Simply Sewn: Clothes for Every Season

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.

Book is fab. But patterns on most are printed wrong. One end says M but when you trace it to other part says L , I still took a risk and cut it - but came out so wrong . Checked few more patterns- same thing . Gave my friend to check it for me in case I made a mistake. Same , some patterns are wrongly printed therefore unusable.

Designs are nice and simple, instructions are average. Bought as a beginner (ish) book however the amount of resizing I've had to do for the patterns is crazy. Pretty sure the model isn't these sizes either if I'm honest. Bought because the other reviews were good but honestly this is completely useless to me. I'm 5'7" and a Large in these books, which is no 'big' thing but the torso part of the patterns is really about 7" too small from my alterations. Funny thing is its my legs that are long (32" inside leg) and not my torso.

Quick delivery. Lovely book and the patterns are very wearable. The patterns come in a good range of sizes , plus larger sizes. (40 plus bust size)I've not yet made anything, must finish what I'm working on, but have already bought material to make one of the dresses and jacket.

This book is brilliant. I often buy dressmaking books and only ever use one pattern. I think I will use at least half of these. Also, the styles will be suitable for me (in my 60s) and for my daughter (in her 20s). Highly recommended

Some good ideas, but it's difficult to use the patterns as they are printed on either side of the paper.