Freehand Fashion: Learn to sew the perfect wardrobe – no patterns required!

I have the kindle version of this book, it's is very good value and as an experienced seamstress with a strong interest in drafting my own patterns I really liked her logical mathematical approach. I also loved the maxi wrap dress featured in the book as well as most of the other designs featured in this book. The instructions look clear and the book in general is very well executed. However, the proof is in the sewing and as I haven't sewn up anything yet using these instructions, I can't comment on that aspect of the book. As soon as I draft and sew something I will update my review, but based on first impressions, I think it's excellent and complements my other books on pattern drafting very well.

This book is excellent. It's apparent that the last reviewer made a mistake by giving this book only one star. I first heard of Chinelo Bally from watching recordings of the "Great British Sewing Bee" season 2 on Youtube. Unfortunately almost all of the episodes have been deleted but you can still find them online. Anyhow, this book teaches you how to design your own clothing without a pattern. She gives a number of projects to start you off with that are based on your own measurements and preferences. For instance, you get to select the fabric, how long or short it will be, etc. You do take a lot of measurements, but that's what helps you to get a good fit. But the real gem in the book is that it teaches you the principles of how to take a design that you have in your head and create it to fit your own body.

I really like this book. This technique is what I'd call a "trade" method of producing clothing - if you are a tailor or seamstress who has random customers walking in your shop and telling you they need a dress for tonight, this is how you get it done. Many places in the world get all their clothes done this way. I think this is a fantastic method to stretch an experienced sewist's skill set or an adventurous beginner to start out with. I only gave 4 stars because I think you will need other books as reference along with this one, like a flat pattern reference and a sewing reference.

This is my second and much more informed review of this book. When will she write another one she is absolutely the best!! At first I thought these ideas are tremendous but I have to make a fabric pattern first of the basics?? Well it will take a while... I thought. So much easier and faster not to mention a perfect fit when done. You will NOT be sorry it is that terrific. Don't be afraid to work outside of your traditional box and learn her methods you will see everything differently after this experience. There will be nothing too hard to create in a perfect fit for your body. It is so good and pleasant to have exciting fashions that look and feel terrific. So many compliments. No one can believe I did it all myself, it looks so professional. Take the time to learn this method.

As a self-taught seamstress, I find this book very well written and easy to follow. Chinelo makes my sewing life easier because I am not a fan of using patterns as I sew. I love using my own freedom and creativity to create garments. This book helps me to improve my drafting/measuring skills.

I LOVE the idea of this book and how it is laid out, and some of the projects that help you learn are really cute. But this is definitely not a book for the beginner - if you already have a good level of comfort sewing clothing, you will be able to figure it out, but the garments are definitely complicated for a relatively inexperienced sewist like myself. Even the basic top design has a lining and invisible zip, and the instructions often will assume you know what you're doing instead of laying it all out. With the help of separate YouTube tutorials and other books I've successfully made one of the garments but the book alone as other reviewers have mentioned isn't sufficient to construct these items unless you already really know what you're doing.

This book is extremely well written and illustrated. I can't wait to make my first block.

I haven't made anything from this book as yet, but I do love it so far. This book is one of the few books that I have come across that shows how to make clothes by using an individual's measurements to draft the pattern directly on on the fabric. It amuses me that people online have never thought of using this concept when it is the most common method that I see people use here in my country. The instructions are straightforward and the projects look like I can manage to make them. The only thing that this book lacks is how to cut a pants pattern.

私は日本人です。妻の希望で日本で注文しました。イギリスの本ですがとてもセンスのよい魅力ある本でした。たいへん参考になります。

ein sehr interessantes Buch mit sehr vielen guten Detailangaben. Leicht verständlich geschrieben - so fern man der englischen Sprache mächtig ist. I can only recommend this book, lots of good details and very easy to understand.. Ich habe eine Bluse als Einstiegsmodel gewählt und sie passt hervorragend. As starter model I used a blouse and the fit was perfect.

The delivery is *super fast* and the book looks great! Can’t wait to give it a try, as I find comercial patterns really fussy. Very happy

Nice read!

My sewing machine broke, but I had to return to praise this book. I made many dresses for my wife using this book. This is how you SHOULD be sewing; not using the stupid cut out rice paper patterns. Simple, beautifully explained, and as a man with no sewing training I was not only able to make beautiful garments, but I rapidly learned fundamental sewing skills and knowledge. I'd recommend this to everyone, at any level, that wants to sew beautifull skirts and dresses