Stylish Dress Book: Wear with Freedom

For experienced sewists who’d like to try some of the popular patterns coming out of Japan, this book is a good introduction. Tsukiori’s designs are unified around a common theme, which might be called “Boho Peasant,” and feature 26 patterns for smocks, dresses, and overshirts, all of them loose-fitting and distinctly youthful. The photos are very much in the Japanese style: one wan-looking model, wearing clothes done up in Liberty fabrics. Perhaps a better idea is to look at the pattern schematics themselves, black and white sketches that give a better idea of the shape (and the appeal) of the garments. The usual caveats to Japanese-origin publishing are needed—there are no instructions on sewing technique, and what directions there are must be carefully read; readers may miss the introductory note that seam allowances aren’t provided on the provided pattern paper. Notably, however, more directions than usual are provided, and the size range is much greater than typically given, going up to size 16. Using Japanese-origin books as crafting manuals, even when well translated, is always a bit of an adventure; this book is a good place to start if so inclined. Full-color photos, patterns for tracing. (Aug.)