The Complete Book Of Sewing Shortcuts

I wonder why such a great book is given bad reviews. This book is a book of comparisons of all sewing methods possible for a single technique. It shows you the normal way and also how the professionals do without criticizing 'one is better than the other'. Which technique works for me might not work for somebody else. It is a matter of personal preference and way of sewing and also, the skill level. If you are looking for a step by step beginner book, then go for New Complete Guide to Sewing by Reader's Digest. It is excellent and very comprehensive. But if you are looking for the different methods to do a collar or zippers or any other technique, to figure out what works for you, then THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!

You can tell that this was one of Ms. Schaeffer's early efforts; it doesn't have the writing panache of her recent books, and it is not lavishly photographed (the illustrations are all black-and-white drawings reminiscent of pattern guidesheet pictures). It is also not a book of "sewing shortcuts", if I had to guess I'd wager that her publisher or someone else railroaded her into naming it that. There's a word or two about how pullover dresses are easier to make than those with zippers or buttons (duh), and the some good, quick cutting advice but shortcuts it is not. The back jacket information is also heartily misleading on that score. What the book IS, though, is a good, basic-to-advanced, every-technique-listed guide to sewing methods. Want to know what kind of seam finish you need for a particular fabric or effect? She'll tell you. Some facing ideas? Ways to duplicate the appearence of designer or ready-to-wear finishes? Fastening methods? In there too. This book is MUCH more thorough (and much more clipped and concise in style) than either her "Couture Sewing" or "High Fashion Sewing Secrets". I got my copy used, for a complete bargain, especially considering how useful it is. I'd rather have a library of material within one book on my sewing shelf than many pretty books I don't use. Sure, the book is more than 20 years old, but basic machine techniques and hand sewing don't change (especially for those of us who can't afford fancy machines). I've given it four stars, since the title and the content have little relation to one another. I'd give it five stars for just the content, though. I took the book out of the public library before I bought it, so I knew what I was getting into. Had I purchased it on the title alone, I might have been disappointed.