by Beth Baumgartel - Vogue Patterns Jul/Aug '97

Your sewing library is incomplete without this wonderfully imaginative book, devoted entirely to over 100 different ways to close a garment. Lois Ericson, known for her trademark creative and unique closures, believes that garment details make a difference and that those details have the ability to transform an adequate outfit into an exceptional one.

From the dramatic cover, to the 32 pages of exquisite and inspirational color photography, to the clear and concise black and white photos and related illustrations, this book covers every type of closure imaginable and more! Single spectacular buttons, fabric and ribbon ties, buckles, zippers and even bracelets are creatively used to enhance and close garments. Easy-to-follow instructions for creating the closures pictured are included. Each page features effective combinations of photography and illustration accompanied by technical and informative copy, as well as inspirational quotes that unite the worlds of art and creative sewing!

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Review of What Goes Around

Media Marketplace - by Ann Price Gosch

After perusing this book, I'm convinced that if Lois Ericson were ever in Imelda Marcos's shoes, the psychologists and humorists of the world would be talking about her passion for belts. Coincidentally, I share this passion, so you can imagine my delight at an Ericson book devoted exclusively to wearable-art belts.

Happily, the book doesn't disappoint. Inside the covers, which show an exquisite, ornately embellished belt, is an inspirational collection to help you add pizzazz to new clothes or rejuvenate your existing wardrobe. Some of the best are photographed in full-color for the book's 16-page "gallery," and eight styles are included in a companion pattern.

If you're not an experienced fashion-sewer, you might wish the book's instructions were more detailed. But Ericson suggests that hers is more an idea book than a "how-to" publication.

It's OK to copy to learn the process, she says, but then she encourages you to put your own stamp of individuality on your work.

She organizes the ideas well. After providing a chapter on belt construction basics, you'll see how an unusual closure or interesting embellishments- beads, buttons, objects and trims-can be the beginning of a belt design. Nearly half the book covers 11 fabric-manipulation techniques that can be combined to create fabulous fashion accessories.

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