Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Review: Simplicity Fabric Guide (and Giveaway)


Sixth & Spring Books recently sent me Simplicity Fabric Guide: The Ultimate Fiber Resource for review.*

Per Amazon.com:

"From SIMPLICITY, one of the most famous names in sewing, comes a comprehensive guide to all things fabric and fiber related. Lavishly illustrated throughout with color and archival photographs of fabrics and fabric-related items, this is the essential tome for textile fans everywhere. It covers fabric basics, natural and man-made fibers, fabric types, specialty finishes, trademark fabrics, more!"

And I definitely agreement with that description. This spiral-bound hardcover reference guide is beautifully laid out and photographed and contains lots of fabric and sewing information, which makes it a pleasure to look at as well as interesting to read.

It starts off with A Brief History of Simplicity and moves into a Brief History of Fabric and then  onto Fabric Basics, such as how fabric is woven and/or loomed and the various types of weaves and knits.

Next, Fibers are covered, both natural and manufactured, and includes a burn chart so you can put your new knowledge to test on those mystery fabrics in your stash.

From there, you'll move into the Fabrics section with over 100 large, clear photos of various fabrics coupled with text descriptions, uses and sewing tips.


Next up is a section on Linings, Interfacings & Stabilizers which provides an overview of the different types and reference charts of what to use when.

The Working With Fabric chapter describes the characteristics of various fabrics versus the style garment to be made, plus grain, yardarge, pattern layout, preshrinking, nap & more. Sewing tools and notions are thoroughly covered, including a needle chart and a detailed description of more pins thank I think I knew existed.


Color Choices is a primer in color theory and Fabric Care covers cleaning, pressing and pressing tools, fabric storage, and stain removal.


Thread is up next with a brief overview of thread construction and detailed descriptions of thread types. Matching thread to fabric and matching thread to needle is covered in both descriptive and chart form.

At the end of the book there is a small glossary, measurement charts and/or instructions for quilts and bed coverings, window treatments, and tablecloths. There's a section on taking body measurements for garment sewing along with a Simplicity pattern size chart.

Finally, there is a section for adding your own fabric swatches and notes, and tear-out guides for fabric width conversion, estimating yardage, and a quick button size guide.

As I read through this book, I liked how the information was presented both in long form for leisurely reading and in condensed chart form for when you're about to start a project and are hot on the trail for the Just the Facts, Ma'am. In other words, it's very thoughtfully laid out and reader-friendly. Even the smaller print in some areas is easy for this 40+something to read without her reading glasses.

I give this book high marks and recommend it to any beginner-to-intermediate stitcher wanting a good, solid fabric reference. I know the more advanced stitchers will already have one (or ten) books on fabrics and this guide is not really aimed at you, but it's still a nice read and I thoroughly enjoyed the "extra" information in the beginning and ending chapters. I think you will too, and it would make a great gift for a new stitcher you might like to encourage.

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Now for the Giveaway — Please leave a comment on this post if you would like to be entered into the drawing for a copy of this book. Following me won't increase your odds of winning, but I do like to see that number go up. I'm just sayin'. ;-)

The Giveaway will be open for one week. I will close comments on Monday, July 18, 2011 and the winner will be decided by the Random Number Generator thingie and posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2011. This Giveway is open to anyone, anywhere as long as you leave a comment below during the next week.

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*Note that while I was not paid for this review in any way by Sixth & Spring books, if you click the link above to Amazon, I am an Amazon affiliate and will receive a small (minuscule!) percentage of each sale generated by the click-through.

106 comments:

  1. I've been anxiously awaiting reviews of this books since it was announced! I'm glad to see that both you & Peter give it thumbs up!

    Either way, I'll be obtaining a copy, but I would love to win one! :D

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  2. Yeah, I am book worn and love reading about book reviews ! I want the copy !!!! fingers cross

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  3. Oh, I have a friend who would really benefit from that book. I'd love to win it for her.

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  4. Hi Debbie. I'm already a follower, so this post won't increase your numbers. :)
    Please toss my name in the hat for this giveaway. I've itching to get my hands on it since Peter's review.
    Angela

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  5. oh, I can't wait to read this book. I hope I win. It will be put to good use

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  6. I am already a follower and I know I like to see when I get a new follower...there are so few. LOL
    Love to get a good fabric reference book!!

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  7. Oh I could really use this book, I am still a beginner seamstress..and I am a follower!

    Barb

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  8. Love to win a copy! I read your blog daily.
    Corinne

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  9. This sounds like a really awesome resource to have in my sewing library.

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  10. This sounds really complete! Sign me up, please!

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  11. I'm not a follower, but I read your blog every day! I would love to win the book!

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  12. Count me in, I would love to have a copy,, I need a book like this...

    Mickie

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  13. The book sounds very nice. I always could use another resource/reference book in my sewing library ; }
    Lynn B.
    Manassas

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  14. Please add my name. I have a book addiction on top of the fabric, sewing, notions and whatever else addictions!

    Sounds like a good book to have, in any case.

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  15. I would totally love this book to share with my daughter who is a budding seamstress.

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  16. This looks like a good book to add to my sewing book collection. I like the idea of a easy to find burn chart.

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  17. Toss my name in the hat as well ... my "to-buy" book list is long enough as it is! Meh, what's one more title ...?
    :)

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  18. I'd love to win the book as well.
    I have laughed at all your marine son's stuff. Mine also has multiple guitars, amps, and cars. Must be a military thing.

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  19. Looks like a great book to have in the sewing library...and I've been following you for years, my sewing blog friend!

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  20. Sounds like a welcome addition to my resource library as most of my books date back to my mother's day and some fabrics hadn't been invented yet Like nylon. :-) I have also been enjoying your stories of your Marine. Mine is in officer training for the airforce and wears a similar haircut.

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  21. Ooh, what a great giveaway!

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  22. Thanks for the great give-away, count me in!

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  23. I'm not a follower but am always interested in reading about your sewing projects. The book sounds great. Clever marketing technique by the publisher, using popular bloggers as reviewers.

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  24. Sounds like this book is a great resource. I'm hesitant to enter the giveaway, since I'm a fairly new follower, but, I'd still be excited to win. :-)

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  25. Throw my name in the hat for this book. I'm branching out and using many fabrics that are new to my sewing. I don't really have a good reference at the moment.

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  26. I think my construction/technique library is about as full as I want it to be, but I'm OBSESSED with understanding more about fabrics - the more combos they come up with, the more confused I am....I think I NEED this book lol!

    And I think it's about time I won something ;-D

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  27. Thanks for the review! I would love to win this book-if I don't I will have to buy it.

    Julie

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  28. Tossing my name into the "hat" for this book. I like that it covers more than just fabric.

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  29. I would love a chance to win a copy of this book! Thank you.

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  30. This looks like a good book. Would love a copy.

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  31. I've been following your blog for years, but have never commented, that is until now. I'd love a chance to win this book.

    Suzanne G.

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  32. I would love a copy of this book. I can't fit in the related class in my schedule this year

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  33. Throw my name in the giveaway, please! Goodness knows anything to help me figure out what some of the items in my stash are and thus help me figure out what garment to make would be a good thing! LOL

    Your recent garments are lovely. I don't think I could manage that many in a month, much less a few days. Good work!

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  34. Enter my name in the giveaway. This is a great giveaway.

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  35. I'm already a follower, but just maybe my alter ego could become a follower... . Please enter me into the drawing and Thanks for the review and it would be a great addition to every sewing enthusiasts reference library.

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  36. I saw a review on MPB as well - and I'm curious to learn more about this book - so sign me up for your wonderful give away!

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  37. Ooh, I'd love to win a copy!
    (daiyami@ymail.com)

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  38. Count me in, please! Although I've been sewing for years there are still things for me to learn. I had to try and match needle and thread sizes on some flimsy fabric just the other day.

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  39. Thanks for the detailed review.

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  40. Oh, I'd love this book. I've been sewing for a long time, but I still feel that this is my weakest area of knowledge. Thanks for the chance!

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  41. Sounds like a good book to have on the shelf! Thanks for the opportunity.
    Elley at zakula dot com

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  42. My sewing library is still in it's infancy. I basically only have books on fit and how to sew, nothing to learn much about fabrics. I would love to add this to my growing library. Thanks for the review!

    Michelle

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  43. The books sounds wonderful. It looks like something I definately would like to add to my library. Winning would be extra nice!

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  44. I'd love to win a book like this. I have a fairly large stash of unidentified fabrics that I would love to know more about. Unfortunately, I just made a wadder of a jacket due to one of these fabrics acting rather unexpectedly, so I need all the help I can get!

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  45. Sounds like a great book that I could use!

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  46. I'm the 46th person who would enjoy that book! Glad you enjoyed it so much. Your recommendation is good as gold to me.

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  47. Already a follower and so in for this giveaway...lol, I will really love a copy of this book. Thanks

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  48. Wow, it looks like a great book! Count me in, please! :)

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  49. What a great resource! Pick me, Random Number Generator!

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  50. I think my mom would love this book!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

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  51. I'm a follower and yes, please enter me in the drawing!!!

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  52. Sounds like a great addition to my sewing library, count me in too please! :-)

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  53. I would love to have the book. I read your blog daily. Or whenever you post!

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  54. Please pick me !! I need all the help I can get :(

    Love your blog, Aileen

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  55. One can never have too many books on fabric as well as sewing. Your description of the book was very helpful and of course made me want to enter the give away! Since I am already a follower i can't help you there. Thanks for doing a give away and please enter me in the random drawing.

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  56. I love a good giveaway and this is definitely a good one! As a bookworm nerd I would love to win!

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  57. Oh I was just wondering if I can hand-wash a lightweight cotton silk blend without destroying it! Interesting book and the detailed review is helpful too!

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  58. I'm going to be selfish and say count me in. You make this book sound like a must have and I don't own any books on fabric.

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  59. It's on my wish list at Amazon already, please put my name in the draw.

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  60. It's on my Amazon wishlist already. Please put my name in the draw.

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  61. Yes, please add me to the list. Not a follower, but check in daily. Don't think I've ever commented, so now's the time to thank you for your coverstitch tutorial. :-)

    Ruth

    rutheblack at hotmail dot com

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  62. The book looks really good. I've used the burn test before and am still not always sure what I have from my grandmother!

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  63. I would love to be the firt person Down Under to have this book??

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  64. This does look like a great book to have in the sewing room. I agree with others that I will probably buy it... but winning it would be even better!

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  65. I have been searching for a good fabric guide book. So glad to hear a good review on this one. I'd love to win!
    in case you need my email: emisuess(at)att(dot)net

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  66. This sounds like a good book - hope I win!

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  67. I love sewing books and would love a copy of this one after your great review. Please put my name in the hat (or whatever else you use).

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  68. You know what? I don't have any sewing books! This would be a great start.

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  69. Hi Debbie, I'm already a follower so I won't be upping your numbers, but I'd still love to win that book. Thanks
    Marilyn L

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  70. Ooh this book looks fantastic. I am already a follower but would love a chance to win. Thanks for doing to review Debbie.

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  71. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  72. I am starting a sewing group for teens, this would be a great reference book.

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  73. That sounds really helpful! I'd love to have it.

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  74. Seems like a very useful book! I'd love to have a copy. Fingers crossed....

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  75. I would love to win this book. I read your blog daily, but I don't subscribe to facebook or twitter if that's what it means to follow.

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  76. Definitely need this book, and I am on a book-buying hiatus. Books that I win don't count toward the quota! Hope I get lucky here!

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  77. Would love to have a copy of this, especially as we often use different names for fabrics from Americans.

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  78. I'm always on the hunt for a good reference book--I'd love a copy of this one!

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  79. What a great reference! My "Readers digest reference book" is falling apart, so this might replace it!

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  80. This book looks wonderful and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

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  81. This seems to be very nice, informative book

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  82. It is very clear from some of my latest projects, that I could "greatly" benefit from!

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  83. Sorry, I pressed the submit button by mistake...I could greatly benefit from this book...and you're never too old to learn some new information!

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  84. Thanks for the chance of winning this book! Stay cool.

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  85. Sounds like a good resource, thanks for a chance to own it. And thanks for the sewing inspiration.

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  86. Sounds like a great refernce book to have in my collection. I'm already a loyal follower and look forward to your posts. Fingers crossed that the "randon number thingy" picke ME!! :)

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  87. This book sounds like a great addition to my sewing library!

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  88. I heart fabic. The more knowledge the better.

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  89. Isabel's Daughter10:42 AM, July 13, 2011

    I've been reading and enjoying your blog for a while now. You seem to be recovering well from your recent bad spell, I believe its because of your positive outlook on life. Good Luck on the job search.

    Would LOVE to win the book.

    Ernestine

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  90. I would love to have it. Thanks for the chance.

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  91. This is the information that I need! Nice review, thank you! Please enter me...

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  92. Thank you for your very thourough review and sharing the book. Would love an updated book on fabrics.

    Donna

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  93. Looks like a great book to add to my library.

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  94. I would get a lot of use from this book because I've just returned to sewing after many, many years away from the sewing machine.

    Thanks in advance. :-)

    Toni

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  95. I wouldn't normally have thought about buying this book. It does sound like a good resource.

    Thanks for the review!

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  96. Great review, Debbie! If I don't happen to win the book I certainly will buy it.

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  97. Would love this book! It looks great! Just saw that your blog was recommended in Australian Stitches Magazine as an excellent source for doing FBAs! Fingers crossed!

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  98. Hmmm, I consider myself beyond a beginner sewer but I STILL have issues with fabric and could probably benefit from this book. This book sounds wonderful and I hope I win!

    I think I'm a follower of yours but to be honest, I get confused by Google Reader - i.e. who I'm following and who not. LOL

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  99. Yes, please enter me in the drawing for the Fabric Guide book giveaway. I follow you as much as time permits and see that you are doing much better now.

    Joy in Palmland

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  100. Catching up on your blog, Debbie, and would love to win this. Thanks!

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  101. How fun! I was thinking about buying this, but the "book store" here hasn't gotten it in yet... Thanks for the review!

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  102. I would love to receive this book! I thoroughly enjoy your blog...it's actually the only one I read. After reading your posts on PR, I think we 'were' similar in size so I started paying attention. Nice job on the weight loss - maybe I'll catch up one day.

    RachelV

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  103. Please enter me for the Giveaway!

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  104. I follow you religiously. And who wouldn't love another sewing related book? Thanks!

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  105. Would love to win this book as I don't own a good fabric book yet. Look forward to seeing it in real life.

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