Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing--and vintage dress lovers!
Here it is--Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing: A Modern Guide to Couture-Style Sewing Using Basic Vintage Techniques
. It's available for sale September 1st, but you can pre-order a copy now! 
It's a beautiful book with high quality paper patters in the envelope inside the cover, and I love the spiral binding--means you can lay it flat while you're sewing, and don't need to worry about it flipping closed on you.
The book is divided into two main sections: Skills and Wardrobe. The Skills section is really amazing, such a comprehensive list of retro sewing techniques. Lots of great methods and tips for creating high quality garments, regardless of what you're sewing! And then of course there's the Wardrobe section, which you'll love if you love vintage style--using several basic patterns, you can make any of the projects or use the tips you just learned to modify them how you please! While using antique and vintage patterns is fun, this way you know you'll get the right fit and size, and you really can modify to get the exact look you want.
Here's just a few of my fave resources in the book so far!
In Skills...
Photos and descriptions of seam finishes, using vintage sewing techniques. Back before there were sergers and so many mass-produced clothing... there are several great ways to finish seams as a home sewer, and Gertie shows you how with great descriptions!
There's also a great section on tailoring, making it seem really not that terrifying. I think a retro-inspired jacket or suit would be a great introduction to making tailored garments!
Maybe my faaavorite part of the book is the Vintage to Modern dictionary. If you ever use vintage patterns or shop for vintage or retro-ey clothes, you'll love this spread!
Another element of the book that's useful for everyone are the parts about fitting, modifying, and otherwise customizing patterns. If you read and learn from these sections, you'll hardly ever need to buy new patterns--you'll just be able to tweak the ones you already have. Great skill!
In the Wardrobe section, there are several cute vintage-inspired blouses, skirts, and dresses. Some for summer, some for fall and winter... and all cute!
Thanks so much to STC Craft for sending this book to me, and I hope you readers get a chance to pick one up soon! You can can pre-order a copy now!