Which ONE book would you recommend to a beginner making clothes for herself?

[LeilaMay]

I do not have any training in dressmaking; I made little girl's dresses in the 1980's and summer dresses for myself - when I was a size 12 LOL

Now I would like to sew occasionally for myself, and I understand there's a huge amount about patterns and sewing garments that I don't know. I'm not going to go to any course or class, but I'd be happy with a great book, aimed at keen beginners.

What one book would you recommend?

Thanks in advance and apologies if this is a difficult question LOL

Leila

[wrenkins]

My 'can't live without book' is my Readers Digest basic book from the 70s 80s. It's very good for basic techniques and can be found 2nd hand on ebay usually. 

[LeilaMay]

Thank you - does it have a specific title?

[sewingj]

I like this one
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dressmaking-Alison-Smith/dp/1409384632/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

[wrenkins]

This is it. The diagrams are very dated now of course but the basics remain.

[LeilaMay]

Thank you both

[Efemera]

The Vogue Sewing Book.

[BrendaP]

The Sewing Book by Alison Smith.

There are several others of similar format published by Vogue, Singer and McCalls; I grew up with the McCalls one, but the Smith book is a little more up to date.

[LeilaMay]

Thank you all 
I will ponder tomorrow and make a purchase.

[maliw]

Have you got a charity shop/secondhand bookshop anywhere near - I picked up the Readers Digest book really cheaply?

[UttaRetch]

I recommend either of the Alison Smith sewing books, BUT if your focus is going to be on clothes I suggest the dressmaking one.  Check The works or Abebooks.  You may also find it cheap on other sites, too.

[LeilaMay]

Thank you both, for the suggestions on books, and shopping for them

[Esme866]

The Reader's Digest book absolutely! Mine's from the late 70's/early 80's and I'll still pull it out if I haven't done a technique in a while- just to refresh my brain. Everything from very, very basic tailoring steps, to dressmaking and even Home Dec.

Bought one for my boss's daughter and my niece.

[Gernella]

My niece who sews for a living  also recommends the Readers Digest book, I remember her mentioning it on one of her old websites.

Presumably your level of sewing ability would determine which book would be suitable.

[LeilaMay]

Thank you all for your recommendations - I have indeed plumped for the Reader's Digest book.
I have sewn clothes in the past, but I was a "pattern size" in those days, and never tried to make anything very fitted anyway. Now I will need to make pattern alterations, and would like to know how to do things properly.

Thank you all
Leila