I have a 1940s pattern drafting book, which though dated, is is still the best one I've come across, everything is in it. I find now that "how to" books tend to give the equivalent of what a single chapter offered in the older books. I have a McCalls sewing in colour book circa 1964, when I compare the flat pattern alterations in the Fast fit books, they are all in the 1964 McCalls sewing book. I did have the Singer sewing book, but that got "borrowed" never to be seen again. The Time Life Art of Sewing books, are full of helpful tips, I have the complete collection of Golden Hands, a facsimile of an 1882 Dictionary of Needlework an absolute gem.