The Tailoring Book

"An impressive curriculum in creating beautifully crafted garments ... If you don’t have the opportunity to learn from Alison Smith in person, this book is the next best thing." – Threads


Whether you want to alter a vintage jacket or create a full-tailored suit, this tailoring reference guide has everything you need to produce elegant, bespoke garments that last a lifetime.

With over 80 step-by-step techniques on measuring, cutting, altering, and finishing, this is the only book you will need to create and alter a tailored garment.

Alison Smith MBE is one of the world's leading tailoring experts, and in her new book, she reveals trade secrets and all the practical know-how necessary to master this heritage craft. The Tailoring Book is the latest title in Smith's best-selling sewing series. It covers everything from choosing patterns and fabrics to fitting and construction, including techniques that can be applied to both womens- and menswear.

With this book, you can learn how to:

-Tailor garments by selecting the right tools to create a toile and picking the perfect hand stitch.

-Follow 10 detailed garment projects to create shirts, jackets, coats, and trousers

-Master the techniques of tailoring with step-by-step instructions and downloadable patterns that guide you through every part of the process

This book includes key equipment and techniques, garment projects with clear step-by-step processes and downloadable patterns, and tips on repairs and alterations. It takes the reader from the basics through to couture techniques.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs