Stylish Party Dresses

Tuttle Publishing has kindly asked me to review the Japanese sewing book 'Stylish Party Dresses'

This might just be the favorite Japanese sewing book in my stash so far.

Just look at that sweet tulle dress on the front page. Adorable.

Here's the description from the Tuttle website:


Sew stylish DIY dresses with an elegant flair using this easy-to-follow sewing book. 

For parties, weddings, banquets—any occasion that calls for that special dress—this is the book that lets you DIY sew something stylish and elegant, for a lot less than you'd pay for ready-made. These 26 dresses and separates range from short to long, from sweet to sophisticated, and from simple to dramatic to suit your mood, your style and the event. Beautiful photos feature garments sewn in a variety of elegant fabrics to inspire you to choose colors, prints and textures for a dress that is just right for you and for the moment. 

Sewing patterns include:

• Gathered-skirt dresses with lacy overlays
• Simple, elegant shifts and empire-waist styles
• An easy, flattering shirtwaist dress
• A pintucked smock style dress
• Shirt and blouse combos that allow you to mix and match
• Dresses sporting a few well-place frills for a look that's both girly and subtle
• Little bolero jackets for when you want a little more coverage
• And more…

Full-size sewing patterns are offered in six sizes, and can be altered to suit most body shapes and personal measurements. The instructions and diagrams are easy to follow. Pick up the book and browse. They're some of the easiest, prettiest DIY sewing projects you'll ever make.

I know it says dresses for any occation that calls for that special dress - but imo most of the styles in the book are something I would were everyday....and I'm not the fancy type!

Let me show you some of my favorites:

The blouse with the deep v-back is just so elegant. It would also look beautiful with a lace top underneath. I'm planning on making a crepe version of this beauty.

 

My favorite. The printed tunic - design V. You can see my take on the pattern at the bottom of the post.

Most of the styles in the book are loose fitting/oversized. So everyday me. And even if the styles are designed for more petite persons than me (I'm almost 180 cm tall and a European size 40/42....on a good day), I have no trouble with fit.

Many of the designs are easy to make - and of course you are guided through each and every one of them. You do have to add seam allowances, but it's thorougly described with every design where and how much you need to add.

A great book - also if  you are new to this sewing thing.

And here's view V. This is my most worn piece at the time. The poly/rayion fabric is from Stofdepotet