David Page Coffin (1949–2021)

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read Sewing Shirts With A Perfect Fit by David Page Coffin. The book is split into two main sections, the first section has 5 chapters on fit and draping, the second section covers various projects. Rather unexpectedly, Coffin’s book is all about sewing woven shirts that fit using draping rather than flat patterns, or taking measurements.

Section 1 begins with a chapter on the basics of shirts and how they fit, while chapter 2 delves deep into draping. The remaining chapters of section one are about how to drape shirts for specific shirt styles, loose-fitting, fitted and tight-fitting shirts respectively. It also includes information on cloning bodies using foil, and making body forms from the resulting foil wrap.

Section 2 is dedicated to 4 projects to practice the skills you’ve picked up; a loose, lined shirt jacket, a fitted v-neck dress shirt, a fitted wrapped shirtdress, and a tight denim western shirt.

This is a great book, it is absolutely packed with information and photos. The writing, photos, and explanatory diagrams are clear and easy to understand, and made me want to try. And, not only am I seriously considering trying to sew a shirt using the techniques taught, but definitely going to try making a body form from a foil wrap. I will absolutely be adding this to my collection of sewing books as soon as possible.… (altro)