Looking for a good general sewing book.

I'd like a sort of reference book that is about technique, tips and tricks etc and less about projects. I bought Vogue Sewing eons ago and that's the type of book I'd like, but more basic? I feel like I need a sewing dictionary to understand most of that book. I want something with pix of how to put in zippers etc. THoughts? Favorites?

I like Sewing 101: A Beginner's Guide to Sewing.  (Creative Publishing International, 2002)  It offers a good overview of various techniques, including sewing garments and home decor.  I really like the glossary and index.

I taught myself to sew using this book and some online tutorials. 

Laura

THanks Laura. I'll look that one up. I've got a Borders gift card itching to be used.

Which online tutorials did you like? Any particular ones or just a smattering of all the stuff out there?

Just wanted to suggest that you check books out from the library before buying them (you can ask your librarian to order through interlibrary loan if they don't have it).  I've found myself disappointed too many times -- overwhelmed in the store by the pretty pictures then confused at home by the unclear instructions.

Too true Mara. I actually spent last night reading amazon reviews on sewing books and then adding the ones that seem good to my library hold/request list. I always sample first before buying if possible.

I've been itching to get to the library too.  I want to see what books are out there for sewing basics, quilting and free motion machine quilting, etc.

For online tutorials, I watched a bunch on expert village, there's a chick named Candy that does a lot of technique videos I thought where very informative and easy to follow.

www.expertvillage.com

Look for "The Complete Book of Sewing" from DK Publishing. Lots of step-by-step instructions with easy to follow photos. The chapter on zippers is excellent.

Another vote for "The Complete Book of Sewing" by DK Publishing.  I love this book.  I find myself going back to it again and again when I'm stumped or trying something new.

When I was learning, I got a lot of help from Singer Sewing Essentials -- lots of clear, close-up photos and detailed instructions on technique.

A friend of mine has the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing from 1976 (just looked the date up on Amazon - it looks like used copies can be found).  It is very thorough and includes some machine adjusting information and pattern drafting/modification instructions in addition to sewing techinques.  You just have to deal with the pictures of clearly dated fashions.

Thanks for the reply ladies. I've put them all on my library request list.

I really like Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp. It has a pretty comprehensive general sewing information as well as a bunch of great projects. Highly recommend!

as weird as it may sound, reader's digest makes a book called Complete Guide to Sewing, that is actually the one i used to learn to sew in College. i found it to be very useful and i still look stuff up in it.  good luck! the library is a great idea.

This is one I have as well and I drag it out often. 

Being and "older" sewer, I have used the Readers Digest book for a long long time. Since I started sewing years and years ago. I get the newest version each time it comes out. The basic info/techniques don't change much but the pics and notions do.

Yay for FFF!!!!!!!