Japanese Sewing Books
I receive quite a few emails from publishers asking me to review books. I don’t review very many, honestly I think it’s because sometimes I just get a little bit overwhelmed with my blogging “to do” list and have a hard time committing to another post. Also some of the books are fantastic, but not a good fit for my blog or my readers.
When Tuttle emailed me about reviewing 2 Japanese sewing books (already translated into English) I was intrigued. I’ve always been such a big fan of Japanese sewing patterns and fabrics. I’ve even spent my fair share of time trying to translate (using google translate) a few sewing tutorials online.. never with much success.
As you might have seen I’ve been on a bit of an apparel sewing kick lately, both for myself and for my girls. I was excited to see some fun new patterns to try.
I was immediately drawn to the Dress with Square Neckline from the Sew Chic Kids book. It looks so simple and effortless… like the perfect summer sundress. I pulled out some of my gingham shirting fabrics and decided this would be one of my next projects.
I also love the roll-up shorts- they are shown here for a boy, but in my head I’d love to make them out of a great bright seersucker for my daughter for summer. The cut on them looks spot on and I like that they are a bit longer with the roll cuff detail- I think it makes them look a little bit dressier.
The Sew Chic book (which has patterns for women) has some absolutely beautifully constructed clothing items. Such amazing lines and proportions. Really fresh and clean. I “think” I might attempt to make this Jacket with Back Tie- I’m still “dipping my toes” into sewing for myself but this looks totally “do able” – I can see it layered over a t-shirt and boyfriend crops for a fun casual summer outfit.
Both books come with a pattern packet, full instructions and instructional illustrations. The instructions are easy to follow, and the authors even give a few sewing tips and tricks too. Most of the patterns in the children’s edition go up to a size 8.
Tuttle has sent me a few extra copies to give away. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. You’ve got until next Wed. the 28th.
You can find both of the books (along with a few more by the same publishing house) on Amazon:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Shorts, shorts, and more shorts are on my summer sewing list.
I have some kinkame fabrics, and 2 granddaughters… I’d love to try some patterns from these books!
I purchased Yoshiko’s Stylish Dress Book yesterday at a quilting and craft fair! I am going to make some clothes for myself. And I’m excited!
I have only done a tiny bit of clothing sewing for myself and kids, but I’d like to do more. These books look great!
These books look incredible. I remember seeing Japanese fashion magazines in college and being fascinated by the designs. Now bear in mind that was a long time ago and my exposure to patterns was pretty much limited to McCalls and Simplicity. Butterick was considered exotic. Yes I lived in a very isolated, rural area so it didn’t take much to send me into delightful dreams. Even if I don’t win these I may have to go find the books to add to my sewing shelf.
First I have to go through my stash…wanting to use that before buying new for once! I am wanting to make some dresses and skirts…have a wedding to attend in September and want to try out a pattern before I use the “perfect” fabric!
My summer project is a grandmother’s flower garden quilt made of all my old scraps for our new house that will hopefully be ready by the end of the summer so we can remember our first house by.
With 7 grandsons and 3 granddaughters I will be sewing list of shorts, shirts and dresses. Considering they range in age from almost 18 down to 16 months, one of these sewing pattern books will certainly help me come up with fresh ideas and a rNge of styles!
I’m determined to make a great pair of shorts for myself and a few dresses and rompers for my daughter.
a summer dress for myself is definitely on the list.
Oh what a fun giveaway…and with three bitty Granddaughters, I would SEW love to win!!!! Good luck one and all. XXX
My summer sewing list consists of rash guards, hooded knit dresses, t shirts, and tote bags.
These books look great and maiking some new garments with japanese twist would be very useful for summer.
I need to make a new handbag/diaper bag. And am really thinking about venturing into sewing with leather.
I need to make more things for my little man. My daughter has skirts and dresses out the whazoo. I find it really hard because he is too old for the cutesy boy stuff. It’s winter at the moment in Australia so long pants without an elastic waist are next on my list of learning adventures.
I don’t have any kids left to sew for but the adult patterns look so cute! Never tried a Japanese pattern before
I need to make my daughter some summer dresses and I really want to make both of us a cute tiered skirt, simple and good for everyday wear. I have to keep up with items for the store I sell my handmade items in too.
I learned to sew with patterns and am interested to see how to sew from a book instead. Would love the women’s book or the one for children since I sew for myself and my grandkids. Thanks.