We sew from need... a need for distinction, a need for creative expression, a need to have things that are uniquely one's own. Amy Vanderbilt

{HISTORY}

Amy Vanderbilt is a household name in the manners and etiquette department - an authority on all things kind and complimentary. But she was also a real advisor and trusted advocate for women who wanted to tap into their creativity. In the 1960s she launched a booklet program called the Amy Vanderbilt Success Program for Women in which she set out to quickly teach women some of the finer aspects of living an interesting, cultured and enigmatic life. Topics ranged in wide variety. From  How to Throw a Theme Party to How to Be a More Interesting Woman to How to Organize Your Life and How to Help Your Husband Get-Ahead. She partnered with experts in the field of entertaining, decorating, decorum, style and psychology to offer real-life solutions to some of the issues that plagued and also intrigued the midcentury woman. 

In this booklet, How to Use the ABC's of Sewing, Amy collaborated with Adele Margolis, a fashion instructor in Philadelphia as well as an author of several sewing books, to produce this 1964 introduction to the basics of sewing. Covering all aspects from fit to technique, fabric to fastenings, this primer focuses mostly on clothing which is great if you want to start making your own aprons. The fundamentals learned here can also be easily applied to other projects too like sewing your kitchen curtains, tablecloths, etc. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- A comprehensive guide on all matters of introductory sewing including hems, darts, fit, fabric, cleaning, stitches, patterns and assembly

- 64 pages

- Illustrated throughout with colorful, retro line drawings

{CONDITION}

There is some light staining on the front and back cover (please see photos). The inside pages are very clean and unmarked. The stapled spine is tight and all pages intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 9.25" inches (length) x 6.25" inches (width).

{WHY ITS ESPECIALLY MARVELOUS}

In addition to teaching practical information, this booklet also offers interesting insight into the mind of the midcentury woman. Reading through these pages you'll understand what was important to her as far as clothing and style and why sewing was particularly enjoyable when it came to self-expressionism.