Simply Sewn: Clothes for Every Season

This book isn't worth your money. It claims 31 designs, using the word 'design' in lieu of 'pattern' of which there are NOT 31, probably why Interweave doesn't allow customers to preview the contents. I gambled on it based on the cover design, a multiple-option button front shirt which is truly ingenious, hoping that some of the "31" designs would be equally interesting: they're just not. Had I seen inside the book I wouldn't have bought it. There are many Japanese design books in English with wider design varieties and better instructions. 'Simply Sewn' does have some interesting-but-not-novel designs for women under about age 30, perhaps three clothing designs that are ageless if you change them significantly, and far too much filler material. The patterns are drafted for smaller-framed women of 5'3" tall (only, in all sizes!) - not acceptable for the average American sewist. This is NOT the quality of book I expect from Interweave Press - shame on them.'Simply Sewn' is better titled 'Bait-and-Switch': 'make this vest in sherpa here & make it in knit a few pages later' presented as different items is just silly. There are also blouse & dress designs which are identical to those published by Yoshiko Tsukiori (see booklist below).Disappointments include but aren't limited to: - if you're not 5'3", you need to change the patterns & recommended amount of fabric to purchase - duplicate funnel-neck pullover vest, presented twice in different fabrics - 2 scarves made of fabric rectangles (a project thought too basic when I studied sewing in 7th grade Home Ec!) - 3 bags with longer or shorter handles (one with instruction on handles wouldn't suffice?)Instead of this book I recommend spending less money on one or more of the following:  Stylish Dress Book: Wear with Freedom , Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe , Chronicle Books Stylish Dress Book: Simple Smocks, Dresses and Tops  & especially for beginners,  Happy Homemade: Sew Chic: 20 Simple Everyday Designs . The last book has fine patterns to interest advanced sewists, but the simplicity of design & sections on sewing basics & using Japanese pattern books make it an excellent starter book for beginners.As for Interweave Press, they won't be getting any more of my money until I thoroughly preview the publication through my local library.

I loved the simple patterns for the ability to hack my wardrobe into very custom wearable pieces! <3

I have just begun to trace off some of the patterns to start sewing. I like that the designs are simple yet classy. Also I am over 50 and I am even looking forward to wearing them. I feel like the styles can be worn by all ages. One of the reviews that I read was that the person who bought the book wanted to make everything in it. Usually there are only a couple of designs that stand out. That's how I feel too, I want to make everything in the book and then wear them. Even the photography is beautiful. It is lovely to look at. I would recommend it to anyone who loves to sew.

I knew i liked the book after using one from my library but when it arrived, the back cover is torn on 3 edges and the pattern envelope has been obviously opened before. Luckily all 3 pattern sheets are inside. Im disappointed with its condition. The description says new but it obviously is not.

I own 6 or 7 various Japanese sewing books, and this one is by far one of my favorites! The designs are simple, but have some unique twists to them that add a special touch. As I looked through the book, I realized that I want to make almost everything in it, which tells me that it's a keeper! Some of the patterns included are a boat neck-style dress, burmuda shorts, a feminine jacket with a hood (not a heavy coat, but dressier than a hoodie), and a pullover vest with a funnel-style neck. If you enjoy Japanese sewing books, I would highly recommend adding this one to your library!

I'm not a huge fan of all the patterns, but there are a few really cute ones. I appreciate that theres a few bag / tote patterns in there. The book has great instructions and goes over basics really well. Great for someone like me who needs a refresher on sewing certain things (sleeves, hems, etc). I think that's were this book truly shines. Each pattern is very well documented too.

so far I've made the Sweet Summer Dress twice. Once was for practice. I am 5 '1", 125 pounds. The size small was a perfect fit. the pattern was simple one. But for beginners there is very little info about picky details, like finishing the seams, which add to a well made garment and means it will last much longer. I would say, learn some construction techniques first, before sewing these up.

Designs are mostly OK, sort of basic. BIG problem is errors in the pattern sheets. I think they probably scaled up the pattern sizes for Americans (Japanese sizes run very small) but did a bad job. One garment I made was NOT scaled up properly - I made the pattern which the book's chart said I should make which turned out to be way too small, like almost child sized. For another garment (which was scaled up to American size) I discovered wonky errors in the patterns - mislabeled size lines, and mis-scaled parts of the pattern. For example, for a bodice section the size large was bigger in the horizontal dimensions but smaller in the vertical dimensions. Would have turned out really weird if I hadn't made my own corrections. Also had to redraft the attaching sleeve because that was wonky too. NOT GOOD.

Os modelos são bem bacanas.

Patrones con pocas fotos del proceso de costura y con muchos dibujos y diagramas, está muy bien detallados los pasos a seguir pero es para costureras con experiencia. Modelos de invierno y de verano muy chulos y atemporales, básicos con toque moderno. Muy recomendable.

Starting out with making clothes I bought several books. All offer very similar guides to garment construction, seam and finishing techniques etc, so my advice is to choose the book that contains designs that you really want to wear. This book has really well designed basics, with sizes up to about a 16/18 depending on the design and desired fit. Measurements of the finished garments are provided and seem to be accurate so check there first. Full size, easy to use paper patterns (that need to be traced - so buy pattern paper too) are provided in an envelope in the back.

I just love this book and it's a good value for money. You get 31 beautiful clothing design patterns for each season. 8 for spring, 8 for summer, 10 for autumn, 3 for winter and 2 special occasions. Very clear instructions to make each piece. Some of the clothes bust size go up to 51" (130 cm), some 48", 46" or 62"! There is an envelope attached to the book which contains all the patterns. Really happy with it and hope that the author will publish more of her books.

Arranged in seasons and degree of skill, this simple but stylish collection is great for beginners or returners. Starting with Spring the simple patterns will give the reader a fresh and timeless wardrobe by winter. Because they are trace off patterns you will be familiar with the patterns before you cut cloth.