Sewing books

I absolutely LOVE to read, and so it's only natural that I read about sewing!  In fact, I love a post I read on Victoria's blog about all the different sewing books she is interested in.  A lot of them are about couture sewing and pattern fitting and tailoring.  The very next day after reading her post I discovered that my library had a couple of the books she mentioned, and I requested (and received) this one:

I am still browsing through it, but I do like it.  Here are the things I like about it:

1.  It has great pictures of couture garments.

2.  It has an organized list of different couture techniques, making it easy to find the technique you need

3.  Every technique is explained and illustrated (though I am not sure how well, since I have yet to try one)

These are some of the photos of the couture garments...

Aren't they just divine?  How wonderful it would be to be able to manipulate fabric in these kinds of ways!!  

I don't know why but lately I realized that I would like to expand my sewing reference library.  The books I have now are mostly to help me along with the basics, but I want some books that can take my sewing to the next level!  So I went out on a limb and bought this book:

It is on its way to my home now, and I am hoping it is not a dud.  If it is, then I'll figure out something to do with it.  But I would really like what I sew to look designer and not home-made.  I know that will take time, and I am willing to learn, grow, and wait.  But the ultimate goal is to get as close to RTW as possible.

Skirt Update

I cut out my fabric, and will be cutting out the lining today (did I mention that already)?  I really did want to finish the skirt this past weekend, but of course I didn't.  I will say I am continuing to work on it, and I really like working with linen blend fabrics!!  I checked out Mood fabrics online the other day and they have a $10 or less section that I liked very much.  Of course, they charge at least $10 to ship, but I really liked a lot of the fabrics they have, and I am sure the quality is great too.  

Well, not much else is going on around here, which is a good thing.  In light of all these sewing books, I would like to mention that the non-sewing book I am reading right now is called Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.  If you have not read it, I highly recommend it!! I am on chapter 4, but it is so riveting.  It is about a man who falls in love with a prostitute.  My friend recommended it to me, and she said it will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.  So far, she is right.

BTW, I would love to hear what you are reading, sewing or non-sewing related.  

Stay sew-filled!