Clothing Books

Susan is growing up during the Civil War. She helps the Confederate Cause by collecting silk dresses for a balloon to spy on the Union army. She also struggles with her mother, who takes out her anger on Susan. But when she meets her brother Lucien, who was shunned from the family and has anti-Confederate views, her loyalties are tested. Can she do what she thinks is right, without hurting the people she love?

I love this book. I read it years ago and wanted to read it again, so I bought it.

The Last Silk Dress is one of the Best Ann Rinaldi books I have read ( and I have read many). The way Ms Rinaldi discribes the occurances takes you back and makes you feel like you were there. This was actualy the first Rinaldi book I read and now I own at least 7 of her books. The author and the book are wonderful and I suggest anyone who is into historical fiction or just needs a good book to bye this one or check it out of the library.

I thought that this book was well writen and I could really relate to Susen the main character. She is the old version of a todays rebels. It is a very good book and I recomend it to anyone who loves history and fiction.

The Last Silk Dress was an excellent book. The author, Ms. Ann Rinaldi, wrote the story in first person format. The story truly showed what the main character, Susan Chilmark was thinking and feeling. Ann Rinaldi wrote with so much detail that one could picture each and every scene that she described. I felt present in each part of the story.
The book is not part of series. This book is not a journal, but it shows how Susan thought and felt when she was overcoming the challenges her brother, Lucien, set for her. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially people who like historical fiction.

This book is cute. It is one of the first things my children laugh at. You know before your baby really learns to laugh at funny stuff, if this book is read to them with the right enthusiasm it can bring a true laughter at such a young age. Live laugh learn. Life is worth it.

My daughter has loved this book from day one, as the silly rooster putting its clothes on wrong sends her into fits of laughter. She memorized the book, and was reading it to us the other night, and when she got to the word "hat", she spelled it out! It's the first time she ever spelled a word! She also spelled out "oops" on every page! This book has held her interest, helped her practice her colors, encouraged her to read and helped her spell her first word -- a true winner!

I bought this on a whim for my 18 month old grandson, having never heard of Sandra Boynton. Ok, so I've lived abroad for like EVER, and this is our first grandchild ... long story. But I cannot praise this book highly enough -- as our previous reviewer mentioned, it is belly-laughs galore for our little man! (You should hear how he cracks up when we embellish the Oops! to "Oopsie Poopsie!!" Hilarious!) This is a hands down family favorite, and should be required "reading" for all us adults as well. Heaven knows, we can all use a good laugh! Enjoy!!!!!

We have a bunch of Sandra Boynton books, and this one is definitely my daughter's favorite. She pretends to read it, and it was pretty useful when she was learning colors. She started with it early, before she was one, and she still pulls it out quite frequently at a ripe toddler age of 22 months. I like the way when she says, Oops! pointing to turkey, and she always thinks that that turkey got stuck in the picture when he wears his pants on his head.

I'm not entirely sure why, but my 18 month old absolutely loves this book. She has a shelf of literally hundreds of books. Blue Hat, Green Hat and But Not the Hippopotamus get read at least 20 times a day... every day.

Blue Hat, Green Hat is a book that will grow some. Initially, they will likely enjoy that every set of pages ends with "Ooops". From there though, they can learn about colors (the colored articles of clothing really stand out well on the pages), and about where each article of clothing should be worn.

It's nice to be able to add to the story with your own details. Trust me, you'll get tired of reading it otherwise.

This is a great book for kids, even young ones around 2.5 years old. It's an engaging story and my son loves the part where the man wakes up to find his hats gone, and looks up and sees all the monkeys wearing the hats! He asks me to read it everynight, and remembers the phrase "caps for sale."

I loved this book as a child and I love sharing it with my children.

Years ago, a unique peddler stood out from other salespeople because he carried all his goods on top of his head. He neatly stacked a bunch of gray, brown, blue, and red caps in a single pile and carefully balanced them on his head as he walked through town, calling "Caps! Caps for Sale! Fifty cents a cap!" But alas, on this particular day, no one purchases a cap. With no money to buy lunch, the peddler opts for a walk and a nap in the countryside instead. His troubles multiply when he wakes up to the sight of a group of playful monkeys in the treetop, each wearing one of his caps for sale. How will he get the caps back?

This classic story, reissued in a new hardcover edition, does not grow old with its humor, ingenuity, and charm. Underlying the story is an important set of economics concepts related to buyers and sellers in the goods market. If the demand for caps had been a little stronger, the peddler may have been able to avoid this whole predicament, but therein lies the book's merriment. Caps for Sale gets top marks for delivering a story with substantive content that children will enjoy and remember.

This is one of the few books I remember my elementary school librarian reading to us during my childhood. I loved the story of the multi colored caps balancing on the peddler's head as he walked through town yelling "caps for sale!" Then to find that as he napped, his caps disappeared. Looking around for them post-nap, he discovers a band of monkeys in the tree wearing them. He tries to get the caps back but each time he yells at the monkeys, they just ape his actions. Finally they throw the caps down and he continues on his way selling his multi-colored caps. I highly recommend this book for all children. My daughter is 2, almost 3, and she also LOVES this story. She finds the monkeys funny - especially how I imitate their actions.

This makes the top ten list out of all the great picture books we read to our kids when they were young. I never tired of reading it. So simple, symmetric, even musical. The story? How does the peddler get the monkeys to give back all the caps they've stolen from him and carried up into the tree? Okay, I'm the publisher of One Monkey Books, so call me biased. But try this one on your three or five or year old, and really get into singing, "Caps for sale! Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!" It's been around for ages already, and this book will still be there when your kids are having kids. Nutty to Meet You! Dr. Peanut Book #1

I love my Sew Fast Sew Easy book. It was so easy to follow and helped me out a lot. The illustrations are done really well and have a lot of detail. This book does a good job covering basics that you wouldn't normally think about like making sure the straight grain is parrallel to the selvage when cutting out and that your fabric doesn't move and how to measure that. It's great, the information in this book. Plus the sewing patterns that it comes with are basic beginner patterns. Great for learning with. One anoying thing though, Amazon has this book listed under a BARGIN PRICE but it's not a bargin price at $19. I had to search "Sew Fast Sew Easy" to get the new book from Amazon at $16. Really weird. I wish Amazon didn't offer books like that, it's really deceiving. Enjoy your book, happy sewing!

I learned to sew with this book and have had great sucess. I just bought the new book "Sew On" to progress my sewing and the patterns and projects are amazing! I have learned even more techniques with the new book and I still use my Sew Fast Sew Easy book for reference. I'm really happy with these books from Amazon.

The book is probably best for true novices. I was never much of a sewer and it has been 30 years since I've sewn anything more than a button or hem. I thought I'd need to review the basics, but this book was too basic for me. i was hoping that it would refresh the basics, but lead me a few steps beyond. I can see where it would be helpful for those who are just starting out, so I can't find much fault with the book itself. It was just not what I need.

I am completely new to sewing, so new that I had no idea how to cut out a pattern. I found a few videos on YouTube that explained how to pin the pattern to the fabric and then start cutting. Anyway, the good things about the book are that it's a very quick read because it's so small, and it does cover most of the basics like getting to know your sewing machine. However, I would recommend Sewing 101 in addition to or instead of this book, as it explains how to lay out the fabric and how to cut, etc. Sewing 101 and Home Decor Sewing 101 have better photos and illustrations of the different steps in making an item, i.e. a pillow or a shower curtain or whatever, and I appreciate the detailed step-by-step illustrations that these books provide.

This is a great learn how to sew book for first time sewers, very easy to understand.

I read Ann Likes Red so many times to my daughters, that it became a family mantra. Mashed potatoes Susan? No, Ann likes red! she would reply. Stringed beans, Emilie? No! Ann likes red. Imagine my surprise to find that the book is still available through Amazon, and that others loved it as much as we did.

This was my youngest daughter first book and we read it over and over. Now I am getting it for my granddaughter. Can't wait to read it to her over and over.

this is a republished version of the original story from 1965. It looks JUST LIKE the old one and 5 year old daughter LOVES it as much as me and my sister! Thanks for bringing back such an oldie but goodie!

Like the others, this was my favorite book as a little girl. I serched for it approx. 7 years ago when I had a daughter with no luck.
A wonderful easy reader!
I purchased 2, one for me and one to give my mother as a gift (she loved it as well!)

I can't believe this book is still in print. This was the first book I could ever "read". Of course, I couldn't really read it, but I had it completely memorized :). I still do. I like Red, Red, red! What great memories.

I love this book. It's a wonderful addition to Volumn I and II. All the pictures are in beautiful color. The discriptions are detailed. I look forward to the next edition.
These books are a must have for all Vintage Barbie Collectors.

What would vintage Barbie lovers and collectors do without this and the other 2 books by Sarah Sink Eames? Without a doubt her books are the best on the market for identifying all the wonderful vintage outfits for Barbie and her family. Beautifully presented, detailed and comprehensive information. Each outfit is presented by name, stock number and years made, as well as detailed descriptions of the fabrics used and the accessories accompanying the outfits. Original outifts that came with the dolls are also shown and described. A trip down memory lane and the next best thing to owning all the wonderful outfits.

I must admit, I'm not as crazy about this book like everyone else seems to be. I gave it four stars for the beautiful photos, and descriptions.
But I think some things could be improved. The index lists everything by page number, which is fine if you're just leisurely looking through the book. But if you're looking for one particular outfit, it would be much more convenient to have an alphebetical listing. I wouldn't mind seeing the price guide broken down to include each individual accessory, since many people put together a complete set, piece by piece. But the thing that REALLY bugs me is that she almost always adds the word 'doll' after their names. For example, 'On weekends, Ken doll liked to take Barbie doll for a drive...', or 'Francie doll was excited about...'. Very annoying, to me, anyway. But, overall, it's a very good book to have.

To say something about this book is so so easy - this is THE Barbie collection book. Great photos, great describtions of all the outfits year by year.
You don't need any other book besides this

Another great book by Sarah Sink Eames!-Great outfits and pictures-easy to see values-Fun to see how Barbie and friends followed current fashion trends for the late 60's and early 70's-very helpful to any vintage collector!!

Mike Cunningham pictures are outstanding! Wonderful book to give to someone as a gift.

K.B.

The photographs of these women and their remarkable hat is fascinating. I really like the interviews with the ladies, and the unique stories of their lives and times.

My only disappointment was that the picture are not in color. I would love to have been able to see those plumes and feathers in all their glory!

Orginally, I purchased this book as a gift and after browsing through it, I decided I had to have a copy of my very own. The photography in this book is excellent. The photographs are shot in black and white in order to focus on the church hats. The stories behind the hats are amazingly beautiful. I will never look at a black woman in a church hat the same ever again. I learned that each hat has a story that must be told.

I love to wear hats. I grew up in the South. My Mom wore hats to church every Sunday. She absolutely loved hats! Therefore, when I became of age I too became a hat person! It was like a family tradition. All the girls in the family dressed in hats on Sunday.
I love hats so much, I wear them every day of the week. During the week I usually wear cowboy hats or something sporty. However, on Sunday, it the dressy going to church hat. And if you are into hats, you will know what I mean about the, 'church hats'.
Being raised in the South, you were'nt completely dressed when going to church until you put on your hat and heels. To this day I do not go to church without a hat.
This book, Crowns, really takes me back. It's a wonderful book. It is on a table in my home and it makes for great conversation with visitors.
FANTASTIC BOOK!!!!!


Joyce Marshall-Hamblet

A woman's hat speaks long before she utters a word. So it says on the inside flap of this beautiful book of black and white photos of Black Women in Church Hats. From the first photo of Beth Hopkins and her mother to the last photo Sanclary Saunders with her hat, "without no veil," we are treated to respectful photos from the artful lens of Michael Cunningham.

Mr. Cunningham's artistic eye is what really makes this book. Well, his subjects do too and Craig Marberry's text adds to the book, but it's really Cunningham's artistry that makes this one of the best contemporary photography books I've seen in a long time.

The women pictured in this book all have hattitude and believe me, it's a good thing to have and it's catching, I know, because after spending a delightful couple hours reading the stories that accompany the photos, with Billie Holiday playing in the background, I knew I didn't have any good hats and I have a lot of hats, baseball hats, floppy hats and a safari hat or two, but nothing really cool. But I'm gonna get a cool hat or two. Every woman owes herself a cool hat.

Reviewed by Stephanie Sane

I checked this book out from my local library and now plan to buy it. The chapters about recognizing "quality" in materials and construction are so useful and well written. In fact, I went out today as the book recommended and "inspected" suits, blouses and pants at several different vintage/consignment stores using the suggestions in the book. And wouldn't you know it--I struck GOLD in the form of a Rena Lange tweed suit for $37. I'll never get duped into purchasing a poorly made garment again (and for that matter, I may never pay retail again either!).

This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to find unique fashion in unusual places. Christa Weil not only provides good advice on how to spot fabulous finds but she provides terrific tips on taking care of quality clothes. Everyone who loves clothes will love this book. But the best result of getting this book is the reaction of my 12-year old daughter. After reading the book she has been motivated to take better care of her clothes and has turned her room into a clothes boutique...dress forms and all!

I received this book as a Christmas present from my mother last year. It was so fascinating that I ended up reading it cover-to-cover on Christmas day. My mother has been sewing for almost 40 years, and Weil included many details that even my mother didn't know. I really liked how Weil included a section on fibers and their origins (including synthetics). I'm not much of a consignment shopper, but the information on construction and spotting quality have been more helpful than I could ever imagine. Not only did it help me go through my closet and spot things to dontate to Goodwill, but it also helped me spot a beautiful vintage raincoat at Goodwill today for $5.

This is oneof the best books to read if you're interested in, or if you collect and wear, vintage clothing. From how to read the quality of materials and workmanship in a garments, to how to take care of cleaning them, the information is presented in a witty, informative, useful way. Weil has not only great information, but a way with words and the turn of a phrase, which made the book that much more enjoyable to read. While I personally would love to have seen more illustrations than the many that are already in the book (e.g. of the different button holes styles, zippers, etc.) and pictures of some outfits having the design elements discussed, as I'm greedy for more vintage info all the time, not having these included doesn't detract from this book in the least. One can only hope that Weil continues to write about this subject, as she's thorough, knowledgeable, and writes well. Her book is a pleasure for the senses in all ways. If you buy one book about vintage clothing, buy this one. You won't be disappointed.

Christa? You really did it well! This is a comprehensive, funny, well-researched resource book on the fabrics, markers of quality clothing, labels, and flaws in secondhand finds. It is the best single source of information for secondhand shoppers that I have ever come across! Cheers!

I just started my own business making swim suits. I had bought a Juki Overlock machine to sew them with. It's a pretty complicated machine and I've been sewing for a while so I thought that I could just figure it out but I failed. It came with a manual but I needed something more. I looked for a book to help me out and chose this one. I'm glad I did. It has been a great book and company to come across. The patterns that came with the book were great to learn on and I downloaded an underwear pattern from their website. Any level sewer can benefit greatly from the info in this book. I was highly impressed with how well the patterns matched up and turned out, especially with using knits.

I ordered this book with the Sew Fast Sew Easy book. The techniques and projects in this book are much more advanced. The Ottoman project is really cool but it's a commitment. The tee shirt and pant on the other hand are preatty simple and come out great. I love these patterns. It also has great attention to detail in the illustrations. The instructions were easy follow and it had info about putting in neckbands that was really helpful. I couldn't distribute the neckband correctly and there is a tip about how to chalk it. I'm super happy with these books and highly recommend. Enjoy!

I bought this book because I wanted to develop my sewing skills further and the reviews for this book were great. When I received this book I was surprised at how well it was written and how detailed the descriptions and instructions are. The "Box Cushion" project is a little more demanding and is the perfect challenge for me. I have other sewing books that are dull and a little hard to understand. This "Sew On" book was exactly what I was looking for. I just ordered their other book "Rip It", I'm sure it will be just as great. I am very happy with my order.

Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

Sew Fast Sew Easy Sew On by Elissa K. Meyrich is an all-out, hip manual to the art of sewing and serging. Made by the founder and president of SewFastSewEasy, a company renowned for helping everyday hipsters become competent seamsters, it is a thorough and appealing handbook for novices to the art of garment creation.

The first thing you notice when you open up the book is that it just looks good. The illustrations, even for highly technical things like threading an overlock machine, are compelling to look at. The subtle use of colors and the intriguing lines are quite frankly, cool. It is a strange experience finding yourself admiring an illustration of a seam ripper, but definitely not an unpleasant one, nor an uncommon one, when reading this book.

As for content, Sew Fast Sew Easy Sew On thoroughly covers the basics of the sewing process, from choosing tools and fabrics, to understanding patterns, to instructions on how to use a sewing machine and serger, to tips on simple sewing techniques like sewing on buttons and how to make a hem. It also includes very handy charts and a glossary. Most importantly though, it contains step by step instructions and included patterns for five projects, such as a simple T-shirt and an iPod holder. I personally, am a big fan of the "hipster drawstring pants," and although it would not be flattering on me, I do appreciate the look of a "scarf halter wrap-around dress" on members of the fairer sex.

The instructions for these projects, and in the book as a whole, are very thorough, and it is very clear that Elissa K. Meyrich is a veteran teacher. Her hours teaching classes at Parsons School of Design and at her company in New York City show through. One of her instructions for threading a sewing machine tells you to turn the handwheel slowly "TOWARDS" you, and just hints at the many, many novices who must have turned the wheel the wrong way.

Her instructions are generally very good, but in a few instances can be a little difficult to understand. For example, early in the book she mentions the right side of fabric, without ever defining it. After a reading a little farther you can figure out it is the side of the fabric that is going to be on the outside of the garment, but in the meantime it can be confusing for a beginner. Such problems are minor though, and do not seriously hamper the book. For those who really want to make something neat, this book will help you do it.

Sew Easy Sew Fast Sew On is a thorough, useful, and stylish book for those intent on learning the art of of clothes creation, and is available at www.sewfastseweasy.com. Also, check out the lessons on the website for some of the best DIY clothing training in New York City and on the web.

Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

This book compliments the first Sew Fast Sew Easy book. I had bought that book to learn to sew and had great success with it. I knew this book would have some great tips and projects but I underestimated it. The projects and patterns that are included were perfectly challenging for me. I learned more techniques with the box cushion. I hadn't ever sewn with heavy fabric let alone turn a corner. Learning about overlock machines and what there used for was an eye opener and I'm now on the hunt for one. I have a new passion and am proud of my progress with sewing. I acredit it to these books.

Excellent book for making knitted gifts extra special with beautifull decoration.Very clear instructions & color photo's.

I enjoy this book. I use it as a resource when creating one of a kind things like activity play mats, blankets and sweaters. It is every knitter's must have.

This is a brilliant book. When you want to add that certain something to your finished garment, but don't quite know what, have a flick through this and you will be filled with ideas. Easy to follow instructions and great, clear photos. It's a must for anyone who likes to knit or felt their own creations.

Inspirational with step by step instructions. A must have for the knitter that just loves to knit,this book will have you doing so much more. Wonderful use of knitted cords, great edges, fringes, tassel and emroidery stitches. You will always add that special touch to your knitting. Thank you Nicky for sharing.

I have Ms Epstein's other books,Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau: The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders which I enjoyed and Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes about which I was somewhat less enthused. I decided to get this book, because I was looking for ideas for embelishments, and there it was: "Embellishments," just what I was looking for, so I got it.

I think some of the appliqués are quite imaginative, particularly some of the leaves and pieced flower designs as well as many of the knitted cord appliqué designs, like the Celtic knots and most of the closures in the last few pages of the book. (I do love "frogs.") I will certainly try the technique myself.

The appliqué cord technique was also used effectively for faux cables, and although I enjoy tackling a complex cable from time to time as an exercise, I could see the appliqué system for cables as a very effective way of getting a project completed. It would also allow one to experiment with a design to decide what type of cable looks best on a completed sweater, and just where on the sweater it will most enhance the wearer--and all this without having to rip apart the sweater and do it over again!

The integration of beading into some of the edgings was also interesting and not something I would have thought of myself, because I'm not (yet) a beader. I could imagine the technique making something very special from something quite simple. However some of the designs for heavily beaded tassels seem just way too over the top.

I also like the way cross stitch and embroidery in flosses or yarns could be added to a finished sweater to give the piece the look of fairisle, intarsia, entrelac, and tapestry without the bulk and carryovers that occur with the first two.

I am not, however, a great fan of "bobbles" or raised edgings. I enjoy the technique of the former for its cleverness, and have added bobbles to things like purses, but they tend to make knitted and crocheted products look bulky and awkward in places that should probably not be emphasized on some individuals. (My figure, for instance, is bulky and awkward enough thank you.) Maybe on a very slim person, but definitely not a decorative technique I'd use for the more "mature" shape.


The designs are well illustrated and enlarged enough for the reader to see the techniques displayed. The author uses the method of charted instructions, which I usually find somewhat difficult to follow but which I can see as very useful for visualizing the finished product and its construction.

Most of my objections, though valid from my own perspective, might not be true of others. Maybe one likes heavily beaded tassles, maybe someone else enjoys bobbles. As one of the other reviewers notes; there's something for everyone in this book.

All in all a book well worth the price to add to ones craft library.