kricketa's review against another edition
4.0
again, haven't made anything from this yet but am SUPER excited to. it's not so much about specific projects as how to make a basic pattern that will fit you and adjust it to make different garments. which you can then customize with a variety of cute elements. as a beginner, this appeals to me.
britomarte's review against another edition
4.0
More useful than I anticipated, but I just don't think that this is the style for me.
booksenvogue's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed the simple to follow tips presented for common ready-to-wear sewing projects. The book was catered to beginners. Each article was very practical with Pinterest worthy images per demonstration.
msthienkim's review against another edition
5.0
When I found out that the authors of Improv Sewing: A Freeform Approach to Creative Techniques would be signing copies of their book at Book Expo America, I was intrigued. (Check out the photo of the back of my head waiting in line. I'm the one with the red lower in her hair.) The word Improv in the title hinted that this wasn't your regular how-to sewing book. Authors Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut explain in the introduction that they want sewists to relax and focus on creativity and not dwell on perfecting technique.
Read more on my blog http://www.mycupofcreativitea.com/2012/06/book-review-improv-sewing.html
Read more on my blog http://www.mycupofcreativitea.com/2012/06/book-review-improv-sewing.html
etoiline's review against another edition
5.0
This book really makes me want to break out the sewing machine and try a few projects. The instructions are clear, and the projects are simple without being boring. There are all sorts of ways to dress up the easy patterns, but the clean lines look fine on their own. This book makes it easy for anyone to make their own dresses, skirts, tops and accessories, as it shows how little is actually required for each project and gives quick but insightful advice on how to complete the pattern. I'll be keeping this in mind the next time I feel crafty!
nojiri23's review against another edition
5.0
This book newly added to my collection of crafty titles is one of my absolute favorites. It combines clear instruction with fun designs, leaving you free to fly creatively. I love that the folks who are photographed wearing various projects are not "model perfect" but instead are human-shaped and thus beautiful. I am also thrilled to have an index of careful instructions on how to size these designs (and any the reader may come up with using these designs as a base) for those who are human-shaped. I have been looking for such a book for a long time. Yay!
voya_k's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty nuts and fun if you have access to a good source of jersey knits. Very approachable. The author/designer has a very distinct style ("I'm wearing something 'funky' to the farmer's market!"), but if you like it, you can make it. This reminds me of Alabama Stitch Book but way less irritating.
emtobiasz's review
4.0
Improv sewing as a technique is about sewing to fit your own level-- time, skill, materials, etc. Nice to have a book that encourages you to think beyond the pattern and instead teaches techniques that can be applied more based on your interests and creativity. Lots of jersey knits and comfortable clothes. That said, I prefer the applique and home products over most of the clothes pictured in the book.
johannah's review
2.0
Fairly good how-to directions for a new seamstress/ter. But most designs use jersey knit and most projects are unfinished - temporary clothing at best.
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