The Magic Pattern Book: Sew 6 Patterns into 36 Different Styles! Kindle Edition

This is quite possibly the most valuable sewing book I ever purchased, and I have shelves of them! The writing is clear and highly readable. The ideas are innovative, stylish, customizable and exceptionally creative but not "out there" so far that they're not usable. The illustrations and directions far surpass anything you'd find in packages by big pattern companies. Not only does this book offer an amazingly versatile set of patterns, but a wealth of techniques that are applicable to other sewing projects. I loved the framing comments about each pattern and its adaptations along with the quotes included in the book which provided food for thought and context. This is an unusually fine collection of patterns and information about a wide range of sewing projects. If you have never used a PDF pattern before, do NOT be timid: They are incredibly easy to use and, as a sewist with around 45+ years of experience, I would suggest these for beginners over any "Big Pattern House" package labeled "easy." (Usually those are not really easy, and the directions are not anywhere near as clear as what the PDF pattern-creators provide.) This should be "The Top Sewing Book of 2014" in my humble opinion. It is one that I will refer to more often than any of the "complete guide to sewing" type books I own. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the sheer joy of its readability and how I can sit down with it almost as if it's a good novel and get fully engaged, feeling my creative fires lighting up!

I first checked this book out of my local library on a whim. I didn't like it at first. I thought I will never wear any of these. Wrong! The more I looked through it the better I liked this book. I am sewing a couple of the tank tops now. I like that it has a disk where I can print just the pattern I need. I think this would be a great book for a new sewer as well as someone who has been sewing for a while.

This is an awesome book and for those of you who don't have CD ROM the website to print patterns is also in the book. Tells you everything you need for each project and gives step by step instructions.

I love sewing and trying to make my own patterns. This is now my favorite sewing/pattern books I have. Directions are easy to follow and the styles are versatile. Even better, the photos so inspiring it's like potato chips, I can't stop at one, I want to make more!Update: I've made many of the garments from this book now, and must say the patterns are better than I originally thought. I especially love the Alice, very versatile!

I LOVE this book! I have been sewing for 49 years. I have never seen a sewing book with this much detail before now. The pictures show actual detail of the fabrics used. Suggestions for fabric are included in each chapter. If you have little imagination but a love for sewing as I do, you will love this book!!

I'm just getting back into sewing with my portable Husqvarna. With all the casual knit styles, finally bought a decent Singer serger so that I could build a tunic/legging/fit &flare dress wardrobe in fabrics that I like. This book is very user-friendly and I like the way Amy encourages the sewist to customize, to use the ideas as springboards. Great book and I'm looking forward to making several of the dresses shown!

Just got the book the other day and I have already made the Diana cardigan three times. I did some adjustments to the style, I wanted it shorter, but I didn't have to make ANY size adjustments! This never happens with regular patterns. Heading down to cut out Diana #4, I bet I can find more fabric in my stash for even more. It doesn't take a huge amount of fabric. I figure I've already made up for the price of the book.

I absolutely adore this information treasure of a book. It is well written with concise instructions, as well as treasure trove of inspirational suggestions. I saw the author, Amy Barickman, on a popular sewing show and was astounded that her book was not offered. If you need direction, suggestions, or encouragement, get this book. (Compare the price of this book to the cost of 216 different looks....WOW!)

I usually love the printing and sorting patterns process but I don't think it's worth my effort. Some well thought out ideas even if you don't use the patterns.

Love this book, have added lots of sticky notes to things I want to make!! Small tear to top of spine but this was a warehouse deal so no problem.

Brilliant and easy to understand

only down is I have to print out the patterns etc.

I haven't tried using the patterns yet. Love the idea of the book and just hope it works for me.