Famous Frocks: Patterns and Instructions for Recreating Fabulous Iconic Dresses%C2%A0

No need to buy a little black dress to look like Audrey Hepburn. The authors of this how-to provide sewing patterns and instructions to create that Breakfast at Tiffany's look, along with nine other celebrity styles. They explain: "We have selected ten women from recent decades who we feel have the most inspiring and iconic looks, wearing dresses that stand the test of time and we absolutely adore." Alm and McDevitt, both stitchers and teachers, provide a quick overview of each woman who inspired them, then instructions on how to create two variations of the style the woman's known for. Photos and very detailed illustrations provide both inspiration and clear visual instructions, and, thankfully, the book lays flat. There are quibbles: it takes quite a stretch to see the wrap dress most associated with Diane von Furstenberg as Farrah Fawcett's "iconic" look (what about that red swimsuit?), and the patterns only go to about a size 8 (which is presented, dubiously, as a size large). Guidelines about skill level are also questionable: It would take an extremely ambitious and confident "Beginner/Intermediate" to tackle Madonna's bustier and stretch lace ensemble. The most noticeable flaw, however, is that the celebrities appear in photographs; their dresses are sketched, making it difficult to know exactly what one is sewing. The book is wonderfully designed, and will look very nice on a shelf even if the patterns aren't much used.%C2%A0Ten patterns, photos, and sketches. (Oct.)