Does anyone else have this book? I ordered it not long ago, and although the information was comprehendible, and it did teach me the basics, i was really dissapointed in it. The editing was HORRIBLE. I couldn't even count the endless grammar, punctuation and sentence structure mistakes. I mean, some sentances ended half way through a word. It was easy to figure out what the words meant, and what not, but for a book that I payed a little over $30 Canadian for it and waited for over 3 months to receive it sure was missing too much content. Ugh, im just so mad at it, yet i can't help recomending it to beginers being the only book i've ever been able to find on patchwork clothing. GRRR!!
one of these days, i'll compile all the patchy clothing tutorials that i've found online and put them up on a nice simple website somewhere. i havent seen the threads for heads book, but i'm certain that all of the info in it is probably available thru other sources.
All this aside, it does cover the basics very well, and i would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to begin to patchwork. It helped me out so much, and honestly, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure shouldn't really matter a whole lot. Lauren Clay put the thing together herself, and I'm sure that she wasn't intending on it being something that has turned out to be as sought after as it is.
for anyone who hasnt bought the threads for heads book, there are tons of sew-alongs at http://www.amitymama.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=98 for patchy clothes, apron tops, reversible pants, sidepanel pants, strippy skirts, etc, etc, etc... and i'm pretty sure that the threads for heads gal posts at amity's, but i cant remember her username over there. ps, it looks like some of the sew-alongs are in the sewing faq forum over there too http://www.amitymama.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=99
I just bought the Threads For Heads book from Lauren Clay, and got it in about 3 weeks. I found it completely helpful, although it leaves a lot up to your imagination. I found that you need to have sewing basics down and know your machine. As far as a teaching aid on how to sew, it is not. As a guide to patchy clothing it was really helpful in figuring out how to pattern a dress. Having a roll of paper is a good thing to make a pattern for the bodices and skirt pannels. That way you don't have to draw it each time you make one. The editing was bad, but it didn't really detract from the overall instruction.
I got her book back when she first made it, and found it really helpful too - I especially appreciated the directions on measuring out the spin of a skirt - I agree that it is probably too expensive, but we should probably be supportive of sisters who take the initiative to do this kind of stuff... Before I found her book, I was making an absolute MESS of the stuff I was trying to make - there weren't really any other sources for making patchy clothes.
I got it a long time ago and i think its a great book... im have horrible grammar so i didnt even notice the problems.. wouldnt say its a beginners book but a high level beginners books as you do need to know alot of basic sewing concepts to use the book... But i thought it was a really useful book
I also ordered the book as soon as I heard about it, expecting it to greatly enhance my designs that were already making cute clothes. I quickly flipped through the book, and found nothing of interest. I sew with more ummm...quality, or design than she was using...all of my patterns are more fitted with darts and such, more tailored I guess would be a good word, so to me this book was a waste. I don't just draw a square shaped bodice, and hem it, I make them out of four or more pieces, which are quite more extensive than the basic square of fabric method I see so often everywhere. But to a beginner who wants to start making/creating, it is perfect. There was nothing I found of use, except her general guides for custom sizing patterns...but for anyone who is already sewing her own clothes, this book is not worth the $20 I paid....I feel sorry for the poor person who paid over $300 on ebay back in July....but again, I highly doubt she knew this book was going to be a hot seller....I am sure she would have at least spell checked the thing on her puter if she had know she would have sold over 20 copies at a concert.
I got this book a few years ago to help me with the basic shapes and putting together of diffrent peices. I didn't even have a machine when I got it and was sewing everything by hand! But it helped me out alot! I agree that the grammer and what not was not totally perfect, but for the most part it didn't really matter to me. It helped me understand the basics and I'm thankful for that. I enjoy the book and still go back to look at it for help on certain thing's. Thanx nimh for that link for that forum. I've been wanting to find something like that for a long time now! It's great! And redfraggle42... Whats the 42 for in your name? That number haunts me! It's I see it EVERYWHERE!!!!!!
that's because the answer is 42 *wiggles eyebrows furiously* ps, read douglas adam's book: the hitchhihker's guide to the galaxy
maybe i'm just a perfectionist, but i find that something you are going to sell to someone, regardless of whether it's popular or not, should be error free. It's just like sewing, if you're going to make a garment, you're going to make sure it's flawless. Why wouldn't this be done with a book? Anyways, like i said, i found it helpfull, but i expected much more for the price i payed. But i do agree with the poster above- i do commend her for putting together and sharing her knowledge of sewing for us kids.
I bought my book after I was already making my own patterns for dresses and other patchwork creations so it wasn't a help to me at all. I just wanted to see what all the hubub was about. You definately don't need that book to learn how to make your own hippie threads. Half the fun is being fearless and trying new stuff out. If it doesn't work you always have your handy dandy seam ripper. BTW there is a new sewing book on this site: http://www.angelfire.com/biz6/earthexpressions/book.html
start with yourself: "helpful," "paid," and capital I when referring to one's self. I do understand that bad language, especially on a how-to, can be hideous. I edit for part of my living and it really distracts me. Maybe I'll offer to edit the book for a copy!
Sorry but I have never read that book. I was just happy to see that it was your thread. I haven't seen you around lately. I'm glad you haven't left us!xoxoxox
i don't care for proper forum grammar; my posts aren't for sale. Anyhow these are typos and laziness, somehow i don't excuse those in books that i've payed good money for.
