japanese pattern book dress + pants
I bought this book a while ago because I am in love with the raw, unfinished look most of the items have. I would own most of these Japanese pattern books for the photography alone - such beautiful pictures and a very nice aesthetic within the pages. It’s very inspiring to flip through any one of the dozens on my bookshelves (erm, I have a bit of a book problem.)
But I only just got around to sewing something from this particular book while Bill has been gone. I figure I deserve a break from sewing diapers and pads every once in a while!
I don’t really have a lot to say about the pieces I made, except that I really love how they turned out and my girls do, too. They’re both for Anya - size 110 maybe? but Zella kept taking the cloth from me and trying to dress herself as I was sewing. She really likes the dress so I think (dork alert!) that I’ll have to make her one as well. Then they both can be matching-olive-linen-dress-wearing hellions; peeing on the floor, ripping keys off my keyboard, dumping full bags of sugar on the couches, and pouring bottles of honey all over the dog and house. I’ve had such an interesting couple of weeks here, can you tell?
As you can see from the pictures, the dress ruffles and hems are left unfinished and allowed to fray a bit. The pattern does call for a line of stitching to be sewn a small distance away from the edge so that it doesn’t completely fray.
I know the pants don’t look very exciting, and they’re not, but they were so easy to make and they are a perfect fit on Anya. Very cute in action!
And finally, though I don’t have a picture just yet, I made myself a long, full, asymmetric skirt from the same olive linen. Other than the really ugly silver-metal buttons I had to use because I’m impatient, I like the skirt a lot and I could see myself making more to wear. You know, in all of my free time…
Weird how everything I’ve made for my own family lately has been olive-colored. That’s an accident!


Christy ~ just gorgeous, beautiful and with all the mayhem you are having you are getting so miuch more done than when my DH is away. Hope you are surviving….
Michele
17 Apr 08 at 10:44 am
Very cute! Cannot wait to see Anya in action wearing that darling set!
The honey must have been fun to clean up…sounds like the girls are keeping you busy and well entertained while Bill is away LOL!
Just for a little chuckle…while I was reading your post my 3.5 year old hopped up on my lap and said “Mom, those are interesting pants! Can you sewing machine me some?” LOL! Interesting is his new word =)
Ali
17 Apr 08 at 11:57 am
Goodness! (and I thought 2 little boys were disruptive… I guess girls are no better!) I do think it’s apropos that you made 2 (gorgeous) lovely raw edged dresses for the girlies. kinda reflective of the mayhem?
Li
17 Apr 08 at 7:11 pm
I can’t believe you got *anything* done while Bill was away as it sounds like Z caused quite the havoc around the house.
I wanna see a pic of that skirt you made. You know, I’m obsessed with skirts *wink*
Amy
18 Apr 08 at 4:06 pm
I LOVE “unfinsihed” pieces too! Those are adorable!
Christina
19 Apr 08 at 10:21 am
these are just lovely! well done.
elsiemarley
5 May 08 at 1:54 pm
love those pieces. wb needs a dress like that!
stephanie
18 Jun 08 at 9:13 pm