Couture: The Art of Fine Sewing

Paperback, used book in "Like New" condition. After spending lots of time reviewing other books on "Couture" sewing, I decided on this book when I read several well written and considerate reviews who spoke well of the book. My reason for buying a book on couture sewing was to increase my knowledge and sewing skills. I've been a home seamstress since I was 6/7 years old; and mostly self taught (with some input from my Mother and 1 year of Home Economics). This book is hard to describe clearly for someone else. It feels/reads like a history lesson, a documentary feature, an upper university level class all being told by a rather engaging individual (Roberta C. Carr). There are definitions and clarifications; examples of how to tos and why's, and yes the examples are in black and white. You will have to read and try to comprehend without a video. For me, I feel a bit "shell shocked" it's so much quality information to digest and... This is GOOD! Although I just got the book today (Feb 19, 2020) I know I will enjoy it for years. Very Much! Even if I will not be able to use everything in it immediately the examples are wonderfully presented. I am thrilled to be increasing my Sewing library with such a unique book. And if I learn only ONE thing from this book (besides who Madame Madeleine Vionnet was), it's that fabric grain is everything! Your fabric must be absolutely on the true grain for couture results. Maybe not everyone will find this book to their taste visually; but I cannot imagine anyone serious about the subject of couture dismissing it out of hand.

I put off buying this book because of some of the reviews and I'm sorry I did. Now that I have it in hand, I have to say I am in awe of Roberta Carr and the generous way in which she shares her lifetime of experience in this masterwork. IMHO this book is more useful than any of the other couture books (Schaeffer included) that I have in my collection. The reason is that there is so much in here that can be used in your own sewing. It's isn't just a look at the techniques of others, it's a practical guide to bringing your own sewing up to couture levels. Sure, you might have to get over the pictures of old lady dresses and actually read the words, but it's important to realize that this book is about "real clothes for real people." The dresses pictured were designed and worn by the ladies who sewed them, not some idealized 20-something toothpick or the impossibly fine-tuned trophy wives of billionaires. For those who already own the Schaeffer books, you will find many of the details in here are not covered in those great books and would make a perfect addition to them. For example, topics include: cutting off-grain, constructing and using grid boards, a great section on truing grain, accurate cutting in single layers, cross-basting, correctly stitching seams of mixed grains and more. Much more. This is a book to take slowly and read carefully. Flipping through the pictures will give you nothing, perusing the contents will give you a goldmine of techniques you can put right to work in your own creations.

My copy seemed brand new and arrived quickly. Book is full of lots of sewing tips we use in many types of sewing. Good illustrations with clear explanations- first thing I brushed up on was bias binding. Valuable info.

This is an interestingly written book and full of couture techniques that are easy to understand. I’ve bought many books and this is by far rich in techniques and fashion history, not to mention the author’s unique sense of writing, which I enjoy. Definitely a must have , I learned many new things and happy to apply them to my sewing. I wasn’t turned off by the “dated ness” of the book, I actually really appreciate it the way it is. I wish I could find the videos by the author.

I was hesitating before purchasing her book, as well as her DVD (bought separately) that accompanies this book. I can only say that she is as good of an author as Claire B. Shaeffer. Although the dated and outrageous looking garments can be off-putting, the techniques are what really matter. Also, considering that Mrs Carr passed away around 2007-2008 (I am not certain about the dates), it becomes understandable. I still highly recommend it for the serious home sewer.

I was skeptical when I was thinking about purchasing this book because of the mixed reviews on here. Most of the “bad” reviews are about the “datedness” of the book or making fun of the designs the author chose to illustrate the technique, which is unfortunate because I found this book full of information. For me, this book had more information in it than several other books I’ve bought over the years. I’m disappointed in my purchase at all. I’m not a professional dress maker, but I’ve been sewing and making costumes since I was 13 (I’m almost 50 now) and I’m happy to add this book, it’s point of view and information to my library.

The book's design and many of the featured garments are pretty ugly, but the basic information seems good, and there aren't that many books out there on couture techniques. Claire Schaeffer's book, for example, is not a book for beginners, it's more of an outline for people who are already very experienced sewists. It is ironic that a book that celebrates what are supposedly the most exquisitely made garments on earth provides so many fussy, hideous examples.

I have bought Couture Sewing from Claire Shaeffer and this from Roberta Carr, I really like more this one. Easy to read and understand, that's is my point of view. The pictures are not step-by-step but I didn't need them, the explanations are easy to follow and the picture just reinforce the technique. The explanation about Darts, I love it, I am not a pro sewer but I like sewing its my passion, I want to learn to have better finish in my clothes, so, this is for me the first book to pick each time I need to apply a couture technique.

I highly recommend this excellent book to every person who loves to sew. There are step by step instructions that are very clear and detailed abd it will teach how to make amazing co future details in a professional way.

This is a fabulous book for those interested in producing fine sewing in all garments. It is a bit dated, having been published initially in 1992, but the methods and techniques presented are timeless. Carr has a great deal of advice to offer in producing fine finishes in garments. Many have commented on the dated nature of the garments presented in the text, but I feel that there is so much to learn in this endeavour and Carr's attention to the details and techniques are helpful. This book is a treasure trove of methods to produce the best possible garment one can.

Ich habe dieses Buch schon vor Jahren einmal bestellt, aber dann zurückgeschickt, weil weniger Kniffs als in Claire Shaeffers "Couture Sewing" besprochen wurden. Nun aber nochmal und diesmal bleibt es bei mir. Was ich mittlerweile an Carr sehr schätze, ist ihr hands-on-Ansatz. Man merkt dem Buch an, dass es von einer sehr erfahrenen Schneiderin geschrieben wurde, während Shaeffer eine Couture-Sammlerin mit lexikalischem Ansatz ist. Hier finden sich genaue Anleitung und viele Tipps, die von jahrelanger praktischer Erfahrung sprechen. Trotz des etwas chaotischen Aufbaus eine EMpfehlung für jede ambitionierte Schneiderin.

I wasn’t sure what to expect having read some comments in reviews This book is a gem for anyone interested in learning couture techniques.clearly written with photos. I think it’s for people who want written material to go with the expanding number of videos and tutorials.