i was poking through my sewing book resources recently, and found this ole’ gem:
Simplicity’s Simply The Best Sewing Book from 1988.
i think i first learned how to use a sewing machine around the age of 10, but didn’t actually attempt a garment until 12 or so. before that, i mostly just played with my mom’s machine and the fancy stitches, like rows of scottish terriers, nose-to-tail-to-nose. but that first garment… wow. my stepmom, ricky, helped me with it, and it was so much fun to make, and learn about patterns, and what a sewing machine could really do, but it was so incredibly unattractive. it was a jumper dress, in peach with little teal medallions. ugh. anyway, i think this book was my very first sewing book. it followed me to college, grad school and new york city. all the way from 1988.
the reason i bring this book to your attention is this: i was looking into it for help with zippers and buttons and what-have-you (these things never go out of style), and found this:
this is a sort of similar method as the one described by amy karol in her book for making bias tape. my first thought: i had this all this time?!
but wait. it gets so much better.
this book is from 1988. did i mention that already? 1988. maybe you don’t remember 1988. there were shoulder pads. lots and lots of shoulder pads.
look at this picture. it’s subtle, but look at the right picture. you know what her problem is? narrow shoulders. she’s happier because she has shoulder pads. you can see it.
this book will teach you how to make this:
and this:
oh wait. and this:
wow.
