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Book Flip Through Videos Book Reviews Japanese Sewing Books in English

Book Flip-Through of A Year of Sewing with Nani Iro

July 2, 2022

It’s finally here! The long-awaited English translation of Naomi Ito’s latest sewing book – 季節をまとう 一年の服 . The English title of the book is “A Year of Sewing with Nani Iro” and it even has a brand new cover! I was so excited when Zakka Workshop sent me the book for a review, and as usual, they’ve done a great job with this one!

(Disclaimer : This post is sponsored by Zakka Workshop, but as always, the opinions are my own!)

I’ve shown the contents of the Japanese version previously, so yes at the risk of repeating myself, here’s the list of patterns included in this book. Oh wait, now I don’t have to translate it, it’s all in English!

Other than the obvious fact that everything is in English, I really appreciate the increased font sizes, black print (Japanese version was light blue) and also the more reader-friendly layout across the whole book. I can tell lots of thought has gone into the layout of the book, in the original book the number of pages was 96, in the English version it’s 136. Many of the diagrams were enlarged, and are not packed tightly in a single page in order to save space.

I reviewed the Japanese version in March 2021, when it was first released with the 2021 nani IRO collection. I did not refer to the previous book review, but randomly took a few photos from the English version, just to show you a few favorites as well as what the new layout looks like. Coincidentally there are quite a few patterns that remain on my to-do list. Looks like these are the ones I really have to make!

What’s different from this and the Japanese version, other than the language of course, is the addition of Imperial measurements alongside the original metric measurements. The measurements as well as fabric yardage, are provided primarily in yards and inches, with the metric equivalents in brackets. The size chart has also been updated to reflect international sizing standards, which is why in the original book you will see 2L instead of XL. This will benefit those who are unfamiliar with Japanese sizing which tend to run small.

In any case, due to the generous ease of the garments, the best way to decide which size to make is by referring to the Finished Sizes chart that is included in every garment’s set of instructions. You can see an example of the finished sizes in the image below. For garments with fitted details, like collars that have button enclosures, I would recommend not to size down more than 1 size in case they end up being too small.

On top of the usual patterns and instructions, there are 3 added sections to help you make use of the patterns in the book fully so as to fully utilise the patterns across all seasons. To be honest I did not pay much attention to these sections in the original version because there was too much text to translate and wade through, but now that it’s in English it makes for much easier reading.

“The Fabric” is based on all the fabric used in the book. The showcase is primarily based on nani IRO fabric of course, but also includes a few other substrates that were used to adapt the patterns for all seasons. For each substrate/print, the corresponding pattern is also listed below for easy reference.

There is another section called “Experimenting with the Patterns” which to us sewists, is like a pattern hack section. The designer herself, provided some creative ideas on how to make the patterns more interesting and unique. From simple hacks like length variations, to adding contrast details to the garments, lots of ideas here!

“Exploring the Garment Designs” brings you through each pattern and discusses the possible fabric variations as well as styling options. As mentioned previously, the fabric options are not limited to nani IRO’s range of fabric and include substrates like wool gauze and even faux fur to adapt the patterns for use during the cooler seasons. The use of different fabrics with different drape, finish and print can also lead to a very different look in the finished garment, and make it suitable for not just different seasons, but different occasions as well. There is also a difficulty scale which can help you decide which project you can probably handle given your skill level or time constraint.

Last but not least, here is the book flip-through of A Year of Sewing with Nani Iro. Enjoy!

Book Details

Title : A Year of Sewing with Nani Iro
Language : English
Author : Naomi Ito
Sizes : Ladies S-XL
No. of sewing projects : 18
Publisher : Zakka Workshop
Published date : July 5 2022
ISBN-13 : 978-1-940552-69-9

Where to buy
The book will be released on July 5th 2022, but you can pre-order your copy now from Zakka Workshop

As part of the book release, Zakka workshop will be giving away a copy of this book! More details on my Instagram post here -> “A Year of Sewing with Nani Iro” Book Giveaway

New to sewing Japanese patterns? I will be following up this post with a how-to-use Japanese patterns, using this book as an example. I’ve had a couple of blog posts on this topic before but nothing like a video tutorial to see how it’s actually done! Subscribe to my YouTube channel and you will be notified when the video is ready to premiere!

I’m also preparing for a sew-along for one of the patterns in this book. Stay tuned to my Instagram for more info! It will be some time in August and the sew-along will be at a very relaxed pace, so do join us for it after you’ve purchased the book!

Book Flip Through Videos

Book Flip Through of Aoi Koda’s The clothes to another 10 years from now

September 28, 2021

Book Flip Through of Aoi Koda’s Clothes that can be worn up to 10 years from now

 

Book Details

Japanese Title : 10年先まで着られる服
English Title : The clothes to another 10 years from now
Author : Aoi Koda 香田あおい
Sizes : Ladies S-LL
No. of sewing projects : 21
Publisher : Nihon-Vogue
Published date : Sept 8 2021
Language : Japanese
ISBN-13 : 978-4-529-06110-0

Where to buy

Here are the usual places I buy my books from, just compare the shipping to your own country and make sure you get the best deal!

  1. cdJapan – Click here to buy now (Affiliate link)
  2. Amazon.co.jp 
  3. Or search your local Kinokuniya (http://www.kinokuniya.com/) using the ISBN number. (they have different websites for different countries, so you have to search from the one located in yours. If they don’t have it in stock they can order it for you at no extra cost, but you may have to wait.

Book Flip Through Videos Japanese Sewing Books

Book Flip Through Video of Sew Basic! – for Boys and Girls

April 16, 2021

Book Flip Through Video of Sew Basic! – for Boys and Girls

 

Book Details

Japanese Title : SEW BASIC For boys and girls 反抗期手前の君に着せたい服
English Title : SEW BASIC For boys and girls
Sizes : 130-160cm (height)
No. of sewing projects : 34
Publisher : Boutique-Sha
Published date : Dec 22, 2020
Language : Japanese
ISBN-13 : 978-4834780611

Where to buy

Here are the usual places I buy my books from, just compare the shipping to your own country and make sure you get the best deal!

  1. cdJapan – Click here to buy now (Affiliate link)
  2. Amazon.co.jp 
  3. Or search your local Kinokuniya using the ISBN number. (they have different websites for different countries, so you have to search from the one located in yours. If they don’t have it in stock they can order it for you at no extra cost, but you may have to wait.

Book Flip Through Videos Book Reviews Japanese Sewing Books

Book Flip Through Video of A Sunny Spot – Daily Simple & Comfy Clothes

April 2, 2021

Book Flip Through Video of A Sunny Spot – Daily Simple & Comfy Clothes

 

Book Details

Japanese Title : a sunny spot シンプルで着やすい まいにち服
English Title : A Sunny Spot – Daily simple & comfy clothes
Publisher : KADOKAWA
Published date : February 26, 2021
Language : Japanese
ISBN-13 : 978-4046051011

Where to buy

Here are the usual places I buy my books from, just compare the shipping to your own country and make sure you get the best deal!

  1. cdJapan – Click here to buy now (Affiliate link)
  2. Amazon.co.jp 
  3. Or search your local Kinokuniya using the ISBN number. (they have different websites for different countries, so you have to search from the one located in yours. If they don’t have it in stock they can order it for you at no extra cost, but you may have to wait.

Book Flip Through Videos Book Reviews Japanese Sewing Books

Book review of ATELIER to nani IRO’s Seasonal Clothes for the Year

March 24, 2021

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted any book reviews. But I HAVE been buying books. And this latest book from ATELIER to nani IRO which was very recently released definitely warrants a book review. I know many of you have been waiting to take a peek inside this one!
Disclaimer : This book was gifted to my by Nekoneko Fabric in exchange for a blog post and review. You can find this book listed in her store plus all the yummy fabrics used in the book as well! 

It’s been 3 years since the last sewing book from ATELIER to nani IRO so I would say it’s about time! This time round, the book’s launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of Naomi Ito Textile nani IRO, and all the projects in the book are based on the new fabrics released this year. The book includes 18 projects ranging from simple clothes for everyday wear, interesting designs that are a special and unique, and it comes with full-scale patterns for 4 sizes – S,M,L and 2L.

You will find pictures of the same pattern made using different substrates, as well as staff recommendations on coordinating different pieces together, to create an all year round wardrobe using nani IRO fabrics. Projects range from easy to advanced difficulties, from simple smocks that beginners can complete in a day, to dresses with elaborate details that you might want to make for special occasions.

I will share with you some of my favorite pieces, and also translate the full list of garments you can make from this book.

A – Cocoon smock
B – Cocoon knit dress
C – Bias tank top
D – Cocoon Short Haori
E – Freedom vest
F – Stand collar tuck dress
G – 2-way shirt
H – 2-way shirt tunic
I- Radio Tuck Dress
J – W wide pants
K – Farmers’ pants
L – Tapered pants
M – Antique skirt
N – Cache-coeur robe short sleeves
O – Cache-coeur robe eight-quarter sleeves
P – Cook dress
Q – Gathered dress sleeveless
R – Gathered dress long sleeves

First up is this very simple Cocoon smock. It reminds me of the famous Cocoon dress from the previous book, but in a shorter version. It is definitely a shape I would pick for everyday wear. Much more so than the dress length, so this goes in my sewing list!

F is a Stand tuck collar dress featuring a stand collar, and lots of interesting tucks for example along the shoulder, waist as well as the back. It is a very interesting shape and I am really quite curious how this would turn out when worn.

P – Had a bit of trouble translating this one. When I keyed it into Google translate, コックドレス is translated as Cock dress… Lol… I knew it can’t be right, so I searched for images instead. So apparently it meant a Cook Dress (Cook’s dress) or rather, a Chef’s dress. Because if you search コック the images returned are all of Cooks/Chefs. Anyway the front panel is inspired by the Chef’s coat, and I really like the look of this one, although I feel the belt looks a little makeshift.

On the right the model is wearing J – W wide tapered pants below the dress.

N – I love the front detail of this Cache-coeur robe short sleeves (Hang on let me search Wikipedia)

Cache-cœur (French for “hide the heart”) is a top for women, composed of two finished triangular parts, each having a strap. It is closed by overlapping the two segments and tying the straps behind the back or along the side, depending on the length. The triangular shape of the sides makes the garment a type of V-neck.
Source – Wikipedia

Most pics I found for Cache-coeur online are like V-neck wrap tops, so this style is an interesting and also modest play on the wrap style. It is very interesting indeed! On the right picture it shows the robe paired with L – a pair of tapered pants.

On the left we have A – the cocoon top in cotton silk (Love this color!) and the bottom is M – antique skirt in a Rexcell. The draping of both fabrics look great. What a casual but luxurious outfit!

On the right is Q – Gathered sleeveless dress. This reminds me a bit of the Work dress in the previous book. But the design is entirely different. There is a yoke with a gathered bodice, and also front ties that you can choose to leave untied for a more rebellious look.

H is the 2-way shirt tunic. This design comes in shirt length and tunic length. And the 2-way refers to wearing it either front to back or back to front. What a great way to get two looks out of one garment! 😆

There is a section that shows you all the garments made from different substrates, grouped by pattern name. This gives you an idea of how the finished piece will look in different fabrics. I think this is a really really good marketing tactic because it really makes me want to buy more fabric.

2 double sided full size pattern sheets. Do note that Seam allowances are NOT included, so you have to trace out the diagrams and then add them on following the individual pattern instructions.

And here’s the size chart for your reference. On the left column (bottom 4 rows) it says – Height, Bust, Waist, Hip. All units in cm.

There are more projects in the book but I can’t cover them all here, so I will leave you to browse through in the book flip through video below.

Where to buy

I get asked this alot so I will try to list down a few possible sources.

  1. From Nekoneko.co – https://www.nekoneko.co/products/atelier-to-nani-iro-2021-sewing-pattern-book
  2. cdJapan – Click here to buy now (Affiliate link)
  3. Amazon.co.jp 
  4. Or your local Kinokuniya (they have different websites for different countries, so you have to search from the one located in yours. If they don’t have it in stock they can order it for you at no extra cost, but you may have to wait.