Gretchen Hirsch

Celebrated sewing expert Gretchen Hirsch shows you how to transform knits and stretch fabrics into glamorous vintage looks inspired by Coco Chanel, Claire McCardell, Madame Grès, and more. Knit fabrics are easy to fit, have a lovely drape, and are known for being comfortable and effortless—all things that appeal to both designers and home sewists. But sewing with knit fabrics...

In the '50s and '60s, Simplicity released their popular line of Jiffy sewing patterns, which had minimal pattern pieces and simple constructions, yet were chic enough for fashion-conscious customers. This approach appeals now more than ever as stylish women are continuously looking for ways to fit their love of sewing into busy lives filled with family, work, school, and countless...

The mid-20th century was an amazing time for American women's fashion! Following the war, women started looking to American designers rather than French couture houses for inspiration and to demand clothing they could move in, even play in. In this follow-up to Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing, Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch celebrates the classic casual styles that icons like Katharine...

Every vintage-obsessed sewist dreams of having a closet full of gorgeous dresses. The follow-up to the popular Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing and Gertie Sews Vintage Casual, Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book is packed with all the information and patterns you could ever need to create a wardrobe filled with stunning vintage frocks. The book begins with all the essential...

Gretchen Hirsch, aka "Gertie," returns to her roots with a dive into beloved fashion classics—the mermaid gown, the 1950s Hostess Set (think Lucille Ball), the Lilli Ann princess coat—and includes a little fashion history to inspire modern-day style mavens. Sewists, thrift shoppers, and fashion collectors will love making the patterns included in the book and learning how to reproduce their...