cover image Sew Successfully with Style

Sew Successfully with Style

Leila Aitken. Sterling Publishing (NY), $11.95 (96pp) ISBN 978-0-8069-6634-2

Color photos of good-looking clothes illustrate the British author's text, described as a dressmaking course for those having no experience or only basic familiarity with required techniques. Clearly, however, beginners lack the skill to make the skirts, blouses, jackets, dresses and ""simple'' tops that Aitken features. The chapters (``lessons'') include charts and line drawings with tips on fabrics, on altering patterns, choosing a personal style, etc. Steps in garment construction are covered and shown in detailed pictures. As a whole, the book is a helpful addition to the home-sewing library but does not substitute for a thorough grounding in a class with an instructor. (December)