Replies

1. 
   gansettgal | Jul 31, 2008 10:11pm | #1

   gwoman--

   For sewing, the revised and updated Vogue Sewing is good. Also, the Bishop Method of Clothing Construction, although an old book, can be found on the Internet. It is soft cover so maybe the library would have to reinforce it. The same goes for the Vogue Sewing.

   Knitting--anything by the late Elizabeth Zimmermann. However, Knitting Without Tears is great. Also, The Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns. It has 550 stitch patterns--not patterns to make a garment but stitch patterns to incorporate into a project.  It's put out by Sterling Publishing.

   Weaving--Learning to Weave b Deborah Chandler. This is a really good beginning book showing how and why to warp from front or back; measuring warp; dressing the loom, etc.  There are good photos and examples. I love this book. It was one of my firsts.

   Gansettgal

2. 
   rekha | Jul 31, 2008 10:44pm | #2

   A lot of people including me are getting interested in bead and sequin work. I suggest the following:

   Bead and Sequin Embroidery Stitches [Paperback] by Levy,Stanley

   ISBN-10: 1861083718

   ISBN-13: 978-1861083715

   Bead Embroidery [Paperback] by Ogura, Yukiko; Prener, Connie

   ISBN-10: 4889962158

   ISBN-13: 978-4889962154

   I am not going to recommend Kenneth King's Designer Bead Embroidery, because the patterns are common place paisleys and such.

   Hope you have luck with these publications

3. 
   Lovessewing | Jul 31, 2008 11:30pm | #3

   Wow, a library with funds to purchase books dear to my heart?  FANTASTIC!!!  I'd like to suggest the following:

   1.  Linen and Cotton by Susan Khalje

   2.  Power Sewing by Sandra Betzina

   3.  anything by Claire Shaeffer (wonderful sewing expert)

   4.  anything by Kaffe Fassett - he's published both knitting and quilting books

   I'd suggest more - if you're interested, please pm me at [email protected].

   Thank you!

4. 
   Elizard | Aug 01, 2008 09:34pm | #4

   Hmmm...knitting related:
   Barbara walker: Knitting from the Top (is in my opinion a must have:)
   Barbara Walker's 'A treasury of knitting patterns' ( vol 1, 2, 3 and 4 seem to exist).Sewing:
   Claire Shaeffer: Couture sewing techniques.
   Susan Khalje: bridal couture
   (Adele Margolis: Fashion sewing for everyone - out of print)hope this was useful

5. 
   rekha | Aug 02, 2008 08:54am | #5

   How could have forgotten a gem of a book to self-learn machine embroidery:

   Creative machine Stitching Nelson (2003) ISBN 15647704627

   I like this book very much because it generates confidence on using a very ordinary sewing machine; achieved even on machines with only straight stitches

   Edited 8/2/2008 2:16 am ET by rekha

6. 
   artfulenterprises | Aug 06, 2008 06:04pm | #6

   I would recommend books on Ribbon Embroidery ("Ribbon Embroidery - Flower Patterns & Projects" by Yukiko Ogura and "An Encyclopedia of Ribbon Embroidery Flowers by Deanna Hall West) , Fabric Dyeing ( "Dyeing to Quilt - Quick Direct-Dye Methods for Quilt Makers" by Joyce Mori and Cynthia Myerberg), and Silk Painting (The Art of Painting on Silk-Vols. 1 & 2" edited by Pam Dawson); also, "The Art of Manipulating Fabric" by Colette Wolff.You might also like to consider books on Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Crochet Wire Jewelry, classic books on Jewelry making/metalsmithing, lapidary and gem identification, and beading for jewelry design. (If so, let me know and I'll send you a few great titles.)Also, I highly recommend Jean Dobie's book, "Making Color Sing"; the best book I've ever seen on watercolor painting.