Yoshiko TsukioriSweet Dress Book: 23 Dresses of Pattern Arrangement

I lusted over this book for moths before buying it, and when it arrived I was in love with the beautiful patterns inside. I bought some material and sat down to sew right away, but quickly deflated when I looked at the pattern pages in the back of the book. The dress patterns are on two fold out sheets in the back of the book. They are much like a large fold out map. 22 of the 23 patterns are drawn one on top of the other on both sides of those two pages. (I included a picture to give you an idea of what I'm talking about) It makes picking out individual pieces for each pattern nearly impossible. If you do manage to pick them out, you'd need to trace them onto pattern paper to begin using the beautiful paterns. I am a better than average seamstress, but I'm not amazing, so I tried making the kimono tunic. It's the one pattern that uses measurements instead of having a pattern on the two spaghetti junction sheets in the back. The measurements for the fabric pieces were fairly easy to figure out as were the directions on how to sew them together. I completed the tunic in one day and was delighted to try it on. I was once again disappointed when I found that my kimono didn't even begin to fit me. (I followed instructions for a large. I am a size 8-10.) Not to be dismayed, I gave the shirt to my middle daughter who is a size 6. She was delighted. It really is a beautiful garment. It fit like a corset on her, so now I have a beautiful kimono tunic that is useless to me unless I meet a fat Asian woman or an anorexic teenager.

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.However, while I love  Stylish Dress Book: Simple Smocks, Dresses and Tops  and  Stylish Dress Book: Wear with Freedom  this one here isn't nearly as exciting. Perhasps I have been spoiled by the two I really like, but for whatever reason seems boring and not very innovative. The patterns are super easy-like the apron dress or the kimono tunic, which consists of 3 rectangles, or the strapless jumpsuit, for which you wouldn't really need a pattern. Because of this lack of freshness, I only give this one 3 stars.I recommend using the look inside function to see whether you'll like it or not. Some might love the fact that there is a cupcake recipe included, but I'm not one of them. I want to sew and not make cupcakes...that's my personal preference however.The two other books of Yoshiko Tsukiori are  Stylish Dress Book: Clothing for Everyday Wear  and  Happy Homemade: Sew Chic: 20 Simple Everyday Designs . While I like the first one better than the second one, I still don't like them nearly as much as the ones mentioned at the beginning of the review. If you are new to Japanese sewing, they are all worth checking out and opinions do differ indeed.

So happy with this purchase. Was hesitant to buy used for fear the patterns would not be included but to my surprise, not only were they included, they were still sealed and unused.

This book is adorable. I must warn that, I am a size 4-6, 5' 2" and 112 pounds. These patterns put me at a medium. And they only go up to large. The patterns are very simple and, as the title says, "sweet". I have just began copying the patterns and cutting fabric. If you are a pretty experienced sewer, this book will be no problem. I don't know about new sewers, but I will say, they seem easier than the easiest of the big four: Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick and Vogue. Most of the patterns are summer/spring, with short or no sleeves. If all goes well, I am going to try to find a winter collection by the same author. Happy sewing.

I loved the photographs and the feel of this book, but the patterns left something to be desired. Like another reviewer said, if your body type isn't similar to the model's, you may not find any of these dresses flattering. The silhouette is more suited to some one with little to no curves. I myself am petite and small framed, but my breasts and butt just look lumpy and out of place in a lot of these dresses. Still love flipping through it, and will probably make all of the garments just to get my money's worth, but it's all rather frumpy and unexceptional. Oh! And my biggest gripe is that the pattern pieces all need to be retraced as they come on 3 big sheets of paper, superimposed over one another and at times it's hard to tell the lines apart.

Great condition really love my book. all the patterns are perfect for any level of sewing and very cute and easy to alter and have fun with the patterns. Another thing is that there are no stupid waste of time steps it's all minimalist when it comes to steps ALSO you never waste fabric! I was shocked I could buy less fabric than what a normal American pattern will call for and we all know fabric prices are crazy so that was AWESOME!

The pattern for the kimono tunic has one cutting line marked as 14 3/4 inches, when it should be 4 1/4 inches. All efforts to contact the publisher failed. The pattern pieces are overlaid multiple times and are a little tricky to separate, but the patterns and directions overall are simple and should be easy for anyone with basic skills to sew.

I like the patterns in this book, but like another reviewer said, the largest size only goes up to 36", and I'll need to tweak the patterns a bit to use them.

The see inside shows quite clearly what sort of designs these are - and personally I love them.You will need to trace the patterns onto new pattern paper -and add a hem allowance (and adjust for size if you are not as petite as the Japanese). I'd buy extra fabric as well if you need to adjust upwards. This is not particularly difficult but it does take a large cutting space (such as a table or clean smooth floor) and patience (and practice muslin if you're not confident).Also note there are 2 pattern sheets in the plastic packet at the back of the book - at first glance you may think the section II designs are missing but they are on the back of the first pattern sheet.

Fantastic easy to follow patterns and rather randomly a cupcake recipe everything is graded by skill needed I'm definitely getting the othersHowever tracing the patterns can be a bit like where's wally

Some of my favourite designs in this book... Love it, but the models look like they could do with a good meal so I wouldn't want my granddaughter to look through it.....

Another great book!Simple, yet very stylish designs.Includes detailed instructions with pictures, if that is what you need.Difficult to pick which designs to actually make up! So, great book to just look through and plan your next making project! ( if, like me, you have too many projects on the go at the same time!)

I am happy with this, I researched this before I bought it, and it stands head and shoulders above the other similar books.