Replies

1. 
   Fauxfox | Feb 24, 2003 12:42am | #1

   Hi:

   I have the book and in fact I have all her books.  It is very good but I'd go to the library before spending $70.00 for it.   You can also get college text books  that go into the subject in greater detail.  Also remember if you really want it go for it.  You won't be disappointed, you are worth it.

1. 
   mini | Feb 24, 2003 09:05am | #2

   Thanks Fauxfox,

   I have most of her books also.  I bought fit for real People a couple of years ago and have been using that.  It is good too and needs many readings to gain the most out of it.  I am wondering if Sandra Betzina's book is a little less complex.

   Can you recommend any college books?  Our library  wouldn't carry Sandra Betzina's works.

   I guess anything I buy from America will be roughly double th price in Australia.

   Cheers from Australia.

   Mini

1. 
   ShannonG4d | Feb 24, 2003 04:02pm | #3

   Mini,

   If you don't mind used books, go to http://www.alibris.com and check out their prices on this book.  I have used them for quite a while; the service is excellent.  The Betzina book is listed at around $15 US for a "gently used" copy.

   Shannon

2. 
   Fauxfox | Feb 24, 2003 07:54pm | #4

   Hello Mini:

   fairchildpub.com is a good place to start.  If you have Power Sewing by Sandra Betzina that has info in it also.

   Grading Techniques for Fashion Design-Fairchild

   Fantastic fit for every body-Gale Hazen

   Pattern Making for Fashion Design- Armstrong

   Apparel Making in Fashion Design-Kim Uh

   Are all excellent books.  The big thing is to get in your thought process that no matter what you will have to take measurements.  On this web site is the family croquis this is really great as it is a starting point.  Measure down from from one point record, than measure around and record.  Than when you go to the pattern measure down same amount at that specific point and record on pattern with lines and tape pattern together and make the circumference adjustment.  Anyway the book you have will help you with this. Barnes and Nobel book store is a good source also.  Be patient with yourself believe me I know what you can go through when wanting a perfect fit. 

3. 
   mini | Feb 25, 2003 10:59pm | #8

   Hello to everyone who was kind enough to reply .

   I am still considering what to do but I saw on the news last night where the Aussie dollar has gone up in value to over 60c US so may the books won't be as costly as I thought.

   Lindamarie:  I know all thos ladies from Sewing guild. Sue is a real hoot!

   Cheers from down under..... love the forum.

   Mini

1. 
   customsewer | Feb 26, 2003 12:04am | #9

   I have purchase Sandra Betzina's "fast fit" and am a little disappointed in it. I was checking information on one of the most common fitting problems for the back area (diagonal folds from the back underarm and pointing at the upper middle back, which I believe is caused by a very rounded upper back) and that symptom was not mentioned or covered, although a different rounded upper back symptom was covered (back collar pulling away from neck).

   The layout of the book is attractive and the illustrations are helpful, but I have the impression it is not quite as comprehensive as I wanted.

2. 
   SewingSue | Feb 26, 2003 05:23am | #10

   Mini, This isn't a review of the book but another approach. I'm gathering that you are interested in books on alterations because you are having problems altering patterns to fit. I bought a couple of the Wild Ginger software patterns and love them to death. I will upgrade to their larger software package sometime in the future. The key to the success of this software is accurate measurements. But the show and describe how to take measurements. I completed the slacks and they are absolutely perfect. I tore apart my sewing room to rearrange and make room for a new stand up mirror and it's not back together yet. As soon as the sewing room is back together I will complete the top. It appears to have good potential but I haven't gotten the sleeves in yet so a little difficult to be 100 percent confident. Good luck. Sue

2. 
   joress | Feb 24, 2003 09:32pm | #5

   Try Hamilton Books (http://www.hamiltonbooks.com). They have remainders and overstocks. Even when their books say "shopworn," everything I've gotten from them has been in very good shape. I don't know what their overseas sales policy is, though. Good luck!

3. 
   lindamaries | Feb 25, 2003 04:24am | #6

   I love Sandra and her style, but I found her Fast Fit book useful only because I had a firm foundation in fit. I would recommend

   Pati Palmer and Marta Alto's book... Fit for Real People. Totally

   full of pictures and easy to understand. Very thorough and the tissue drape method works! She has Fit teachers in Australia. Go to

   her site and look to see where these teachers are. http://www.palmerpletsch.com

4. 
   lindamaries | Feb 25, 2003 04:30am | #7

   I copied and pasted from the palmer/pletsch site below.

   I met Robin and Dianne while I was over in Oregon. They are

   wonderful ladies and talk with quite the accent!

   AUSTRALIA

   Director of Education, Sue Neall

   Associate for Teacher Training, Jenny Horn

   NEW SOUTH WALES

   Jenny Horn, Turramurra (02) 9144-2790 [email protected]

   Dianne Marshall, Warners Bay (02) 4946 1000 [email protected]..au

   Sue Neall, Hornsby (02) 9477-3393 [email protected]

   Robin Nixon, Sydney (02) 9438-2637 [email protected]