Couture: The Art of Fine Sewing

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.

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.

The book was written some time ago, and the fashions are 70-80's, BUT I still love this book. The Author writes as if you are visiting with her in her studio and she shares a lot of information about what makes a dress coutoure. And even though the fashions are dated, I did see things that I could incorporate in my designs today. I feel that in order to know where to go from here, you need to know where you've been, and this book does that. Glad I bought it.

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.

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'm a beginner and after purchasing Reader's Digest 'Complete Guide to Sewing' and Simplicity's 'Simply the Best Sewing Book', I found I needed another book for a reason I can't recall now. I did find the answer in "Couture: The Art of Fine Sewing'. Even though I can't remember the reason for for my purchase, I do remember that it helped immensely so I can definitely recommend this book. It would be a great addition to your reference library. And if you are a novice like me, may I also suggest Claire Shaeffer's 'Fabric Sewing Guide'. If you are unsure of how to sew that fabulous new fabric you just bought, this book is for you. All in all, Amazon does an excellent job of furnishing me with everything I need in the way of sewing books!!

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.

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.