Draping, The Complete Course: A Review

As you may already know, Laurence King Publishing has a new treat for those of us who love the sewing process!  Draping, The Complete Course is a stunning 320 page tome.  And it is currently available for pre-order (the release date is set for October 1st).

While I have been sewing for many, many years, I know little to nothing about draping.  But this book is going to change all that!

It is HEAVY! Or perhaps a better word would be substantial – and chock full of wonderful inspiration as well as extensive instructional information. 

The book takes you through what might be described as an intensive class or workshop as the pages unfold.

Starting with more basic projects and then working through much more complicated designs, Ms. Karolyn Kiisel runs through skirts, blouses, dresses, pants, working with knits, and even on the bias.  Proportion, design, functionality, shape, and three dimensional form are discussed at length.

The projects include contemporary and vintage designs, classic silhouettes, runway looks and even a few familiar red carpet pieces that the reader can recreate by following clear and concise diagrams.

Stunning photographs of the "finished" garment made from muslin are also included.  Some people might find them odd and perhaps unfinished looking, but personally, I think they are stunning.

And if hundreds of detailed pictures are not enough, a DVD is also included to help walk the reader though the process.  That being said, a basic knowledge of apparel sewing is a prerequisite – I believe this book would be quite overwhelming for a true beginner.

This is a comprehensive look at the art of draping, and if you are looking to scratch the surface or even master more complex designs, this is definitely a book to have on hand!

[Disclosure:  I received this book from Laurence King Publishing in exchange for a review, but the opinions expressed are my own.]