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Girly Style
2008 @ 11:06 pm
Since Christmas, I’ve been sweating the Japanese sewing book, Girly Style Wardrobe (ISBN 457911132X). When Stephanie mentioned a trip to NYC’s Japanese book store, I asked her to pick me up a copy and she obliged, yay!
I’ve been pouring over the photos and patterns trying to work out which to attempt first. I love love love the aesthetic of the book, but must admit that there is no chance my girly girls will be dressed like this on the daily. We are all about play and comfort over here! Even on Christmas I went with overalls on MJ. But, for something handmade and girly, it doesn’t get any better than these classic, yet contemporary patterns. If only I was a better sewer and fluent in Japanese. I have referenced a few other blogs/websites over the last few days: Moving Hands for a glossary of terms, Thought and Thimble mentioned that a seam allowance is NOT included on the pattern piece–duly noted.
And then I dove in. I chose what seems to be a simple jacket (View D). I think the sizing might be a bit big for my almost-two-year-old so I picked a corduroy suitable for Spring or next Fall.
I outlined the largest size of the pattern in red pencil and then outlined the smallest size (100cm), the one to be used, in red Sharpie. Then I traced the pattern pieces onto muslin with red pencil, added the seam allowances and cut them out.
I must point out that what amounts to two sentences of explanation took several consultations with the experts (Jennifer, Mary, Mom and the Mac), a few sessions of tracing (while MJ colored), several assumptions and one omission. The omission? cutting my own bias fabric for the tie–I’m thinking of using prefab bias tape for that. The assumptions? That I identified the correct pattern pieces. View D also covers a skirt, not to mention that the pattern sheet closely resembles a topographical map of the Adirondacks. The second major assumption is that the ruffle piece should actually be laid out twice along the fold so that it’s longer than the sleeve, not shorter.
Stay tuned for what is sure to be a dramatic, if not adorable, conclusion…
Comments
you’re really coming along! i can’t wait to see what you end up with.
Whoa, that is one intimidating pattern. And SUCH cute fabric–where from?
Holy moly! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pattern sheet that looks like that! Topographical map indeed! You are very brave, even with my training, I think this would send me running for the hills - in fact the pattern would be able to tell me exactly where to run!
But it looks like the hard part is over now. Good luck and that fabric is so cute!
I have the Girly Style Wardrobe and have been rather intimidated to tackle it myself but after reading your blog (and related links)I think I’m ready. Thinking of starting with “a”. Just one question, how in the world did you figure out the sizing chart. I figured I’d just make the smallest size (I have a 4 yr old daughter) but was wondering what all the numbers below were and am so glad you mentioned the seam allowance that has to be added. Will definitely continue to read your blog and see how progress goes on the jacket.
Best!
Most of the patterns have a size in cm — as in 100, 110, 120 cm. This refers to the height. They also list bust/waist/hip measurements, all in cm. There is a chart in most of the books, usually after the photos and before the directions OR on the pattern sheet itself. If you have no clue, try the one closest to the height of your child and see how it goes. Do NOT just pick the smallest size — some of them are for 2-5 year olds, as in the 90-130 cm type books, so you have to know the range of the book. The sizes are marked on the pattern pieces, so you know which to draw.
Oh my god. what a challenge! good for you to take this on. the strawberries are totally adorable, I hope they are not annoying the process.