Look What I Found

I went to my local used bookstore the other day and couldn't believe what I found, the book that would become my sewing bible.  It is a Singer Sewing Book from 1972.  There are 500 pages of sewing goodness.  I can't believe how detailed this book is and it is extremely more useful than my 7th grade home economics education that my sewing has been coasting on...and what I have picked up from tutorials on the internet.

The chapters are set up easily and very detailed.  I was surprised when it even covered curtains, slipcovers and bedspreads. 

• A place to sew
• Your sewing machine
• What you should know about color and fabric
• Beginning to sew
• Pattern Preliminaries
• Fitting the pattern to your figure
• Laying out pattern and cutting
• Assembling your work
• Pressing as you sew
• Fitting as you sew
• Seams, seams, seams
• Underlining and lining
• Darts, tucks and gathers
• Buttonholes without tears
• Pick a pretty pocket
• Neckline finishes
• Waistline joinings and waistbands
• Sleeve styles and finishes
• Homeward bound: zippers, hems, belts and buttons
• Pleats and godets
• Fabrics that require special handling
• Hand sewing - plain and fancy
• Decorative touches
• Zig-zag sewing
• Using your machine accessories
• Sewing for children
• Tips on mending
• Graduate to tailoring
• Introduction to home decorating
• A look at your windows
• Success with curtains
• Set the stage with draperies
• Top it off with a valance or cornice
• Brighten your room with slipcovers
• Make your own bedspreads
• The many faces of knits
• Glossary of sewing terms
• Index

Can you believe how much it covers?!?!?  The best part, I paid less than a dollar for this book!  I am going back again this week to see what else I can possibly find.  Who knows, maybe I can find the quilting counterpart to this book.  Check out your local used book store and see what treasure you can find.

I will leave you with a few snapshots of some pages from the book that will teach me so much!