Readers, do you believe in synchronicity?
If not, how do you explain how it is that the very summer I purchase not one, but two body forms so I can learn draping, Laurence King Publishing releases a brand new, 320-page book entitled "Draping: The Complete Course" authored by Karolyn Kiisel?
Or -- even spookier -- how a complimentary copy landed on my doorstep just last week, sent to me by their marketing department?
Needless to say, I was thrilled to receive "Draping," and I am equally thrilled to share my enthusiasm about it.
"Draping" is a BIG book. Fashion Incubator's Kathleen Fasanella, who also received a copy, claims this book weighs 4 lbs. and I believe it. (Kathleen calls the book "exquisite" and "a game changer" in her review.) Full-color photos and diagrams fill nearly every page.
"Draping" is divided into three sections: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced, with each section covering specific types of garments (i.e, blouses, pants, dresses, etc.) and focusing on one special draping project for each garment type.
These draping projects include everything from a circle skirt, to -- I'm not kidding -- Gilbert Adrian's gown for Glinda in The Wizard of Oz.
Or how about Audrey Hepburn's bateau-neck sheath dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's?
These projects are all outlined in step-by-step detail. Kiisel's writing is clear and her tone authoritative.
"Draping" also includes a DVD containing 32 video tutorials led by Kiisel herself that relate to specific steps illustrated in the book. I've already watched the DVD from start to finish and I loved it; it's like taking a draping class taught by a master (see video clip at bottom of page).
I have not put "Draping" to use yet, but I intend to, and soon. (As you know, I've also signed up for a beginner's level draping class on Craftsy taught by Paul Gallo, so I'm curious to see how different instructors approach the topic.)
"Draping: The Complete Course" can be pre-ordered (the official release date is October 1) on Amazon for less than $45.
You can take a closer look at my copy on my Picasa folder here (more than 50 photos).
Here's a sample tutorial from the book:
Have a great day, everybody!
I've taken Gallo's class and I wasn't impressed. It's just too basic and he's boring! This looks much more complete and it's definitely going on my wish list! Lucky you, getting a free copy. I am definitely interested in seeing what you do with it.
ReplyDeleteI like Gallo, but can't wait for Kiisel.
DeleteOh, the power of Peter (not lost on the savvy sorts in the Marketing Dept.).
I hope you love draping. It's like sculpture. I learned it from a wonderful teacher named Hector Lopez at College of Alameda School of Apparel Design. He is a master. Retired now, unfortunately and I guess CA is kind of far away for you anyway!
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
ReplyDeleteI went straight out and bought the book and love it already - though I'm tempted to send you the bill ;)
Spud.
Darn it! I'm not supposed to be spending at the moment, but I just bought that anyway. Now to wait for it to be released and then to arrive in NZ.
ReplyDeleteWow! I am so glad that they sent you a copy and that you could then review it for us. It looks like such a fantastic resource. Even just reading about stuff like this (not necessarily doing it) would improve one’s sewing I reckon. So I might just have to treat myself to a copy, especially as it seems to be remarkably good value. Kind of tempted to see if the second edition would have a spiral binding, but probably won’t be able to resist it before then! Thank you for the review, and enjoy the book/dvd. Rachel :-)
ReplyDeleteoh boy...there goes my tenuous hold on my weak will power to stop spending money!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, no old recycked diagrams with bad 80s and 90s fashion?! That might be worth it!
ReplyDeleteIt will have to go on my Christmas list! I would love it just for Glinda's dress! I'm so glad you told me about it.
ReplyDeleteLearning draping is the best thing I ever did. This will transform your sewing.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear. Another book for the wish list. Book looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the info on this beautiful book. It's on my holiday list. I too have the Craftsy class but haven't touched it yet.
ReplyDeleteNo freaking fair! That book has been in my Amazon cart, waiting for the publisher to release it, for weeks! I'm glad you like it. Now I'm even more anxious to receive it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting all the photos. Sending in my preorder now.
ReplyDeleteHave started reading it and it's a great resource. But the author incorrectly credits Oscar de la Renta as the designer of the pink dress Gwyneth Paltrow wore to the Oscars one year. The actual designer was (rather famously) Ralph Lauren. A pretty bad mistake for a professor of fashion design I would have thought.
ReplyDeleteSpud.
I'm sure all the references to Gwyneth's "Oscar gown" contributed to the confusion!
DeleteOh wow - that picture of the three grains is just so brilliant. I sort of knew the difference but visualising it like that is something else!
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm off to click-and-buy right now!
ReplyDeleteNo fair. I'm supposed to be de-cluttering and you've reviewed 2 books that I really want!
ReplyDeleteActually, my comment is for your "craftsy" mention!! Can you believe I have never heard of that, nor has it every come up on a google search? I spend so much time reading about cool things to try, that I never have time to actually do them!!
ReplyDeleteOh wow. To think that I just ordered this book 2 days ago and now discovered your blog and your review on it. Now I'm even more excited and can hardly wait for it to finally arrive...
ReplyDelete