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
Even though I have no little girls to sew for, I’d love to win either book. I do sew for the American Girl dolls.
I just picked up a similar fabric at my local fabric store – I was hoping to make something breezy for myself for the summer – these patterns might just be the ones! Thanks for sharing, looking forward to seeing what you create.
I like the look of these books. I’d like to sew some summery tops for me and dresses for my girls this summer.
I am sewing a couple of Coco’s from Tilly’s this summer for me and my teenage daughter, love the simplicity of the pattern, just like the japanese books so simple lines they are gorgeous!
Summer is really hard to sew much. Working full time and watching grandkids on my days off, I don’t have much free time. 🙂 Living in Oregon, we tend to be outside until dark and then it’s bedtime. So, I’m lucky to get a few hours a week of sewing in during the summer. 🙂 But, I do want to make some summer dresses for my granddaughter.
craftyccain@gmail.com
I have checked out some of these books from the library. They are always full of inspiration. My summer to do list is long, graduation t-shirt quilts is at the top of the list.
I have a few of the other Japanese sewing books and haven’t had time to sewing anything yet but am hoping to this weekend! I’m excited to delve into them.
Gosh, my summer sewing to do list! I have high hopes of opening an etsy shop, along with making some quilts for christmas gifts and a few easy dresses for people that have had baby girls!
I have 3 new grand babies coming this year! I have lots of sewing to do for them!
I hope to make an applique quit with summer flip flops as the design. But…. I would love to make some clothes for my many loved ones with these new books.
Let’s see- church clothes for myself and my daughter, summer clothes for her, re-cover a chair. Lots to make!
I LOVE Japanese sewing books. They are so simple compared to a lot of the designs that are out there today. Too frufru for me sometimes. I plan on making a quilt this summer and some shorts for my daughter. I might just have to buy that book to get those shorts.
I’ve got a couple of baby quilts in the planning stage and I would love to sew myself a top.
I want to make a new table runner and matching mug rugs.
loved the news that now they are available in english
We were just talking last night at quilt guild how people are starting again to sew clothing. What a great way to get back into it with fresh designs. I have been sewing since grade school and would love to start again.
I haven’t sewn clothes in years. This would be a way to start.
Love the Japanese clothing design books—simple, easy to personalize. I am working on tunics and apron dresses for me this summer, as well as children’s clothes.
I just recently discovered a small quilt store in a nearby town with fabrics so nice you want to eat it. I am planning to make several quilts and may be try to sew some summer dresses with the beautiful fabrics.