Sew Fast, Faster, Fastest: Timesaving Techniques and Shortcuts for Busy Sewers

I bought with caution, seeing the other reviews. I know there are different kinds of sew-ers: some create works of art, enjoy putting 85 hours into an heirloom christening gown maybe one real baby (if any) will wear, or (as in Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing) setting in a waistband with a favorite method in 15 steps. I'm not one of them. I was very disappointed in Power Sewing and regretted my subscription to Sew Beautiful. I don't have the time, and wouldn't want to spend so much of it on sewing if I did. I love my serger because it is fast, and with it I can make a nice finish fast and add tailoring details I used to skip to save time. This book (which incorporates a lot of serging as well as regular machine sewing) helps a lot in that respect. It is not the items she makes, but how they are made. Some information was familiar, but there was a lot in here that was news and new ways of looking at things. If you sew a lot, especially clothing, and want efficiency AND speed, this is a great book.

THIS BOOK IS GOOD IF YOU LIKE THE CLOTHING SAMPLES THAT SUE HAS ON THE BOOK AND PLAN TO MAKE SOME FOR YOURSELF, FOR MOST OF THE ILLUSTRATION AND TIPS THAT SHE GIVES CIRCLES AROUND THE CLOTHING SAMPLES. HOWEVER SHE DOES SHARE SOME GOOD TIPS ABOUT CUTTING, SEWING AND HOW TO HANDLE SILK OR THIN FABRICS. I AM LOOKING FOR MORE POWER SEWING TIPS, SO THIS BOOK DOES NOT REALLY MEET MY NEEDS.

Initially I put this book back on the shelf because the photos showed garments I had no interest in making. The second time I looked through it more thoroughly and was blown away by the amount of helpful sewing hints contained with its pages. This is a fine reference for the fashion sewer as it shows exactly how to do things like sleeves, hems, zippers, etc. three different ways. I only wish they had photographed the techniques instead of the clothing.

I bought this book thinking it would be great for my busy sister who is just discovering the joy of sewing. It has many helpful hints, and great ideas you can take and use with your own ideas. I do think it depends to much on the serger, and many people do not start out with one. All together I personally found it to be great, and have made a few of the projects in the book, but I think I will find something else for my sister, it really is geared for experianced sewers.

I have been sewing for nearly 40 years, and this is the first book I've read that clearly guides you through the tricky parts of fashioning a garment. Hausmann clearly and concisely takes you step by step through the process, offering logical shortcuts without being didactic. When I found this book at my local library I had never heard of Sue Hausmann, but I loved the nonjudgemental approach that gives the reader permission to experiment with new methods. Most "How To" authors sound infallible and rigid in their approach to sewing. Hausmann offers possible alternatives, so sensible that you find yourself saying, "Of couse, that's so logical!" The illustrations of techniques, and photos of "real" clothing modeled by the author clarify the directions and give inspiration to the reader. Sue Hausmann is obviously in love with the craft of sewing and the creative outlet it provides. I now own this book and never want to sew without it at my side. Three cheers for Sue Hausmann!!!