Reddit mentions of Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

Check Craftster.com Such a GREAT website! I frequently just go to look at stuff people have made, and always find new and motivating things there. The people there are really nice!

A good sewing machine is always appreciated, and a serger is expensive and has a steep learning curve, but is a really great tool for anyone who sews a LOT.

Check with local sewing machine repair shops. They usually have good older machines for fairly little. Also check yard sales and Craigslist, etc. A lot of machines are sold with VERY low mileage, I got a NICE Singer 99K for about $75. It only goes forward and backward, but it sews through multiple layers of heavy fabrics without a stutter, which is useful for my needs. I also have a newer Singer that does zigzag stitch. Most people who do "standard" sewing or very little don't usually need the fancy expensive machines with programs and embroidery.

Sewing machines are pretty easy to use, once you know how to run the thread on and load and insert the bobbin. Then you set the stitch size and make sure the tension is ok, and then press the accelerator! I started using a machine when I was 12, it's fairly easy! I rarely change the settings for what I do on my machine, mostly hemming pants...

Gift cards to fabric stores, or maybe a class in pattern reading and drafting, tailoring, basic clothes making are great ways to help her. I know Joanne's (a major chain store for crafts and sewing) give lessons for ALL levels of sewing.

Wearing what she makes you and being willing to stand while she pins you up are both GREAT ways to show appreciation and support for ANY seamstress, as well as being truthful and supportive of clothes she makes for herself!

Some good books are http://www.amazon.com/Generation-Beyond-Fashion-Transform-T-shirt/dp/0761154108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260261792&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Subversive-Dirty-Fabulous-Fashionista/dp/1561588091/ref=pd_sim_b_6

http://www.amazon.com/Rip-Deconstruct-Reconstruct-Clothes-Dreams/dp/B00150GHRY/ref=pd_sim_b_7

http://www.amazon.com/Design-Yourself-Clothes-Patternmaking-Simplified/dp/0307451399/ref=pd_sim_b_14

Books in a similar vein are of course listed on those pages, you might find more titles that appeal to her. AlterNation books are good, as well as a basic sewing book like these.

An adjustable sewing dummy is VERY helpful. I found one for plus sizes (14 and up) as well as ones for "regular sized" gals.

If she lives with you, or has/wants a craft room, making her a storage area or buying shelves or cabinets for the supplies she'll need is a gift that will pay off for a LONG time!

Once she's up and running, you might offer her a trip to the closest garment district to where you live. New York and Los Angeles both have great garment districts, where fabric and supplies can be purchased for cheap cheap!