I’ve heard a lot of buzz in the online world about these Japanese pattern books- they appear to have quite the cult following. I’ve always been curious to see what exactly they entail (and I also just really love following the pack, ok), so when the publisher contacted me and asked if I’d like a copy of Drape Drape by Hisako Sato to check out, there was no hesitation on my end between when I received the email and when I replied and said YESSS YES YES. New patterns to try! Yes!!
These books were originally published in Japanese (no duh, Lauren), but they were recently translated into English. The translation struggles a little on some points – right side is referred to as “upside,” interfacing is “interlining,” – but overall, it’s pretty easy to understand. The book starts out with general information on the pattern sizing, an explanation on the various drapes and tucks used in the book, and a small chapter on sewing knit fabrics using a standard sewing machine. Drape Drape is actually a pattern book – there are a few pattern sheets with nested pattern pieces (such as what you see with Burdastyle) in the back of the book- 17 patterns in all. It is not, as some might be led to believe, an instruction book on how to drape.
That being said, the pictures in the book are very beautiful – showcasing these gorgeous fluid, drapey designs. The kind of stuff that Vogue wishes their photoshoots would end up looking like:
I personally love the line drawings. Like, I want to chop them out of the book and hang them on my wall.
Even Hammer Pants look good as a line drawing.
~easy breezy~
This last one STOLE MY HEART. I was bound and determined to make it up – using a slinky, drapey black rayon knit. Nevermind not having anywhere to wear it – I was gonna make it, and no one was gonna stop me.
But hold up a minute, because have you seen how these pattern instructions work?
If this looks easy, it is because it is the easiest pattern in the book. The V-neck dress is quite a bit more involved, with interfacing and a zipper. I spent about 2 weeks staring at the instructions and pulling hair out of my head in an attempt to understaaaaaaand, but the instructions were just too sparse for my comfort and those mountain and valley folds got the best of me. Not that I think it was a necessarily hard pattern to complete – I just need hand-holding when it comes to things like this. Lots and lots of hand-holding. I’m actually like that in pretty much every aspect of my life, so this doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
I’m not saying this to scare you – I don’t think this book is too difficult for the average sewer to comprehend. It just doesn’t work for me and the way my brain functions (plus: tracing nested pattern pieces, NOPE.). Rather than have it sit unused on my shelf, I’d much prefer to give it to someone who can use it 🙂 So if you’ve been curious about these pattern books – here’s your chance! One caveat – this is my copy of the book, and I did mark up one of the pattern sheets (the skirt piece for the v-neck dress has been outlined in blue Sharpie. Yes, I write in my books. Sorry.). The book is in otherwise perfect condition – including the dust jacket – and the pattern sheets are still usable despite the markings.
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment (with an email address where I can reach you if you win, please) and tell me your favorite sewing book. This giveaway is open worldwide – if you can receive mail, you can enter the giveaway – and I’ll close the pool a week from today, Monday 2/18/13. Good luck!
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
Thanks to everyone who entered!
LLADYBIRD 
What a great giveaway. Working with one of these books is on my list of things to try in 2013. Please toss my name into the hat.
While the Colette Sewing Handbook is the book that taught me how to sew, the book that has won my heart time and time again is Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing. Everything I’ve made from it so far fits beautifully and looks great and I’ve barely put a dent in making all of the book’s 20+ possible garments (and I literally love and want to make all of them).
mnease@elon.edu
I’d love to take a look at this book and try one of the patterns, they look so pretty and flowy…:) My fav book is Vogue’s sewing book, because it is very hand-holdingy and i need that too. Thank you for offering to share this book!
Oh no, this is very bad. Because I MUST HAVE THAT DRAPED DRESS, and I too require copious hand-holding in life. I actually needed a friend to go with me to get a library card. Yes, you read that correctly. A library card.
Oh, in my excitement I forgot to leave the title of my favorite sewing book. I actually use a semi-ancient copy of the Reader’s Digest Complete Book of Sewing quite a bit. It’s been a great all-around basic reference guide for me!
I would love to have this book. I have been wanting to try draping. So winning this book would be perfect 🙂
Sewunique09@yahoo.com
I’ve been kinda obsessed with that gathered low back tank for a while now…. so yes, momma would like a copy of this beast. Thanks Lauren!
I’d love to give this book a try! My favorite sewing book has to be the Colette sewig handbook, for it’s easy explanation of techniques. I’ve not actually seen a pattern from the book, but as a reference it’s awesome! But, if I win te giveaway I promise to make something from drape drape!
oooo that draped dress is killer. would love this book. i love the natalie bray sewing books – all of them.
I love the look of this book, though slightly scared by the (lack of) instructions! My favourite book at the moment is the Liberty Sewing Book – i lust after the fabrics!
Ohhhh… I have seen so many books like this, they are so the new thing! My fave sewing book is… Erm so many books to choose!!! I love The fabric selector so informative. x
I don’t own many sewing books. I just ‘borrowed’ my mom’s old Reader Digest one and went at it. I feel like I should go look at sewing books now.
Would love love love to have this book. As for my fav sewing book, hmmm…. I do like Colette and the pattern magic books.
I haven’t managed to not buy a sewing book yet. I really would like to try out these patterns. the no.5 dress looks so amazing. and the I can see myself wearing the no. 13 on the beach. So excited to have the opportunity to try out this book.
Oh man. I want, want, want! My favourite sewing books are the Pattern Magic series so I know I would love this book too. In fact, I have a black dress very very similar to the v-neck drapey one you wanted to make and I’ve been looking for a pattern to recreate the one I have because mine is SO well worn it’s got a few little holes in it. This would be PERFECT!!!
I don’t want to enter – I have this book in Japanese but I thought I’d let you know that these patterns are totally doable. I’ve made a few of the designs and the biggest challenge is with fabric – like your last Tiramisu post, too drapey jersey can be trouble. I didn’t do the hems the way they suggest but I think my results have been pretty good. I’ll link to my burdastyle post of the dress you wanted to make – I found it was too low and I should have made another muslin before proceeding. The skirt portion was really heavy and pulled the band down. If you want to skype/gchat to get some help with it, I’d be up for it!
I GASPED in awe when I saw that first picture of the v-neck dress… I’m completely in the same boat with you as far as where the heck I’d sport that thing, but it would be a phenomenal project (with backup help from my engineer-artist mama, because yah, it looks like quite the puzzle!) The one that I really, really love though (and would actually wear like *everyday*) is the charcoal blue drawstring-detail top. SWOON.
Sadly enough, my newest sewing endeavor is learning how to use an old “Mini Brute” industrial sewing machine (yay!) to fashion a self-stuffed & heavily reinforced softie toy that my 75-lb dog won’t destroy within 15 minutes (yaaaaay.)
As far as my favorite sewing book, I don’t currently have *any* sewing books!
I have borrowed lots from the library over the years, but can’t recall any that stood out as more than pragmatic and useful research materials in the moment… no lasting loves so far, unfortunately. I am definitely looking for an excuse to sew something that makes *myself* feel lovely and graceful soon (yay, spring!), and boy wouldn’t this book full of drapey, drapey lovelies fill those shoes!
Thanks for showing us all such a beautiful book 🙂
What a great giveaway! My favourite sewing book is The Complete Book of Tailoring for Women who Like to Sew by Adele P. Margolis. I found it in a second hand shop on a great trip, and it’s filled to the brim with great techniques, plus I love the way she writes!
Thank you for this giveaway! I love Japanese patterns, and this is one of my favorite books, would love to have it! katarina.macan@gmail.com
I don’t have a favourite sewing book… I’m looking for one. I’ve been dying to try one of these books on my search,.. count me in!
I would love to try the draped dress with racerback. I have too many sewing books to call my favorites, but recently bought couture sewing techniques which has been fascinating.
I say use some cheap fabric and make up your own instructions as you go along! My favourite sewing book is fit for real people by pati palmer….I finally understand how to increase the size on the out curves, not on the in ones!
fave sewing book(s) Natalie Bray, the Pattern Magic series, Pattern Cutting by Helen Joseph-Armstrong… I’d love to make some of these creations for the daughters.
I don’t have a favorite sewing book per se but I love Burdastyle magazines – I’ve been sewing from them since I was a teenager, so nested patterns are not a problem for me. I’d love to try a Japanese pattern book though, looks like it would be fun to figure out!
Oooooh that would be so much fun to try. I really like that gray T-shirt like thing next to the girl running in the peachy-pink fabric! Haha that is as descriptive as it gets. Regardless, my email is carleeandrea.smith@gmail.com. And I only have two sewing books so my favourite is the BurdaStyle book? Yeah. Thanks for the giveaway!
Ooh, fun! The sewing book that I reach for the most is the Colette book. I usually need quick refresher on whatever adjustment or technique I’m looking up, and that book’s photos are pretty great.
I’m shannon at orangecloudhandmade.com!
i am swooning over that dress too, although i’m not sure how flattering it would be to my hips! btw, did you see amys version (from sew well)? anyways, my favorite sewing book is Make Your Own Dress Patterns, A Primer in Patternmaking for Those Who Like to Sew by Adele P. Margolis. I just love looking through it and dreaming of all the things i could sew from a basic block!
hmm, i do not have a favourite but Stylish dress book is nice.
Would like to try Drape drape!
Eeeeep! Count me IN for the giveaway – it’s no secret that I’m a massive fan of Japanese pattern books and I’ll get stuck the fuck right in even if that shit hasn’t been translated! I find the illustrations so beautiful too and have been meaning to get a copy of drape drape for ages.
I don’t have one favourite sewing book in particular, but ones I’m digging a lot these days are: Simple Chic (Japanese), DIY Couture, Vogue Sewing & 400 knitting stitches.
You got my email! xxx
I really want to get my hands on a copy of this book!!! I think my favorite sewing book is one yard wonders…it kinda gives you differ ideas on how to get rid of your stash!
I’m in on the giveaway. I used to live in Japan and I miss it terribly. This book would maybe assuage my longing just a hair. Not much, but it might help. I love Japanese design in pretty much everything.
My favorite sewing book – and I admit this is far far from glamourous – is the Reader’s Digest sewing book. I don’t refer to it too much anymore since I’m long past the beginner stage, but it’s been a major resource for me the first few years of seriously sewing clothing. I think it’s one every novice should have.
Please put my name down for the giveaway… I’ve been looking for a non-weddingy wedding dress (if there is such a thing) and that V-neck beauty looks like a very strong contender! Favorite book? Fabric for Fashion. Finally got my head around all the different fabric types…
Am new to sewing, used to do that in high school, and now am taking classes. Hope to finish sewing my first Vogue -V1287 – soon. My favourite book currently is McCalls sewing in colour (published in 1972!, bought 2nd-hand). And the recent 4-part burda specials for techniques (in Russian) are really nice, too.
I’m super curious to check out drape drape. Thanks for passing it along. My favorite sewing book is definitely a 1970’s tome (maybe by Better Homes and Gardens?) that was my mom’s, purely for its nostalgia value. Although, buried among the gigantic collars and bellbottom pants, are some really great techniques.
I heart Gertie’s book the most, but I feel sad for my other books saying that out loud…
That orange billowy dress opposite the grey top is fantastic. The fairly sparse instructions in this book would be a perfect complement to my favourite sewing book: the DK/Reader’s Digest book. It’s definitely got me out of some sticky Burda situations too!
My go-to book is still my first: Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing. And I’ve been drooling over Drape Drape for ages, so please enter me! thwarted3@yahoo.com
OMG must have!! My favourite is good old Vogue Sewing. It’s saved me when I’ve been weeping with frustration over pattern instructions. It’s actually out in the world at the moment, helping other seamstresses to sew, it’s that good!
I am obsessed with patternmaking in general right now. I’m currently “reading” Donald McCunn’s “How to Make Sewing Patterns”, although really you have to follow step-by-step in a hands on fashion to truly follow all the steps. I would love love love a copy of “Drape Drape” to do pattern work with knits!
I am yet to find an epic sewing book- I am a lady who prefers to google/youtube… But this looks epic!
My vintage singer sewing book is still the favorite.
Oh, I’d love to have a copy of this book! It does look super daunting (thanks for the page shots), but I could use a challenge. Like others, the book I use the most is Vogue Sewing, so I guess it’s my favorite?
I love that you draw and write in your books, because I do that too! I even highlight pertinent passages. Out of my myriad of sewing books, I would have to nominate Clare Schaeffer’s “Couture Sewing Techniques” as my favourite sewing book, although for fitting it would be my Palmer/Pletsch series.
Yay! I’m all into buzz about this book and would love love love to have it in my collection. I’ve never draped before so I’d totally learn that and than would kick you in the butt for not trying (would work better than hand holding, I guess, haha)
My favorite sewing book is “Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers” – it’s like sewing 101 but holds so many tips and tricks that I’m coming back to it again and again, just to find something new. Sometimes I even call it my sewing “Bible”!
I adore all those loose, drapey designs! I have a one year old so I just want to be comfy all the time, y’know, without just wearing pajamas. I love Fabrics A to Z, and also Sewing with Knits.
oh my, i would kill for that book i guess,so count me in, please.. don’t have favorite sewing book, ’cause i only have one sewing book (some burda sewing manual from 70’s), and i’m not particularly mad about it.. but i do own a pdf of pattern magic in japanese and i love it to pieces
Some of the designs in this book have definitely stolen my heart! I love Japanese books and wouldn’t mind having this one in my collection. At the moment my favourite book is Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire Shaeffer. I use it as a reference to improve my sewing. 🙂
My favourite sewing book right now is Gertie’s! I’d love to win this one though. 😉
I have been eyeing ‘Drape Drape’ for a while now, so it would be awesome to win it!
My favourite sewing book right now would have to be ‘Burda Vintage Modern’. So far, I’ve only made one pattern, but I feel like on the whole, the patterns from that book are easily accessible to beginner and experienced sewists alike.
Mountain folds and valley folds? Sounds like my origami book instructions. I’m in love with that v-dress! Gorgeous. My favorite sewing book is definitely Professional pattern alterations made easy by Kerstin Martensson. It’s from the late 70s and contains about 50% pattern alterations diagrams. I scored it at an op shop for $2 and use it constantly. sewmyway@gmail.com
i love the images and flat sketches in these japanese sewing books, the loose androgenouse boxy styles really appeal, i have a few well thumbed through , the japanese ones i tend to stare at the symbols and wish they would magically transform themselves into something i can actually comprehend but the diagram directions are pretty good. alot of grading required both height and girth to make the patterns workable. my favorite japanese pattern book is called simple chic…but i cant read the authors name and the other book im loving at the moment is built by wendy dresses by wendy mullin! i would love this book !
My favorite sewing book is Weldon’s Book of Sewing. My grandmother gave it to me (plus, it’s our family name!). It’s an ooooold book from back when everyone sewed, knitted, made lace, crocheted, etc. Fantastic. I keep saying I’m going to learn everything in it. But…yanno.
My favourite sewing book is the first sewing book I ever owned Marie Clayton’s ‘Ultimate Sewing Bible’. Step by step instructions and illustrations for all different techniques right from the basics
Woohoo Count me in!!!!! I love the fact that these patterns will work on short twigs like me. Thanks.
Does an embroidery book count as a favorite sewing book?
I absolutely love “Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches” by Marion Nichols because, along with having fabulous instructions, it explains/illustrates what the “back side” of the embroidery will look like too! *mind – blown* It always bugged me that one side looked awesome, but the back side was embarrassingly bad – no more!
I saw another blogger post about this book, and they loved the same dress as you. Which is funny, because I’m actually using that dress (or at least the skirt) as the basis of my wedding dress!
And I’ll not be entering the comp, because I’ve already got a copy 😉
I MUST make that v-neck dress! My favorite sewing book is a reader’s digest complete guide to sewing. I stole it from my granny and I love it!
I love a book that I got from my mums collection from the 1970’s called ‘Food Housekeeping: Step-By-Step Encyclopaedia of Needlework’ It’s seriously the bomb. It taught me how to crochet and recently taught me how to knit, and every single time I come up against something I don’t understand in sewing, it helps me to understand! Such a win book!
my email is nicholson.jenni@gmail.com (I can’t tell if I’ve got that linked up here somehow or not so I figure I’ll just throw it in, in the unlikely scenario that I win!)
I see a few patterns I’d like to try!
Yes please, though am rather concerned that if you cant figure it out I would have no hope! I dont have a favourite book for adult sewing yet…
I’m a bit of a sewing book collector. Partly because it’s useful for me to have things explained a few different ways. Partly because I love sewing illustrations and photography from different eras. One of my favorites is Built by Wendy Sew U Home Stretch. I think I made five or six garments from that book last summer alone.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve had a copy of Drape Drape 2 for years and have made NOTHING from it. Trying to figure out spatial relations in Japanese was too daunting. I’d love to give it a try in English, though. And the designs in the original Drape Drape look more flattering, too. helloprizepatrol@gmail.com
I write in my books, too! Also, I keep meaning to purchase this book but then it looks kinda daunting so I don’t… back & forth on the teeter-totter of indecision I go. But if it was just GIVEN to me, well then I’d simply have to make that amazing gorgeous dress in the almost-last photo! (And I’d totally just wear that shit to work, too — because when you slave over gorgeous jersey dresses, you wear them!)
I hope you made your black rayon jersey one, and will show it off here later!
Great looking book. I’ve never tried this kind of sewing book but they look really neat. One of my favorite sewing books is Twinkle Sews, but I haven’t gotten around to making anything from it – she just has really cool designs.
I have heard a lot about this book and would love to try it out. My favourite swing book is my copy of the Vogue Sewing Guide from the seventies. It has all the answers. 🙂
osparks@bellnet.ca
Wow that book is fantastic! I haven’t been sewing for nearly as long as you, and I’m nowhere near as good, but I’d most certainly love to give this book a shot. Often books like this aren’t able to be shipped to where I am in the world (New Zealand) so it would extra awesome if I were able to get my hands on one!
Thanks a tonne!
I love your blog, can’t believe how fast you sew. This book review of Drape Drape is an eye opener. I have many sewing and pattern making books including the 1930s textbook by F R Morris (Ladies Garment Cutting and Making). When it comes to sewing technique, I really love the vintage books. They explain very clearly each step of the way and most, if not all, have clear illustrations. My favorite is Clothing Construction by Mansfield and Lucas (second edition). Being a visual person, this book really shows you what to do in black and white photos. Although there is a lot of hand stitching involved, they can easily be adapted to machine stitching. It is my ‘go to’ book when it comes to construction of any garment.
That second dress down is KILLER!
I want! I don’t know of any sewing book because I’m not very good at following directions via books. But I would LOVE for this book to be my first. I’ve been wanting to drape for so long.
Oooh I have been seeing this book all over – it looks so cool! My current faves are the Threads guide to sewing and Gertie’s book (of course!) Those pictures really are amazing!
I’d love to win this book! My favourtie sewing book is Dressmaking by Alison Smith as it is just a go to guide for me that has just the right amount of detail and heaps of pictures. I like pictures, they’re my handholding for sure!
I’ve wanted Drape Drape for awhile, so I’d be tickled if I won. The book that I always reach for is the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing.
I’ve been trying to teach myself draping for the longest time, so this would be a fantastic addition to my library!
Right now, my favorite sewing book is Simple Modern Sewing by Shufu To Seikatsu Sha. It’s 8 patterns that make 25 of the most versatile garments I think I’ve come across, and there’s something there to flatter every body type.
Hi Lauren, I’ve been lurking your blog for sometime now and never leave a comment. You crack me up! I especially like your reviews of Vogue pattern books lol. I felt like I needed to comment this time because I really appreciate your honesty. It’s gettin’ harder and harder to find nowadays! Thank you! My fav sewing book is one I have a love/hate relationship with, Alabama Studio Sewing +Design by Natalie Chanin. I love every page and hate the fact that I can’t be her and live to make this stuff! Every inch of this book is gorgeous! I’m so jealous! 😉 check it out if you haven’t already!
Oops! Forgot! Email is lacurlie at hotmail dot com thanks again!
Tough question! My favourite sewing book at the moment is Gertie’s. I do have a Japanese pattern book already which I have enjoyed using, but would live to give this one a crack too! Thks for the chance to win 🙂 zosews@gmail.com
What a great book, I’d love to win this.
Mh, my favourite sewing book, this is difficult, wait a second *running to my book-shelf* *coming back*, still hard to decide…I think it is my little box with a complete sewing course from 1943. It consists of about a dozen of small booklets, each dealing with the construction of a special group of garments, eg skirts. I just didn’t have the time jet to test the patterns themselves, because you need to enlarge them. But the sewing instructions in general and the tips in it are great too, I like to look things up there quite often.
My favourite sewing books are the Pattern Magic ones, the woven versions of these Drape Drape books. They clothes that can be made from the Pattern Magic books are works of art! I’d love to try the knit fabric patterns in this book.
Great giveaway, Lauren!
Count me in! That’s easy – Couture Sewing Techniques. I’ve got both editions and I use both of them equally! Such a great resource 🙂 Email is poppykettle at gmail dot com. Thanks Lauren!
I think my favourite sewing book must be the one from Vogue. You can find almost anything in it! But it’s hard to pick just one! I have a few danish ones too, that I love dearly! Thanks for hosting this fabulous giveaway. Fingers crossed!
Well, my only sewing book is “le grand manuel de la couture facile Burda” dated 1990…
This French manual is really old-fashioned regarding the pictures and the patterns inside, but all the techniques you need to sew are completely described inside. So, I would love to have a more updated book such as “Drape Drape” 🙂
Oooh I liked to make a no 5 please 🙂
Always wanted to try a Japanese pattern book. Please add me to the giveaway as well!
My favourite sewing book (at the moment) is Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire Shaeffer. Kind of a must read I suppose, but I’m geeky that way.
My sewing books are all across the country from me at the moment, and I miss them so much! My favorite one is a really useful old pattern making book from the 70s with awesome illustrations that I got from Powell’s in Portland… that is unfortunately called something like “Making Patterns Using the Oriental Method.”
My favourite sewing book is Gertie’s.. love everything about it, although I haven’t gotten around to sewing any of the patterns yet… Very fascinated by the Drape drape-book, though, and would love to win it in this give-away 🙂 (aase_m_raddum [att] hotmail.com)
I just entered Sunni’s Japanese pattern book giveaway – it’s like it’s raining giveaways lately! This is a book I’ve had my eye on for a while!
Now. . . My favourite sewing book. . . hmmmmmm. . . I love the Colette Sewing Handbook, and Gertie’s New Book For Better Sewing. . . but honestly, my best sewing resources are the myriad sewing blogs I follow – you, Sunni, Gertie, Zilredloh, ad infinitum. You guys are where I get my ideas, inspiration, and drive to sew.
Does that count?
Your so generous giving the book away! I actually have all these books in Japanese – which of course I don’t read. I made a couple of makes from them and they all turned out pretty wearable. I think I’m a pretty visual learner though so the fact that the text made no sense to me wasn’t really a draw back!
I would LOVE to win this book! I just love the designs. At first I didn’t really think the designs were that wearable, but after reading the blog “Handmade by Carolyn” I felt inspired. She makes beautiful, wearable clothes using this book, and other japanese books.
Oh and I forgot, my favorite sewing book right now is another japanese book: “Shape Shape”. I love the simplicity of the designs.
I write in my books, too. (Don’t tell.) Thanks for the great giveaway! My favorite at the moment are Sewing with Leather and Suede by Sandy Scrivino and Sewing with Knits by Connie Long. Sadly both OOP.
My favorite sewing book currently is the old Sew Handbook I have. It’s bound in a blue leather and from eons ago. I think it was my grandmother’s. Or it could have been my mom’s. But in either case, it’s an antique (in the over 25 years old sense) and it’s wonderful. There are no patterns in it; just instructions on how and what to cut, in what shape and then how to put things together.
Oh I love the very same pattern you do! My favourite sewing book is the Readers Digest Sewing book. It’s a little stodgy, some of the easy projects at the back are sooooo 70’s, but for wealth of techniques it’s hard to beat!
would love to get my hands on one of those japanese pattern books. never had the chance to buy one (not in my budget), It looks pretty interesting.
Forgot to say my favorite book : The dressmaker’s technique bible by lorna knight. I don’t need it very often but it’s great for a reminder on a specific technique, it’s spiral bound and each page is a different technique, sooo easy to flip through!!
That v neck dress looks AMAZING….. To be honest, I don’t really use sewing books that often, but I do love magazines and discovered a great one called ‘Cloth’ the other day 🙂
I’ve wanted one of these books for a while, and I don’t mind tracing layered patterns! I don’t really have much in the way of sewing books, but I did just get “the art of manipulating fabric” and there are some super cool things in there.
I would love to win this book! Actually, one of my favourite sewing books is Pattern Magic I .
Thanks for such a great giveaway!
Having heard so much about this and Pattern Magic, I’m totally invested in trying something new! Beautiful and motivating photos! If I won this, I’d have some cool new projects for the Lunar New Year. Though the nested patterns *do* give me pause. . . 🙂
My current fav sewing book is The Liberty Book of Home Sewing, mostly for the pictures. It makes me feel like it’s a beautiful summer day when I look at it. If I win the giveaway, I vow to make each and every garment in the book and share pics.
Aww, my heart skipped a beat seeing this giveaway!!
I was looking for a good pattern book on the weekend and couldn’t decide which one to order… I loved the drape drape also also stumbled upon the other one several times…
but as always…in the end my wallet had to decide and I heavy heartedly chose the new Burda Vintage Sewing book (which is also great btw)
…love that these books are finally translated!
But since I’m never successful with giweaway I probably have to buy it myself anyway
My favorite sewing book is probably the reader’s digest guide to sewing and a photocopy of a vintage sewing book from my BF’s grandma 😉
Thanks for sharing this awesome giveaway! X
That book would be so interesting to study. Seeing how the patterns are draped and drafted is a learning experience. Favorite sewing book? If I could only have one, it would be Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing because it has almost every sewing technique with very good illustrations.
That dress looks gorgeous!
…although I admit I am a little intimidated by the sparse-looking text on the pages you scanned. : )
Oh, nice giveaway! I love Japanese sewing books and I always drool at them when I’m at the library… but I’m usually too curvaceous to be able to sew/fit in any of the models. I’ve been wondering about the drape-drape books but never sure but after seeing your pictures, it looks like those patterns might have enough ease, stretch and drape to “tackle” my curves;)
Favorite sewing book….hmmm really hard. Lets see, Gertie’s New Book, Simple Modern Sewing by Shufu To Seikatsu Sha, More Power Sewing by Sandra Betzina, Sewing for Boys by Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage, everything by Claire Shaeffer, and my absolute favorite at the moment, Stylish Dress Book by Yoshiko Tsukiori. But that could change as soon as I get a new book. I just got this one a few days ago. I’m so excited to try all these new patterns. It’s so kind of you to have a giveaway. Thank you
I would simply LOVE to win this book!!
Drape drape style just suits me right!!! Plus I’ve realized recently that I am finally pregnant and these patterns would drape perfectly my incipient belly 😉
Thank you for the chance!
I honestly haven’t tried many sewing books, since I just got my own machine recently, but this book looks fabulous!
My favorite sewing book is the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. It was one of my college text books and I use it all the time as a construction reference. I can’t recommend it enough. If you keep an eye out at your local used book shop you may see an old copy every once in a while for a few bucks. Otherwise, it’s totally worth the retail price for the current edition.
What’s this, a reason to de-lurk? 🙂 Thanks for offering this giveaway!
The Drape Drape and Pattern Magic books are at the top of my sewing wanty list. I love the concepts and style. Plus, I’m tiny, so the sizing of Asian patterns actually works out without making me feel shrimpy.
My favourite book is actually also a series of three Asian sewing books that belong to my mother, dating from the late 1960s/early 1970s. It’s all characters that I can’t read, but as others have said, the numbers and drawings are awesome. I used to flip through them as a kid and desperately wanted the hairstyle of the woman in the only colour photographs on the inside front cover.
The books contain a huge variety of clothing, all with measurements for guided drafting rather than actual patterns. The styles are very, uh, groovy, but I still love ’em, and I visit them whenever I’m on the same continent and at her house. Loving such books has ruined me for patterns, though; I always talk myself out of buying/using patterns, convinced that I can just make it (this is good and bad…).
I’m not sure that my e-mail shows up (despite the fact that it’s entered in the reply form)? Sorry, acting like a Luddite here. It’s tstraza at gmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway!
I am using different books as reference, but also internet is very handy sometimes.
Oooh! Me! Me! Please? I only have a couple of sewing books but the one I have used most is Gertie’s New Book. So far the things I have made from it have fitted me without any tweaking, and I love the line drawings too.
I don´t have any preferred sewing book. Really, I have only 2 at all%))
Honestly, I’m a beginning sewer so the only sewing book I have is Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing. Therefore, it’s gotta be my favorite!
Fingers crossed that I win!
vintagezest (at) gmail (dot) com
http://vintagezest.blogspot.com/
I love these books. I´ve seen a lot of reviews but I don´t have them yet! Thaks for the giveaway!
I love the line drawings, too!!!!!!!! I’ve never really attempted draping, it seems so artistic, it would be really cool to learn/figure it out with those patterns.
I’m super boring. My favorite sewing book is the reader’s digest Complete guide to sewing. It just has everything in it that I need to know with good instructions and photos.
Ohhhhh I have wanted this book for ages. My favorite book was a gift – Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers. I reference it all the time for choosing needle sizes, how to make up a collar, or anything else.
I am finding the Threads Guide to Sewing has become my go-to book, but I am so intrigued about the drape drapes!
My favorite sewing book is “shirtmaking”. But I love to work with knits aswell, so I’m very curious about this book. Please count me in.
My favourite, and most used, sewing book is the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. I always, always have it open at the appropriate page to help me through whatever I’m doing. Please count me in!
I have been wanting to buy this for ages. My favourite sewing book is actually a quilt book. I don’t quilt but the pictures, designs and writing in this one make me want to and I often pick it up in a quiet moment…”The Gentle Art of Quilting’ by Jane Brocket.
Since I’m making shirts, my favorite book right now is David Page Coffin’s _Shirtmaking_. The projects in this book look so interesting! femme dot photuris at gmail dot come
I’ve looked at a lot of Japanese sewing books but rarely took the leap to purchase one. The only one I have is Sweet Wardrobe, which is a little more classic and not as loose as the garments usually seen in these books. I’ve always been curious about drape drape though, and I’d love to try some of these patterns out! thank you for the giveway!
What a great giveaway! Singer’s The Perfect Fit is my go to fitting/sewing book. I always look forward to your next blog post!
While I have many sewing books that I use as a reference over and over again, my absolute favourite is the 1947 edition of Simplicity’s Sewing book. It has so much detail and information and is just so amazing to read – and it has a special link. My great-aunt had this book, and as a child I used to read it when I was at her house. She eventually gave me her copy, and I treasure it as she’s no longer with us.
gorgeous book! My favorite is a 70’s sewing book handed down from my mother with the Danish title “Sy til dig selv”
I actually don’t have a favorite sewing book, as I’ve learned to sew from my mom and from the internet! But these look amazing and I would love to try them out – I’ve been wanting to learn how to drape correctly. Thanks for the giveaway! I’m an engineer and my brain loves spacial problems, so the “nested pattern” concept is intriguing me. ~Kelly
Awesome! I’ve flipped through this book several times, tempted to buy it, but I never have. Crossing my fingers to win! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Hi there, I have all of the Drape Drape books on my Wish List on Pinterest. I would love to get my hands on a copy and just give one of these patterns a try. I do love math and the geometry that is involved with pattern drafting, so am hoping that this might help me understand this book a bit more. So, I’d love to enter your giveaway, Fingers crossed!
Also going to follow your blog, as I had not seen it before and excited to see what else you are going to post about sewing. 🙂
The last dress is really pretty indeed! I hope I’ll understand the instructions, but the pictures alone are worth having it!
My favorite sewing books are my collection of Japanese pattern books, but I don’t have this one! The pictures in them are always so beautiful, and sometimes funny with the models standing there holding the most random objects. I would love to add this one to my collection 🙂 kellylcostas@yahoo.com
Oooh, this book looks fun. I’m very new to sewing but the idea of draping is very exciting! So far I haven’t collected many books but I really want ‘pattern makin for fashion design’ as its drafting my own patterns that I’m really interested in! I also wanted to say thank you for the wonderful blog. I found it while making my Bombshell dress from crafty. Seeing that you struggled with the fitting too made me feel so much better! I’ve been stalking your blog ever since, you’re so talented! (and hilarious). I’ve now set up my own blog to chart my progress with sewing and pattern drafting. Omg it’s so addictive! Check it out if you fancy http://www.sleeksilhouette.com 🙂 anyway, long message! But stick me into the hat too please 🙂 x
I love this book. I have a lot of japanese sewing books and made some great tops and dresses out of them.
I have a ton of sewing books. I’m not sure whether it’s more accurate to say I sew, or that I collect books! My current favorite is Gertie’s.
I would love to win the “Drape Drape”. I really want to try some of the patterns to see if my sewing skills have improved enough to be able to do these more complicated designs.
My favorite sewing book is “The art of manipulating fabric” by Colette Wolff, which isn’t really a sewing book, but a book about pleating and smocking techniques. Great for making cheap woven fabrics look luxurious. And I also really LOVE the “Vintage couture tailoring” by Thomas von Nordheim who was a famous Tailor from Lachasse London. This book only describes the traditional bespoke tailoring of women’s jacket, so it’s a bit pricey, but the techniques can be used to improve your sewing skills and the detailing is amazing.
I’m in!
I’ve been drooling over the Drape Drape books for a while now. The only reason I don’t have one is I want to actually see it, hold it in my hands before ordering it. None of the local bookstores or libraries have it.
As to sewing books, there are two. The all-time favorite is the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, it will always be the first one I’d recommend. The second favorite I’ve only had for a year and have not tried anything in it yet, that book is Designing Dress Patterns from 1951. It shows you copy-able pattern schematics for creating lots of vintage looks.
My favorite sewing book…probably a tie between Margois’s Design your own Dress Patterns and my mom’s Reader’s Digest Sewing Book.
This book looks amazing and I’ve admired all the creations I’ve seen from it in the sewing/blogging world! I’d be thrilled to win a copy. Thanks for the give away!
The book looks really awesome!So many ideas came just from looking this review!I’ve seen many creations from other bloggers and I was thinking about buying it myself!
I would love to take a shot at making that dress! Two of my favorite sewing books are the Burda Style Sewing Handbook and The Dressmaker’s Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques.
Until 2 minutes ago I had no idea what the name of my favourite sewing book is – it’s Sweet Feminine Clothes (at least that’s what google tells me!), a gorgeous Japanese sewing book with nice practical clothes that fit well (unlike most Western patterns I try, which are always waaaay oversized for me). I usually just have a stab at the directions (they’re all in Japanese but the line drawings are pretty good) so trying out a pattern from a translated sewing book sounds fantastic.
My favourite sewing book is the Stylish Dress Book – another Japanese number which proved a bit tricky at first. I couldn’t understand why the first dress I made turned out far too small until I worked out that the patterns had no seam allowance! Since figuring that one out though I’ve had no major issues and have made a few lovely items.
I have checked-out countless books at the library and spent good money on even more but the one book I aleays go back to is my 1960’s era Singer Sewing Book. It has excellent illustrations and beautiful line drawings that are clear to see. To me it is like a “classic” teaching class. It covers all aspect t from pressing, stitches, patternmaking and adjusting, tailoring and even home decor. I have read it cover to cover countless times.
ahh those pictures look gorgeous! I’m normally the same way with the needing my hand to held, but then there are the times where I stare at it for hours and suddenly it clicks and I don’t stop happydancing for a week. my favorite sewing book is the Colette Sewing Handbook, mostly because it’s the only one I own xD
Ooh, so glad you reminded me about this in your last post. Here comes my hat, flying in at almost the last minute. Thanks for sharing the book love!
my favourite sewing book at this time is the burdastyle sewing vintage. I love how it teaches you how to make mods to the patterns. My email: lelie.knoopjes@gmail.com
My favorite is the old school Reader’s Digest book on sewing. It’s a good reference. Would love to be considered for the Drape Drape books. They look so intriguing!
Oh wow, this book looks amazing! I would probably pick it up for the hammer pants alone. Then I would sew the pants and rock em as hard as I rocked the running man at that seventh grade dance. (No, you can’t touch this) I also love that low cut drapey top, and with the money I save by getting this book for free, I could invest in those stick-on-bra thingies that I would need to wear underneath it:) Hmmm, my fave sewing book. Probably the one by Singer-“sewing lingerie”. The reason is that I haven’t read it yet and I get super excited whenever I discover new things to sew and new techniques. Maybe I’ll even make some high waisted undies to wear under my new hammer pants:)
Favorite sewing book? As in singular? Yikes, that’s almost like asking who I love more – my sewing machine or serger… I can’t remember if I entered the other day so I’ll quick add this under the wire. And I’ll go with Sew U: Hone Stretch since it inspired me to get a serger and play around with knits.
Man I would LOVE to get my hands on a copy of this book! I have a copy of Pattern Magic, which I adore – it’s all so inspiring.
i’d like to ask you a question, in the book drape drape, there 2 sheet of patterns attached to the book. i’d like to know if they have every pattern of the clothes shown in the book??
thank you
Yes, there is a pattern for each garment modeled in the book 🙂
thanks for your info!!!
i borrowed this book from the library (with pattern missing), i liked it. now that i know it has every pattern of the model. i’m going to buy it. after checking 3 books of drapex2. for me, the drape1 has best styles, we should be able to create more additional style.