Mary Brooks Picken

Roland Barthes, widely regarded as one of the most subtle and perceptive critics of the 20th century, was particularly fascinated by fashion and clothing. This work presents a set of essays, revealing the breadth and insight of Barthes' long engagement with the history of clothes.

The book is patternless sewing based on a few measurements. The designs are classic; the illustrations remind me of movie stars of the 40s and 50s. The section on skirts has 24 designs for which you need only your hip measurements and waist to hem length. If you can divide, you can follow her instructions and chalk out a pattern onto fabric or paper. Sections include Skirts, Dresses, Boleros, Stoles, Intimate Apparel, Accessories, Aprons, Children, Home Furnishings, and Gifts You Can Make. I made two blouses from her instructions and found they had more ease than I wanted, but that's easily fixed.

The Singer Sewing Book (1949) contains basic timeless information about hand and machine sewing, fabric characteristics alterations for fitting problems, and clothing details, lavishly illustrated with line drawings. Leafing through the book makes me feel that anything is possible. Quilting, smocking, making lace insertion, shirring, fagoting, hemstitch, tubing -- it's all in there and the illustrations are 50s romantic! There are chapters on draperies, slipcovers and headboards, and mending. There are suggested color charts for home decorating. This book is thorough, useful and concise.

This first instruction book makes you at once familiar with the most important stitches and seams used in garment construction and establishes a foundation for permanently successful work. It not only shows you how to make these stitches and seams and where and when to use them, but immediately provides for the practical application of the making of an attractive apron.

This is a copiously illustrated book about a fast-growing handicraft and hobby. At once encyclopedic in scope and practical, it contains not only all the useful information you need to get started and follow through to handsome and satisfying pieces of needlepoint, but also a great deal about needlepoint in our American heritage.

This book offers sewing, needlework, embroidery, knitting and crochet to anyone who wants to learn how to make things dresses, rugs, and socks just to name a few. I like this book because it has so many projects to learn from.