Simple modern sewing - book review and some sewn pieces

Another brilliant japanese sewing book came through my doors recently. This time it's a japanese book that has been translated into English! awesome! I'm sorry the above pic is not very good, but I love this book. The photography is gorgeous, the patterns are simple and yet practical. I feel I could sew and wear quite a number of the pieces. They've put many suggestions on wardrobe assembly and design, on how the pieces could be put together with other pieces from your wardrobe which I thought was rather clever and inspiring.

The first pattern that I tried was this cropped jacket. I made it out of cotton that I already have.  I like this piece so much I've worn it countless of times since I made it. It's very light, airy and it's not hot to layer over sleeveless/short-sleeved garments.

The neckline is gathered and tied over with a sash. the patterns calls for gathering down to the bottom of the jacket but it feels better like this for me.

I can't seem to figure out this new blogger interface. Some pictures seem to come out lying down like this. Bear with me, pls. Anyway you can see from the above picture how I wear the jacket. I think I might just make a couple more of this, maybe in some lightweight linen if I can find it.

The book has 8 patterns but there are clever variations of each pattern. This tunic uses the same pattern as the jacket above but it makes quite a different sort of garment.



For the neckline the pattern calls for gathering then enclosing with bias binding. But instead I decided to gather it by using elastic (check out this previous tutorial on Mia's skirt. I used the same technique for the elastic at the waist). This way I can easily breastfeed by pulling it down. Funny how a breastfeeding mama is always thinking about nursing options when looking at clothes.

Two buttons enclosure means you can choose either one depending on how you want to wear it.

I added these gathered pockets as an afterthought and was quite pleased that I did. A functional and also pretty addition to the garment.

Bias binding on the sleeves.

Hopefully there'll be more japanese sewing coming up...

*I bought this book from Book Depository, which is a great place to buy books. They offer free delivery worldwide!

Ok I admit it...

I'm addicted to japanese sewing now...oh my..

This top is made from the same pattern as this previous one. I liked the fit on that one so I made another. With the pattern already traced this was a quick sew..

Nice comfortable neckline

I made this with more pleats this time...

and finish it off with a pretty button..

More japanese sewing

Yet another japanese top from japanese sewing books. I warn you, I might be getting addicted.

My husband's reaction when he saw this top was 'berangin' (airy). hehe...

i like the collar detail...

light and airy indeed...

more japanese sewing coming, i think :)

Venturing into Japanese sewing

I'm feeling inspired by japanese sewing lately. The style is simple, chic and effortless. So recently I went to Kinokuniya to pick up these japanese sewing books. The books are in japanese, I don't read japanese, but rumor has it you could figure out the sewing from the pictures. So gave it a go. Tracing the pattern was a bit of a mess, but I found sewing it quite fun. I've always avoided sewing clothes from commercial patterns because of all the lengthy detailed instructions that confuse me, and quite frankly rather irritating. But with these japanese patterns the pictures are clear and it's pretty simple to figure out how to piece the pattern pieces on my own.

This first piece I tried is actually a maternity top, but I liked it, simple and light.

short sleeves to wear with a cardigan ( I seem to be a serial cardigan knitter lately)

there were supposed to be many more pleats on the front, to allow for a big belly. But I didn't have enough fabric and and I didn't need the extra belly space, so I made it with just one pleat on the front.

it closes at the back with a button

It think it goes quite well with my new cardigan (unfinished, I still need buttons )

the tops wears well...and the fabric is a dreamy light voile..love! I think there'll be more sewing from these particular books coming up..