Purl and Seam

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Stylish party dresses – book review

April 18, 2016

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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:

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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?

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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Comments

  1. Tialys says

    April 18, 2016 at 10:03 am

    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.

    • Pendle Stitches says

      April 22, 2016 at 9:18 am

      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! 😉

  2. Chica Andaluza says

    April 18, 2016 at 10:34 am

    I think my figure is more “old boy” than boyish ☺ Some gorgeous patterns here and I too also love that v-back top!

    • Pendle Stitches says

      April 22, 2016 at 9:18 am

      Hahahaha….stoppit! You’re gorgeous. But there are some lovely and very wearable garments in this book.

Evie

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