Comments on: Sewing Library: Japanese Craft Books Cont.

By: Reana Louise

Reana Louise — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 23:35:59 +0000

I am such a sticky beack, so I love getting a glimpse into your library! I bought this book myself 2 months ago, but it is an English translation. I was a bit concerned about how those loose designs would look on me (… potato sack?) but figure I’ll just belt everything I just made the ‘H’ dress and adore it! http://reanalouise.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/smug-yellow-bricks.html
RL x

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 20:57:57 +0000

I have this pattern book and love it! I’ve made two of the tops/tunics already and have a third cut out. I am on the upper end of the size chart for this book, definitely not the slender model-type in the book. I was worried that they would look sack like, but I am really happy with the tops so far. I want things that are loose and comfortable for a hot Australian summer, things that I can wear over leggings or linen trousers. And these fit the bill.

The sizing in this book is generous and while the lines of the clothes are simple there are lots of variations in the details to make them different and interesting, some of which are not clear in the photos but are in the line drawings. I am truly daunted at trying to trace patterns out of Burda magazines but this one was ok, not too cluttered on each page and each pattern in a different colour line.

After the success of this book I am now trying Drape Drape 2. Unfortunately I am beyond their size range so have some $2 fabric to try out a top to see if I can fudge or perhaps I’ll have a present for a friend! I will definitely be trying more Japanese pattern books too.

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:35:14 +0000

I’m glad I’m not the only one who owns books of patterns I may well never make! I love the style of Japanese sewing books, though I doubt many of the patterns would suit my busty figure. I do own a copy of Drape Drape 2 because of the fascinating shapes of the garments. Will I try one? Hmmmm…..maybe?

By: justine/Sew Country Chick

justine/Sew Country Chick — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:31:43 +0000

I just made a project from this book. I did add a little shirring in the back because the pattern was boxy but I just love these Japanese books! I bought several on a trip to Tokyo last year.

By: Christianne

Christianne — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:06:42 +0000

I bought a Japanese pattern book, and was very disappointed..even the XL size was too small for me I am a size 8-10 in RTW. I guess the patterns are sizes for Japanese women, who are smaller ?

By: Francesca

Francesca — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:32:07 +0000

Sunni – thanks for this – and I really like the light and airy feel of the new blog layout.
I too love Japanese sewing and craft books and have quite a few. Their crochet is also amazing, they do amazing lacey things…. But most of the time I find that they go for a sack look which is flattering only to slim and petite Japanese girls and tall and slim others… It can also look dowdy in the real world, unlike in their totally stylish photography. I have a friend who has the slim petite build and who lives in these shapes – she actually give soff don’t look at me vibes. I have tried making items and belting them, but for my figure type (quite tall, not too unproportioned but bottom heavy, curvy but not a plus) the belting doesn’t flatter either. ?I feel good in things which are fitted on the torso and flaring from the waist and hips. Sometimes gathered, but not too full at the waist. In other words, my favourite 50s patterns fit the bill. Sounds boring but there is a lot one can do there. One book which was generally criticized is Interweave’s English issue of Shape Shape. It has a few really cute skirts and tops along with some nonos. The problem with it is all the patterns are on one sheet and unlike Burda they are not differentiated by colour or squiggle, so it’s a little hard to be sure you are getting the right line…. But like I said, it has some cute patterns.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:24:42 +0000

I love the style of these books too. I just saw this same one at a store in town and love the dresses. They look lovely on the Japanese models. The trouble is, unless you’re also petite, skinny and flat chested, I don’t think any of the Japanese styles would be flattering. Can you imagine what a huge frumpy sack the same dresses would be on a tall, broad shouldered, busty hourglass? I have one book with mother daughter looks I couldn’t resist, but whether I can make any of them suit me remains to be seen. As style inspiration books, though, they can’t be beat.

By: Sewing Sveta

Sewing Sveta — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:48:27 +0000

Japanise girls like loose dresses%)))

By: crystalpleats

crystalpleats — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 02:11:09 +0000

I love the glimpses of the Japanese sewing books that I have seen. And while I like something about them, I doubt the looks would be great on me. Plus the language and patternless aspects of them scare me away for the time being. I think the layout of the website looks grat.

By: Sunni

Sunni — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:53:51 +0000

@Awfulknitter, I do have 2 that have been translated into English. They are more crafty and quilty and so the instructions are very helpful as they clearly say how wide something needs to be, etc. I’ll show those later on.

@Amanda, The designs themselves are fairly sack-like, very minimal. I still like the designs themselves as they are just different from what I would normally choose, but not necessarily something I would wear myself. I don’t know, I’m still a little undecided about them, but overall the book is just inspiring to look at.

@theperfectnose, Thank you for your comments on the new layout!