Sarah GunnStylish Guide to Classic Sewing: Explore 30 Timeless Garments with History, Styling & Tips for Ready-to-Wear Results

I waited for this book for months thinking that it includes patterns for all the garments on the cover and more. I already have patterns of all the clothing mentioned in the book but I am always curious for different approaches on patterns. When I first opened it on my Kindle, I searched for the pattern link and pages of how-tos right away and was disappointed to find that there is only one pattern and instruction (pencil skirt) included. I nearly returned it.Good thing, I tried to read a few paragraphs. I was delighted to find such content. I just started sewing less than a year ago learning from YouTube, books and magazines. I have a lot of books and patterns purchased from Amazon that I couldn’t review because I’ve never used them. I’ve never sewn them because I find it hard to picture them as finished garments sewn from my growing collection of hoarded fabrics. I’ve always hesitated on starting a project. I’m afraid to have regrets over the end product. I’m scared of wasting my fabrics. But this guide book instantly gave me a lot of ideas on what to do with my fabric and pattern collection. It gave me an idea on how to make my patterns work with other patterns and matching my fabrics to my patterns. Shopping for garments is easier because shops are designed for us to see the many other things that would go with a certain piece. But to sew a collection for yourself that is cohesive is another story. Having a curated closet of garments that would go well together can be a struggle. Personally, this book gives me a wider perspective than what the shops give me.I sure will be sewing with intention starting today. And I will only be buying fabrics in amounts and kinds that I will use and will not be buying them just because the print looks nice in my eyes. And finally, I can put my patterns and closet-full of hoarded fabrics to good use.

I am just getting into this book, but I'm very pleased. It has a little bit of garment history along with examples of who wore it to jog the memory (depending on your age). There is also information on what type of fabric works best with each garment. This not the usual sewing book. I find this to be inspirational and beautifully illustrated. And, there is a bonus pattern at the end of the book which is awesome!

In a book about fashion one would expect more than just a few (charming, but) casual illustrations. It’s hard to “imagine “ some of the concepts described and the lack of supporting illustrations or images is frustrating to those readers who do know their meaning- I can’t imagine the consternation for others.You can, and should expect better.

This book fills a gap in the home sewing market in that it focuses on curating a self made wardrobe. I plan to use it as a guide to sew with intention in 2020. In addition the variations and styling tips will help my wardrobe stand out. Well done!

Enjoying the history and all the info about the different styles.

I had the pleasure of getting an early look at this book and what a great resource it is! I so love the timelessness of a classic look. Audrey Hepburn is my personal style icon so seeing her referenced in the book just confirmed even more this I was going to find this book a treasure trove.I love how they have organized it by individual wardrobe elements and talk about styling each one. And because I am a garment sewist, I love how they include hints about fabric or hem lengths or styling variations in patterns. The gallery in the center of the book shows so many combinations worn on real people with the pattern information and a few other detail in the caption. This is a perfect way to continue the inspiration with enough detail to allow those of us who sew a way to implement the the ideas in our own me-made wardrobe.Even if you don’t sew, this is a great style book and has tons of inspiration for how to build your personal classic wardrobe.

Learning who, where (wear) and when is a fascinating understanding of the history of classic styles! It's enjoyable to learn how far back certain styles began. They then break it down by including pattern numbers, fabric types, sources and quick tips to help YOU create YOUR unique piece. It's not a pattern book but an understanding of how these styles are still current today! I love the unique fabrics and details each of the photos show of fellow sewers embracing the classics yet making the garment current and uniquely theirs. It inspires one to think of all the possibilities a simple style has - change the fabric, add a sleeve, shorten or lengthen the garment - the possibilities are endless. I found the reference books, blogs and websites very helpful and created my own sewing Resource Library. Enjoy the read, get inspired and then GET SEWING!

The concept of a book about essential clothing pieces has value but this one seemed to be a high level gloss over. I really don’t care who made a particular item famous and in what movie. I would have preferred more information about the construction of the items as well as tips about any unique sewing challenges a specific piece might present. The illustrations were great but the book lacked depth.