Thanks to the lovely guys over at Tuttle Publishing I received a copy of their new title “Sewing for your girls” by Yoshiko Tsukiori, which is available in the UK from Amazon on the 15th April 2015.
I decided to road test this book and the blouse I’ve been teasing you with is Basic Pattern #7 (catchy, no?) made up in Liberty Tana Lawn purchased from Washable Fabrics on Preston Market for a tenner.
This book is delightful. There are 8 patterns in total, 7 of which has a basic and an applied version, which, as you’ve probably guessed, has a little more going on. You’ll see from the photo above, which is the blouse I made, that using pattern #7 you can make an adorable blouse or a lovely summer dress.
As well as the patterns the book also has a wealth of clearly photographed advice to give you the best chance of getting a great result.
The patterns traced from printed pattern sheets that are stored in the back of the book. A word to the wise….they don’t include seam allowances to do allow for that when tracing. Ask me how I know!!!
Given the chance I’d change a couple of things about this book, but they are only minor gripes.
So…to the blouse. I really enjoyed sewing this one. It’s beautifully drafted with facings to the front and armholes and bias binding to the back neckline. The front ruffles and round collar add a sweet touch without being overly twee. This is a good thing. I’m not mad on ruffles but these hit the mark.
Button didn’t want to do photos, so we decided that dancing was the only way forwards.
I cut a size 120 for my 116cm tall 7 year old, based not only on height but chest measurements.
I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Button loves it too!
The details on this top are really quite lovely.
Gorgeous, no?
Now, if you, like me, have a very pernickety small girl to sew for then I suspect that you’d like a copy of this book too. Good job I’ve got a couple of copies to give away, then! 😉
Edited to remove Rafflecopter and say…leave me a comment below to be entered into the draw!
Oh she looks gorgeous! Don’t include me in the giveaway as I have no little ones to sew for and I know you have plenty of lovely readers who do. Button is growing so very quickly – she’ll be keeping you busy making clothes as she outgrows them!
Honestly…she’s growing like a weed. I can’t keep up with her. And like a mini teenager with the attitude! 😉
The Liberty print is perfect for that blouse and just right for dancing in. The book looks wonderful, full of pretty things to sew for the baby, and her big sister too!
Love Preston market for the Liberty prints!!!! It’s a great book…don’t forget to tick your entry on the Rafflecopter! Big Sis would love this for sure.
I love the ruffles on this sweet Liberty lawn blouse.
I have 2 granddaughters and I love to sew for them.
I also have a grandson not yet crawling – I’ll have to make some lovelies for him, while his little.
Your work is beautiful on this animated young girl.
🙂 Birdie
Thank you! You are blessed with grandchildren. They are lucky to have a talented grandma.
It’s a pretty, yet practical blouse. Plenty of room for her to make her moves 🙂
Exactly…perfect for groovy moves and yet smart and pretty enough to keep me happy! Result.
That’s one gorgeous blouse one one gorgeous little girl. Beautiful. x
Thank you. I know I’m biased but she’s lovely!
Ooooooh I’d love to make miss Ella some pretty things, I’ve got lots of lovely girly fabric waiting to be pretty clothes!
I saw those amazing dungarees you made. She’s a lucky girl!
Button looks gorgeous! Count me in for the giveaway. What age to you think the patterns would go up to? And good to know Preston market is a source for liberty!
Thank you. The smallest size is height 39.5″/chest 21.75, the tallest is heigh 55″/chest 28. Button is a petite 7 and this is the 24.5″ chest. Hope this helps.
Button looks adorable! Love that print on her.
Thank you. I love this print on her too. 😀
What a lovely little blouse on a darling little girl! And she’s such the little model with those poses!
Thank you. She wasn’t in the mood for posing at all until I got her dancing. I’m really pleased with how they turned out. They really capture her personality!
Oh, I’d love to be the lucky winner of this book! my little one is also growing quickly but not so fast that I can’t sew cute little things for her. Button really does seem to enjoy her blouse! They look so cute without their front teeth 😉
Oh I can’t wait till her teeth grow back. I know I’m in the minority!
They do grow awfully quickly. Everyone tells you so but you don’t believe it until bam! they’re not babies any more.
Button looks adorable in the Liberty print blouse and her shoelaces match too!
I would love a copy of this book so that I can make more clothes for my seven month old grandaughter Harriet. I have already made her a Geranium dress lined with Liberty fabric.
How did I miss that the shoelaces match?
Harriet is such a pretty name. And Geranium is such a great pattern. I love making it. It’s great to make as a gift too.