The Magic Pattern Book: Sew 6 Patterns into 36 Different Styles!

This is quite possibly the most valuable sewing book I ever purchased, and I have shelves of them! The writing is clear and highly readable. The ideas are innovative, stylish, customizable and exceptionally creative but not "out there" so far that they're not usable. The illustrations and directions far surpass anything you'd find in packages by big pattern companies. Not only does this book offer an amazingly versatile set of patterns, but a wealth of techniques that are applicable to other sewing projects. I loved the framing comments about each pattern and its adaptations along with the quotes included in the book which provided food for thought and context. This is an unusually fine collection of patterns and information about a wide range of sewing projects. If you have never used a PDF pattern before, do NOT be timid: They are incredibly easy to use and, as a sewist with around 45+ years of experience, I would suggest these for beginners over any "Big Pattern House" package labeled "easy." (Usually those are not really easy, and the directions are not anywhere near as clear as what the PDF pattern-creators provide.) This should be "The Top Sewing Book of 2014" in my humble opinion. It is one that I will refer to more often than any of the "complete guide to sewing" type books I own. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the sheer joy of its readability and how I can sit down with it almost as if it's a good novel and get fully engaged, feeling my creative fires lighting up!

I was ecstatic to see this book sold in Used-Like New condition…It looks New to me, in Excellent condition! The book has 36 different style patterns, including hats and handbags. The patterns also come on a cd 💿 that is included with this book. If you want to make your own fashionable clothing, hats, or even handbags, then this book (that walks you through sewing, fabrics, and techniques) is for you!

I have not made anything from this book yet, but I have read it cover to cover. I like how it is written and the instructions seem easy to understand. Large assortment of sizes are included in the patterns so you don't have to make a ton of alterations. This book would be good for someone with minimal sewing experience to someone more accomplished using standard patterns who wants more challenge or versatility.

Amy Barickman did not disappoint. She takes the concept behind Mary Brooks Picken's Magic Patterns of the 1920s and updates them to today's styles, and in the process shows how to alter a pattern to match a particular design in the easiest way possible. I've long been a fan of Mary Brooks Picken, and I am quickly becoming a fan of Amy Barickman as well. I am using this book to show my twenty-something daughter how to sew. The patterns appeal to her, and we have one printed, traced off (so that we don't destroy the master pattern once it's put together… not necessary) and ready to place on the fabric. Are these patterns simple in design? Yes. Because the original Magic Patterns of the 20s were simple. But they do the job. They de-mystify the concepts of fashion and pattern making for someone who cannot draft patterns from measurements.

I hesitated purchasing this book because the copyright was a few years ago and fashion is time-sensitive. BUT... I'm so happy I got this. This book is one of those rare books where the content is evergreen and universal. The foundational patterns in this book are like blank canvases. I'm new to sewing clothing and this was the perfect motivation to get me started. The patterns are flattering but easy and approachable. Highly recommend.

It's a good book, but I was disappointed about the announced "6 fabric options for every pattern". This was nothing but advice like "try this with a polka dot print" or "try a different color". I was expecting something a little more specific, explaining how a different fabric can make the pattern look different in this or that way. Most of the advice was about color instead of fabric, which is sort of superfluous, as readers are going to be making the items in different colors than the ones shown in the book anyway! I was also expecting a more comprehensive look on different fabrics in the introductory part. Things like why is this fabric better for skirts, or what makes this other fabric better for tops. I felt like the information on fabric wasn't very useful. I also thought the patterns would be more basic, but some of them are pretty complex, so I'm not sure this is a book for beginners. I feel like I can find easier patterns online for free. Also, many of the patterns aren't things I would normally wear, so probably won't be using about half of them. Overall, I feel disappointed, as I was expecting something basic (which I don't think this is, no matter what the book cover says) and patterns for clothes that I'd wear in every day life. Some of these choices are too fashionable to wear on a daily basis.

Love this! Very fun and simple designs to sew. These don't have a lot of complexity to them, but there are many fabric suggestions and options to make multiple different things. The faith beret is adorable, and can be completed in under an hour. I have other pattern software, so I am used to putting together patterns off the printer, but these were by far the easiest that I've even assembled. This book would be excellent for a beginner.

Every pattern you will ever need for your wardrobe in one great book. Six basic patterns with plenty of tips to modify, add interesting details, and accessorize for a individualized wardrobe for every season. Not only are there patterns for any wardrobe essentials you may need, but the patterns are easy to make. Every skill level will love this book.

Trae los 6 patrones base y el patrón de cada variación en concreto. Las variaciones son muy diferentes entre sí así que hay muchísimo donde escoger. Las tallas de los patrones son muy grandes. Las explicaciones están muy bien también con muchos esquemas. Me ha encantado la única pega es que la web de donde se descargan los patrones es muy muy lenta.

Really, really basic, for beginners only. If you've ever sewn a garment you won't want this book. Probably a good gift for teenagers just learning to sew.

I haven't tried using the patterns yet. Love the idea of the book and just hope it works for me.

This book is excellent! I have made one item from it so far, and can't wait to make more! Great instructions, and patterns fit together perfectly

este libro está increíble. aunque no he cosido ninguna prenda, me encantó la manera en la que se presentan los proyectos y sus variaciones. en una muy buena guía.