ties, swags, borders, pleats, fringes, scallops, cording, tassels, and flanges. And then there are some plain, unadorned slipcovers for those who prefer that style. Then there are excellent and easy directions for creating the slipcovers. The photos are all in color and the drawings are very good, and also in color. My one complaint about this book (ISBN 0376015144) is that the pages are glued to the paperback cover and they are coming loose. What a dreadful way to put together a book that deserves so much better!

Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing Results
Review: I'm a novice seamstress. I bought this book, bought some fabric on eBay, bought some supplies at Ben Franklin, and sewed a slipcover and six zippered cushion covers for my 7' tuxedo style sofa. My slipcover is machine washable (fits in with my dog and kid lifestyle), stays firmly in place on my couch (unlike the ones you can buy cheaply) and looks pretty professional! I could not have done it without this book; I followed the directions line by line and it worked out great. If you have a sewing machine and can sew a straight line, give it a try. My next project is my wing chair and ottoman.

Rating:
Summary: This is dated
Review: This book is full of ideas,encouragement,and inspiration. It's directions are clear and easy to understand. While promoting creativity and personalization of your project, it gives you the basics needed for selecting fabric and style, measuring, cutting and sewing. I am not terribly skilled at my sewing machine, but with the help of this book, slipcovers are now in my repertoire.

Rating:
Summary: This is dated
Review: This book is very dated. The instructions are okay if that's all you want, but style-wise this book is old, old, old.

Rating:
Summary: Simply amazing
Review: This is a really good book.
I'm not very good when it comes to sewing (I only know the very basics, like where the thread goes), yet this book managed to make the whole process seem simple and everything went very smoothly.
I've made slpipcoves for my dining chairs and they look terrific, no-one can believe I made them myself. Best of all, they were really cheap--about $8 per chair. I'm now starting to make a slipcover for a sofa, and things are looking good! The most trouble I've had is deciding on a project. Everything else is really quite simple, and the results are amazing.
Buy this book, you won't regret it.