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So, I’m still working out what I want to do with craft book reviews going forward, but I’ve had this in my stack for some time. I love it dearly for a number of reasons, and wanted to share.
In the world of sewing-project books, Simple Modern Sewing is a great example of function trumping form. That sounds like I think it’s not a pretty book – and that’s not the case at all. I love the art direction here, but I’ll get to that in a moment.
The book contains eight full garment patterns, the pieces of which you can mix, match or alter to build 25 different garments. There are dresses, blouses, pants, and skirts, and all are designed to be the kind of simple, comfortable things you pull out of your closet all the time.
The author, Shufu To Seikatsu Sha, has designed a really usable and charming collection of silhouettes here.
The full-size pattern sheets come in an envelope bound into the back cover, ready for you to trace onto your own pattern paper. There are clear markings to help you see which pieces go with which patterns.
I’m going to get nerdy about the instructional quality in just a moment, but before I do, let’s look at some of these garments. Here’s a simple yoke-front skirt with a cute ribbon-tie detail.
As you might have guessed by now, Simple Modern Sewing is an English translation of a Japanese sewing book. So the designs here reflect that overall simplicity.
These garments are designed as a collection, so you can layer them easily.
…And in all seriousness, I’m very much in love with these models. I assure you, by the time you get to be my age, you are very, very tired of stick-thin scowling 20 year-olds representing all of fashion. The ladies in Simple Modern Sewing are delightfully real, and this helps me not only appreciate the garments, but better understand how they might fit on me. And frankly, looking at them is just a huge relief.
…Speaking of which, I like that the sizing data for each pattern is given with the ease included, which means these measurements reflect how big around, essentially, the garment is at each measurement location. If I know my own measurements, and I know these measurements, then I have a much better idea of how I can expect the garment to sit on my various curvy bits.
OK, so, instructionally… for techniques you’ll use over and over, like seam finishes or tracing patterns, you get lovely photo instructions like these.
Then, each pattern has fully-illustrated step-by-step instructions. I think anyone who’s done at least a little straight-seam sewing would be very comfortable with these diagrams – they’re phenomenally clear. And there’s a nice range of simpler to more complex projects, so if you’re a beginner, you’ll have plenty of accessable options.
This gets at what I mean by “function trumping form:” the lion’s share of the pages here are actually devoted to these carefully-illustrated sewing instructions. To me, this is what a good sewing book should do – focus on teaching me sewing! I don’t tend to need lavish, beautifully-styled photography – in most cases, it doesn’t give me a reliable idea of how the garments will fit me, and the lavishness frankly inhibits my ability to imagine how the garments might fit my actual (and considerably less lavish) lifestyle.
Lastly, my photos don’t really communicate this well, but for each pattern, the book offers great advice on fabric choices and extra little details you might add to make the project uniquely yours. This book will stay in my library, and I’m already making a fabric list for my Spring wardrobe. (A girl can dream in January, right?)
(The disclaimer: Interweave sent me a review copy.)
I know what you mean about relief in seeing differnt types of models. I am perpetually amazed that the fashion industry still doesn’t get this. I love your book reviews because you seem to review books you really, really like and not every newest “it” book coming down the pipe. I may have to add this to my list!
Thank you so much, Elizabeth – this is one component of my new plan with book reviews – to stick with the ones that really grab me.
Though I’ve been a doll maker for about 6 years now, I cannot figure out clothes…I wouldn’t even think about making my own! But this might give me the jump start to understand clothing making. I’m putting this book on my wish list. thanks
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“stick-thin scowling 20 year-olds” just gave me the chuckle of the day. Thanks for that!
[...] but this one holds sunglasses. (Something that I have a giant heap of on my shelf at the moment.) – Sister Diane reviewed the book Simple, Modern Sewing. I like the idea of smart basics. – DIY neon [...]
Thanks for reviewing this, Diane! I hadn’t seen it before and it looks like a great book. I have Drape Drape and the models are just like you the ones you don’t like (I don’t like them either, I mean, why?). (Why are all the models that you showed looking down though?)
And in English would certainly make it easier to sew as directed. The diagrams are generally good but it would be nice to read exactly what they suggest.
I also like how there are base patterns and then modifications – sounds like it would help users understand patternmaking better.
The book is an English translation of a Japanese book, so actually all the instructions are in English!
I just bought this book based on your review and it’s so good! Can’t wait to get sewing.
Yay! I’m so glad! I’m excited to make several things from it, too!
Thanks for a great review! I am visiting from Soulemama and have had this book on my wish list for awhile……I think I will order it today!
Thanks for your great review! I have just ordered this book.
I also like the fact that the author has used an older model in some of the shots. Things that look nice on skinny young models don’t always look great on my forty something body!
Amen to that! I feel the same pain. :-)
I’ve just finished making pattern 3a and as a novice-but-middle-aged sewer I’m really happy with the result. I did find that the sizing was on the large side although I’ve read some reviws that said they were too small :) I’m petite and ended up sizing down the xs which was good practice for a novice. Personally I like the japanese style – quirky and modern – so I’m definately going to make more from this book.
I just bought this book and started tracing patterns. I would love to hear more about others’ finished projects. I have been worried about the sizing and it was great to hear from your experience Linda.
Hi. Thanks for this review. I’m currently making pattern 7c (wrap around skirt – which isn’t really wrap around at all!). I’m struggling with attaching the yoke to the skirt (step 5). There is no diagram for this step and I’m just going in circles trying to figure out the logic of it. If you’ve by any chance made this skirt, do you have any suggestions?!
HI, Laura – I’m so sorry, I haven’t attempted that skirt. Anyone else have some tips on this garment?
So it’s not pattern 7, it’s 5C. Any other suggestions would be greatly greatly appreciated and would save me lots of hair pulling!
I have the book which is excellent. Made the wrap around dress no problem but am also having difficulty attaching the yoke to the skirt of 5c because the skirt piece is too big for the yoke. I think the pattern/instructions for the pleats are incorrect. Haven’t worked out how to fix it yet.
[...] see some of the inside pages, take a look at Sister Diane’s very glowing review of this book here. The book is published by Interweave [...]