I am so pleased to see a book that demands proper measurements and all the specific instructions on any project you intend to do. This should ensure your labor's not to be in vain. If I'm doing the work, I plan for the sewing to be perfect.

I ordered this book thinking that it's many illustrations would make things "simple." But let me tell you, if you do not consider yourself an avid sewer and very familiar with your sewing machine, don't even consider getting this book. It will drive you insane. It's definitely written for people who have a very good understanding beyond "just the basics."

One reason this book is difficult to follow is that it focuses on VERY tailored covers. Not the kind you find at SureFit or the local linen store. The designs require measurements of your furniture piece from every conceivable angle.

If you love measuring and working out mathmatical formulations for hours...get this book. If not, look somewhere else.

This is *the* book if you want to seriously recover furniture. These ain't throw slipcovers, that's for sure. Good instructions with lots of diagrams and details to help you make beautiful custom-fitted covers for most any upholstered furniture.

Jack Lenor Larsen's name should be widely known and respected throughout the textile arts community. He was originally a hand weaver trained at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He saw the commercial and aesthetic potential of ethic handwoven fabrics from India, Africa, etc. He designed exquisitely beautiful and original fabrics, some of which were based on traditional folk weaves, hired others to produce them by hand and marketed them to the architecture and design community. That was the start of the Larsen empire. His fabrics today are still uniquely original--he produces fabrics from wire, plastics, synthetics and natural fibers, and the construction of the fabric is always a surprise. Because of his originality and the depth of his understanding of textiles, he is especially well suited to creating a book of this type. There is nothing about textiles that Larsen doesn't know! I have used this book as a text in a Textiles class (in an Interior Design department). It is better organized and more clearly presented than any other textile book I know. It's easy for students to understand the construction of different weaves; the text is clear and the illustrations (both photo and line drawings) are excellent. Larsen has also targeted just the right information (including a chapter on professional practices) and just the right AMOUNT of information, for students of design, architecture and textiles. This is not a book for handweavers to learn from--it is intended for the interior design student--but even long-time weavers will have a better understanding of their craft after reading this book. I recommend it without hesitation.