In this book I describe tailoring and other

couture touches possible on all tvpes of

sewing machines. I have included information

on the proper uses of fusible interfacings to

achieve hand-tailored results in half the time

it takes to pad-stitch a lapel. You will also rind

new product tips and tricks, a speedy welt

pocket application, handpicked zipper appli-

cation bv machine, topstitching variations, and

much more. Basic serger techniques are also

included, so that you can sew as quickly and

efficiently as possible.

Until recently, weVc been spoiled by easy-

care fabrics. When natural fibers regained

popularity, some of us had forgotton how to

use pressing equipment properly on ready-to-

wear clothes and for home sewing.

The pressing information in this book is

collected from dry cleaning and pressing

professionals and covers both the hand iron

and commercial or home press. There are tips

for using other pressing tools, such as a puff

iron, professional steam iron, tailor s ham, point

turner, and tailor board — all ofwhich can help

beautify your handmade originals. For those

who have forgotten the proper way to press

a shirt, skirt, or slacks. Chapter 12 is a re-

fresher course on using the press or hand iron.

Sprinkled throughout this book arc profiles

of well- known sewing celebrities, who tell how

they got started on their sewing careers and

offer tips on how they organize workspace. I

think you'll find their stories fun and inter-

esting.

Sew, Serge, Press is designed to supplement

your pattern instructions. For example, when

you read a section in the pattern instructions

that explains how to complete a welt pocket,

look up "welt pocket" in the index ofthis book

and turn to the appropriate page. Regardless

of the age or brand of your sewing machine,

this book can show you a better way to sew

a welt pocket. The machine settings, including

the best stitch to use, the presser foot, .md

stitch length and width, are listed, and step-

by-step instructions are written in an casv-to-

understand way. You can write in your own

machine settings, too, in the spaces provided.