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By Judy Hamilton "Reprinted from the Omaha (NE) World Herald," Genoa, NE

From Taiwan to the massive white frame home on the edge of this central Nebraska town of 1,100, Sarah Doyle has brought an enthusiasm for the Oriental art of pattern-making. She wants to spread the word.

Painstakingly, she has fashioned her methods and 1,300 drawings into an easy-to-follow book for other seamstresses. "I got so excited myself," said the petite young homemaker. "It was such a terrific thing, that I wanted to share it. I've made things I never dreamed of making on my own."

She has a lot of reasons, practical ones, for her pattern-making; saving money, creating exactly what she wants, having an exact fit, never having to have two outfits alike, and not having drawers full of no-longer-usable patterns as the styles constantly change. "These days, with the price of clothing so high, and the price of patterns that you use once or twice, also so expensive, I cannot express how super it is to be able to cut down on the cost of clothing like I have been with the pattern-making."

Mrs. Doyle got her exposure to pattern-making, Oriental style, during a three-year service-related stay in Tainan, Taiwan. While her husband, Reuben, an Air Force Tech Sergeant, looked after the six children, she would catch a bus and join young Taiwanese women in sewing and pattern-making classes.

Then Mrs. Doyle, in classes of up to 10 students each, started teaching the pattern-making classes to other Air Force wives who were caught up by her enthusiasm. She began working on a book to make the teaching easier. Women were asking her to set up still more classes when Doyle got orders to return to the United States. The best she could promise her would-be pupils was "I'll send you a copy of my book."

She kept her word. Even before the furniture had arrived from Taiwan and before the curtains were sewn together, Mrs. Doyle's book was at the printers.

Her method she believes, is as simple and basic as is possible. She needs 22 measurements from the person she plans to sew for. With those figures she constructs a standard set of three patterns - bodice, sleeve, pants - which can be used as the basis for any creation.

She considers it a practical kind of pattern-making. She compared the learning difficulty to that of reading a recipe - after you have followed the step-by-step illustrated instructions, you'll have a pattern and garment you'll be proud of, just as you would a cake or fancy dessert.

Mrs. Doyle sews like she believes homemakers do - between other household duties. Her own sewing machine is set up in a nook off the kitchen, where she can interrupt a project to stir something on the stove, or help one of the children.

Ladies from across the country have written in saying, "Your method is the easiest I have ever come across," Mrs. Hartman, Oxford, AK. "For the very first time I have gotten something to fit me across the shoulders and neck," Mrs. McMillin, Dallas, TX. "Please send me another book which I want to give as a gift," Mrs. Barndt, Tylers Port, PA. "The slacks made from your instructions fit better than any I own," Mrs. Doty, Bargersville, ID. "A friend showed me your marvelous book - I was so impressed, I must have a copy of my own," Mrs. Bishop, Canton, Ks.

Mrs. Doyle has also written a book on pattern-making for men and boys which includes additional styles for women and children.

Mrs. Doyle's series of pattern-making classes have been recorded on video cassettes so that no matter where you live, you may attend her classes.

The charge for the 8-week pattern-making course (4 VHS video tapes) is $69.95 plus $5.00 postage and handling.

The charge for "Sarah's Key to Pattern Drafting" is $19.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling;

You can order both books and set of videos for $100.00 (save $18.85) - U.S. orders only. Out of country please e-mail for shipping costs.

Send mail orders to: Sarah Doyle, 3412 Holt Circle #C, Pensacola, FL 32526. For faster service, call 1-800-883-2348 / (850) 944-7570 for MasterCard/Visa orders, fill out our on-line order form, E-mail orders to sarah@sewwithsarah.com or pay through Pay Pal.

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