Book Review: "The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques"
4:00 PMThey had me at "COUTURE"!
"Fashion designer and expert sewist Lynda Maynard tackles each professional technique with clear instructions in simple step-by-step stages. Once these skills are understood, sewists will embrace their dressmaking projects with more confidence and the ability to create chic, refined looks. The Dressmaker’s Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques unlocks the door to stunning results with better shaping, simpler construction methods, and professional finishing touches. Lynda also explains several seemingly difficult “secrets,” from making bindings and finishing for hems, armholes, and necklines to underpinnings and structuring techniques. Plus, she teaches how to master finishing touches from textured stitches to couching and appliqué. A complete guide to the fabrics suited to each technique and inspirational fashion photography are also included."
It's no secret that I'm an absolute couture and couture sewing techniques lover! So when I discovered this new book, I had to have it! This is an absolutely beautiful, hardback, spiral bound book. The book has beautiful illustrations and also gorgeous photos from up to date runway shows from the likes of Armani Prive', Christian Dior and Kevan Hall just to name a few.
There were several techniques that I have not tried that I would be willing to... such as the author's "couture waistband" and "spaced tucks".
In the very back of the book is the section called "Essential Couture Techniques". Color me perplexed, but I thought that's what the ENTIRE book is *supposed* to be about!
Even though there are a few things that I found interesting and may give a try, I found this book to be somewhat of a let down. I feel that the term "couture" may have been liberally used. At the most, this book is "couture-ish" and will produce nice ready-to-wear results. I was looking for more hand sewing techniques and the author even lists a serger as part of "The Couturier's Kit". I always thought that was a no-no?!
I would call this book "Couture-ish Sewing Techniques - 101" and definitely recommend this book for less advanced sewers that are looking to step up their sewing game. And for the more "seasoned seamstress", this is a good supplement for the other couture sewing books in your library!
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2 comments
Hi Erica,
ReplyDeleteI am a fashion student, and I was thinking about purchasing this book as a reference point. But thanks to your review I can be glad i didnt buy it. If they list a serger as a tool then its definetely not the kind of book Im interested in. Have you come across any guides that are comprehensive?
It's the original hardback.
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