Pattern Review – Stylish Dress Book 1 (E)

September 8, 2009


My first pattern review. When you work with the likes of such talented and productive ladies, you can only make excuses for so long before it’s time to pull the finger, dive head first into the stash and start sewing, dammit. And so I did. Over two nights. And this was what I ended up with – a super-comfy, easy-to-sew, easy-to-wear dress. The pattern came from what is hands-down our most popular Japanese pattern book for adults, Stylish Dress Book 1, pattern ‘E’. It’s the one on the cover…



This was my first foray into the world of Japanese sewing books and due to the simplicity of both dress and pattern, I had no trouble following the illustrations. Tracing the pattern out and adding the 1.5cm seam allowance (a most important detail) seemed like the most time-consuming aspect of the journey. I used a fine, pinstripe cotton/linen blend from our $10 p/metre selection (sadly sold out, but we’ve many similar fabrics in stock that we can happily suggest).


Highly recommended, both book and pattern. The only change I’d make next time around would be to add some length so it finishes a little closer to my knee. In this book, the patterns are all made to fit one height (160cm) which is what I am. So if you’re anything over and above that, keep this in mind.

Lx