Do you love those Japanese pattern books?
I love browsing through them and I brought several back from my trip to Tokyo last year. Designs for children and crafts. But how about the patterns for women?
I wasn't so sure so I had to try making one to see for myself.
When I found out that a popular Japanese pattern book called the Stylish Dress Book: Wear With Freedom was available in English, I bought it on Amazon.
I made the dress on the cover from some linen I also bought on that trip to Tokyo at Tomato fabrics..
I made the tunic for me but it looks really much cuter on Isabelle!
This outfit looks sort of Viking or German to me.
Even with the English instructions I got so confused with the jumble of patterns I had to outline that I accidentally cut out a back piece for another dress!
Before you get started with Japanese patterns remember you always have to add seam allowance after you trace the pattern from the books pattern sheet onto your paper.
I didn't have any extra fabric so I examined the correct pattern piece and adapted the style line to the piece I already cut out. I could only fit in two tucks instead of six. I like how it turned out. I was worried it would be too boxy, but it's not.
I added some shirring to the back of the top so the tunic didn't look like a shapeless sack.
I also added a little elastic to the tucks in front under the crochet because I can't leave well enough alone.
Although I think the patterns in the book are adorable, they seem to be way too big for the model wearing them. Although the model is adorable she looks like a little kid wearing her mom's clothes in most of the book.
She seems to be swimming in almost every dress. Obviously, it's part of the prepubescent charm .
But not too flattering on most grown women, I daresay,
The pattern was simple to put together and the instructions were great. So will I make something else from this book?
There area few style I'd still like to try.
If you are interested in Japanese patterns the blog Make Something has several reviews and cute styles for women sewn up.
Her blog got me interested!
Oooooh, such a pretty tunic! I love the adaptations you made.
ReplyDeletecool It looks good :) i purchased this book too.. I started off with the Dress J .. But sewing pin tucks got me bored so its half done.. Got to finish it soon..
ReplyDeleteThanks Diya . I'l have to check your dress J out!
DeleteOh that is such a cute little dress. I love the fabric and the addition of that lace down the front.
ReplyDeleteThank you !
DeleteThat tunic is adorable.THe fabric is really cute too. I love the Japanese sewing books for kids.. But, have never sewed anything for me..Will have to look at one of the books..Thanks for sharing..
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous dress, I want one!
ReplyDeleteI love the tunic, it's really cute.
ReplyDeleteI have that book too and had the same thought about the model. I've been looking at the patterns but hesitating to make one because of that; I'm worried the outfits will look shapeless and odd on me! I love your idea of adding elastic to the back to shape the tunic tough, it looks so great like that.
Thanks for sharing, this is building up my confidence to give this book a go :)
I love how that turned out. I have always wanted to try something from a Japanese Sewing book, but I still haven't got my hand on one!
ReplyDelete~Jamie
You look so beautiful and chic in the outfit. Loved the shoes!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so brave to take on a Japanese pattern (even a translated one). They seem as confusing as filling out tax forms or something! The dress came out pretty cool though. I think the elastic under the crochet was a good decision, too.
ReplyDeleteI love this tunic! The little detail on the front is adorable. Great work!
ReplyDeleteYour modifications are beautiful, so clever, thanks so much for the inspiration!
ReplyDelete5 days later...I just commented above and since then made the dress as the pattern states and then made your modifications (and made it shorter) and I had to thank you again for your clever modifications. The elastic with 2 pleats in front is so pretty and the elastic in back helps it look a little less tent-like. I even added ties in the back to help with this. It's adorable with leggings.
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup!
HI Justine. For the life of me I can't locate the pocket placement on the front piece of this pattern. Is it marked and pointed out on the master sheet? If so, what color is it in? Any help would be super appreciated! I can guess at it, but thought I'd check first with you. :) if nothing else, how many inches from the hem seam did you place them?
ReplyDeleteAlso, do you remember how many inches you took off? I too, have made several japanese patterns all with larger than expected results. I've made XS and size 6 and have taken off several inches each time to get to my size.
I appreciate any insight you have around the pocket placement. Thanks a bunch! :)
One more ;)
ReplyDeletedid you run one shirring stitch after gathering the back or instead of?
Hi Justine.
ReplyDeleteFor the life of me I can't see where to place the pockets on the front piece of this pattern. Is it marked and pointed out on the master sheet? If so, what color is it in? Any help would be super appreciated! I suppose I'll guess at it, but thought I'd check first. :) if nothing else, how many inches from the hem seam are they placed?
Also, do you remember how many inches you took off? I too, have made several japanese patterns all with larger than expected results. I've made XS and size 6 and have taken off several inches each time to get to my size.
I do appreciate any insight you have around the pocket placement. Thanks a bunch!
Jenn Bontrager
317-379-3319