Another Interesting Article from PW: Amazon to Drop Free Books from Kindle Bestseller List

Check out the Publisher's Weekly article by Rachel Deahl here. (I don't want to step on any copyright toes by publishing it here).

So what do you think - will splitting the Amazon bestseller lists between the ones people are buying and the ones people are downloading for free make a difference?

I think it will be interesting to look at and  hopefully it won't hurt the promotional benefits of the free books.  I admit I love the free books especially when it's an earlier book in the series that is free and trying to promote the newest book.  I have no qualms about buying books for my Kindle and love the free books to try new authors.

So I guess we'll see how it goes whenever they split the list.

Sewing Books on my wishlist

So my wonderful fellow readers - are any of you sewers as well?  I have been on a sewing kick as of late and just received some money for Mother's Day so I was perusing Amazon for sewing books.  I have a wishlist and I thought I would share what I have seen around with you.  Also if you do sew - what is your favorite sewing book or what is on your wishlist?  I would love to add more books to mine so if you know of a great book please share it in the comments.

So here are a few books on my current wishlist:

Vogue Sewing Revised and Updated

A trusted classic since 1975, Vogue® Sewing has remained a consistent bestseller and sewer’s favorite. Now it’s been fully revised and updated, with the latest information and all-new photographs and illustrations, introduction, and page layout.  From choosing a machine to mastering couture techniques, it covers everything stitchers need to know to make professional and fashionable garments. It’s certain to remain the premier sourcebook for sewers everywhere.

This technique-rich Vogue’® manual contains comprehensive instructions for understanding pattern markings, selecting fabrics and notions, hand-stitching and mending, pressing, and measuring to fit.  Everything’s beautifully laid out, with charts and detailed explanations. And as it teaches, it also steers you to the right project for your sewing level, with a plethora of photos that showcase different options for both beginners and those more expert with a needle.

PatternReview.com 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips

Saw this on Patternreview.com this morning and I want it - trying to decide whether to preorder it or now.

This book contains the best hands-on insider sewing tips from the popular sewing website PatternReview.com, a community of more than 170,000 members. The entries are collected from the website’s enormous database of members’ shared comments and advice, rated by hits and reviews. Also included are five special how-to features by PatternReview.com's master teachers and pattern designers, who regularly conduct online chats and workshops (including Kenneth King, Susan Khalje, Sarah Veblen, Shannon Gifford, and Anna Mazur).

 

How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns by Lee Hollahan

This one looks good to me - has anyone read it or heard more about it - it has one 5-star review on Amazon.com.

Making clothes is fun, fashionable, and thrifty but how can you find a pattern that fits you just right? And how can you adjust it if it doesn't?

This book shows you how to get the most from sewing patterns—from choosing the right size to understanding all the different markings and translating flat shapes into wearable garments. You will learn how to change the shaping, length, and detailing to suit your own body shape, taste, and style.

Once you understand how to adapt a store-bought pattern you are well on your way to designing your own clothes. You'll understand how to make a new pattern out of a ready-made store-bought one, or draft your own from scratch.

 

Fit for Real People: Sew Great Clothes Using Any Pattern by Pati Palmer, Marta Alto

Presented in a new edition that adds updated pattern industry news and revised rules for selecting pattern size, this easy and practical fitting system requires no measuring, no drafting skills, no muslin mock-ups—and it works with all brands of tissue paper patterns. Real people of all ages are featured in photographs that explain the steps of cutting out pattern pieces, pinning them together, and adjusting the fit. Special attention is paid to tricky challenges such as accommodating a full bustline, adjusting sleeves, or reworking a garment to make it more flattering, as well as alternative fitting methods such as draping and computer design. Metric conversion charts, charts for comparing pattern company bodice measurements, and a history of American dress design (Just where did size 10 come from?) make this book a versatile reference.

One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects by Rebecca yaker, Patricia Hoskins

One-Yard Wonders will delight anyone who has ever fallen for fabric - from the novice sewing enthusiast to the lifelong seamstress. The book presents a delightful array of simple, stylish projects that can be made with just a single yard of fabric - from apparel to accessories, from plush toys to pet beds, from baby items to bags, and from home decor to "Happy Birthday" banners. Projects have a hip,contemporary flair, and most can be completed in a few hours. For each project, the book provides a full-color photograph, easy step-by-step instructions, and simple illustrations. Templates and pattern pieces are also included wherever needed, making this collection of 101 projects the best sewing deal ever.

Great fabric demands to be purchased, even if it's just a  yard or two at a time. But such tantalizing textiles should never hide in a closet; One-Yard Wonders promises gift-worthy solutions for that stash of irresistible fabric-store buys. At last, it's time to stop storing and start sewing!

Winner Catch-Up

In an effort to play catch-up on my blog after sickness and just plain busyness, here are two giveaways that I haven't announced winners for yet:

Weekend Wondering from April 17th - thank you so much each of you for your wonderful ideas for guest posts - you all had great ideas and ones I will keep in mind in the next few weeks as I plan for the summer.  The winner from the post is:

Fredamans

Also I had 2 copies of PACE: The 12-minute Fitness Revolution by Al Sears, MD to giveaway and the winners are:

Edmontonjb

Stacy

I will be contacting all of you, but if  you see this and haven't heard from me,  please contact me with your mailing address and I will get these in the mail to you.