I'm Begging You!

My Friend Jess, who is blogless but occasionally posts in comments, wants to learn to sew clothing - for herself. She is young, cute, hip, trendy, childless (although she has two dogs). Currently she is living in Kansas - which is far from where I am to help her. She knits and can follow a knitting pattern and before her hubby got his marching orders (career Army) that had them leaving California - she started quilting. We have discussed quilting and while Jess and I both love the look of it - it's too matchy-matchy for both of us. So - here's where I'm needing all your help. If you could only have one fitting book, what would it be? Does it have pictures? Is it easy to find the answer? I like Fast Fit by Sandra Betzina - but I don't like her pictures. They are always drawings and it's hard to know if that really is the problem that I'm having. How about a basic technique book? You know, the one that shows different seam finishing, talks about straightening fabric and laying pieces out "on the grain." Again, does this book have pictures? Are they clear and make sense? On the 'net who has the best helpful information. What blogs would give her helpful information - that's not too in depth, but not geared toward a total moron? I'm sure you all know what I'm getting at. Jess' birthday is around the corner and I would like to put a care package together for her. I know she'll read this entry and hopefully there will be tons of comments she can read too. Jess recently asked me in an email for an easy skirt pattern. All my favorite skirts have zippers and waistbands - maybe not the best for someone just starting out. We want success here folks! She's looking for something with an elastic waistband. So, again, what's your favorite easy skirt pattern. Something that will give sewing satisfaction so she continues to learn. Currently she's looking at making some cute summer skirts from quilting cottons. I personally like to use quilting cottons for summer skirts - they don't have to be lined, are generally quick to make, and I always feel great wearing a cute skirt that nobody else has. So - I'm begging you - please post a comment. Let me know what the one reference book is that you refer back to time and time again. The one that helps you figure out layout and the best seaming. The one that leads you toward different ways to insert elastic to get a smooth waistband. Which fitting book shows you if the bust is too tight, or how to adjust for wide hips and/or full thighs (those are my problems). I would also like to ask if you do visit and don't necessarily have a favorite, would you mind asking people to pop on over from your own blog? I want this to be a great birthday gift, something that really encourages and inspires her to move forward with this - even if she doesn't have any help locally. Thank you - I know that more of you than are listed on my sidebar links (guess I should really update those) have helped me to expand my skills, to work outside my comfort zone and to try new things. Thank you.