No Time to Sew: Fast & Fabulous Patterns & Techniques for Sewing a Figure-Flattering Wardrobe

I had this book years ago ( with the patterns) and learned a lot from it. She has a lot of tips and tricks and methods that are really going to up your sewing game. You can find similar patterns easily ( like get a subscription to Seamwork or Burda) but most of the patterns are kinda dated anyway. The real value is in the construction and finishing tips.

If you are a beginning sewer, don't hesitate, buy this book now. Basically the content of this book is expanded pattern directions, written step by step for someone who has trouble following a commercial pattern. If you have tried to sew many times and things dont come out right or you have problems figuring out standard commercial pattern directions--you will love the way Sandra walks you through everything. I am a pretty experienced sewer and reading this book over and over is like a breath of fresh air! The fashions are classic, they are very attractive made up...I hesitated to buy this book because I thought some of the styles were frumpy, they are not at all frumpy when you sew them in real life...The palazzo pants are my favorite...I get tons of compliments everytime I wear them (I have made several...this pattern is worth the cost of the book alone) I was shocked they looked good on me, I am only 5-2 and not slim! I also LOOOOVVEE the vest.

This is the first book that addresses the subject of most of us -the less-than-perfect figures- in an easy to understand format. Each page is designed to be eye-catching and readable without the clutter or boring formats of other books. Sandra Betzina makes you feel as if you are her friend and are in her home. Directions make what used to be difficult or undecipherable into simple instructions. Many thanks to this author, seamstress, and new friend.

This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to make more than silly frou-frou things and other stuff that collects dust. I prefer utility, and these clothes are utility and fashion at the same time. I've made two tuxedo shirts, two dresses (one cowl-necked with a matching scarf), seven pairs of slim pants, one t-shirt, and plan to make a lot more, plus some I haven't done yet. These are the clothes that look good, are easy to make, easy to wear, and have endless variations. Soon I hope to make a nice poly/wool jacket, and maybe a cool-weather dress with a vest. I'm still thinking about trying the palazzo pants, but I didn't buy this book for that. The other garments are not going to be out of style anytime soon, even if the palazzo pants are. Unfortunately, I think about how to make these clothes while I'm driving, which is not safe in Houston. But really--measure twice, cut once, and enjoy the easiest to make modern clothes around.

These patterns are easy to follow and adjust for a short, round person. My favorites are the six gore skirt and the jacket. With just these two outfits, I could make a whole wardrobe. The jacket has seams down the front and the collar is easy to attach. It has bias seams at the shoulders and it looks double-breasted but isn't. It also looks very hard to make but isn't since the sleeves are attached to the body of the jacket. The vertical lines are very slimming. This is the best sewing book I've used yet.

Of my three feet of sewing-related books, this one has been the most useful to me. Before my efforts seemed to be creating wonderful bits and pieces that never coalesced into a practical, versatile wardrobe. I still go off on creative tangents now and then, but when I need simple clothes I can really wear, I go back to this book every time. (There are a few styles that leave me dubious, let the sewer beware.) As a large woman, I have not been able to test the patterns on myself, so I cannot speak on them. They look good to me and the instructions are clear and complete down to variations.