Book Review: Sewing for Your Girls

Thursday, March 26, 2015

It has been a while since I sewed from my growing collection of Japanese sewing pattern books, so when Tuttle Publishing contacted me about reviewing a couple of recent English translations, I jumped at the chance. Today, I have the opportunity to show you a peek inside Sewing for Your Girls by Yoshiko Tsukiori. 


The premise behind this book is there are "eight basic patterns that can be used in endless variations to create many different styles."


Each pattern starts with a basic pattern, then gives an applied pattern that includes variations on the original. By changing up the length and collar on the blouse, you arrive at the dress, but all the work has been done for you.


With that sweet collar and button placket, how could I not sew up this dress?!?


I went with a simple chambray and switched the buttons for neon yellow snaps for a not so traditional sailor style.


The placket came together just beautifully.


That collar! Swoon!!


Here are a few more sweet tops with interesting collars. 


If I though Tandy would wear them, I would totally make these overalls. It's a battle to wear pants around here, so it's just not worth the risk!


The beginning of the book is filled with detailed steps for basic techniques. This books really makes an effort to accommodate a new sewist.  


Here is a glance at the instructions for the pattern I sewed up. As you can see, there is a lot of flipping back and forth to other sections of the book to complete a majority of the steps. Finishing the neck opening was quite different than I'm used to, since the author uses part bias tape and part facing instead of all one or the other. The only variation I made to the pattern was to encase the arm openings in bias tape instead of using arm facings.


Sizing on these Japanese pattern books can be quite different, so these measurement guides are very helpful. There is a good range of sizes available in the book. I made the size 110 for Tandy who is 3 1/2.


The quote on the back of the book pretty much says it all!


I received the book, Sewing for Your Girls, for free from Tuttle Publishing. All opinions provided are my own. I will only recommend products that I would use personally and are good for my readers.
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