Carole Ann Camp

The first few chapters of this book actually have some interesting stuff about the history of labyrinths and how labryrinths are used, both in the modern day and in the past, as to the layouts of historic labyrinths and some of the appendices. Then it descends into new-age self-help woo-woo stuff about 'finding your own spiritual meaning' and some suggested labyrinth rituals which are described with no discussion of how they fit into any context or have any meaning beyond "I thought of this show more with my head."

So if you like self-actualization with a thin veneer of traditional spirituality, you might like this book. show less

I've made two skirts from this book so far, and they were both dead easy. You need basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine to use this book, but everything else is laid out clearly. I especially appreciate the instructions for creating a pattern based on your own measurements: I've never heard this described so clearly before.

There are so many more ideas I want to try from this book! I can tell I'll be consulting it for years to come.

There's a lot of great stuff in this book. From types of seams and hems to instructions on using a sewing machine, hints for working with patterns to instructions for easy beginner projects, it includes a ton of wonderful content. Unfortunately, that content could have used another round of editing. It isn't typos that are at issue: it's the kind of mistakes you hopefully catch when you get someone who's new to sewing to run through your book and make sure they understand everything.

In part show more two I started to find bits of instructions that I had difficulty visualizing (and the visual part of my imagination is pretty good). The blind hem stitch is one technique I was particularly looking forward to understanding, because I've had trouble grasping it before; this book's explanation left me somewhat confused, and naturally it was the one type of stitch for which no diagram was included. The deeper the book got into clothing and patterns, the more I ran into spots where I had trouble visualizing exactly what a given set of directions intended for the reader to do.

I love the contents of this book, but I find myself hoping Alpha Books puts out a second edition with more careful instructions and more diagrams. I think someone with some experience wouldn't have too much trouble re-learning forgotten techniques or refreshing their memory with this book, but it isn't ideal for a rank beginner.

For a longer version of this review, visit Errant Dreams. show less

If you like to sew skirts, yet hate having to buy patterns, this is THE book you need. Marvelous that I can make a skirt for both myself and my daughter without having a tissue pattern! Kudos to the author!