Friday, April 16, 2010

Weekend Reading

Here's a little tip: Never go to the FIT Bookstore on pay day. It's like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach, you know? You just want to buy everything. I spent about an hour in the store last night (until they kicked me out for closing time!), and somehow managed to leave with only buying one book. Albeit a very expensive book.

I love the FIT Bookstore. As long as it's not the beginning of a semester, it's always very peaceful. Plus there are big comfy leather chairs to sit in and read. And not the gross, greasy chairs that most bookstores have, but lovely, pristine chairs. They have more sewing and fashion books than you've ever seen in one place in your life. If you're ever in town for a visit, this bookstore (along with the FIT museum across the street) is a must-see. For what it's worth, there's another great bookstore across the street called Fashion Design Books, and it also has a great selection - as well as cheap muslin in many weights and a ton of notions and patternmaking supplies - but it's not as browser-friendly.

Anyway. The book I bought is Draping for Apparel Design by Helen Joseph-Armstrong. Thanks to your recommendations on yesterday's post, I decided to start my draping education with a good textbook. Hopefully there will also be a draping course in my future, but I'll start out with a little book learning.

Of the three books I was considering, I chose this one for a few reasons. First, I have the patternmaking book by the same author and really like it. Secondly, it's a huge, information-packed tome. I especially liked that there's a whole section on Vionnet's draping techniques.

And lastly, look at this design below:

Isn't it so similar to the Ceil Chapman rose dress I wanted to knock-off? I just adore this combination of a low cowl and a sweetheart bustier. Fabulous!


So there you have it! My weekend reading. I'll write a more in-depth review of the book once I've tried the techniques in it. Speaking of which, one of my many goals in the next few weeks is to update my post Building a Sewing Library so that it becomes an always-current resource list, and to link to it in my sidebar. More to come!

22 comments:

  1. Happy Friday to you too hun. I like the idea of book learning fore sewing but I have no 3D spatial awareness at all and would need someone to explain to me what it all means.

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  2. And can't type today apparently. Sorry for terrible typo!

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  3. Happy Friday to you too! Wow, I wish I lived in NY, just to be close to the amazing resources... Enjoy your weekend reading and I look forward to your adventures in draping!

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  4. You're so lucky to be so close to the FIT store! It looks like a great book, happy reading and happy Friday!

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  5. Ooh, exciting. Thanks for linking to your "building a sewing library" post. It was supremely helpful (as your posts so often are). I look forward to seeing the results of your reading!

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  6. Happy Friday! Just wanted to throw out there that I have & ADORE this book. You're gonna love it!!!

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  7. I've heard really good things about that book. The price is the only that has stopped me from making the purchase....at least so far. lol

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  8. Looks like a great book. Can't wait to hear about what you learn in there.

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  9. Would you believe that I am JUST home from visiting the FIT museum with a friend today and how I'm reading your blog and realize that what I'd always thought was the FIT Bookstore was Fashion Design Books! I'm thinking, "I never saw comfy chairs to read in there" and that's when it hit me: I'd been mistaken all this time!

    Must check out the FIT Bookstore!

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  10. You could always take a draping class at night at FIT. I don't know if I could teach myself draping with a book alone, but hey, good luck to you.

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  11. That's so funny, Peter! Yes, there are two glorious fashion book stores within yards of each other. We New Yorkers certainly are spoiled.

    Nancy K, I'm in the process of looking for a class. I've studied at FIT before, and their classes are a little intense for me as a home seamstress. I'm hoping to find a one-on-one situation with someone who can go at a slower pace, with no final exams! I'll keep you updated!

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  12. Count me in the jealous category for your proximity to all thing NYC. In particular all things fabric.

    Can't wait to see what you do next.

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  13. How absolutely Glorious for you! Hooray Hooray! The more you fill us in on this book the more copies will be sold I am sure and one of those extra copies will be mine. thanks for sharing.

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  14. I agree with your review on this book. I own it as well and I love the clear figures and written directions. My first draping book was Connie Crawford's which turned out to be too confusing. I was fortunate to pick this one up a year or so ago (used, which meant big discount) and like it much better.

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  15. I have this book and I LOVE it. I attempted my first cocktail dress using the Vionnet section and it was so helpful. I'm so glad I bought it. Well done, and good luck!

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  16. Money spent on good reference books is never wasted :o) Enjoy playing!

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  17. I love her patternmaking book (I actually just got it recently but it is SOOOO comprehensive)... except for the bit about how some figures are "ideal" and "perfect". But whatever!

    And one nice thing about the FIT bookstore is you can sometimes get used copies for cheaper...but it's so dangerous.

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  19. I'm eagerly awaiting your review and to see how your first project evolves.
    I'd love to visit FIT bookstore and Fashion Design Books, but being on the other side of the world... you have however inspired me to get out and make the most of some amazing bookshops and fabric stores in Melbourne - so thanks!

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  20. Good luck with your draping. I just found your blog.

    I love the dresses in your previous post.

    I can't wait to see the green one when you make it.

    You are so lucky to live in a city with so many books and fabric shops.

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  21. That last illustration is just to die for!

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  22. I agree with your review on this book.
    Good luck with your draping. I would love to visit FIT bookstore and Fashion Design Books. Money spent on good reference books is never wasted.

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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