This book would be a fantastic resource to have, whether or not a person plans to sew haute couture. There is much to learn that can be applied to one's sewing projects. It would make a wonderful addition to my sewing library.

Everything has changed from the 50's when I became old enough to be concerned about under garments. Learning to put on a garter belt or girdle, then putting on nylon stockings, working to make the seams straight, and not poking a hole in the hose, was a formidable challenge.

I converted a walk-in closet into my creative haven. Before converting it I made sure it was large enough for my chair to be pushed away from the machine. And, there had to be enough room to make a counter that would hold my sewing machine and serger comfortably. I also wanted shelves to store fabric, sewing manuals, notions, and all the things that one needs.

My space isn't fancy but efficient. I had counters installed along the walls in the form of an "L". The shorter one is a higher height and the top slides off to reveal a light table. I can just swivel my sewing chair and work at either counter. I also had a 20" shelf unit installed along the long wall that has my machines, which has drawers to store my threads& misc.

Above the counters I have shelves to store all the items a seamstress/crafter accumulates. The shelves are wire ones purchased from a home improvement store.

In order to improve my lighting (I have a florescent light in the ceiling) I purchased small florescent lights and attached them to the wire shelves with nylon tie downs.

I also hung a curtain rod under the bottom shelf and have curtain clips where I can attach patterns or other items I want in front of me.

The blank wall has a sturdy rod that I use to hang projects in the making on.

This space is a work horse ... no corner is unused, and may look cluttered and small to a visitor. But, it is organized for the way I do things and what is comfortable for me. I know where everything is, I can sew/create without having to put everything away.

The only thing I would do different ... I would not have carpeting on the floor.

Would I like a bigger space with a cutting table, etc. Absolutely. But I've carved out a studio that is perfect for now. And, when I move it can be converted back to a closet with ease.

I have no doubt that THREADS SEWING GUIDE would be a valuable addition to any sewers library. Through the years I have learned much from THREADS and am confident the book would be a good resource.

I do machine embroidery and counted cross stitch ... both limited by the time I have. I embellish household items (linens, towels, etc) to clothing using machine embroidery. It adds demension and gives the item its own style. For Christmas I make a small sock the size of a Christmas ornament using a counted cross stitch pattern. I make one for each of my grandchildren,and great nieces and nephews .. 17 in all. All the kids look forward to seeing what the new design will be and hanging them up on the tree.

I plan to make another "princess" dress for my granddaughter.

A friend of mine and I created duct tape forms on a sewing weekend. We laughed a great deal as we created ourselves. We stuffed our "bodies" with all kinds of old batting, shoulder pads (great for the bust), etc. Our forms really were a double of our bodies and I found mine to be quite durable. I made a knit cover for mine which made it look more like a purchased form and aided in pinning on fabric for fitting.

I've changed sizes (again) and am in need of a new form. I'd be interested in hearing from others who have used the spray foam, and what results have they had. One comment was that it deteriorated. I'd like to hear from others, and what type of spray they used. I understand there is a variety to chose from.

I loved teaching my children how to sew and now my grandchildren. The book sounds like it would be a helpful resource.