Couture Sewing Techniques by Lynda Maynard - Book Review & Giveaway

If you're like me, you covet beautiful garments. You love to go to clothing exhibits and ooh and aah over the gorgeous clothes and are fixated on the details. You sketch, take a mental picture (even a cellphone photo if its allowed) and promise to try them at home. 

And then real life happens and you realize, you don't have the time! Or the expertise to create those details yourself. 

I have good... no GREAT news for you. This book by Lynda Maynard is made for us! Before this book, even the mention of the word couture would get this reaction from me ... "Too much work, too difficult, who has the time?"

Truth be told, this book sat on my desk for more than a month before I finally sat down to read and review it! But once I opened it, there was no going back. Life as I know it will never be the sameI know I seem a little too dramatic right now but tell me this, have you ever seen a table of contents with clear thumbnails? That itself was a seller for meI know which technique to refer to quickly. 

And you know we love spiral bound sewing books so thank you for that Interweave! 

Lynda explains each of the 39 techniques in this book with large clear photographs which tells me how much work went into this book. And speaking of techniques, there are 8 techniques just for different types of neck bindings! 

Style suggestions are scattered throughtout the book...

If I had to pick my favorite technique from this book, it would be Ribbon-Trimmed Collar Band. I mean just look at this beauty! 

Couture techniques are divided into the following for easy reference. 

1. Bindings and Finishes

2. Design Details: On Show

3. Design Details: Concealed

Lynda hasn't missed a thing... Even the essentionals are explained in depth.

This book is definitely a Couture Techniques book but you'll also find inspiration from the fashion runways...

And you'll learn about Linings and Luxury Fabrics...

And last but not the least, How to make a muslin! 

The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Techniques was an eye opener for me. I'd never heard or seen the Organza Bubble Hem before but know that I know, there is no going back :) 

This book will NOT even find its way into my bookshelf. It will REMAIN on my sewing table! I can't wait to try some of the binding techniques in my next project. 

Giveaway!

Simply post a comment below and let me know if my review helped you gauge if this book is right for you or not. We will pick a winner randomly and announce on Thursday March 19th, 2015. 

Don't want to take a chance? Buy your own copy from Amazon. 

Eligibility

You should have been an active profile with a profile photo before you post a comment. 

Disclaimer

This book was sent to us by Interweave press for a review and giveaway. My opinion and review is unbiased and my own. 

Meet Lynda at the PR Weekend Los Angeles! 

Lynda Maynard is our guest speaker at the Los Angeles PR weekend (April 24th - 25th). She will be showing us how to fit a sheath dress as well as demonstrating some of the techniques from this book.

Register soon before all the spots fill up. 

Update March 20th 

Congratulations to geezey for winning the book! The giveaway is now closed.