Couture Sewing, Tailoring Techniques, review

Couture Sewing,  Tailoring Techniques  by Claire Shaeffer

This book is about  tailoring techniques and sewing secrets of such renowned designers as Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga. Get an insider's view of the couture industry. Author and fashion expert Claire B. Shaeffer shares garment tailoring techniques, construction methods, and even short cuts used in the finest European ateliers of Paris, Rome and London.

Shaeffer presents viewers with an in-depth tailoring workshop, demonstrating key techniques such as converting darts to ease, creating a patch pocket, interfacing a hem, stitching a fly zipper, and making a bound buttonhole.

Product details:

• Author: Claire Schaeffer
• Series: Couture Sewing
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; + DVD ed. edition (Feb. 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600855040
• ISBN-13: 978-1600855047
  

Good:

• The book is informative and very useful.
• Lots of information and instructions.
• Good images to illustrate instructions.
• Advanced sewing techniques explained, some basics as well.
• Lot's of extra detail to finishing and fit technique.
• Interesting History facts and photographs which are very rare

Could be better:

• A lot of photographs of author's own designer couture collection, which are beautiful but not useful
  
• A bit scary for beginners because of its advanced levels.
• Too much history instead of instructions.
• Instructions are only for the more advanced seamstress.
• Some garments looks very old-fashioned and out-dated. A missing opportunity here: making modern couture garments.....
  

NOTES:

Chapter Six : "Characteristics of Couture Construction" is very interesting.

If you love the Classics and Vintage Couture, this book will definitely work for you  (As the whole series Couture Sewing does...)  But it would be nice to learn more about the modern garments, fabrics and techniques a bit more.....
Photographs of Vintage classic garments and real treasure pieces of Couture, are beautiful, but who is creating or wearing a coat as on page 14. these days? Learning the old-school tailoring techniques; great example. Finding inspirations in these old Vintage Couture....  mmmmm......  not easy.