Conselle Books

Over the years, Conselle has produced top notch quality books and DVDs with classic concepts and content.  Accurate image education never goes out of style!  With the holidays around the corner, these books make for great gift ideas. 

Wardrobe Strategies for Women, by Judith Rasband (Fairchild Publishing, Inc.)

This unique book provides the reader with a practical knowledge of exactly what clothing characteristics to look for and how to proceed in building a wardrobe. Focusing on individual creativity and flexibility, the reader is asked to answer questions such as “What would work for me?”, “Why?”, and “How?” rather than approaching wardrobing from a “do and don’t” or “always/never” perspective. This text is ideal for a fashion consumer, retailer, buyer, or anyone interested in fashion. 360 pages.

$20.00.  Click here to purchase.

Fabulous Fit, 2nd Edition, by Judith Rasband (Fairchild Publishing, Inc.)

This 2nd Edition text is recommended for beginners in fashion style selection, fitting, and pattern alteration, and also for the experienced fashion sewer who demands more efficient and effective alteration procedures than previously known.  This new edition introduces a sequence for measuring the body, correlated with “directional measuring” of the pattern to perfect the entire measurement process and the alteration to follow.  “Reality Checks” are positioned throughout the text to call more attention to points often overlooked or neglected.  Fabulous Fit has been expanded to include solutions for 62 figure variations dealing with the bodice, sleeves, skirts, and pants.  You’ll appreciate the double page spread and dynamic visual presentation used throughout the guide in Part II as you master the revolutionary yet simple “seam method” of pattern alteration.  All illustrations are rendered in scale with the body and with commercial patterns.  Fabulous Fit is a useful companion book to the more advanced Fitting And Pattern Alteration.   

“I am rapidly turning into Judith Rasband’s biggest fan. Everything is so well thought out….The [hinged seam] method is simple and ingenious.”
–Robbie Fanning, The Creative Machine

“One of the reasons I quit sewing was because nothing I would alter ever fit or looked right. This method of pattern adjustment makes more sense than anything I have ever used.”
–Jean Pattison, home sewer, Venetia, Pennsylvania

$67.50.  Click here to purchase. 

Fitting and Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach to the Art of Style Selection, Fitting and Alteration, 2nd Edition.

By Elizabeth Liechty, Judith Rasband and Della Steinechert (Fairchild Publishing, Inc.)

Described by users as the “bible” in the field, Fitting and Pattern Alteration is the world’s most comprehensive book on style selection, fitting, and alteration.  This text is intended for academic use in college and university fashion and apparel departments.  It is also intended to be an encyclopedic educational reference for custom fit experts, alterations professionals, and fashion sewers everywhere.  New material advances the chapters on the elements and principles of design, figure evaluation, and fashion style selection for the figure type.  Chapters on the measurement, tissue, and trial garment methods of fitting; and of the seam, pivot, and corrected slash methods of pattern alteration; are written in parallel style to facilitate understanding and ease in application.  New to Fitting and Pattern Alteration, are fashion photos from Women’s Wear Daily and more than two thousand new illustrations.  Illustrations have been advanced to include directional measuring needed to facilitate the alteration process.  Alterations are illustrated on trial garments, ready-to-wear garments, and both basic and fashion patterns.  The addition of color to the pages enhances the learning experience.  You’ll agree that the illustrated alteration procedures are world class!  Each alteration procedure has been developed to eliminate distorted pattern pieces and reduce necessary restorations.  The text content is somewhat more conversational than a traditional textbook.  The authors want the reader—whoever it happens to be—to know they are speaking directly to them.  All content present is based on and supported by academic and industry experience in college and university classrooms, in retail settings, in seminar locations, and conference halls.  This book belongs on the “must have” list!

F&PA “is the most comprehensive reference available on fitting and alteration. This book gives solutions to 85 figure variations, virtually every figure variation there is and more than any other reference in the world. The seam method is simple and ingenious.”
–Sandra Betzina in her column, Sew With Flair

$98.00.  Click here to purchase. 

Personal Style: What It Is, Who Has It, How You Can Have It Too

(Wardrobe Strategy #8) An intriguing presentation on physical, personality, and clothing traits as they relate to personal image types. Learn about personal style ranges, borrowing, and cross-over techniques used to achieve personal style and meet your individual needs. Outstanding charts and tables included. 

$21.95.  Click here to purchase. 

Wardrobe Evaluation and Closet Commentary

(Wardrobe Strategy #10) Step-by-step evaluation of what’s in your closet. Find out what your clothes say about you, your lifestyle and personal style. Find out what works, what doesn’t and why. Learn how to “greenbag” your closet, then organize what works. Follow time-tested guidelines and take command of your closet. It’s the place to start before you even think about buying or sewing another piece of clothing. 

$21.95.  Click here to purchase. 

Smart Shopping–Even on a Shoestring

(Wardrobe Strategy # 12) Explore your options. Learn to take advantage of fashion sources available to you–their pros and cons. Learn smart shopping techniques and skills to save you time, energy, and money. Written especially for those who hate to shop. 

$21.95.  Click here to purchase.

Maternity Matters

How to look terrific while you’re pregnant. Clothing selection and grooming tips for each trimester. Includes defensive dressing after pregnancy. Attractive and comfortable clothing that makes the waiting more of a pleasure.

$9.95.  Click here to purchase.