The new Clotilde catalog lists a book by Claire Shaeffer called “Sew Any Fabric”. Has anyone seen this? I have been yearning for her book “Fabric Sewing Guide”. Is this new book a condensation? Or an update? Or completely new? Should I buy the new one or the old one? I already have Sandra Betzina’s book, which I have found to be very helpful.
Thanks for your help Margaret-Ann
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I just bought Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing from, of all places, Wal-Mart online and it was VERY INEXPENSIVE. $22.02 for a new hardback. Try it for whatever you buy! ACG
Dear Ang
I love Power Sewing, but I meant Betzina's Fabric Savy. Have you seen that?
Margaret-Ann
I only mentioned WalMart as a source of good books for less. I haven't seen either book that you mentioned, but I imagine someone has seen both and can give you an opinion.
I have had the book, hard cover, for a few years. It is a good reference book for handling various fabrics. I have not used it as a ready reference book. Purchasing the book depends on your need for a variety of fabric info.
Bede
Claire Shaeffer's book "Sew Any Fabric" was just released late in 2003, either November or December. I believe the last poster is probably referring to her "Fabric Sewing Guide".
I've not yet seen the new book, but there was some discussion that some of the information in the FSG such as how to felt wool would not be included in the new book. I do have the older book, and will purchase the new one within the next few months. Can't have too many sewing books! LOL!
Julia
I have just bought "Sew Any Fabric" and already have "Fabric Sewing Guide".
I would say that Sew Any Fabric is both an update and a condensation. It is far better illustrated than the Guide, but being so much smaller something must have been left out.
However I am afraid that Ms Shaeffer, like many authors, is repeating herself a little too often. If I were you I would opt for the new book.
I don't like Fabric Savvy. The information is spun out and the same photographs appear repeatedly. If she had wanted to Ms Betzina could have packed twice as much in.
Cheers,
Ghillie
Thank you. That is exactly what I wanted to know. A thought- do I need both, if something is left out? Or don't I need what is omitted?
Margaret-Ann
The Fabric Sewing Guide is much more chatty and anecdotal. Sew any Fabric is brief in its descriptions. It has a useful summary of interfacingsand a large glosssary at the back. I have not compared the books sufficiently to tell if something is missing.
Cheers,
Ghillie
Sew Any Fabric was completely different than I'd expected it to be... yet I like it very much. Fabric Sewing Guide is (in my opinion) more textbook like and comprehensive. SAF is more similar to Fabric Savvy in that it separates fabrics by type (I was surprised at some of the categorization) and gives quick information with what needle, stitch, etc. to use with less in depth review of the fabric itself. Just wish it could be spiral/hardbound like Fabric Savvy!
Karen
Yes, Sew Any Fabric is an update of her Fabric Sewing Guide. It is far superior to Fabric Savvy in my opinion as it covers more fabrics and gives more information on each. I got it from Amazon.com and if I remeber correctly it was cheaper than Choltilda's. Although Amazon has the wrong book pictured with the entry!
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