Ahahhh to be fair I have no evidence of Janet Arnold having said the thing about the books being intended to sit out on tables--I've only ever heard her successor Jenny Tiramani say that. 😂
I got rid of my coffee table and placed two treadles there. I do have evidence of them being used as coffee tables in the past. Some books on the top of them would look just FAB!!! They attract the eye too, so more will want to pick the book up. Seriously though, there are some elaborate designs in books for making lace, and fabric coverings of all sorts, for types of home sewing machines. They protect them in the windows sunlight from bleaching, dust , and all mater of goods placed on them.
I love your explanations and flip through. This reminds me of.... Cook books. *Reader digest sewing. = better crocker red plaid book. (Learn the basics, how to cook.) *Janet Arnold = America's test kitchen / cooks illustrated (get super nerdy and precise, refine your techniques) *Sketchy/closeup and detail = Joy of cooking / Julia Child-Mastering the art of French cooking. (Gormet Chef detail and textbooky) *Pinterest recipes = fashion plates (pretty pretty pictures for inspiration.) !! It all depends on where you are in your cooking & sewing journey!!!
Woohoo! Thanks for the heads up. I checked the School of Historical Dress website and they are preparing color versions of Patterns of Fashion 1-4 to release in 2021.
My mom does the same thing for that book! She picks them up every now and again at thrift stores or garage sales for $1 or so. A good book doesn't have to break the bank.
If you are new to sewing and have a machine: read the manual! Then test out everything it does, you dont have to "make" anything, just practice threading and running the fabric though. If something goes wrong/could be better - google/youtube *your machine* and the issue/'how to...'. Sewingpartsonline has good video tutorials of how to use presser feet!
It's pretty easy to get most manuals online too now, if yours has gone AWOL & if your machine is vintage, there are FB groups who have collated volumes of info about restoring & servicing them.
fun story; my first sewing machine was my moms (from before I was born) and she didn't know how to use it. there was no manual, and its tension spring was broken. I learned to sew on that machine when I was like 13, and I still use it to this day (I got it serviced, and repaired five years ago). This machine is called an omega, which means absolutely nothing, it is closest to a necchi 535FA. I have learned how to take this thing apart, and how to fix everything on it (my dad is a mechanic and I credit him for my mechanical/tinkering ability). this has helped with troubleshooting why something is off. I love my old beast.
I watched this video just because I enjoy your videos and hanging out but this has been so helpful because the books that so many people suggest make me choke and panic. And if I'm completely honest, I've been actively avoiding buying Patterns of Fashion just simply because I do not have a cutting table or a sewing machine... I have the floor and my hands... I don't think Janet Arnold would be happy if I kept them on the floor and neither would I! XD Books live in bookshelves. It keeps them safe from damage.
Sorting by size is a totally valid option! Due to space limitations, that is exactly how most of my books are sorted too! I've also got a shelf overhaul coming up, secretly looking forward to it as it is an excuse to look through my collection and find things I've not seen a while. Also, thank you for the common sense book suggestions!
Space limitations are a thing! I now also sort by size. Back when I had heaps of space and an entire wall of bookcases (and it was a pretty big wall), I had all my books meticulously organised, alphabetical by author, and then by release date within author. I live in an apartment now. I had to donate almost all of my books, keeping only one bookshelf worth. That was hard.
I started sewing just two years ago af 24. I found the Better homes and gardens book at the thrift store and several other antique sewing manuals from the 50s and before. Those types of books literally hold your hand the whole way! They are great! The only problem is the language, I am good at reading "proper english" and had a rough time with one book from....I think it was from close to 1930. Once I got used to the way it spoke though, it has been super helpful!
Those OG homemaker books from WW2 and before are the BEST, because they just assume as a core premise that the reader will be sewing, making, cooking, cleaning and setting up house from scratch, and that clear, extended instruction may be required for those who didn't have the 'privilege' of being taught how to do all of that from the time they could toddle on their own, lol. But seriously, I have one somewhere that goes from making basic meals to sewing an entire wardrobe to cleaning literally anything and everything that can be cleaned to building and upcycling basic furniture and household design and organization. And it's aimed at late teens early 20s women. The level of competence, energy and physical strength the assumed average 17 year old woman of the time will have is frankly somewhat intimidating to modern eyes. :-D
Definitely, older books are more helpful. Anything pre 1980s, when colour printing became much cheaper, explains thing much better. The same principle applies to cookbooks.
For costuming in detail I have one of those clear plastic sheets with grid on it. I made the grid in illustrator and printed it on the OHP-sheet so I can just lay it over the page I want to make. It really just made the book plug and play ^^
Costume in detail doesn’t have any patterns, but costume close up and the cut of women’s clothes does. That’s a good idea! (And also they should have just printed the book with one)
I too learned to sew with the help of "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing" and recommend it for a beginner, they also have one for needle work that has a lot of wonderful information. These books are great, and unless you have, or have had, a sewing mentor it is very difficult to even know what you don't know!
I'm a librarian and have shelved by size. In the library. It's much more pleasing to the eye than seeing larger books shelved sideways. Of course, I then put them in alphabetical order by author then title; or in Dewey then author then title order if they were nonfiction.
I agree. It's great to be able to look up actual techniques if you need an answer or if you want to try and be as historically accurate as you can, but the risk is to slip and slide into research procrastination and panic freeze. Plus, many of us don't have the money or the shelf space for books. And costube is a fantastic resource!
@@aliceg5327, research procrastination is such a beast! 😭 I'm wanting to sew my first kirtle (circa 1300s-ish), which shall also be my first dress ever sewn. I have tumbled down so many academic rabbit holes and weird textile word forests! 😂😭
@@uncrnsprklfrts5720 as a person who's made a few kirtle's I would like to suggest you buy some inexpensive cotton in a color you like and just start in on the first one bumbling and moaning the whole way. recognize that this will not be a masterpiece, but you can practice all the things you want to do on the masterpiece without feeling like you've ruined your good linen. eyelets, some french seams, Where to put openings! etc. gussets, and on and on, it free's you to both screw up and practice and learn. Also look for fellow costumers in your area. Okay I dont normally jump in with comments, but since I've been there thought I"d pipe up. and the readers digest book is fantastic, also their needlework and crochet, :)
I learned to sew by reading dress diaries and trying to replicate what those costumers were doing. Oddly enough, the first sewing book I ever bought was Patterns of Fashion 4 lol. I was also lucky enough to have people I could ask for advice in my local SCA group. Because all the sewing I was doing was for historical reenactment purposes I pretty much never used a sewing machine, which is bad in terms of speed of production but excellent for making you really good at hand sewing. I only properly learned how to use a sewing machine and overlocker when I went to fashion school
I do have a pet peeve and a hint for the soft cover books. I hate that they don’t stay open so you can see close printing to the binding; especially if you have it laying open on your sewing table. I take my books like these to something like Kinko’s/Fed-Ex Office. There I have the spine cut off, as close to the spine as possible. Then they bind them with spiral binding. I don’t loose any of the info AND it’s more user friendly. They lay flat and you can make notes in them etc . 😀
I have one of those wire contraptions for holding cookbooks open, but they don't work as well if you're laying the book flat. Great idea on the binding!
Paperback books were originally created as a cheaper option for a market who didn't have their own home libraries & couldn't afford to buy & keep hardback books. Their positives are affordability & portability & the negatives are that they don't have the weight to hold open by themselves & they suffer more from handling as a result, so they don't last as long as a hardback copy. Hardback is still more expensive to make than paperback & now with electronic options, loss through piracy is a major problem, so most publishers opt for the cheapest way to get a book out to a larger market - paperback, but they'll often make a limited amount in hardback. Imho, if it's a decent quality book that will be handled often & that I'm already willing to fork out reasonable money for, then another $20 for the hardback version makes for a sensible investment.
I just found out that my library has an AWESOME collection of sewing books! I have Patterns of Fashion 1 on hold right now and I'm really excited to pick it up along with Creating Couture Embellishment. Yay libraries when you spent all your $$ on fabric!
Totally 100% agree with you, you need to learn to walk before you can run. We had an old Singer treadle with the coffin lid when I was born & I wouldn't leave it alone, so I was given working miniature metal machines as a toddler. Then I too learned to sew from my Gran, before I started school - nearly 50yrs now. You build on those skills every time you sew. Lately I've encountered many new blogs and YT channels, each fully-armed with their new books, new sewing machines and plenty of inspiration, but sadly none with any sewing skills. While their enthusiasm is truly admirable, it's not great viewing if they don't learn to sew first. I don't imagine it's much fun for them either; struggling with learning the basics of sewing, while juggling basic video production and beginners costuming all at the same time.
I sort books by size but that's because I have cheap ikea shelves and large/heavy art books that need to go on the bottom because of their weight. I have a book problem with dreams of having a dedicated library room. Someday, my extremely esoteric books will come out of storage in all their classical glory.
Having a great many books at least 4 bookcases full, mostly historical books. I decided to during lockdown to reorganised them, well I did not need to tidy halfway through. But I also discovered that the middle shelf did not move. Good Job
I agree with you one those books, it's almost a little mean to recommend them to beginners. They are more like #lifegoals but a bit down the road type of books.
One book that I recently got that I think would fall under the same category as the POF books is Jill Salen’s corset book. There’s one corset in there that I want to make as my first corset (eventually, this is waaaaaaaay down my project list). The extant corset it’s patterned from has something like a 24” or 26” waist. Mine is 46”. That’s going to need a lot of work to get it to fit. I’m definitely not tackling that until I’ve leveled up my sewing game some more!
Noelle, thank you for being one of the few people to be sane enough to tell people that Patterns of Fashion is not a good idea for people new to sewing to begin with. They are excellent, don't get me wrong, but I have been sewing for years and still struggle with drafting patterns.
eBay/thrift stores has tons of vintage sewing basics books from sewing machine and pattern companies well under $25...start there. I have been sewing for forty years and still use them. I of course have advanced books but they are tailored to what I know I am interested in or want to learn. ...because I have experience and know my comfortable skill set. Sewing should be enjoyable not overly frustrating. Even with my many years of sewing I still get stumped...basics always help me through.
I've been sewing for 51 years. Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing...YES! Awesome book along with the Bishop Method for the next step. The Singer series are also excellent.
I don't know if you're late or early, but here we are! That book at the start is GLORIOUS. I did some similar bookcase searching yesterday, and found my inspiration for the Foundations Revealed costume contest in one of my favourite childhood books! Obscure European myths are the BEST.
Dear Noelle, Thank you so very much for understanding that there are a lot of people like me that are beginning and get intimated by stuff we don't understand yet. I'm learning and I love to sew but if I try to run before I can walk I will get discouraged. I love your videos. Thank you for being so cool. Mona from Saint Louis
Ugh, that Dracula book has been on my list for ages! Eiko Ishioka's work was incredible. btw, I have a master's in library science. I've worked in public libraries with Dewey cataloging, academic with LOC, and archives with their own systems. At home though? We all have our own method! It's whatever makes sense for your brain. I've met people who organize by color, by shape, who label and don't label, who have piles on the floor...whatever works for you. I just moved so my cataloging system is "disarray."
I used to do all my book, movie, cd’s (remember them?) by author/creator and title......then I had a kid. So yeah You Do You! Any way that makes you happy!
I haven't done any costume/fancy dress sewing yet, I'm a quilter 😀 But I enjoy your videos, how you're honest about the good & ooopsie moments, your sense of humour & your geeky nerdy pride! (I'm an HP, sci-fi, manga, dragon loving, LotR addict) And seeing you flip through a book or magazine & sigh with bliss, joking that it's like porn, oh yeah that's my kind of humour hahaha
MEE TOO! I just left my first comment here and was reading some of the others. Im a Quilter/Needle pointer and found found her thru the CoCovid weekend. I follow Bernadette Banner (Seriously Check her out, its like sewing porn). Im working on a reproduction quilt using the patterns in the Kansas Star newspaper and only using techniques/fabrics(Reproduction) that would have been available at that time. (1928-53) I wanted it to be as historically accurate as possible, hence why I happened upon the plethora of historical costuming content on RUclips.
Can you or @Renee Ross recommend any quilting youtubers that are sort of like Costuming Drama? I want to get more into it but don't have anyone local to reach out to.
@@reneeross8181 My cousin had recommended Bernadette Banner to me & then through her I found Noelle, & I now I'm recommending Noelle back to my cousin 😊 Lots of happiness in the sewing world 🧵😀
@@jenniferb585 I don't have many quilters that I follow yet, but Angela Walters had a channel called The Midnight Quilt Show which was a lot of fun. She hasn't added to that one in a while, has a separate one under just her name. But the Midnight Quilt Show episodes are fun, beginner friendly, & drinking wine while quilting is encouraged 🍷 hahaha
Well I am a very beginner beginner, so I can't really recommend anything, but I really enjoy the Bertha Banner book! I learned how to honeycomb from there and the pocket pattern in there (the one that Bernadette is using in her walking skirt) is amazing! I used it to put pockets in my fast fashion skirt that did not have any so that I can make people jealous of my enormous pockets. And also it is simply a very good read especially when she is throwing some shade on some type of seam finishing (german rolled seam I think) that looks very clumsy in here opinion!
The Agnes Walker book--is that the one you also got from Bernadette? I've looked at hers and Bertha Banners and feel as though I'm learning a lot, even though I've been sewing for many years! Good luck as you continue on this sewing adventure!
@@kjtherrick4031 Oh! That's the book that had that pattern for the combinations! I have to admit I really underestimated that book. Flipped through it right now and it sounds amazing! Thank you so much for recommending it!
Thank god at long last, some one who thinks the same as me on those books, I looked though two of those books the other day and thought why have I even got these books 😱, there just reference but no help to pattern or even make the the clothes if you have no pattern training. Jason from England 🤓
I think I'd place myself just into mid-range. I've made a Truly Victorian bodice, skirt, and overskirt (1890s), but I still feel like a beginner in many corners of sewing. This video definitely added a couple books to my wishlist
Any sorting method is valid a long as it's not spines-to-the-wall LOL (I sort my books by type but for fiction the sacrilegious thing I do is split up series sometimes D: I sort by how much I like them, so I have "fave" "meh" and "to read" shelves, but also a "banished" shelf corner. I have a couple of series where most of the books are on the "faves" shelf and the last book is in the "banished" corner with the DNFs because it betrayed me lol. Since the faves shelf is like a "comforting to look at and maybe re-read for fun," I don't want to be reminded of the bad ends when looking at that shelf, but don't want to get rid of them either so they go on their own, which is maybe childish but, y'know, I'm an adult who gets to do what she wants with her own bookshelves :p)
One of the things I loved about Marika's costuming book video is she framed it as 'these are my favourite books, most of these are NOT for beginners'. I think a lot of people who get that question interpret it as 'new to costuming but with a background in sewing' rather than 'new to sewing entirely'. It's great that you've clarified exactly what these books are so people don't get in over their heads :-D
New subscriber here! I had discovered your existence during last year's costume college, but you were so cool on the panels of CoCoVid this year that I checked your channel out again and I really like it here. Also, I've actually started sewing in the meantime so there's that. I have to admit, I started laughing when you pulled out Costume Close-up as not for beginners. Because I am definitely a beginner, but I do have that book. I specifically want to make the swallow-tailed jacket though, so I can be a posh maidservant in our historical riding/show team. And my 18th century stays, which I just finished, and are actually the 5th piece of clothing I've ever made in my life actually turned out really OK. I used Redthreaded's pattern, made a mockup, adjusted the size of the front panels because my boobs are really tiny (tmi? If so, sorry) and the final version fits quite well. Who knew I could adjust patterns successfully? Not me. So I'm having a great day! But I will almost definitely be drawing out a grid though. And buying gridded pattern paper. Because, gulp, the jacket is outer clothing. Welp.
Ditto, I think I need a shopping day. My only actual sewing book is the needlecraft encyclopedia. It covers a bit of everything from tatting to machine sewing, enough to give you a taste for what you like. Which kinda work for me cuz I like everything.
That structural fixed IKEA shelf is the bane of us all. The way home bookcases are sorting by size is sort of a must. I do group by subject on the respective shelves, although to be honest I sort of have subject bookcases - all the art books in one, my history books in another, sewing in a third. Janet Arnold books are VERY inconveniently sized but the content makes up for it. Thank you for sharing your books with us all.
As you flipped through the first book I was waiting for 1830s Corona Prevention Sleeves to flip past. That still has me in giggles from the last video. I organized my trimmings yesterday. I don't have enough space in my studio apartment for more than 10 books. So I have the ones I know I am not going to be using much in well-labeled catalog boxes in my storage. Ikea has some good sturdy ones and I also put silica packs in with them to make sure they stay dry. It's a great way to have all the books, but not all of them in a sewing space if room is becoming limited.
As one of those people in the beginner category on the cusp of intermediate ("novice"?), I really appreciate this video. I've been sewing casually for a long time, started costuming in earnest last year, and I pretty much learned to sew via Google and RUclips videos. I picked up Patterns of Fashion 1 and 3 last year (right before they disappeared off the face of the planet, thankfully) but N-O-P-E. Beautiful books, I'm just not there yet. I recently picked up a book at a flea market, Modern Tailoring for Women by Mauck, 1947. Reads like a textbook and walks you through step-by-step how to construct fitted coats, jackets, and slacks. Super useful for my current outerwear project.
God I 100% do not understand why u havnt absolutely blown up yet on youtube your personality and honesty and skills deserve to seen and admired by the world. I can't wait until you have millions of viewers
The internet is such a good resource for learning, it's amazing. Especially as the sewing and costuming community has grown, and there's more styles of sewing and eras to see. Regarding your books, while it might not be your style, I like to stack books horizontally to use as bookends. My shelves are organized by genre, so I do like to keep certain books together, but it can also open space for decor or misc storage without losing book storage sometimes.
I learn so much from you and now I've started reading your comments because they are so informative. Do you ever feel that there is just too much information, too many shiny things, pulling you away from working on your own costuming? I think I need to stop collecting lovely ideas, books, lovelier fabric and just sit down and sew. Thanks for a fun video. I'll chain myself to my sewing machine now.
Hello. I am a crocheter who also knits and I learned to knit because of 1 pattern I had to make, but I had to do my time on washcloths before I could make a round shawl with the northern constellations in it. Had I tried to learn on that, I wouldn't knit now. Probably the same for sewing (I hand sew some, like linings for purses and took machine sewing in high school [back in the pre-general internet days {like 1993}]). Anyways, I enjoy your videos. On another note, I just change my bookshelves from alphabetical by author and them chronological by series to arranged by genre then the above style...yours doesn't bug me so much, but the by color style does so much. As to things I like to read, science, PNR/urban fantasy, sci-fi (though more of the character driven rather than the science driven), things that skirt genre edges. I use audio books on the weekend (taking a youtube break) and I am currently reading Out of Time by Lynn Abbey (a 50 librarian finds out she's got a weird talent...how often do you get a middle aged 'chosen one'? ^^) in paper (no audio for it that I've found) and up next on my audio is probably The Lady's Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness by Sara Ramey. Anyways...this is long...
I'm loving every page!!! I'm an artist and I can imagine large (life size) paintings of styles (not copies of) for wall decor. I would cover my stairwell with paintings of these garments and my style is modern. It is in my head, zinging! Love it! Thanks!
This video was very helpful thank you so much for making it.I have an idea of a few books I want to get. I have been sewing for years. These books look like they're full of new techniques and wonderful tips, that will help on my journey to historically accurate clothing.
I am in agreement with you. Also having been taught at a very young age to sew, and putting down and picking it up on and off (and on and off) over the last 4 decades, the Reader's Digest one is a great learn to sew book. After all these years, I still consider myself an intermediate sewist (sewer also reads as sewer as in plumbing to me). Love your blogs.
I am with you in the PoF format, this is crazy. I have had some of them for decades now, and it shows badly. I use them and have really them a lot. Not beginner friendly, not something I would reference all the time because I do OTHER STUFF. Ok, I guess the format makes Very Ranty.
The Reader’s Digest books on sewing and needlework are excellent for beginners! I’ve been working with one form of string (thread, twine, rope, yarn, you name it) or another since I was five. I learned fairly basic hand sewing at 12, and machine sewing at 14, and I STILL refer to those books at 46. I love the books you showed, but even being comfortable drafting patterns, I’m still intimidated by several. I don’t know why altering existing patterns intimidates me, but drafting stuff out of thin air doesn’t? Maybe I’m scared to screw up someone else’s idea, but not my own? I dunno. Loved your rant! Yes, those books will be invaluable resources when, and if, I level up, but in the meantime I’d rather have my hand held through the process. Be well, friend!
l like the book shelf editing video. My mom has that hot pink, black and white book.ill have to check it out .I think she got it a library old book sale . Or as a grocery store give away program back in the 1960 -70's. She once got a set of dishes at grocery store that way.. she still uses those dishes. 😁
@@invadersin5203 I remember those green stamp cataloges. It was like a wish book. I think they did a Brady bunch episode about stamp books. I think the girls wanted a sewing machine. Can't remember what the boys wanted . They had a to build a house of cards for the winner. Ha ha. Ha ha....
I'm a reader's digest fan, very helpful, also I've got the British Harmony series, which come in all sizes, for sewing quilting etc. My learning experience is: 1) Grandma, 2) best friend next door (thanks Patty) who became an upholster, 4) sewing class in Jr High School, 4) bodgery from some nameless historical fashion book from the library in the 80's, 5) big 4 patterns (thanks Simplicity and McCalls), and then after a 25+ year break, youtube. I like the inspirational books, but I stick to the straight forward ones to learn from. I agree entirely with your suggestions for beginners, and in particular, it is probably better not to get too many different ones at first, because there are many many ways to do a lot of different things, e.g. sleeve setting, zipper insertion, and it gets confusing until you get your own rhythm going. Great video, I seriously can watch people organize books all day. Seriously I can.
Back when I first started with sewing historical costumes - in the late 1970s (gulp!) - there was no internet, no RUclips, and very few historical costume patterns At All. So Nancy Bradfield, Norah Waugh, and Janet Arnold were my Goddesses. I will always find a place for the Janet Arnold books in gratitude, no matter their floppy size :) And I still consult the Goddesses for almost every project. I love that there are now so many books and resources and such a wonderful costuming community, and in the last 5 years this has really reinvigorated my passion. Not to mention filled my bookshelves with more wonderful books. Maybe some of those will achieve Goddess status for me, but they will never eclipse the Bradfield, Waugh and Arnold books in my personal favourites.
I should add, despite my reverence and love for them, I do totally agree that they're not the best books for beginners new to sewing as well as costuming.
It does rather necessitate some creative...organisation. I’ve shelved DVD’s and books in the same Benno-system. It took a *while* to fit everything in, in alphabetical order, *and* making it look decent... :D
Readers Digest is 100% the best newbie sewing book in any edition! I also love their Needlework guide which is out of print but can be found very cheap on EBay or used book stores.
I have a copy of 'Vogue Sewing' that was my mums from 1983. It has all the techniques for simple sewing up to couture. It is what I always go back to when my pattern has confusing instructions.
Big agree on the patterns of fashion sizing though. I recently reorganised my bookshelves because i had to move around my room and i have *big* bookshelves, and yet the single patterns of fashion book uses so much room if i lie it flat. I've only got a temporary solution at the moment, i'm going to have to find somewhere better to stack it once i get more editions.
Thanks for the book recommendations! Three suggestions for your books: (1) get some metal, nonskid bookends in different heights for your shelves (Amazon, Office Depot, maybe Walmart) because they hold books well and don't eat space; (2) try to put get your Patterns of Fashions books to go across books of the same height so that they can lay flat and won't warp in the wavy pattern as they were laying when you took them off your newly arranged shelves to discuss; you might also be able to stand these--if not too tall--on their spine; and (3) if you don't already have one, start a database of the books you own. The latter is extremely helpful because you can include multiple columns in a database that you can search as needed but don't have to print. Plus, should you move, you can write which book is in which box on your list. I own hundreds of books on many, many topics, and such a list has been a lifesaver. Another worthwhile book for seamstresses of all expertise levels (IMO) is Claire Shaeffer's "HIgh-Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers." Singer also produces sewing books that are helpful.
I learnt the basics of sewing from my mother, but when I wanted to go from a basic skill to competent I found the books from Assembil incredibly useful. "How to start sewing" is a great beginners book, and I frequently refer to "The Sewtionary: An A to Z Guide to 101 Sewing Techniques and Definitions" when I can't figure out a pattern instruction.
Love a good book tour!! Personal libraries can really show a lot about a person. (Though sometimes the information is outdated- can make for good conversation though) Personally I think books are made to live on shelves and be retrieved when needed. They’re friends for the long run, and they’ll be there when you need them, but you don’t have to talk to them constantly for them to stick around. Whatever the opposite of fair weather friends is, that’s books!
The way I use Costume close-up is with a gridded pattern paper that is transparent enough to see the sketch through, transfer it to that, and then I either draft it to my size from there, or directly on the fabric if the pattern is simple enough. If I could figure out what it is called in my language I would want to find and use a gridded clear plastic sheet. But yeah, I agree that it is not a book for beginners. I have sewn for... almost thirty years, and at this point the book is easy-ish to use for patterning (the brevity of the sewing instructions is still a challenge though since I'm fairly new to historical sewing). Ten years ago the patterning would have been a nice challenge, ten years before that almost impossible, except I am a stubborn person who likes math. When I started, I wouldn't even have understood that it was a pattern. Admittedly I began sewing when I was six or eight depending on whether meddling with my parent's sewing counts, and I don't think many kids could go directly into pattern drafting by scale and grid, and maybe maybe some adults can if they are already into that sort of thing for one reason or another, but it is not an easy place to start. Too many things to learn at once.
I learned to sew from the readers digest complete guide to sewing during quarantine. I had gotten the book for a quarter two years ago. Thanks for letting me know about the patterns of fashion books. I've been trying to hunt them down. I may not be there yet but they look like my jam.
Your candid honesty and willingness to share are much appreciated. Also, as I’m sure you’ve heard, your humor. 😊 and I absolutely love that you call it “leveling up” the gamer in me gets a kick out of every time I hear it. It also some how makes sewing seem more attainable...in a weird way? Like it’s not something you just do and are good at, but something that you grind away at to eke out those XP so you can get to the next level that has that cool thing you want to try. But, anyway, thank you for sharing!
Costuming Drama I think it would be funny if someone drew up a skill tree for Sewing as if for Skyrim or Dragon Age Lol pick out some leveling up music 😁
The nice thing about a personal book collection is that you can sort it however you please. My books are sorted by a combination of language, genre, size, author, and topic. It makes perfect sense to me and looks like utter chaos to anyone else.
One of my most special talents is knocking over full glasses and generally spilling things. I have a little panic moment every time I see an open glass in your sewing room 😆 Thank you for sharing your books, I really enjoyed watching.
I work at a University Library and our off site storage is by size. There are so many books in storage that it can't be done any other way. The stacks are almost double height. It is glorious.
I am a technical drafter, I wonder if there is a market for tracing patterns in book to the size you need. Because it's the kind of thing I can do in about 5 minutes even without a grid
As a size 26 in street clothes YES. I have a degree in physics and lots of Math skills I can do it but time is limited. I want the fun of making and having the clothes not spending much of my sewing time making a pattern to start.
@@amiwalton9645 in the same time I am not a pattern maker. I can only scale up the pattern but you would have to do a muck up and adjust it to your own body......so you would still have to deal with some headache lol
@@YanickaQuilt makes sense, and that has been my area of issue. I scaled up a pattern for me and while some parts were great other parts where wonky. It was a big for pattern. I have hope that some of the historical pattern companies migjt be better as they use extent garments and more body away blocks. Todays patterns just all seem to add x inch inches for the next size. Thats fine for the waist but my shoulder are not 6 inches broader then 3 sizes down. I will find a way!
I hope that the Historical Whatever Magiggity considers publishing the POF in a more user friendly way. As in not the big silly floppy paperback that exists now. Great to know they will be republished. I agree with your rant. RUclips sewers who teach slopers have been so helpful to me in levelling up my sewing. For free! Love this video. :)
What an amazing book collection! The Singer sewing books sooooo brings backs some memories for me. Thank you for sharing your collection, I found a few that I will seek out ✂️
I just went to my local indie bookseller and ordered a copy! Thank you so much for the suggestion! I feel in over my head sometimes watching the likes of you and Morgan Donner, etc, so it was really nice to have you recommend something that was truly 'back to basics'. Some day I will tackle a historical project but it certainly won't be right away! Hope you're doing ok with all the fires & etc. ❤️
In the realm of sewing books I would recommend... Not for a brand new sewer, but if someone wants to start a business in the realm of sewn products or just sews a lot and wants to get faster and better at sewing, Kathleen Fasanella is a clothing manufacturer who has written a book called The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing. Because of her book, I'm now able to sew 95% without pins, and setting in sleeves is easy with her method (I have noticed nearly everybody on costube complain about this). You also get access to her forum where you can find fabric manufacturer information, techniques, ask questions, etc. It's been super helpful and 100% worth it for me.
I have like an int he middle opinion about the book size from Janet Arnold. I LOVE the size so that I can open it up on the table and really get a good view when working with them - but I also put them on my shelf when not in use, lol! I definitely think that they aren't really a "beginner book" but I also find so much inspiration int hem and so much useful information. I may not use them to work out of but when I'm unsure of a shape of a pattern piece or wanting inspiration for silhouette and decoration I open them up.
When I first got the sewing historical clothing bug from you and Bernadette few years ago I felt the same need to see what's inside those books. Instead of waiting patiently for a book video LOL I went ahead and searched the available city libraries around me and found a vast array of different fashion/ pattern and sewing books. Checked out about 20 all at once (yay for holds arriving simultaneously) I flipped through them, returned over half that wasn't meeting expectations, the rest I read through and realized what a great undertaking costuming will be, the vocabulary is mind boggling, the amount of details to remember on just one outfit is overwhelming and requires serious organization skills. It's going to take years before I finish even one outfit but that is ok. No rush, I am learning so much from costuber videos and many archive books. (All those books you shared I had a chance to read through, impressive but agreed truly way over my head.) In the meantime I saved all the coveted costuming books in my Amazon wishlist to purchase gradually. Here is an idea with the lack of grid system. I recently discovered a gadget called lightbox. You could transfer the gridless patterns from the book onto a grid paper by using a lightbox. Saves the book and gives you a chance to scribble notes onto the gridpaper. Also I second the Reader's digest book. I use it and everytime I find a copy in a thrift store I buy it and gift it to friends who are interested in sewing. I bought it over 5 times already 🤣.
The Tudor Tailor is good, So is Medieval Garments reconstructed and the Medieval Tailor's Assistant for those interested in pre-17th Cent. I also Like Blanche Payne, if you can get it, and Boucher's 20,000 years of Fashion.
I've recently become interested in medieval and Tudor garments and bought the Medieval Tailors Assistant and The Tudor Tailor. I think they're both really good books.
Omg... thank you for thumbing through those... I have been sewing for 32 years, I worked in a theater (college) costume shop, I have made tailored suits (not perfectly but with the stitching and layering and fabric prep) and I am intimidated by those. As a mid-level seamstress (I like my patterns) I recommend "Vogue sewing" by butterick because it gives step by step HOW to construct features. It's not individual patterns but it has a chapter on just collars and the different ways to attach and finish them. Same for closures, waistbands and sleeves. It's my go to when a pattern says "attach sleeve" and then goes on to something else. It's my unstuck tool for construction.
I consider myself a beginner, as I've only been at the historical costuming for about a year, and only seriously for about 6 months. I absolutely LOVE the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, and have found it quite useful for building a solid foundation of sewing knowledge. I also picked up The Complete Book of Sewing, by Constance Talbot, published in 1943, at a used book store. I love it because, while it is similar to the RD book in content, I'm getting the info through the lens of history. I also picked up the Geometry of Hand-Sewing after you flipped through it in another video. It is an excellent introduction to hand stitches (esp. since the RD book is more focused on machine sewing). Plus, it's just gorgeous. I do have several of the books that are typically suggested for those getting into historical costuming, but I see them as more aspirational. Two that I really do love, even as a beginner, are Costume in Detail and Fitting and Proper (not mentioned by you, but similar to Costume Close-Up). I love Costume in Detail because the sketches are made from extant garments, and, taken as a whole, give a great overview of changes in silhouette over the course of the 200 years covered in the book. I like using it to get an idea of the shape I want to work on, and then looking for a pattern. Also, the notes on fabric used for each garment are helpful. I can't see myself trying to pattern out of it, but it's great for ideas. I love Fitting and Proper because it has more on working class clothing of the 18th century (one of my areas of interest). And, while it does have gridded patterns of extant garments, I still don't plan to draft patterns out of it. I do, however, like it for the notes about each garment and ideas.
Thank you for giving recommendations for beginners and places/skills to start! I tend to be a person who tries to run before they can walk, so I’m glad for the advice lol
Leena Norms also does it by color. As long as you can find them, and let's face it, it fits, who cares? I've watched my husband and his vinyl try every orientation and classificatory system known and unspoken of. I think it is so much effort to do it in the first place, you get an A just for the process.
I’ve always said, “To each their own.” When it comes to organization! I go by subject and then height of book within that subject. My DVDs are alphabetical, so if I know what I want to watch I don’t have to search for it!
I think the reason people recommend those books to beginner costumers is because people who learn sewing first and costuming second think of costuming as a different skillset than sewing. Yes, costuming (typically) requires you to be able to sew, but it's not the same thing - so if you don't ask if someone's a new sewer as well as a new costumer, you may end up recommending books for new costumers who already know how to sew. Given that the alternatives I've found with an acceptable degree of accuracy are vague sketches in 1890s newspapers and descriptions + fashion plates/mail order catalogs... Also: the best thing to keep books from falling over is more books next to them. ;)
Book tours hooray! Thank you, Noelle! Definitely helpful to see what we're dealing with in these books -- I've been looking for the Janet Arnold books, but I realize I can pause on that for now. I appreciate the insight! ❤️
Thanks so much for sharing this Noelle! I’ve been sewing for over a decade and I wish I knew of these books back then so I could break bad habits early! And I’m sorry Noelle but I’m one of those people who loves drafting patterns from scratch and just winging it... and it magically works out and somehow fits just fine... 😂 but seriously thanks for sharing these books and I 10000% agree with you on the patterns of fashion books. *practical book shapes please!* ❤️
so enjoyed watching. I feel like a voyer in the lives of the youtube channels I watch, which is why I rarely comment....but I just had to say, I truly enjoy your work. Having been exposed to sewist snobs its refreshing to have people on costube be around making videos that I can just feel like I am included. I have worked in wardrobe/costuming "places" around the country for a few decades. (Even as a cast member at a certain place in Anaheim) I got back into enjoying sewing for myself and others a few years after I stopped working. Actually my daughter joined Job's Daughters and they needed new robes. She told them I sewed and before I knew it I have made 22 white robes (and cords) and 24 purple robes for grand. Here we are 11 years later, she has been Honored Queen, a Grand officer (2nd Messenger) and Supreme rep. My son went through DeMolay, and was State Master Councilor. I am doing many projects and looking forward to returning to making dolls and costumes for them. My brain has returned to the idea of making vinettes...like the weird sisters of that scottish play (I do miss live theater). Sorry for the long comment, but Cocovid has gotten my juices flowing and I just wanted to Thank you for all you do. This old costumer really appreciates it.
I was in Jobs daughters back in the day! If I wasn't an atheist, I would join Eastern Star even now... not many people seem to even know what that is so it's nice to meet someone who does!
I tend to sort by size unless it’s a series. Those must stay together. Your favorite book is in the place you probably need it the most to remind yourself of the best things about yourself. Old knowlEdge is usually a little better. Thank you!!! I’m not to Patterns of fashion yet. First of all it’s expensive. Second of all it’s intimidation as hell. The keystone guide does have a lot of instructions in it. I love it. I like your rant and agree. I’m not ready to both draft and resize. I already have to resize everything. I just learned to do that. Congrats on getting it done!!! My first sewing book was Sewing for Dummies. I love books!!! Thanks Noelle!!! See you later!!!
I have to pull out Readers Digest Guide to Sewing everytime I sew a zipper or a welt pocket. It is hands down on of my favorites. Also historic costumes and how to make them was really nice when I was learning because the information was short and to the point. Even though the diagrams don't have a grid it gave me an idea of how shapes should look because I started out by altering commercial patterns to be more historically accurate. This video was really entertaining because I always thought the same. What beginner sewer magically can math sizing up, sure wasn't me.
Ahahhh to be fair I have no evidence of Janet Arnold having said the thing about the books being intended to sit out on tables--I've only ever heard her successor Jenny Tiramani say that. 😂
I got rid of my coffee table and placed two treadles there. I do have evidence of them being used as coffee tables in the past. Some books on the top of them would look just FAB!!! They attract the eye too, so more will want to pick the book up. Seriously though, there are some elaborate designs in books for making lace, and fabric coverings of all sorts, for types of home sewing machines. They protect them in the windows sunlight from bleaching, dust , and all mater of goods placed on them.
I’m still saying “suck it Janet!” To that book format!! 🤣🤣😂🤣
I love your explanations and flip through. This reminds me of.... Cook books.
*Reader digest sewing. = better crocker red plaid book. (Learn the basics, how to cook.)
*Janet Arnold = America's test kitchen / cooks illustrated (get super nerdy and precise, refine your techniques)
*Sketchy/closeup and detail = Joy of cooking / Julia Child-Mastering the art of French cooking. (Gormet Chef detail and textbooky)
*Pinterest recipes = fashion plates (pretty pretty pictures for inspiration.)
!! It all depends on where you are in your cooking & sewing journey!!!
I love your way of thinking! Great analogies!
“What is that? Mid butt crack?” This is why I’m a subscriber.
This. So much this.
Woohoo! Thanks for the heads up. I checked the School of Historical Dress website and they are preparing color versions of Patterns of Fashion 1-4 to release in 2021.
Every time I see a copy of the Readers Digest book I buy it to give away because it is the best learn to sew book I have ever read. I am a seamstress.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
My mom does the same thing for that book! She picks them up every now and again at thrift stores or garage sales for $1 or so. A good book doesn't have to break the bank.
If you are new to sewing and have a machine: read the manual! Then test out everything it does, you dont have to "make" anything, just practice threading and running the fabric though. If something goes wrong/could be better - google/youtube *your machine* and the issue/'how to...'.
Sewingpartsonline has good video tutorials of how to use presser feet!
It's pretty easy to get most manuals online too now, if yours has gone AWOL & if your machine is vintage, there are FB groups who have collated volumes of info about restoring & servicing them.
Experienced sewers also benefit from RTFM. It can help you realize what your machine can do.
fun story; my first sewing machine was my moms (from before I was born) and she didn't know how to use it. there was no manual, and its tension spring was broken. I learned to sew on that machine when I was like 13, and I still use it to this day (I got it serviced, and repaired five years ago). This machine is called an omega, which means absolutely nothing, it is closest to a necchi 535FA. I have learned how to take this thing apart, and how to fix everything on it (my dad is a mechanic and I credit him for my mechanical/tinkering ability). this has helped with troubleshooting why something is off. I love my old beast.
I watched this video just because I enjoy your videos and hanging out but this has been so helpful because the books that so many people suggest make me choke and panic. And if I'm completely honest, I've been actively avoiding buying Patterns of Fashion just simply because I do not have a cutting table or a sewing machine... I have the floor and my hands... I don't think Janet Arnold would be happy if I kept them on the floor and neither would I! XD Books live in bookshelves. It keeps them safe from damage.
Sorting by size is a totally valid option! Due to space limitations, that is exactly how most of my books are sorted too! I've also got a shelf overhaul coming up, secretly looking forward to it as it is an excuse to look through my collection and find things I've not seen a while. Also, thank you for the common sense book suggestions!
Space limitations are a thing! I now also sort by size. Back when I had heaps of space and an entire wall of bookcases (and it was a pretty big wall), I had all my books meticulously organised, alphabetical by author, and then by release date within author.
I live in an apartment now. I had to donate almost all of my books, keeping only one bookshelf worth. That was hard.
One more voice for limited shelf space requires sorting by size.
I started sewing just two years ago af 24. I found the Better homes and gardens book at the thrift store and several other antique sewing manuals from the 50s and before. Those types of books literally hold your hand the whole way! They are great! The only problem is the language, I am good at reading "proper english" and had a rough time with one book from....I think it was from close to 1930. Once I got used to the way it spoke though, it has been super helpful!
Those OG homemaker books from WW2 and before are the BEST, because they just assume as a core premise that the reader will be sewing, making, cooking, cleaning and setting up house from scratch, and that clear, extended instruction may be required for those who didn't have the 'privilege' of being taught how to do all of that from the time they could toddle on their own, lol. But seriously, I have one somewhere that goes from making basic meals to sewing an entire wardrobe to cleaning literally anything and everything that can be cleaned to building and upcycling basic furniture and household design and organization. And it's aimed at late teens early 20s women. The level of competence, energy and physical strength the assumed average 17 year old woman of the time will have is frankly somewhat intimidating to modern eyes. :-D
The language of sewing. I too need an interpreter .If you show me the steps I get it . That's why RUclips is good for me.
Definitely, older books are more helpful. Anything pre 1980s, when colour printing became much cheaper, explains thing much better.
The same principle applies to cookbooks.
I have a 1970s sewing manual from Vogue and I would sacrifice virgins to it it's so awesome, it's always on my desk
@@sonipitts what is the name of said book?
For costuming in detail I have one of those clear plastic sheets with grid on it. I made the grid in illustrator and printed it on the OHP-sheet so I can just lay it over the page I want to make. It really just made the book plug and play ^^
Costume in detail doesn’t have any patterns, but costume close up and the cut of women’s clothes does. That’s a good idea! (And also they should have just printed the book with one)
that's what we do for drawing & painting from reference pics, much easier to be able to re-use a grid than to have to re-draw grids over & over again.
That's where I have it from - my mom is an art teacher :D
I too learned to sew with the help of "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing" and recommend it for a beginner, they also have one for needle work that has a lot of wonderful information. These books are great, and unless you have, or have had, a sewing mentor it is very difficult to even know what you don't know!
I'm a librarian and have shelved by size. In the library. It's much more pleasing to the eye than seeing larger books shelved sideways. Of course, I then put them in alphabetical order by author then title; or in Dewey then author then title order if they were nonfiction.
Beginning to sew is daunting enough without being faced by those books.
I agree. It's great to be able to look up actual techniques if you need an answer or if you want to try and be as historically accurate as you can, but the risk is to slip and slide into research procrastination and panic freeze. Plus, many of us don't have the money or the shelf space for books. And costube is a fantastic resource!
@@aliceg5327, research procrastination is such a beast! 😭 I'm wanting to sew my first kirtle (circa 1300s-ish), which shall also be my first dress ever sewn. I have tumbled down so many academic rabbit holes and weird textile word forests! 😂😭
@@uncrnsprklfrts5720 you have all of my sympathy. Good luck to you! And don't forget to have fun with it! 💜
@@uncrnsprklfrts5720 as a person who's made a few kirtle's I would like to suggest you buy some inexpensive cotton in a color you like and just start in on the first one bumbling and moaning the whole way. recognize that this will not be a masterpiece, but you can practice all the things you want to do on the masterpiece without feeling like you've ruined your good linen. eyelets, some french seams, Where to put openings! etc. gussets, and on and on, it free's you to both screw up and practice and learn. Also look for fellow costumers in your area. Okay I dont normally jump in with comments, but since I've been there thought I"d pipe up. and the readers digest book is fantastic, also their needlework and crochet, :)
Hahahaha true that, that’s why I watch RUclips videos for knowledge and inspiration
I learned to sew by reading dress diaries and trying to replicate what those costumers were doing. Oddly enough, the first sewing book I ever bought was Patterns of Fashion 4 lol. I was also lucky enough to have people I could ask for advice in my local SCA group.
Because all the sewing I was doing was for historical reenactment purposes I pretty much never used a sewing machine, which is bad in terms of speed of production but excellent for making you really good at hand sewing. I only properly learned how to use a sewing machine and overlocker when I went to fashion school
I do have a pet peeve and a hint for the soft cover books. I hate that they don’t stay open so you can see close printing to the binding; especially if you have it laying open on your sewing table. I take my books like these to something like Kinko’s/Fed-Ex Office. There I have the spine cut off, as close to the spine as possible. Then they bind them with spiral binding. I don’t loose any of the info AND it’s more user friendly. They lay flat and you can make notes in them etc . 😀
I have one of those wire contraptions for holding cookbooks open, but they don't work as well if you're laying the book flat. Great idea on the binding!
I have done that for cook books and music books for my piano. Haven’t needed to for any sewing books yet but I definitely love this option!
Paperback books were originally created as a cheaper option for a market who didn't have their own home libraries & couldn't afford to buy & keep hardback books. Their positives are affordability & portability & the negatives are that they don't have the weight to hold open by themselves & they suffer more from handling as a result, so they don't last as long as a hardback copy. Hardback is still more expensive to make than paperback & now with electronic options, loss through piracy is a major problem, so most publishers opt for the cheapest way to get a book out to a larger market - paperback, but they'll often make a limited amount in hardback. Imho, if it's a decent quality book that will be handled often & that I'm already willing to fork out reasonable money for, then another $20 for the hardback version makes for a sensible investment.
I just found out that my library has an AWESOME collection of sewing books! I have Patterns of Fashion 1 on hold right now and I'm really excited to pick it up along with Creating Couture Embellishment. Yay libraries when you spent all your $$ on fabric!
Good call!
Jealous. My library has a very poor selection of sewing books.
@@pamholt4490 You Should see if they have interlibrary loan! That's where the ones I'm getting are from.
Totally 100% agree with you, you need to learn to walk before you can run. We had an old Singer treadle with the coffin lid when I was born & I wouldn't leave it alone, so I was given working miniature metal machines as a toddler. Then I too learned to sew from my Gran, before I started school - nearly 50yrs now. You build on those skills every time you sew. Lately I've encountered many new blogs and YT channels, each fully-armed with their new books, new sewing machines and plenty of inspiration, but sadly none with any sewing skills. While their enthusiasm is truly admirable, it's not great viewing if they don't learn to sew first. I don't imagine it's much fun for them either; struggling with learning the basics of sewing, while juggling basic video production and beginners costuming all at the same time.
I sort books by size but that's because I have cheap ikea shelves and large/heavy art books that need to go on the bottom because of their weight.
I have a book problem with dreams of having a dedicated library room. Someday, my extremely esoteric books will come out of storage in all their classical glory.
Having a great many books at least 4 bookcases full, mostly historical books. I decided to during lockdown to reorganised them, well I did not need to tidy halfway through. But I also discovered that the middle shelf did not move. Good Job
I agree with you one those books, it's almost a little mean to recommend them to beginners. They are more like #lifegoals but a bit down the road type of books.
One book that I recently got that I think would fall under the same category as the POF books is Jill Salen’s corset book. There’s one corset in there that I want to make as my first corset (eventually, this is waaaaaaaay down my project list). The extant corset it’s patterned from has something like a 24” or 26” waist. Mine is 46”. That’s going to need a lot of work to get it to fit. I’m definitely not tackling that until I’ve leveled up my sewing game some more!
Noelle, thank you for being one of the few people to be sane enough to tell people that Patterns of Fashion is not a good idea for people new to sewing to begin with. They are excellent, don't get me wrong, but I have been sewing for years and still struggle with drafting patterns.
Same!
eBay/thrift stores has tons of vintage sewing basics books from sewing machine and pattern companies well under $25...start there. I have been sewing for forty years and still use them. I of course have advanced books but they are tailored to what I know I am interested in or want to learn. ...because I have experience and know my comfortable skill set. Sewing should be enjoyable not overly frustrating. Even with my many years of sewing I still get stumped...basics always help me through.
The books from your grandma are so aesthetically pleasing I could cry😭
I've been sewing for 51 years. Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing...YES! Awesome book along with the Bishop Method for the next step. The Singer series are also excellent.
I don't know if you're late or early, but here we are! That book at the start is GLORIOUS. I did some similar bookcase searching yesterday, and found my inspiration for the Foundations Revealed costume contest in one of my favourite childhood books! Obscure European myths are the BEST.
Dear Noelle, Thank you so very much for understanding that there are a lot of people like me that are beginning and get intimated by stuff we don't understand yet. I'm learning and I love to sew but if I try to run before I can walk I will get discouraged. I love your videos. Thank you for being so cool. Mona from Saint Louis
Ugh, that Dracula book has been on my list for ages! Eiko Ishioka's work was incredible.
btw, I have a master's in library science. I've worked in public libraries with Dewey cataloging, academic with LOC, and archives with their own systems. At home though? We all have our own method! It's whatever makes sense for your brain. I've met people who organize by color, by shape, who label and don't label, who have piles on the floor...whatever works for you. I just moved so my cataloging system is "disarray."
I used to do all my book, movie, cd’s (remember them?) by author/creator and title......then I had a kid. So yeah You Do You! Any way that makes you happy!
I haven't done any costume/fancy dress sewing yet, I'm a quilter 😀 But I enjoy your videos, how you're honest about the good & ooopsie moments, your sense of humour & your geeky nerdy pride! (I'm an HP, sci-fi, manga, dragon loving, LotR addict)
And seeing you flip through a book or magazine & sigh with bliss, joking that it's like porn, oh yeah that's my kind of humour hahaha
MEE TOO! I just left my first comment here and was reading some of the others. Im a Quilter/Needle pointer and found found her thru the CoCovid weekend. I follow Bernadette Banner (Seriously Check her out, its like sewing porn). Im working on a reproduction quilt using the patterns in the Kansas Star newspaper and only using techniques/fabrics(Reproduction) that would have been available at that time. (1928-53) I wanted it to be as historically accurate as possible, hence why I happened upon the plethora of historical costuming content on RUclips.
Can you or @Renee Ross recommend any quilting youtubers that are sort of like Costuming Drama? I want to get more into it but don't have anyone local to reach out to.
@@reneeross8181 My cousin had recommended Bernadette Banner to me & then through her I found Noelle, & I now I'm recommending Noelle back to my cousin 😊 Lots of happiness in the sewing world 🧵😀
@@jenniferb585 I don't have many quilters that I follow yet, but Angela Walters had a channel called The Midnight Quilt Show which was a lot of fun. She hasn't added to that one in a while, has a separate one under just her name. But the Midnight Quilt Show episodes are fun, beginner friendly, & drinking wine while quilting is encouraged 🍷 hahaha
Well I am a very beginner beginner, so I can't really recommend anything, but I really enjoy the Bertha Banner book! I learned how to honeycomb from there and the pocket pattern in there (the one that Bernadette is using in her walking skirt) is amazing! I used it to put pockets in my fast fashion skirt that did not have any so that I can make people jealous of my enormous pockets. And also it is simply a very good read especially when she is throwing some shade on some type of seam finishing (german rolled seam I think) that looks very clumsy in here opinion!
The Agnes Walker book--is that the one you also got from Bernadette? I've looked at hers and Bertha Banners and feel as though I'm learning a lot, even though I've been sewing for many years! Good luck as you continue on this sewing adventure!
@@kjtherrick4031 Uh I have not checked out this one yet! Thank you very much for the recommendation and also for your kind words!
@@kjtherrick4031 Oh! That's the book that had that pattern for the combinations! I have to admit I really underestimated that book. Flipped through it right now and it sounds amazing! Thank you so much for recommending it!
Thank god at long last, some one who thinks the same as me on those books, I looked though two of those books the other day and thought why have I even got these books 😱, there just reference but no help to pattern or even make the the clothes if you have no pattern training. Jason from England 🤓
I think I'd place myself just into mid-range. I've made a Truly Victorian bodice, skirt, and overskirt (1890s), but I still feel like a beginner in many corners of sewing. This video definitely added a couple books to my wishlist
Any sorting method is valid a long as it's not spines-to-the-wall LOL
(I sort my books by type but for fiction the sacrilegious thing I do is split up series sometimes D: I sort by how much I like them, so I have "fave" "meh" and "to read" shelves, but also a "banished" shelf corner. I have a couple of series where most of the books are on the "faves" shelf and the last book is in the "banished" corner with the DNFs because it betrayed me lol. Since the faves shelf is like a "comforting to look at and maybe re-read for fun," I don't want to be reminded of the bad ends when looking at that shelf, but don't want to get rid of them either so they go on their own, which is maybe childish but, y'know, I'm an adult who gets to do what she wants with her own bookshelves :p)
One of the things I loved about Marika's costuming book video is she framed it as 'these are my favourite books, most of these are NOT for beginners'. I think a lot of people who get that question interpret it as 'new to costuming but with a background in sewing' rather than 'new to sewing entirely'. It's great that you've clarified exactly what these books are so people don't get in over their heads :-D
New subscriber here! I had discovered your existence during last year's costume college, but you were so cool on the panels of CoCoVid this year that I checked your channel out again and I really like it here. Also, I've actually started sewing in the meantime so there's that.
I have to admit, I started laughing when you pulled out Costume Close-up as not for beginners. Because I am definitely a beginner, but I do have that book. I specifically want to make the swallow-tailed jacket though, so I can be a posh maidservant in our historical riding/show team. And my 18th century stays, which I just finished, and are actually the 5th piece of clothing I've ever made in my life actually turned out really OK. I used Redthreaded's pattern, made a mockup, adjusted the size of the front panels because my boobs are really tiny (tmi? If so, sorry) and the final version fits quite well. Who knew I could adjust patterns successfully? Not me. So I'm having a great day! But I will almost definitely be drawing out a grid though. And buying gridded pattern paper. Because, gulp, the jacket is outer clothing. Welp.
After watching this video, I realize I don't have enough books 😊🤔
Ditto, I think I need a shopping day. My only actual sewing book is the needlecraft encyclopedia. It covers a bit of everything from tatting to machine sewing, enough to give you a taste for what you like. Which kinda work for me cuz I like everything.
Yay! A fellow Alexander McQueen fan! If I had all the money in the world, my closet would be full of OG McQueen awesomeness.
That structural fixed IKEA shelf is the bane of us all. The way home bookcases are sorting by size is sort of a must. I do group by subject on the respective shelves, although to be honest I sort of have subject bookcases - all the art books in one, my history books in another, sewing in a third. Janet Arnold books are VERY inconveniently sized but the content makes up for it. Thank you for sharing your books with us all.
As you flipped through the first book I was waiting for 1830s Corona Prevention Sleeves to flip past. That still has me in giggles from the last video.
I organized my trimmings yesterday. I don't have enough space in my studio apartment for more than 10 books. So I have the ones I know I am not going to be using much in well-labeled catalog boxes in my storage. Ikea has some good sturdy ones and I also put silica packs in with them to make sure they stay dry. It's a great way to have all the books, but not all of them in a sewing space if room is becoming limited.
As one of those people in the beginner category on the cusp of intermediate ("novice"?), I really appreciate this video. I've been sewing casually for a long time, started costuming in earnest last year, and I pretty much learned to sew via Google and RUclips videos. I picked up Patterns of Fashion 1 and 3 last year (right before they disappeared off the face of the planet, thankfully) but N-O-P-E. Beautiful books, I'm just not there yet.
I recently picked up a book at a flea market, Modern Tailoring for Women by Mauck, 1947. Reads like a textbook and walks you through step-by-step how to construct fitted coats, jackets, and slacks. Super useful for my current outerwear project.
God I 100% do not understand why u havnt absolutely blown up yet on youtube your personality and honesty and skills deserve to seen and admired by the world. I can't wait until you have millions of viewers
Awwww thank you friend! 💖
Fallyovery is definitely a word. Honestly I found my sewing machine manual to be super helpful with learning to sew.
The internet is such a good resource for learning, it's amazing. Especially as the sewing and costuming community has grown, and there's more styles of sewing and eras to see. Regarding your books, while it might not be your style, I like to stack books horizontally to use as bookends. My shelves are organized by genre, so I do like to keep certain books together, but it can also open space for decor or misc storage without losing book storage sometimes.
Haha loved the sorting disclaimer!! I always enjoy seeing how differently everyone organizes their bookshelves.
I learn so much from you and now I've started reading your comments because they are so informative. Do you ever feel that there is just too much information, too many shiny things, pulling you away from working on your own costuming? I think I need to stop collecting lovely ideas, books, lovelier fabric and just sit down and sew. Thanks for a fun video. I'll chain myself to my sewing machine now.
Yes! All the time!
Same here! At least I'm pinning a skirt to a bodice while I'm watching Noelle. :-)
Hello. I am a crocheter who also knits and I learned to knit because of 1 pattern I had to make, but I had to do my time on washcloths before I could make a round shawl with the northern constellations in it. Had I tried to learn on that, I wouldn't knit now. Probably the same for sewing (I hand sew some, like linings for purses and took machine sewing in high school [back in the pre-general internet days {like 1993}]). Anyways, I enjoy your videos.
On another note, I just change my bookshelves from alphabetical by author and them chronological by series to arranged by genre then the above style...yours doesn't bug me so much, but the by color style does so much.
As to things I like to read, science, PNR/urban fantasy, sci-fi (though more of the character driven rather than the science driven), things that skirt genre edges. I use audio books on the weekend (taking a youtube break) and I am currently reading Out of Time by Lynn Abbey (a 50 librarian finds out she's got a weird talent...how often do you get a middle aged 'chosen one'? ^^) in paper (no audio for it that I've found) and up next on my audio is probably The Lady's Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness by Sara Ramey.
Anyways...this is long...
I love the first ‘sketchy’ book. I’d buy that just to look at all those lovely sketches.....
Ahhh I'm glad you posted today! I just woke up from a rough dream, so crafting and listening to friendly book recommendations is great!
I hope you feel better soon! Rough dreams suck!!
As a total beginner the grid-less patterns made me go NoPe...
You know you can draw your own grid on cellophane or tracing paper & just sit it on top? It's what us painters do, then you can keep re-using it.
I'm loving every page!!! I'm an artist and I can imagine large (life size) paintings of styles (not copies of) for wall decor. I would cover my stairwell with paintings of these garments and my style is modern. It is in my head, zinging! Love it! Thanks!
This video was very helpful thank you so much for making it.I have an idea of a few books I want to get. I have been sewing for years. These books look like they're full of new techniques and wonderful tips, that will help on my journey to historically accurate clothing.
I am in agreement with you. Also having been taught at a very young age to sew, and putting down and picking it up on and off (and on and off) over the last 4 decades, the Reader's Digest one is a great learn to sew book. After all these years, I still consider myself an intermediate sewist (sewer also reads as sewer as in plumbing to me). Love your blogs.
I am with you in the PoF format, this is crazy. I have had some of them for decades now, and it shows badly. I use them and have really them a lot. Not beginner friendly, not something I would reference all the time because I do OTHER STUFF. Ok, I guess the format makes Very Ranty.
The Reader’s Digest books on sewing and needlework are excellent for beginners! I’ve been working with one form of string (thread, twine, rope, yarn, you name it) or another since I was five. I learned fairly basic hand sewing at 12, and machine sewing at 14, and I STILL refer to those books at 46. I love the books you showed, but even being comfortable drafting patterns, I’m still intimidated by several. I don’t know why altering existing patterns intimidates me, but drafting stuff out of thin air doesn’t? Maybe I’m scared to screw up someone else’s idea, but not my own? I dunno.
Loved your rant! Yes, those books will be invaluable resources when, and if, I level up, but in the meantime I’d rather have my hand held through the process. Be well, friend!
l like the book shelf editing video.
My mom has that hot pink, black and white book.ill have to check it out .I think she got it a library old book sale . Or as a grocery store give away program back in the 1960 -70's. She once got a set of dishes at grocery store that way.. she still uses those dishes. 😁
We have crockery, glassware and utensil give aways here. You collect stamps and redeem them for items
@@invadersin5203 I remember those green stamp cataloges. It was like a wish book. I think they did a Brady bunch episode about stamp books. I think the girls wanted a sewing machine. Can't remember what the boys wanted . They had a to build a house of cards for the winner. Ha ha.
Ha ha....
I'm a reader's digest fan, very helpful, also I've got the British Harmony series, which come in all sizes, for sewing quilting etc. My learning experience is: 1) Grandma, 2) best friend next door (thanks Patty) who became an upholster, 4) sewing class in Jr High School, 4) bodgery from some nameless historical fashion book from the library in the 80's, 5) big 4 patterns (thanks Simplicity and McCalls), and then after a 25+ year break, youtube. I like the inspirational books, but I stick to the straight forward ones to learn from. I agree entirely with your suggestions for beginners, and in particular, it is probably better not to get too many different ones at first, because there are many many ways to do a lot of different things, e.g. sleeve setting, zipper insertion, and it gets confusing until you get your own rhythm going.
Great video, I seriously can watch people organize books all day. Seriously I can.
Yay! Noelle chats AND reorganisation! Great excuse for a coffee and a skive :)
I just sat down and thought I wish Noelle had a new vlog. Then there you are! Thank you for keeping me company while I keep my sick baby home.
I hope baby gets better soon!
Hahaha..."take a humble pill"...I cracked up! Great little library you have there. Thanks for the share and eye candy.
Back when I first started with sewing historical costumes - in the late 1970s (gulp!) - there was no internet, no RUclips, and very few historical costume patterns At All. So Nancy Bradfield, Norah Waugh, and Janet Arnold were my Goddesses. I will always find a place for the Janet Arnold books in gratitude, no matter their floppy size :) And I still consult the Goddesses for almost every project. I love that there are now so many books and resources and such a wonderful costuming community, and in the last 5 years this has really reinvigorated my passion. Not to mention filled my bookshelves with more wonderful books. Maybe some of those will achieve Goddess status for me, but they will never eclipse the Bradfield, Waugh and Arnold books in my personal favourites.
I should add, despite my reverence and love for them, I do totally agree that they're not the best books for beginners new to sewing as well as costuming.
that structural middle billy bookshelf shelf has ruined so many fantastic shelving plans...
Indeed.
It does rather necessitate some creative...organisation. I’ve shelved DVD’s and books in the same Benno-system. It took a *while* to fit everything in, in alphabetical order, *and* making it look decent... :D
I'm staring at my bookshelf right now, and you're so right.
Readers Digest is 100% the best newbie sewing book in any edition! I also love their Needlework guide which is out of print but can be found very cheap on EBay or used book stores.
I have a copy of 'Vogue Sewing' that was my mums from 1983. It has all the techniques for simple sewing up to couture. It is what I always go back to when my pattern has confusing instructions.
Big agree on the patterns of fashion sizing though. I recently reorganised my bookshelves because i had to move around my room and i have *big* bookshelves, and yet the single patterns of fashion book uses so much room if i lie it flat. I've only got a temporary solution at the moment, i'm going to have to find somewhere better to stack it once i get more editions.
If you stand the book up would book ends hold it or are the books too heavy?
Thanks for the book recommendations! Three suggestions for your books: (1) get some metal, nonskid bookends in different heights for your shelves (Amazon, Office Depot, maybe Walmart) because they hold books well and don't eat space; (2) try to put get your Patterns of Fashions books to go across books of the same height so that they can lay flat and won't warp in the wavy pattern as they were laying when you took them off your newly arranged shelves to discuss; you might also be able to stand these--if not too tall--on their spine; and (3) if you don't already have one, start a database of the books you own. The latter is extremely helpful because you can include multiple columns in a database that you can search as needed but don't have to print. Plus, should you move, you can write which book is in which box on your list. I own hundreds of books on many, many topics, and such a list has been a lifesaver. Another worthwhile book for seamstresses of all expertise levels (IMO) is Claire Shaeffer's "HIgh-Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers." Singer also produces sewing books that are helpful.
I learnt the basics of sewing from my mother, but when I wanted to go from a basic skill to competent I found the books from Assembil incredibly useful. "How to start sewing" is a great beginners book, and I frequently refer to "The Sewtionary: An A to Z Guide to 101 Sewing Techniques and Definitions" when I can't figure out a pattern instruction.
Love a good book tour!! Personal libraries can really show a lot about a person. (Though sometimes the information is outdated- can make for good conversation though)
Personally I think books are made to live on shelves and be retrieved when needed. They’re friends for the long run, and they’ll be there when you need them, but you don’t have to talk to them constantly for them to stick around. Whatever the opposite of fair weather friends is, that’s books!
I love your videos/vlogs. I sometimes replay them when I’m sewing or organizing so that it feels like I’ve chatting with a friend.
💖💖
The way I use Costume close-up is with a gridded pattern paper that is transparent enough to see the sketch through, transfer it to that, and then I either draft it to my size from there, or directly on the fabric if the pattern is simple enough. If I could figure out what it is called in my language I would want to find and use a gridded clear plastic sheet. But yeah, I agree that it is not a book for beginners. I have sewn for... almost thirty years, and at this point the book is easy-ish to use for patterning (the brevity of the sewing instructions is still a challenge though since I'm fairly new to historical sewing). Ten years ago the patterning would have been a nice challenge, ten years before that almost impossible, except I am a stubborn person who likes math. When I started, I wouldn't even have understood that it was a pattern. Admittedly I began sewing when I was six or eight depending on whether meddling with my parent's sewing counts, and I don't think many kids could go directly into pattern drafting by scale and grid, and maybe maybe some adults can if they are already into that sort of thing for one reason or another, but it is not an easy place to start. Too many things to learn at once.
I learned to sew from the readers digest complete guide to sewing during quarantine. I had gotten the book for a quarter two years ago. Thanks for letting me know about the patterns of fashion books. I've been trying to hunt them down. I may not be there yet but they look like my jam.
Your candid honesty and willingness to share are much appreciated. Also, as I’m sure you’ve heard, your humor. 😊 and I absolutely love that you call it “leveling up” the gamer in me gets a kick out of every time I hear it. It also some how makes sewing seem more attainable...in a weird way? Like it’s not something you just do and are good at, but something that you grind away at to eke out those XP so you can get to the next level that has that cool thing you want to try.
But, anyway, thank you for sharing!
💖💖💖 I feel like a bunch of my sewing is “farming skill points” 🤣
Costuming Drama I think it would be funny if someone drew up a skill tree for Sewing as if for Skyrim or Dragon Age Lol pick out some leveling up music 😁
The nice thing about a personal book collection is that you can sort it however you please. My books are sorted by a combination of language, genre, size, author, and topic. It makes perfect sense to me and looks like utter chaos to anyone else.
One of my most special talents is knocking over full glasses and generally spilling things. I have a little panic moment every time I see an open glass in your sewing room 😆 Thank you for sharing your books, I really enjoyed watching.
And right you should!! I only allow water in yeh sewing room!
I work at a University Library and our off site storage is by size. There are so many books in storage that it can't be done any other way. The stacks are almost double height. It is glorious.
I am a technical drafter, I wonder if there is a market for tracing patterns in book to the size you need. Because it's the kind of thing I can do in about 5 minutes even without a grid
Uh, yes. I’d pay for that service...
Well for you ,if you need , just ask. Like I said it's quite easy for me and I'll be happy to help in exchange for the please of watching your vlog 😁
As a size 26 in street clothes YES. I have a degree in physics and lots of Math skills I can do it but time is limited. I want the fun of making and having the clothes not spending much of my sewing time making a pattern to start.
@@amiwalton9645 in the same time I am not a pattern maker. I can only scale up the pattern but you would have to do a muck up and adjust it to your own body......so you would still have to deal with some headache lol
@@YanickaQuilt makes sense, and that has been my area of issue. I scaled up a pattern for me and while some parts were great other parts where wonky. It was a big for pattern. I have hope that some of the historical pattern companies migjt be better as they use extent garments and more body away blocks. Todays patterns just all seem to add x inch inches for the next size. Thats fine for the waist but my shoulder are not 6 inches broader then 3 sizes down. I will find a way!
I hope that the Historical Whatever Magiggity considers publishing the POF in a more user friendly way. As in not the big silly floppy paperback that exists now. Great to know they will be republished. I agree with your rant. RUclips sewers who teach slopers have been so helpful to me in levelling up my sewing. For free! Love this video. :)
What an amazing book collection! The Singer sewing books sooooo brings backs some memories for me. Thank you for sharing your collection, I found a few that I will seek out ✂️
I just went to my local indie bookseller and ordered a copy! Thank you so much for the suggestion! I feel in over my head sometimes watching the likes of you and Morgan Donner, etc, so it was really nice to have you recommend something that was truly 'back to basics'. Some day I will tackle a historical project but it certainly won't be right away! Hope you're doing ok with all the fires & etc. ❤️
We are doing ok! Thank you!!
In the realm of sewing books I would recommend... Not for a brand new sewer, but if someone wants to start a business in the realm of sewn products or just sews a lot and wants to get faster and better at sewing, Kathleen Fasanella is a clothing manufacturer who has written a book called The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing. Because of her book, I'm now able to sew 95% without pins, and setting in sleeves is easy with her method (I have noticed nearly everybody on costube complain about this). You also get access to her forum where you can find fabric manufacturer information, techniques, ask questions, etc. It's been super helpful and 100% worth it for me.
Thank you!
I have like an int he middle opinion about the book size from Janet Arnold. I LOVE the size so that I can open it up on the table and really get a good view when working with them - but I also put them on my shelf when not in use, lol! I definitely think that they aren't really a "beginner book" but I also find so much inspiration int hem and so much useful information. I may not use them to work out of but when I'm unsure of a shape of a pattern piece or wanting inspiration for silhouette and decoration I open them up.
When I first got the sewing historical clothing bug from you and Bernadette few years ago I felt the same need to see what's inside those books. Instead of waiting patiently for a book video LOL I went ahead and searched the available city libraries around me and found a vast array of different fashion/ pattern and sewing books. Checked out about 20 all at once (yay for holds arriving simultaneously) I flipped through them, returned over half that wasn't meeting expectations, the rest I read through and realized what a great undertaking costuming will be, the vocabulary is mind boggling, the amount of details to remember on just one outfit is overwhelming and requires serious organization skills. It's going to take years before I finish even one outfit but that is ok. No rush, I am learning so much from costuber videos and many archive books. (All those books you shared I had a chance to read through, impressive but agreed truly way over my head.) In the meantime I saved all the coveted costuming books in my Amazon wishlist to purchase gradually. Here is an idea with the lack of grid system. I recently discovered a gadget called lightbox. You could transfer the gridless patterns from the book onto a grid paper by using a lightbox. Saves the book and gives you a chance to scribble notes onto the gridpaper. Also I second the Reader's digest book. I use it and everytime I find a copy in a thrift store I buy it and gift it to friends who are interested in sewing. I bought it over 5 times already 🤣.
The Tudor Tailor is good, So is Medieval Garments reconstructed and the Medieval Tailor's Assistant for those interested in pre-17th Cent. I also Like Blanche Payne, if you can get it, and Boucher's 20,000 years of Fashion.
I've recently become interested in medieval and Tudor garments and bought the Medieval Tailors Assistant and The Tudor Tailor. I think they're both really good books.
Omg... thank you for thumbing through those... I have been sewing for 32 years, I worked in a theater (college) costume shop, I have made tailored suits (not perfectly but with the stitching and layering and fabric prep) and I am intimidated by those.
As a mid-level seamstress (I like my patterns) I recommend "Vogue sewing" by butterick because it gives step by step HOW to construct features. It's not individual patterns but it has a chapter on just collars and the different ways to attach and finish them. Same for closures, waistbands and sleeves. It's my go to when a pattern says "attach sleeve" and then goes on to something else. It's my unstuck tool for construction.
I consider myself a beginner, as I've only been at the historical costuming for about a year, and only seriously for about 6 months. I absolutely LOVE the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, and have found it quite useful for building a solid foundation of sewing knowledge. I also picked up The Complete Book of Sewing, by Constance Talbot, published in 1943, at a used book store. I love it because, while it is similar to the RD book in content, I'm getting the info through the lens of history. I also picked up the Geometry of Hand-Sewing after you flipped through it in another video. It is an excellent introduction to hand stitches (esp. since the RD book is more focused on machine sewing). Plus, it's just gorgeous. I do have several of the books that are typically suggested for those getting into historical costuming, but I see them as more aspirational. Two that I really do love, even as a beginner, are Costume in Detail and Fitting and Proper (not mentioned by you, but similar to Costume Close-Up). I love Costume in Detail because the sketches are made from extant garments, and, taken as a whole, give a great overview of changes in silhouette over the course of the 200 years covered in the book. I like using it to get an idea of the shape I want to work on, and then looking for a pattern. Also, the notes on fabric used for each garment are helpful. I can't see myself trying to pattern out of it, but it's great for ideas. I love Fitting and Proper because it has more on working class clothing of the 18th century (one of my areas of interest). And, while it does have gridded patterns of extant garments, I still don't plan to draft patterns out of it. I do, however, like it for the notes about each garment and ideas.
I’m starting out my book collection and this video has been super helpful. Thanks for the great content ❤️
Thank you for giving recommendations for beginners and places/skills to start! I tend to be a person who tries to run before they can walk, so I’m glad for the advice lol
Leena Norms also does it by color. As long as you can find them, and let's face it, it fits, who cares? I've watched my husband and his vinyl try every orientation and classificatory system known and unspoken of. I think it is so much effort to do it in the first place, you get an A just for the process.
You know that Costume Close Up is my go to and I adore it... but I cannot refute any of your points. 💜
Thank you for the tour and suggestions!
Books and rants!! I’m excited, lol.
I’ve always said, “To each their own.” When it comes to organization! I go by subject and then height of book within that subject. My DVDs are alphabetical, so if I know what I want to watch I don’t have to search for it!
I think the reason people recommend those books to beginner costumers is because people who learn sewing first and costuming second think of costuming as a different skillset than sewing. Yes, costuming (typically) requires you to be able to sew, but it's not the same thing - so if you don't ask if someone's a new sewer as well as a new costumer, you may end up recommending books for new costumers who already know how to sew. Given that the alternatives I've found with an acceptable degree of accuracy are vague sketches in 1890s newspapers and descriptions + fashion plates/mail order catalogs...
Also: the best thing to keep books from falling over is more books next to them. ;)
Book tours hooray! Thank you, Noelle! Definitely helpful to see what we're dealing with in these books -- I've been looking for the Janet Arnold books, but I realize I can pause on that for now. I appreciate the insight! ❤️
Yesss:3 I'm always here for a bookshelf tour!
Thanks so much for sharing this Noelle! I’ve been sewing for over a decade and I wish I knew of these books back then so I could break bad habits early! And I’m sorry Noelle but I’m one of those people who loves drafting patterns from scratch and just winging it... and it magically works out and somehow fits just fine... 😂 but seriously thanks for sharing these books and I 10000% agree with you on the patterns of fashion books. *practical book shapes please!* ❤️
You are the magical unicorn!!!! 🤣😂
so enjoyed watching. I feel like a voyer in the lives of the youtube channels I watch, which is why I rarely comment....but I just had to say, I truly enjoy your work. Having been exposed to sewist snobs its refreshing to have people on costube be around making videos that I can just feel like I am included. I have worked in wardrobe/costuming "places" around the country for a few decades. (Even as a cast member at a certain place in Anaheim) I got back into enjoying sewing for myself and others a few years after I stopped working. Actually my daughter joined Job's Daughters and they needed new robes. She told them I sewed and before I knew it I have made 22 white robes (and cords) and 24 purple robes for grand. Here we are 11 years later, she has been Honored Queen, a Grand officer (2nd Messenger) and Supreme rep. My son went through DeMolay, and was State Master Councilor. I am doing many projects and looking forward to returning to making dolls and costumes for them. My brain has returned to the idea of making vinettes...like the weird sisters of that scottish play (I do miss live theater). Sorry for the long comment, but Cocovid has gotten my juices flowing and I just wanted to Thank you for all you do. This old costumer really appreciates it.
also, I am cat owned by 8 cats...our house seems to be the retirement home for cats that need a place to recover and live out their years...
I was in Jobs daughters back in the day! If I wasn't an atheist, I would join Eastern Star even now... not many people seem to even know what that is so it's nice to meet someone who does!
I tend to sort by size unless it’s a series. Those must stay together.
Your favorite book is in the place you probably need it the most to remind yourself of the best things about yourself.
Old knowlEdge is usually a little better.
Thank you!!!
I’m not to Patterns of fashion yet.
First of all it’s expensive. Second of all it’s intimidation as hell.
The keystone guide does have a lot of instructions in it. I love it.
I like your rant and agree. I’m not ready to both draft and resize.
I already have to resize everything. I just learned to do that.
Congrats on getting it done!!!
My first sewing book was Sewing for Dummies.
I love books!!!
Thanks Noelle!!!
See you later!!!
💖
I have to pull out Readers Digest Guide to Sewing everytime I sew a zipper or a welt pocket. It is hands down on of my favorites. Also historic costumes and how to make them was really nice when I was learning because the information was short and to the point. Even though the diagrams don't have a grid it gave me an idea of how shapes should look because I started out by altering commercial patterns to be more historically accurate. This video was really entertaining because I always thought the same. What beginner sewer magically can math sizing up, sure wasn't me.
I needed this calming fluff video today. I put about half of everything you mentioned on my wishlist!
💖💖