My copy of Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing just arrived! Written by the lovely and talented Gretchen Hirsch of Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing, I’ve been excited about this one ever since she announced it back in 2010. (I remember reading her book announcement well before I’d launched my pattern line, so it certainly was a while back! Books take a long time to produce.)
I pre-ordered the book months ago, so it was a welcome surprise when it arrived at my door.
I can’t wait to make a cup of tea and read the entire thing, cover to cover. I love reading sewing books even when I’m nowhere near my sewing machine, it gets me inspired! I did a quick flip-through and at first glance it’s a beautiful book with lovely illustrations.
It covers fitting, tailoring techniques, patternmaking and even includes patterns! With each pattern, Gertie demonstrates variations and ways to customize your project. There’s patterns to make an entire vintage-style wardrobe. (So many new things to sew!)
Did you buy this book? Have you read through it yet, and what did you think? I’ll be curling up with it this weekend for a thorough read-through. Have a great one, everyone!
I got mine a couple weeks ago now now, and I love it! I can’t wait to try out some of the patterns. I’ll have to wait until October, though. I have a wedding party to outfit (and be Maid of Honor in). After that, I had my eye on the high waisted pencil skirt.
Mine arrived this week, too! I’ve only had time to flip through it, but I’m also very excited.
I haven’t ordered a copy yet, though I was on the verge of pre-ordering one. The thing is: I’m not allowed to buy another pattern/sewing book ’till at least january, I had to let it pass (for now). Oh, and that restriction is completely voluntairy, but necessary. Soooooo much stuff to sew!
But as soon as I’m allowed, I’m definatly buying this one! It just looks so wonderful, I love the patterns that are included, but because I recently bought your latest pattern (and went completely against my ‘don’t buy another pattern’-policy), I’ll have to be patient.
I got mine last Friday and I’ve already started work on two of the patterns: portrait blouse and pencil skirt. So far, I’m quite pleased with the patterns and book. Everything is going together so well. It’s fantastic!
Got mine this week and read the whole thing cover to cover!
I really liked the chapter on stabilizing and tailoring, which is something I know very little about. The ‘Tiki Dress’ pattern and pencil skirt are first on my list – they’re amazing!
Mine arrived last Monday and it’s so good. I won’t have much time for sewing for the next few weeks but reading this got me all excited about trying some of the projects. And she makes such a good case for taking your time and trying couture-like techniques, I’m so excited about trying new things. While I was flipping through the patterns my boyfriend looked over my shoulder and said how cool he thought it was that Gertie is modelling the garments herself and I totally agree – it makes it all seems so much more accessible.
I asked for it as a birthday present. Given that I was told my present has not arrived yet, I’m suspecting my husband remembered and it is on the way.
I also ordered it..quite a while ago and just got my copy this Tuesday!
I’m hooked! I particulary like the section on transforming a pattern.
I received mine a couple of weeks ago, and love it! Looking forward to trying out some of those patterns… so much to sew, so little time!
I really need to order mine…and I wish there was a listing of the patterns included in it. I’ve looked around, especially at Gretchen’s blog and on Amazon and there are really no previews of the book at all that I’ve found.
Here is a list of the patterns included. She also discusses how to modify these to make other garments, for example with the pencil skirt pattern she talks about the plain skirt, adding flounces, or an A-line skirt with pintucks.
1. Pencil skirt
2. Portrait blouse
3. Sultry sheath
4. Scallop-waist skirt
5. Bow-tied blouse
6. Sweetheart sundress
7. Wiggle dress
8. Shirtwaist dress
9. Suit jacket
10. Coat dress
Does this help? Do you have any other questions? I will be happy to answer them if I can.
Yes, that is helpful – thank you! I know in the end I will buy it either way. ;)
Take a look at Gertie’s Flickr photostream for pics from the book!
It’s on my Christmas list – I can’t wait to get hold of it!
i got mine today too! i am dying to read it but off to meet Karen and some other bloggers at the V&A – am sure we will have a look in the pub afterwards!
Mine should be delivered today. I can’t wait to get home from work!!!
I pattern tested the portrait blouse and the wiggle dress (soooo long ago!), but don’t have any photos to share yet on my blog. I just bought a ticket to Gertie’s book launch party and I hope to have the blouse ready! Would’ve loved to have sewn the dress, but just don’t have time before next Saturday. I look forward to buying the book. :)
I just got mine today too!!! YAY!
I’ve read about half of it so far, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Like you, I read even when I’m not sewing…
I got mine a couple of days ago and am quite excited to try out the patterns. The coat dress looks absolutely divine!
I got mine last week and it is lovely! There is so much infomation and the patterns alone make it worth the purchase. Gorgeous book!
I got mine a couple of weeks ago. Sadly I can’t sew anything from it until early next year, as I am currently preggers. I found Gerty’s book to be a good compliment to colette book. Colette’s seems to be targeted more at beginners and Gerty’s seems more aimed at intermediate and advanced sewers. There’s seem to be a little less hand holding in her book.
I just picked mine up from the Post Office today – I love it! I’m feeling virtuous after clearing out our spare room today (also home to my ever expanding fabric stash, which is actually what I was sorting out!) so feel I’m justified in starting a new project, just have to decide which one now…
How exciting. So many beautiful patterns! I ordered my copy a few weeks ago for myself as a birthday present (from my husband) after seeing Gertie’s show and tell on her blog.
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/07/a-sneak-peek-inside-my-book.html
I love it! I’ve actually read the information within. I normally skim sewing books until I have a need for them, but this one has a very engaging writing style. And I want to make almost everything (AND the variations) in the book! I even bought boning, stay tape and a tailors ham recently!
I can’t wait to sew something from it! I’ve got a few works in progress to finish first though.
Mine arrived this morning and have opened it and am currently staring longingly at it!! I was going to put it on my christmas list but couldn’t wait. I am planning to curl up and have a read later after doibg boring chores… I think I may have an obsession with sewing books!! :o)
I’ve not bought the book, I’m not that advanced at sewing clothes so I’m going to stick to pyjamas and vest tops for a while! I’m super excited to see what all you talented sewists in the blogosphere come up with though!
I’ve had mine for a few weeks now. Carefully plotting what fabrics to use with what patterns. And have you seen her Butterick patterns? I just ordered the most amazing cobalt blue houndstooth wool for the coat. Here’s to hoping we have some chill days this autumn so I can show it off.
In case you feel like a little search and find game this morning, you can check out my little sewing space that was published by Facric Mart on Facebook. Can you find the Sewaholic pattern? http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152080603040582&set=a.10151991393780582.888518.277959930581&type=3
:)
Leu, sewing in NYC
Oooh looks like you’re getting organised in the new space. I got my book this weekend too! I’ve already scanned through it briefly, but can’t wait to read through it properly and start making the patterns!
I must have a copy of that!I can’t wait to have one!I will try some of the easy patterns first so that I will be used to it then I will be doing the hard ones.I just started to sew and I’m not an expert but I want to learn!