CHRISTMAS Sewing books make great gifts

Your favorite home sewer will appreciate receiving a useful book.
By SUSAN KHALJE
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Many sewers I know love to give -- and receive -- sewing-related books during the holidays, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you.
I'm often asked to recommend a good fitting book, and I always suggest "Fitting and Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach", by Elizabeth Liechty, Della Pottberg and Judith Rasband (Fairchild, $39). Part One analyzes the fitting process: From measuring, learning how to fit a garment, various methods of fitting and pattern alteration, etc. Part Two focuses on fitting irregularities and tells you how to adjust for them. It's not an easy read, but fitting isn't an easy process, and I think that if you read this book carefully, from start to finish, you'd get a marvelous overview of the whole process of fitting and pattern alteration.
In detail
"Modern Fashion in Detail" by Claire Wilcox and Valerie Mendes (The Overlook Press, $24.95) has been out a few years, but its appeal continues. Grouped by categories like "Seams" and "Collars, Cuffs and Pockets," it features marvelous detailed shots of vintage couture garments, all in the collection of London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Short but informative descriptions and line drawings accompany each garment. I've had the book a number of years, but it delights me each time I look through it.
A lot of the students I teach are either professional dressmakers or hoping to be, and I often recommend "Sew to Success: How to Make Money in a Home-Based Sewing Business," by Kathleen Spike (Palmer-/Pletsch; $10). It's a charming and inspirational look into the world of a professional dressmaker. Although written a number of years ago, it's clear, straightforward, realistic and full of very good advice.
Another book I've enjoyed recently is Jennie Archer Atwood's "Sew Vintage -- New Creations from Found Fabrics" (Taunton; $21.95). I got to know Jennie this summer when we filmed an episode of "Sew Much More" that focused on vintage fabrics, many of which have been used to beautiful advantage for the garments in the book. Her work is charming. The love she has for her art, and the care with which she sews, is evident throughout the book.
Inspirational
For serious inspiration, I'd recommend Collezioni, an Italian high-fashion magazine that's published six times a year. It's an enormous, full-color publication, full of garments photographed during the European fashion shows. Four of the issues are devoted to pret-a-porter (ready-to-wear) and two are devoted to haute couture (high fashion). It's possible to subscribe to all six issues, but it's also possible to subscribe to just the two haute couture issues (they arrive every April and October). They're not inexpensive (Collezioni is about $50 per issue), but the inspiration, to a serious sewer, is priceless. Collezioni can be ordered from Overseas Publishers Representatives, at (800) 666-6247.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend my own books -- "Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear" (Krause; $29.95), and "Linen and Cotton: Classic Sewing Techniques for Great Results" (Taunton; $21.95). Regardless of your skill level, I think you'll find they're both full of great information.
XSusan Khalje is an author and host of Home & amp; Garden Television's "Sew Much More." Contact her at skhalje@aol.com or Box 51 Long Green, Md. 21092. For more information, visit www.SusanKhalje.com or www.hgtv.com.