I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so.
First of all, I’ve developed a huge crush on Japanese sewing patterns. Search it on Pinterest and see what comes up. Free spirited silhouettes, asymmetry, artistic fabric designs, organic fibers… a breath of fresh air! I remember in high school splurging on an occasional Issey Miyake pattern, and those ended up becoming my favorite pieces.
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I’ve been away from apparel making for a long time, but now that I’m returning to this love, I’m surprised and thrilled to see how many Japanese sewing books are available. I bought my first one recently. It was difficult selecting which one; there are so many that called my name – Sweet Dress Book and Happy Homemade Sew Chic by Yoshiko Tsukiori, Linen Wool Cotton by Akiko Mano, and a slew of others with catchy titles (Nature Sweet Style, Shape Shape, Drape Drape, Feminine Wardrobe…) Aren’t these sweet? All the styles look simple yet artful. I’ve pegged it Boho Asian. I finally decided on I Am Cute Dresses by Sato Watanabe, partly because it has been translated into English. However, the books that haven’t been translated have very good illustrations and easy-to-follow pictures. You can find book reviews as well as translation help on the useful site Japanese Sewing Books.
DRAPE DRAPE 2Now if these Japanese sewing books are not enough to get you thinking eastern, take a peek at a second project in my incubator…
This is a preview of a fabric design I’m working on, and yes, that is a pug you see on it. Humor me, though. This is my very first attempt at textile design. I’m naming it Imari Pug because – you guessed it – it reminds me of an ornate Japanese porcelain vase. There’s so much to learn, but sites like Spoonflower are making it easy for novices to try their hand at textile design.
Follow this blog to see updates on my new dressmaking tastes and my journey into fabric design. I’ll be sure to keep you posted! But for now, I’ve got to run. I’m going to slip into a comfortable kimono, and there’s a cup of saki calling my name.
