Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch is a passionate home seamstress, a sought-after sewing teacher, and the creator of one of the web’s most popular sewing blogs: Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing. The blog began as a way for readers to follow Hirsch’s progress as she stitched all 14 fashions from the iconic 1950s sewing book Vogue’s New Book for Better Sewing (a Julie & Julia–esque experiment for the modern sewist).

It quickly became a place for Hirsch to share tutorials and lively posts about sewing as it relates to fashion history, pop culture, body image, and gender. An extension of the blog, Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing is a hardworking reference title packed with lessons on couture techniques and customization, as well as an inimitable pattern collection featuring 25 wardrobe essentials and variations inspired by vintage fashion and Gertie’s spirited, modern style.

Praise for Gertie''s New Book For Better Sewing:

“If you read Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing, you already know that Gretchen Hirsch is all about teaching basic sewing skills that some of us (guilty!) may have skipped right over when we learned to sew.

Now you can find all of Gretchen’s sewing knowledge in one place.” —Martha Stewart.com

“Like her blog, Hirsch’s book is like a chat with a friend who happens to be an expert seamstress. Even if the vintage-inspired garments aren''t your style, there’s plenty to learn from this book.” —Library Journal

“The styles are all rocked out with the tattoo-clad Gertie as the model.

If you love a retro pattern, then this book is the one for you.” —CraftGossip.com

“White paper templates, not tissue! These will make it easier to trace.” —Sew Spoiled
“I personally love the finishing details on well-made garments and found this book to be a fantastic resource for adding techniques to my repertoire.” —ThreadBias.com

“Maybe my faaavorite part of the book is the Vintage to Modern dictionary.

If you ever use vintage patterns or shop for vintage or retro-y clothes, you’ll love this spread!” —Adventures in Dressmaking

“The featured wealth of skills in a range of garment-sewing techniques are perfect for the home sewer with a thirst to learn how to create pieces for her own wardrobe.” — EcoSalon.com

“Her new book is an excellent extension of the blog that includes a fantastic collection of nine patterns to create your own vintage-inspired wardrobe.” —SewNews.com

“One of my favourite aspects of the book is that it pulls back the curtain on construction and reveals what the insides of the garments look like.

It’s really helpful to take a peek at how another stitcher finishes her seams and keeps the whole thing hanging together—a very clever touch.” —Tilly and the Buttons

“We love it, and we’re so excited to have it in hand. It’s wonderful to be able to infuse some “Gertie style” into our sewing.

All the projects are great, and the layout of the book is really easy to use and navigate. It has a great vintage, yet modern look.” —Sew Mama Sew

“Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing is a fun, new pattern book, featuring sewing patterns that embody author Gretchen Hirsch’s fresh take on vintage style.”—CRAFTzine.com


“If you read Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing, you already know that Gretchen Hirsch is all about teaching basic sewing skills that some of us (guilty!) may have skipped right over when we learned to sew.

Now you can find all of Gretchen’s sewing knowledge in one place.” —MarthaStewartLiving.com

“This is not down-and-dirty sewing, but studied and time consuming. Which is awesome.” —Angry Chicken

“Since most women are a size bigger in the hips than in the waist, the pattern proportions in the book are already adjusted to take this difference into account.

When I read this in the sizing guide, I actually got out of my chair and did a little happy dance. Three cheers for patterns that are actually shaped like the women who will be using them!” —The Zen of Making

“This book overflows with pictures, drawings and diagrams to ensure your sewing success.

She also includes a whopping 25 patterns, making this book a steal! Sure to be a reference for your sewing room and guaranteed to be a resource you turn to for zippers and buttons . . . even if you don’t make a single pencil skirt.” —Generation Q Magazine


“If you are a fan of the mid-century vintage look, this book is a must-buy.

Hirsch’s instructions are excellent, and use new technologies and techniques that didn’t exist 50 years ago.” —Examiner.com