I am so late to the party with this review (see what I did there?). But if you missed other folks thoughts on the matter, then stick with me, because I think this is a super book.
I have a really big soft spot for Japanese sewing books and have to contain myself and not buy all of them just because they are so pretty. I do have a problem with them, namely a) I have to grade every single pattern if I want to maintain the proportions, and b) oftentimes the shapes are designed to flatter a more boyish figure. One thing I’ve never been accused of is having a boyish figure.
Stylish Party Dresses has some gorgeous patterns that not only do I want to make but which would fit my lifestyle and, I think, my figure.
So here are my best picks:
This is my absolute favourite from this book. I can see this in a navy silk, with matching cigarette pants and heels for a date night with hubby. Gorgeous. But it would also be lovely in linen over shorts for those hot summer days that we’re hoping to get.
A girl can hope, no?
I don’t know where the urge to wear a jumpsuit is coming from. I haven’t worn one of those since about 1994! But this is lovely. I’d make it in a plain solid with lace or sheer for the yoke/bow. And, of course, several more inches on the trouser legs!
This is just gorgeous. Again I think the hem could drop a couple of inches, but other than that, everything is perfect. Wouldn’t this be charming for warm summer evenings and dinner on the patio with friends?
I love this dress for dinner dates with The Husband. I’m not loving this colour, but change that and I think this has just the right mix of comfort, style and little details. I’m particularly fond of the shaped hem and the gorgeous sleeves. You could, of course, give it a straight hem…that would then make it quite a timeless piece.
Last, but by no means least, is this cute swing dress. Whilst I wouldn’t really consider this a party dress, I’d love it in linen with flats for the summer. It would also be cute if you shortened it a bit and wore with leggings in colder weather.
The pattern sheets will be familiar to anyone who has ever traced a Burda pattern.
When you consider the cost of a Vogue pattern, or some of the Indie offerings (£12.50 for an elastic waisted skirt!), this book is really quite modestly priced at £12 on Amazon UK.
Whilst I’m very much focussed on sewing basics for myself at the moment, I’m hoping to slip one or two of these into the mix too.
A girl can never have too many pretty dresses. Wouldn’t you agree?
The disclaimer:
I received a free copy of this book from the kind folks at Tuttle Publishing in return for my review. As always all thoughts are my own…and you know I call a spade a spade. For what it’s worth I’d happily pay £12 for this book.
These look much more wearable than some of the garments in a similar book I bought last year. I love the navy top with the tie at the back.
Look forward to seeing what you come up with.
They definitely are. Some of the other books are very beautiful to look at but completely unwearable unless you are quite a specific shape. I’m looking forward to sewing some of theses…if I ever get my copy of the book unpacked! 😉
I think my figure is more “old boy” than boyish ☺ Some gorgeous patterns here and I too also love that v-back top!
Hahahaha….stoppit! You’re gorgeous. But there are some lovely and very wearable garments in this book.