Posts
I've had this cool book of Japanese patterns for a couple of years, but I haven't gotten around to trying any of them. The book is kind of like pattern magazines like Burda World of Fashion, in that the pattern pieces are printed on top of each other and you have to trace off the pieces that you want. But the instructions are mostly illustrations, instead of words.
So, have any of you ever made something from one of these Japanese pattern books? If so, how did it go? Or from any Asian pattern? Do you like to explore patterns from all around the world? Do you mostly prefer American patterns with American styles and instructions in English? Do you like to try new independent designers? Where do you look for your patterns?
8 comments:
I like trying out new patterns out of curiosity. I have an older Japanese pattern book that I've never used, maybe I'll try something from that this summer.
Oops, forgot - I've tried all sorts of European patterns, and I don't find the language barrier a problem. If you've been sewing for a while, you pretty much know how things are put together or know where to get reference books or where to look on the web for info. You can also look at English patterns in a similar style to get some English instructions.
I have never tried but I have heard of it and would love to try. I don't have a preference for american styles. For budget's sake I usually just go with the 99¢ pattern sales @ Joanns (simplicity, butterick, mccalls). Although there are multiple independant patteen designer's patterns I would love to try, it is not cost-effective to buy an expensive pattern for something " in the looooong queue".
I have tons of Japanese knitting/crocheting/beading books. They are great because they are diagrammed, so you don't need Japanese. As for the sewing books - I like the Ms. Stylebook series, but they require drafting the patterns yourself, which intimidates me. The ones that come with patterns are less fitted than I would like, but the books are lovely!
The Japanese sewing books are very seductive, largely due to the beautifully styled photographs. I have made one or two patterns up for my daughter...they were okay but I have got better fit for her from Burda and Ottobre patterns. I have bought a couple of adult Japanese pattern books but I suspect that the designs would not look as good on my pear shaped figure as they do on an Asian figure.
Burda patterns seem to have a better fit through the shoulders for me than other patterns.
I have sewn a couple of Marfy patterns, which are Italian. They don't have any instructions or seam allowances, so can be pretty tricky to put together, but the 2 Marfy pants patterns I have tried have given me a much better fit than any other brands.
I love to try out new sewing pattern brands.
I love looking at the Japanese books on various blogs, but have never purchased nor made any of the patterns. The designs seem to be suitable for my figure of 20 years ago.
I haven't tried Asian patterns. I'm still trying to get the hang of American patterns :) I've purchased a few Colette Patterns but they're still in my "to be made pile". I look for patterns on the sewing blogs I read and the sewing blogs they list on their blog. I also use pattern review and going to Original Sewing & Quilt Expo and ASG annual conference to find new patterns.
I've never tried the Asian patterns either, though I see them pop up quite frequently on my blogroll. I think they look like nice, well-constructed patterns, but based on what I've seen, I don't think they'd work on me. They seem like they're often a bit too... I don't want to say "shapeless", but I guess I mean cut too straight. My figure's curvy enough that some form of shaping is more or less a requirement for me in order to avoid the maternity look.
Post a Comment