Chronicle Books Stylish Dress Book: Simple Smocks, Dresses and Tops Paperback – May 7, 2013

I’ve bought a number of similar books and thought this would be a good addition, particularly because of this dress shown on the back cover and on page 7. On my first reading through the book I discovered the pattern for the dress is not included, only the linen dress shown under it.

Full disclosure-I lived in Japan for the last two years and bought a ton of Japanese sewing books. While I cannot "read" them, I am able to figure out the patterns and sewing with the graphics, sequence, and numbers.Sometimes I went to my local Okinawan sewing store and the ladies there read it for me, and helped me with interfacings and such.I absolutely LOVE this book. It makes  Shape Shape 2: Sewing for Minimalist Style  pale. The patterns are simple, yet so very versatile and the photography is as usualy great. Japanese sewing books are, at least in my opinion, a work of art.If you are looking to re-create the typical simplistic Japanese style, this is the book to get. I also have  Feminine Wardrobe: Town, Party, Resort  but it is rather boring compared to this one. I do acknowledge that it might just be me, but I want to sew almost every single piece in this book.Other reviewers have commented on sizing and number of patterns, but let me just tell you that the majority of pieces were made with Liberty of London fabric, and they simply look gorgeous.As the title states, it is smocks, dresses and tops (tunics and slips). The graphics are just like the Japanese sewing books put them-they show the sequence of assembly and clarify steps along the way. They are clear, precise enough to understand and wonderfully simple.Edit 02/05/2014I am still in love with the book. However, I wanted to give you my optinon on the other options from Yoshiko Tsukiori. The hot runner up to this book is  Stylish Dress Book: Wear with Freedom  and my verdict is still out which one I like better. They are both very similar, but different. I find the graphics are actually better and simpler in the Wear with Freedom ones, but that might be because the dresses are simpler in construction. But that's my opinion, somebody else might differ on it.The other books are  Happy Homemade: Sew Chic: 20 Simple Everyday Designs  and while it has a skirt, sarouel pants and bermudas in it...it isn't nearly as visually appealing as the previous two books. Except for the sarouel pants nothins has really made me go "ohhhh! I have to make this" in this book. Again, personal preference.And the last one is  Stylish Dress Book: Clothing for Everyday Wear  and I don't particularly like it either. It's certainly not the lack of liberty prints, because Yoshiko seems to love them-and rightfully so! Not sure what it is, but the patterns seem kind of bland. Again, personal preference and I highly recommend you use the look inside function to get an idea of whether you'll like the book or not.I love Yoshiko Tsukiori and I am sew happy I can reproduce living in Japan through her patterns!

Great book. I love Japanese Sewing books and this one is one of my favorites. The styles are simple, easy to wear, and fun/challenging to make. Photos are beautiful and inspirational. As with most books like this, the largest size may be too small. Sizes in this book range from xtra small (bust 30") to large (bust 36"). My body shape doesn't conform to the sizes, but alterations are easy to make to the pattern pieces - all the garments I've made so far have come out great.Patterns in this book I have used at least once is the camisole (made a few times from thin cottons and light knits}, a jumper dress - great for layering, and a few drawstring neck dresses/tops.OK, it is difficult to trace the patterns off the pattern sheet but, if you get a roll of Medical Pattern Paper (like this:  Medical Pattern Paper: 21" x 225' Single Roll of Patternmaking, Drafting, and Tracing Paper by Cardinal Health ) the job is much easier - although it is still a pain to add the seam allowances, sigh)

Simple Japanese styles. Instructions assume you know what you are doing. Sizes are in photo (if it took clearly). Seems like they go to American size 10-12. I haven’t tried any patterns but a few have clever twists. I can’t download patterns and paper patterns run at least $10. So, for me, the cost of the book is worth the designs you find amongst the pages... at first blush I was going to immediately return. But when I carefully looked at then, the outfits have neat touches that you can’t see because these books all use fabrics that are PRINTS!?! to show the finished garment. Pu-leeze already with the prints. Show us the design details that we need to see!

The patterns in these books are simple to sew and come out really cute. Do measure yourself for proper fitting. May have to go up a size. The only thing about this book is the pattern lines are the same color unlike the other book I purchased. Unless you want to go absolutely crazy, use a good tracing paper. These patterns are not like american patterns; there are several on the same sheet and it is like a maze to trace out the correct ones. Once you get the hang of it is easy peasy. If you are familiar with this type of pattern then no problem. Very easy to sew!

This is my second Tsukiori book and I couldn't recommend them enough. They are lovely patterns that sew-up super quickly and easily. They are so much easier to read and work with then American patterns and the garments come out exactly as pictured. The most difficult part of the process is tracing the pattern pieces. The pattern pages can be intimidating and time consuming at first, but you will eventually make sense of it and get quicker at it. I would recommend sizing up for the less flowy patterns. My first dress was a touch tight across my back and I've sized up since with good results. Happy sewing!

I only have one gripe about this book and that is the lack of seam allowances on the pattern pieces. I'm used to American patterns, which almost always include them, so I often forget to add them while using these patterns. Nevertheless, they are nicely written and the clothes are timeless. Not for the very beginner, but anyone with some experience in garment sewing should be fine.

I can't wait to make everything in this book! Usually pattern books a few good ones that you buy the book for, and a few that don't seem quite as well thought out. Every single pattern in this book is lovely, functional, and wearable. The photography is beautiful as well. This is definitely a book I will keep coming back to for many years.

Patterns for very stylish clothes that I actually want to make and wear. I'm a beginner, having done a basic sewing class but not yet having much experience. As soon as the book arrived, I dashed out to buy some Liberty print cotton and made top A. I'm a small-ish 10 and made it in size small. It has turned out so well and fits perfectly. Can't wait to make some more clothes, once I've invested in some more Liberty prints. (This feels addictive!) Only slight criticism: the fabric requirements were for two metres when I actually needed far less. This feels unfortunate when using beautiful (expensive) fabric! Next time I'll try to study pattern layout etc. in advance of buying the fabric, aiming to be more economical. There are a range of projects from very easy to pretty challenging, using lots of different techniques so that there is much for me to learn from this book. I've so far found the instructions easier to follow than the readily available UK dressmaking patterns and the results far better. Don't forget to order some tracing paper!

Lovely book but I wish the seam allowance was added on to the pattern as it ended up being a bit fiddly tracing the patterns off. Also would have really appreciated the names of all the fabrics used in the book. I've spent hours searching on Liberty website for one fabric illustrated that I have really fallen in love with. Can't find it anywhere...! Great designs and I found it very inspiring......

I'll echo other reviewers who noted that the pattern sizes are somewhat limited; luckily I fit within the ranges offered. That said, the patterns are simply delightful. Have yet to choose which garment I'll start with, but I feel certain I'll have no trouble tracing the pattern pieces and following the clear instructions.

Beautifully presented, clear instructions which I have managed to follow. Love the styling and the photos. You have to trace the patterns and cut them out, but they are full size and fairly easy.I have made a simple smock top with a placket (a new technique for me.)

This book is beautifully made. There is a lovely selection of patterns. I love it and highly recommend.