Reddit reviews The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting

I'm going to plug this book since it was written by my brilliantly talented sewing teacher. It has just gone into its second printing, so it is on backorder, but well worth the wait. It really has everything you need to understand and manipulate a pattern to fit yourself. I can't recommend it enough. You will love having well-fitting patterns so much!

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Guide-Perfect-Fitting/dp/1589236084/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335300541&sr=8-1

I bought this book. I recommend Truly Victorian patterns. They are copied from period patterns and have fine details that will lend a look of authenticity to your stuff. For instance, in order to help with fit the sleeve at the top of the shoulder is angled from the neck to the back of the arm (varying degrees depending on the year) which makes that top of the shoulder on the bias. A modern pattern maker won't do that, but the Truly Victorian ones will.

For books I highly suggest the following books:
http://www.amazon.com/Couture-Sewing-Techniques-Revised-Updated/dp/1600853358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372453039&sr=8-1&keywords=couture+sewing
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Guide-Perfect-Fitting/dp/1589236084/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

The first one is great if you ever have an interest in doing high end stuff properly, and the second one is just super useful. Great guide to altering existing patterns and making your own!