Sewing Techniques from The Fashion Industry

I received my set of eight (8) books in an extremely timely manner, a two-day turnaround. The books were packed with extra care, wrapped in plastic bags in the box (and bubble wrap spacers too!), and thankfully so because my dad said one of the boxes was a bit wet from the rain at one corner (no sun here for weeks) so he laid it that side up to dry. Books we in perfect condition! Thank you for that extra packing care, I really appreciate it. I've been watching your YouTube videos and I've seen all of them at least twice, maybe more, some five and six times. I even sent one to my dad and told him how much information you jam pack into them, and how I've learned more from you in this very short time watching your YouTube clips than I have from reading books and watching countless others over the past few years, also that when I watch a video clip of yours a second and third time I'm picking up something I missed the first and second go round. Given this, and that I learned so much from your “More Sewing Machine Tips” videos (presser foot down for storage, pin magnet, etc., etc.) and from your “Copying a Ready-Made Garment” video, among others, I decided to buy the books because I felt that if you packed that much information into those short YouTube videos, I could only imagine what your “tried and true” books contained given that you have used them to teach classes (with former students working out the kinks with you over decades prior to publishing). Because you are on public broadcasting TV teaching and using them, I have been thinking of you as the Julia Child of Sewing (LOL!). But that you refer to them yourself during projects was the absolute cincher! Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to afford purchase of the complete set of books at once, and I justified the expenditure thinking of it as a “college course” if you will, and given the cost of any course in the Cambridge and Boston area, $900 (including shipping) was an ABSOLUTE BARGAIN! I also wanted to support what you are doing because I think it is so important to codify and pass on this information. Until my YouTube algorithm fed me your videos I had no teacher, nobody to whom I could pose questions, and I am truly grateful that you are doing this work and offering support. I am really looking forward to getting into your books. I’ve begun with “Sewing Techniques from the Fashion Industry” and only four pages in, I’ve already received a great deal of new information. I’m learning things not published or talked about anywhere else! I’m also now considering your certificate program because you being an expert in the industry (and I’m not sure I even want to go in that direction) having your blessing via that certificate would truly be a feather in my cap. I know it would open doors for me, no question about it. Thank you again for your kindness and backing up your products. I love and appreciate your no non-sense, straightforward approach to teaching because it feels like I have a family member at my side. I am very excited about the new direction in which I am heading via your full catalog. The books are significantly thicker than I expected, heavy, really, really well done, and jam packed with information. A monumental effort your part, what a catalog you have produced! Impressive! My goodness, it is truly, truly appreciated. Thank you for writing and publishing them. I am so grateful for your books and I feel fortunate to have them all. I’m looking forward to your upcoming YouTube videos too! Thank you for producing those as well. Thank you. Best regards, Linda of Cambridge

The books arrived 2 days ago, and I must say, in excellent condition due to water proofing and paper stuffing. Thank you for caring. Must say too, that each book is impressive in layout, which allows one to easily, 'snap to' chapters and sections of project-relevant content and diagrams. Moreover, the comprehensiveness of the Sewing Techniques guidance contains not only the promised Sewing Techniques... but unexpectedly offers a depth of information far beyond the basics, aimed at educating the reader while imparting practical information. Only after investing in numerous industry texts over the years (and there were many in my case) can one be fortunate to find the necessary guidance for business as well as home sewing, so artfully and strategically compiled into one. Yes, a bit cliché, but most deserving.

FABULOUS REFERENCE!! Fabulous book! This book is a sewing bible! The instructions are step by step and well thought out. There are lots diagrams which help to see if you are doing it correctly. The great news is it helped me advance my sewing technique to a professional level!! A MUST have!

Sewing Techniques from the Fashion Industry

Inciteful sewing and reference manual. I was so excited to receive my copy. This is a book that is worth its weight And will be a great asset to any sewing library. Written for students who are interested in becoming designers and pattern makers, the manual can be used by anyone wanting to learn to professional techniques. Loaded with easy to follow directions complete with, well done, illustrations. Laurel Hoffmann's years of experience and education in the sewing industry are clearly evident in this well written concise, practical and yet informative workbook. She includes a CD that has all the information and a workbook to use for your own sample making. Something I would not have ever thought to do. I have learned so much from Laurel and this book shows much her tenacity and expertise for sewing techniques. Included are Design Room Procedures; Supplies and Equipment; Seams and Edges, Hems and Kick Pleats; Reducing Fullness; Piping, Cording, Tubing; Closures; Pockets; Zippers; and a full sections for drafting and sewing miniature dress patterns. I love sewing and even with my years of experience, there are techniques I still have not mastered and struggle with in my own design and sewing process. Having a book full of professional techniques gives me so much confidence for growth with my own design and patternmaking ventures. Thanks so much for offering such a great manual. Jnetti

I recently got Laurel Hoffmann’s wonderful “Sewing techniques from the Fashion Industry” along with the Syllabus, and the Sample e-book. So I was set to sew and assemble my own Sample collection. I am a former schoolteacher and have also taught kids sewing classes on my own since 2011, so I appreciate a clearly outlined curriculum. Therefore, I decided to follow the order of sewing and reading in the Syllabus. Also, wherever I could, I viewed her YouTube videos to see her doing some of the techniques she covers in her book. I was amazed at the wonderful technical drawings and clear instructions for each technique. If you follow the detailed directions, you won’t go wrong. And if you do get stuck you can ask Laurel and she will quickly send an answer. She was very available via email and phone. My aim, however, was to get the sample techniques done without calling too soon. Sometimes it required reading, looking at the drawings, and reading again – exactly what I would want my students to be able to do. The technique I almost gave up on had nothing to do with sewing. It involved taping the paper mock-up for the lined, lapped hand-pricked zipper sample. Since this was done as a class demo, (as per the Syllabus) it is understandable that all the students would have seen how the paper “seam” was taped together where it would later be sewn in the sample. And once I got it, it made total sense. She also uses the language of the fashion industry to talk about what we are doing, thereby removing one more barrier for someone who wants to qualify for a job in fashion sewing and designing, However, she also defines many of the terms she uses as we go along in the book and often explains why we are doing things differently than a home sewer/seamstress might. When I showed my daughter the care and precision I had used to draft and construct the pull-through plaid miniature dress, she said, “No wonder you have to pay so much for high quality fashion.” I have had a few young adults come to me to learn how to sew in preparation for a fashion degree course. In the future I will definitely recommend Laurel’s books and courses to them. They will be miles ahead and understand so much more than they would otherwise.

Rave Reviews for Laurel Hoffmann’s Book “Sewing Techniques From the Fashion Industry”. A textbook that is ideal for both those interest in entering the Fashion Industry as a profession as well as someone like myself that is interested in making professional looking garments at home. The instructions and diagrams are clear and precise. Sample patterns are included that allow for practicing a technique with a minimal use of material while providing you with the confidence to use it on a final garment. Laurel provides very personal and professional support when questions arise. An example of that is a. 60 minute phone call to Canada to ensure that I knew the process and procedure. I have been very, very impressed and cannot recommend Laurel and her book enough!!!!