Stylish Dress Book: Wear with Freedom

This book is incredibly good value. The only time consuming part is at the beginning, tracing off the pattern pieces for your chosen garments but once it's done you're ready to go. It's great that they are already the correct size, so no increasing on a copier (just remember to add the seam allowances). I haven't made clothes since needlework classes at school (30+) so it was a pleasant surprise to find the illustrations and written instructions both simple and easy to follow. I made 3 test items first before chopping into my good fabric. For the first one I used a size bigger than I would normally wear, expecting that it might make up on the small size. The shapes and cuts are generous however so I've made my first wearable tunic (pattern F) in my usual size. I even managed to mix and match this pattern with sleeves from one of the other patterns. I was so pleased with the book that I bought a copy for my sister and am just waiting for 'Happy Homemade: Sew Chic: 20 Simple Everyday Designs' to arrive tomorrow. Thoroughly recommended.

Each garment in this book is labelled with a letter of the alphabet and given a full page colour photograph worn by a slim model. Unusually for Japanese pattern books the sizes are from a UK 6 to 16. The styles are generally loose fitting, only one dress has a zip, a few have buttons, the rest slip over the head. I like that the styles are adaptable and would give a completely different look using alternative materials. The instructions on how to make all the dresses and tops are covered thoroughly in the second half of the book. They are easy to follow with both step by step written instructions and diagrams. I have made dress A which is very quick and easy to make. It is a roomy sun dress which was perfect for the hot weather we had for a few days. Please note that patterns will have to be traced off from the pattern sheets provided as the different pattern piece lines cross over each other. I think this book is an absolute bargain. I have paid more than the price of this book for a single pattern.

Gorgeous book with lots of attractive designs. I tend to buy clothes from White Stuff / Seasalt / Fat Face and the designs in here are mostly things that would not look out of place in those sort of shops. I am totally new to sewing clothes and have just made my first ever item of clothing from one of these patterns. It was pretty easy to follow even for a complete beginner like me. A few things to note: the patterns are printed on both sides of three printed sheets, so don't panic if you think you are missing some! Also, you'll need to buy some pattern paper for tracing the patterns on to. Finally, the size range is only your standard high-street sizes, so if you are bigger than a 16 this might not be the book for you.

I got this book because of the patterns with it. I have made three already and they have turned out great. I was looking to buy a tunic pattern but there was no need when I got this book. I like the simple styles in the book. I have raved about this book on burda thats where I have my three tunics I have made from this book. The last time i did that about a book it shot up in price. I go this book for £10. It was well worth the money because one pattern can cost about that with P&P. I have just returned back to sewing so I can sew and I know my way around a pattern so its difficult to say for beginners, but there is simple as well as more advanced. Hope this helps.

A nice selection of patterns. Not used as yet but had a good look. I don't cut my bought patterns anyway as I always trace so some may find this a bit daunting and be put off as these patterns are all on a couple of large sheets but give it a go with a bit of practice if a bit wobbly and possibly buy a French Curve if you need a bit of help it isnt as challenging as it seems and these look such lovely garments.

I love Japanese pattern books and am amassing quite a collection, in Japanese, French and now English. This is the best one I have bought yet, with some very usable patterns. On looking through pictures posted places like Pinterest, it is clear that many people have made up these patterns and they make up well. I have now made Dress E and it is my favourite top that I have ever made for myself. The patterns are adapted for Western fit, which helps, I am a 5ft 9 size 14/16 and was able to use the patterns with minimal adaptation. There are many more patterns in the book I will be using. If you are still unsure whether to buy, try seeing what other people have made from this book, I'm sure you'll be impressed!

The dresses in this book share patterns which are provided in a pocket at the back of the book. The patterns were labelled 1, 3, and 5. Thus, I thought that some patterns were missing but in fact they were printed on the reverse of the patterns. It did say this on the front of the pattern packet, but I missed it. So, pattern 1 should have been labelled 1&2 etc. I was then confused by the fact that the pattern pieces overlapped each other, but in fact you have to trace the patterns out onto to tissue paper, then pin those to the fabric. This was not explained in the instructions. It must be 20 years since I last made a dress, so I obviously have some catching up to do. But I hope I have made understanding this a little easier for those of my level of ability.

ok ok i am now addicted to these books and have started a collection.......but they are simply beautiful designs and although i havnt done any sewing for years i dont think they are that difficult to follow. i did invest in a couple of basic sewing books to supplement my knowledge and also used youtube for zip insertion help but apart from that they have all the instructions you will need. the sizing is a bit on the small size so make sure you take your current measurements and compare with the finished measurements given. i trace onto cheap baking paper make sure you label all the pieces because some pieces are needed for more than one item. i took the book out in a store to check how much fabric to purchase and several ladies were very interested in the designs. i think they are good value as you can make so many pieces from the one book and the style is very very different.