I’m not a country girl… it really gets up Willy’s nose…
Given my current fascination with Japanese pattern books, when Tuttle Publishing contacted me about reviewing a couple of their titles, it was an irresistible offer. I received She Wears the Pants (released this month) and Sewing For Your Girls (I will review this soon – I have a backlog of projects!).THE BOOK
The garments: This book does have a range of garments – from mini dresses to tshirts, shirts and jackets, pants and culottes. Yes, I was incredibly tempted to make that draped mini dress but I’ve got three draped dresses – my wardrobe needs other types of garments! I really like the range and style of these garments.
This book had been around for some time before being translated. Several of the garments have been made Top Notch (velour top, draped cardigan, draped dress, square top) & Handmade by Carolyn (tapered trousers, square top); and Meggipeg (Gathered Blouse).Not all of the garments pictured are patterns in the book, ie the tank with the short/culottes pictured above or the pants with the mustard top pictured below.
There is one knitted garment in this book – a belt stole. There are some tippets – one of these is pictured below.
There is an excellent review of this book and more images on Japanese Sewing Books.Photography: I might be precious but I did find some of the photography a little bewildering. The images are very dark and this is exacerbated by the matt stock they are printed on. Some of the garment details are very hard to see in the photographs. It seems to me that these images are more about projecting a mood, intended as ‘fashion’ or ‘inspiration’. The construction section of the book has line drawings that provide the design details. I love line drawings.
Instructions: The instructions are brief. There are some general instructions. In some cases, such as sewing on a collar, it is outlined once in a projects and then other projects simply refer back to those earlier instructions. Having some knowledge of garment construction is helpful. Like many Japanese pattern books, diagrams form a large part of the instructions. I don’t mind this – I find it interesting to puzzle through a project and think about how the project has been constructed and the other approaches I could take.Sizing: Japanese sizing is small. I fit into the Small category & Medium height. While Japanese sizing puts some off I would say that they often allow A LOT of ease, in some cases much more than you might expect. Csews wrote about it in this February blog post. My second make from this book swims on me. It’s meant to but it could fit most sizes.
Title: I find the translation of this title odd. To me, ‘she wears the pants’ means something completely different to ‘she’s got mannish style’. To me ‘she wears the pants’ means that in a relationship the ‘she’ wearing the pants is in control, the dominant partner/personality or the boss of the relationship. To me, having ‘mannish style’ simply means a girl dressing in a ‘tomboy/masculine’ style. Handmade by Carolyn mentioned the translation of titles on her blog recently, in particular talking about this new title and her preference for the Japanese title. I don’t mind either way but I do interpret the new title as meaning something completely different to the original title. That said, it doesn’t impact on the contents of the book!
When confronted by a busy pattern sheet, I find each piece and trace around it with my fingers. This might sound odd but when I am tracing a piece I have a general idea of the shape of the pattern piece and don’t make many mistakes.
Seam allowances: This book does not include seam allowances. The layout diagrams indicate how much allowance you should add as this can vary from the hem to the side seams etc. I don’t always add the recommended allowance, I tend to add what I prefer to work with in different areas of the garment – which just comes with experience.
Different approaches: I do think that with any translated book that you need to really think every step through. Not only may there be some issues with meaning and possibly conversion of measurements between metric and imperial, I think that there are many ways to approach garment construction and you need to be mindful of that when sewing outside your ‘usual’ patterns and books.
THE GATHERED BLOUSE
I love clothing that was a touch of quirkiness without being too odd. The Gathered Blouse ticked that box for me.
![Gathered Blouse - while this is photographed buttoned up I prefer it slightly unbuttoned... that's how I wear all my shirts.](https://sewbusylizzy.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/she-wears-the-pants-gathered-blouse-front.jpg?w=584&h=608)
Gathered Blouse – while this is photographed buttoned up I prefer it slightly unbuttoned… that’s how I wear all my shirts.
This blouse has a very full back, is quite cropped at the front with a slightly longer back. The collar is rounded and the front pockets are slightly angled. The shoulders are dropped and sleeves arejust below elbow (on me anyway), quite full with pleats at the cuff with a simple finished slit and button cuff closure. The combination of a ‘mannish’ shirt with some soft feminine features was interesting to me. Funnily enough the detail the pattern is named for is not photographed in the book – the gathered back. Unfortunately my shirt got creased in the car – but you can see how full the back of the blouse really is.
I have always steered clear of patterns without seam allowances for shirts as the accuracy required for creating a good button band, collar band and collar scared me. As I was working with this pattern that had not seam allowances I decided to re-think my former shirt making techniques and took a different approach.![The back is very full and the hemline dropped.](https://sewbusylizzy.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/she-wears-the-pants-gathered-blouse-side.jpg?w=584&h=823)
The back is very full and the hemline dropped – strong breeze is blowing. Oops, thought I had ironed this to death but must have missed that last bit of hem!
![I can't see myself every wearing it buttoned up, I always wear my blouses/shirts slightly unbuttoned. I just did this for the blog.](https://sewbusylizzy.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/she-wears-the-pants-gathered-blouse-buttoned.jpg?w=584&h=937)
I can’t see myself ever wearing it buttoned up, I always wear my blouses/shirts slightly unbuttoned. I just did this for the blog picture. I know, I spoil you and make a goose of myself far too often.
BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE…
I’ve made two things from this book – I’ll post the other shortly!
GIVEAWAY
I had already pre-ordered this book before Tuttle contacted me so I’m giving this one away. Leave a comment below to be included in the draw.
The draw closes on Sunday 17 May at 6pm (my time EST Sydney/Australia). Open to anyone, anywhere in the world.
Pattern: Gathered Blouse from She Wears The Pants (English version), published by Tuttle Publishing.
Fabric: it’s a mystery fabric (seems to be a chambery, fine linen type fabric) from The Make It Fabrics in Logan, Brisbane. This place is a rather unexpected treasure trove, a tip off from blogless Alison (thank you thank you!). Busy Lizzie was the most obliging chauffeur on a recent trip to Brissie – mwah. Finished with matt metal buttons from Lincraft.
Note: Tuttle Publishing provided this book for preview purposes. All opinions my own. No affiliate links on this post.
Looking good Lizzy – the quirkiness of the top is offset against ordinary skinny jeans!
I like to balance something a little bit quirky with normal. I feel like I’m in costume otherwise!
Such a comprehensive review! Would you sit by me while I construct a masterpiece? You are encouraging me to get out of the box. Thanks.
I always wonder what’s too much & what’s too little. I decided of you had never used a Japanese sewing book or had concerns about what you are going to get, this review might help. I do think they are excellent value for money, lots of patterns for the price.
And I just realised I forgot the suez chart!! Oops, that’s important, I’ll pop it in now!
I would love to win this.! It’s so beautiful…
It’s a great book – good luck!
Can you tell us about the sizing of the garments in the book please. i am a (UK) size 16. I suspect everything would be way too small for me, Japanese dressmaking tends to cater for the petite as far as I can see. Thanks
Sorry! Big oversight! I’ve added that to the post.
I’ve found many Japanese patterns allow much more ease than we might usually expect in a garment. Please read the post I’ve linked to which covers that in more detail.
This shirt has just been added to my ever growing ‘to see’ list… Love it.
You do such Beautiful work! You make such a simple blouse elegant. I’d love to give this blouse a try. It looks so chic and comfortable.
Ramona
What a beautiful blouse you’ve made. I love reading your posts, you make some great clothes and would love to win this book.
Thanks for reviewing this! I have been poring over Japanese sewing books in my local bookshop (Boffins) and never sure about them as the models are all very petite. Would love to win this hehehe.
And thanks for your review of the morrisblazer and your comments.. I have finally made mine 🙂 x deeptisewsforsanity on IG.
This book looks interesting as well as challenging to a novice like me! Would love to give it a go, thanks for the opportunity.
Amanda
A really interesting pattern book, and I’d love to win it! The gathered blouse is really pretty, and the collar is laying perfectly. I may have to try sewn-interfacing too. I’d never thought of using a glue stick in the process – much easier than basting – thanks!
That looks great on you – just enough ‘quirk’ to look interesting – really enjoy reading your blog.
Love the blog, Lizzy! I love Japanese pattern books too, but have only ever used the Laurence King ones so far (which are great too..) – keen to give this one a try..
Oob, I’ve been so intrigued by this book. I’d definitely like to have a go at the gathered blouse…
It’s a great balance of quirky and classic. And your sewing is perfect as always.
I really like your gathered blouse! I like how fitted it looks in the front but nice and breezy on the back.
I really line the blouse and the fabric looks great with heads.
Lovely blouse! I’ve been seeing pieces from this book everywhere lately, and now I find myself wishing for a copy. =) Thanks for offering a giveaway!
Oh I do like that blouse, and would love this book! You are drawing the winner on my birthday so fingers crossed.
Love that collar – and it does look good buttoned up! I’ll have to try your technique, too. I’ve always fancied a Japanese pattern book but have been a bit nervous to try!
Your blouse is really pretty. Wondering if someone would have to be as slender as you to get away with it though..! The patterns shown remind me a bit of the ones in Burda magazines – something a bit special about them. Please enter me in the draw!!
This shirt looks fab on you- such inspiration. I might just have to follow suit if I’m lucky enough to get the book.
What a great book and lovely Lizzy makes as always. Would love to win the book.
Don’t enter me in the draw…I know you said there was lots of ease but I still don’t think it would work for me…but just to say the blouse looks lovely on you. Love everything about it.
Oh what a beautiful blouse Lizzie! I love the collar shape and (surprisingly for me) the big blousey back! The chambray really shows off the design details too, it’s lovely. Don’t bother entering me for the giveaway thanks, I’m a bit too curvy for Japanese patterns, just wanted to comment on your gorgeous blouse. xx
yay! I would love to win this book. I’m never quite sure if the more saggy japanese style will work for me, but you never know before you try…
This blouse is another twist on a basic shirt…love it!
Your blogs about Japanese books/designs have set me off in a new direction…thanks
This book looks a bit scary but worth the effort!
Love that style!
The blouse has some very interesting lines. Intriguing
I have never used a Japanese sewing book before, but I could be tempted by this one! Suck lovely patterns.
Your blouse is such a nice balance between “different” and classy, quite beautiful. Thank you for the review, too, i just discovered these books and i think i have a new addiction 🙂 I’d love to try some of the patterns from the book. Many thanks!
Your blouse is lovely. This book is intriguing, different from the cutesy Japanese pattern books I have. I’d love to be included in the giveaway please. Louise.
I love this top on you! The chambray is just perfect for it. I have been stalking this boon online. I’m slightly outside the large bust measurement so I’m glad to hear Japanese patterns have a lot of ease as I’d really love to try some out. I’d love to be included in the giveaway draw!
I could wear that every day! Most of those Japanese books are not my style, but I would love to have this one! thanks for the chance- Kimbersew
A very sweet shirt – I love that you’ve made it in chambray-esq and think the feminin/masculin comes across well 😉 Great street art backdrops!!!
Make it Fabrics is a treasure trove literally! Liz mentioned it when I bumped into her at East Coast Fabrics a couple of months ago and I got there last week… I saw a couple of things I’m going back for (that linen/chambray you have used is one of them!) and they were selling a hand crank Singer to a young girl for $80!!
The shirt is lovely. I love the gathering at the back and the shape of the collar. There are a lot of great patterns in that book that would be nice to have a go at. Great review.
I had always wondered about what this blouse (also on my sewing list) looks like in another color fabric than in the book. Your version in chambray is very nice! I can’t wait to see your other make from this book:-)
I love the shirt! The clothes in the book look pretty cool actually. I’m a novice though, do you think the instructions are enough for a novice?
The book looks amazing! I really need to start making pants…
thanks for the details and giveaway…i think it’s time for me to finally try one of these books 🙂
Your version looks fantastic, I love the back of this shirt. Your review was fab too – it was great to see the pics of some of the other patterns. There are a few I would like to try. Please enter me in the draw!!
Good review and the shirt looks great ! I saw others blogguers talking about this book and seams to be interesting to sew a everyday garment. Thanks for the giveaway! Regards from Spain.
I love this book! Super helpful review- I’m not normally into Japanese sewing books but I love the tomboy style!
Ooh, I love that shirt even more now! That collar technique sounds perfect for accurate stitching. I’ll have to try and remember it… Could I throw my name in the hat? I really do have serious shirt envy!
Love the shirt and it is balanced so well with your jeans. I was really interested in the suzerainty chart so tiny I would be a plus size I guess though my waist is 28″. I would still like to have a try though, please enter me.
Love your blouse, perfect in the chambray. I like it both unbuttoned and buttoned on you. Would love to win this book and give some of the patterns a try.
Your blouse looks good. I like the quirky without being odd look one tends to get with Japanese patterns. I’d love to win this book.
love your blouse!
I borrowed the book at my public library a few months ago, but would love to have it at hand. Your blouse is lovely paired with jeans. Love the styling, as always!
Neat book! It all looks comfortable and wearable. I love the blouse you made.
Lovely blouse! Book looks interesting.
Love the colour and the style of the blouse , really nice interesting shape.
The book is great! Thanks for the chance.
LOVE your shirt. It’s a beautiful relaxed style & really suits you. Don’t worry about entering me in the draw, as awesome as some of those patterns look I think at this point in time my skills aren’t quite ‘there yet’ & it’d confuse the hell out of me!
Love the blouse, buttoned up looks great too!
Wow, love this shirt and the look of the book. Such a great style, and love it on you! Would love to be entered into the draw 🙂
I love coming back to this blog, I’m always interested in what you sew! I would love to win this book please! I love this edgy mannish style it’s hard to find patterns like this!
Wow, the book looks fantastic. And your creations too!
I love the details of the top! So interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!
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Wow, what a beautiful blouse. I’ve seen this book, but yet not bought. It is very king of you to open this giveaway to anyone, anywhere in the world.
I am intrigued by this book, so please countr me in for the giveaway. Thanks for your generosity!
Love the blouse, especially the back and the sleeves. Right up my street. Your choice of fabric works really well too.
Thank you for the opportunity to win the book. Looks very very interesting. Xx
Your blouse is beautiful! I am enamored with Japanese style. The drape of these garments is amazing!
Always love reading your blogs! Would love to win the book!
Nice blouse! Would love to win the book…
This shirt is very… interesting. I think I like it, but I’m not sure. Then again, I think it’s great that I’m more intrigued with this shape than in love with it, because it means it’s a different style than what I’m used to looking at. A shirt that gets you thinking. 🙂 I love your fabric choice, and I agree that the collar looks great with the sew-in interfacing. Quite an interesting project!
Count me in for the giveaway. I have a somewhat “mannish” style and would be curious to check out the rest of the patterns. I also agree that the 2 different titles mean 2 completely different things!
Nice shirt! I am really interested in this book and in japanese sewing books in general.I have heard many great things and would love to own one.
Cute blouse! I like the square top you’ve made in your next post too. How comfy does the outfit on the front cover look! Thanks for offering to give your second copy of the book away – that’s really generous of you!
I have a couple of japanese sewing books already but haven’t done a lot of sewing out of them. Hoping to change that this year!
Thanks for the detailed review. Please add me to the competition.
Love this so much. This is my kind of top. I like how it looks buttoned up, too. I love the style of Japanese pattern books so much but have never worked from one. The chambray is perfect!
Love the blouse, has a dual look about it, both romantic and elegant, I would make and wear this.
Love your new blouse. Please do count me into the give away list!
This is gorgeous 🙂
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It looks great on you. Totally my style too. I love the colour.
Seems like sensibly shirt/blouse… then pow, party round the back. I need to get some linen / chambray… never seen with it before but love the look.
Please count me in for the giveaway.
Clippedcurves at gmail dot com
Great review! I saw two of the patterns made up by the Bay Area Sewists meet-up here in Berkeley, CA last Saturday. I would love to win this book and begin my own exploration of Japanese clothing making. Thanks.
I love the gathered back to this shirt. I’ve made several items from another Japanese pattern book, “Simple Modern Patterns” I think it’s called. Nicely “different”.
Ohh, I love your blue square blouse.
What a nice giveaway and I would love to win the book.
I’ve just recently become enchanted with these Japanese sewing books and would love to add this one to my rapidly expanding library…. and that blouse is wonderful! Love that gathered back yoke.
That collar looks perfect. It’s great to find a new tip or technique! I can’t get on board with fully buttoned collars on myself, they’re just that bit uncomfortable and I think they make me look neck-less. I love the rounded shape here.
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