Sew What! Skirts: 15 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics

[Sweet Roll]

Has anyone picked up this book by Francesca DenHartog? I'm very interested in it, but have not had the chance to check it out. Likes/dislikes?

[Sirvinya]

I just ordered it but it isn't released here until 30th sept.

[stacysews]

I haven't read it yet either, but am going to have to check it out!

[mathgirl]

Amazon seems to have this in stock now...does anyone have it yet?

[Sirvinya]

I ordered it in the UK and I'm still waiting for the stock to arrive 

[turtletrbl]

I JUST GOT THIS!  Since nobody else seems to know about it, I guess I'd better write a review....

I love this book!  I'm not a noob to sewing (intermediate is more like it) so I usually flip through sewing books and put them back on the shelf.  This one is a keeper...

Best feature?  No patterns required!  Actually, they have you draft two patterns -- one for a straight skirt and one for an A-line.  However, the pattern drafting is very simple with minimal math and you don't really need any special supplies.  I'm a math and spatial idiot and it was straightforward to me.

Then there are several variations showing how to use the basic patterns, and instructions for each one (I didn't count, so I'm not sure how many variations there are, but it's quite a few).  For instance, the A-line can be adapted to make a wrap skirt and so on.  They describe putting in a zipper in the most user-friendly way I've seen (only the centered-type method, but I think this is fine as lapped zippers look stupid to me on most things and invisible zippers are intimidating for a lot of people).  The book works as inspiration too, for combining unusual fabrics/textures/trims.  The sewing instructions are straightforward enough for a beginner, although I don't think it's the first book I'd buy for a newbie.  But if you are looking to make skirts and don't want to buy a lot of different patterns just to replicate a few simple shapes, this is a good book.

By the way, the photography is so inspirational, it's probably worth the cost of the book in itself.  Hope this review helps others decide whether or not to add this to their library.

[niknac98]

By the way, the photography is so inspirational, it's probably worth the cost of the book in itself.  Hope this review helps others decide whether or not to add this to their library.

You have me convinced.  It's going on the Christmas list.

[spicecarrie]

Thanks for the great review! I saw this book the other day at the book store and I've been trying to decide whether or not to go back and buy it.

[veganmom]

I have this book and have made one skirt (A-line) so far. I posted a sew along and pix of my red skirt form this book here

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=131187.0

I think it is nicely done -- the directions are clear for drawing your own patterns, the pictures are interesting, and it's isn't at all fuddy-duddy.

As far as skills... you work up from easy skirts with few pieces to easy skirts with more pieces. Each skirt tells you the materials you will need at the start of the project. I haven't yet encountered inaccuracies.

I liked it so much I'm throwing a skirt party/playdate for a few other moms and toddlers. The kids will play in the yard while the moms attemps to make the first skirt in the book.

V.

[Sirvinya]

Still waiting 

I might just give up and pay the postage from the US for it.