Reviews

Sewing Love: Handmade Clothes for Any Body by Sanae Ishida

sparklingreader's review

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5.0

I have been sewing for a very long time and adapting commercial patterns to fit my needs, but they were still not quite right. But this book… I wish I’d had it years ago. Though I don’t sew nearly as much as I used to, I know this will be on my “buy this book” list as a must-have.

The author spends quite a bit of time explaining why she sews and the reasons for this book. Not everyone is a size 5 (or whatever) or has perfect measurements. All bodies are different. And we should not be body shaming ourselves with the way we are, but learning to love and accept ourselves as we are. Even as our bodies change, these patterns are adaptable.

There are extensive sections on the basics and tools you need for sewing your own clothes as well as resources and suggestions for more information. And there are 25+ patterns included—and color pictures!—that you can make for yourself.

Recommendation: A definite buy if you are even a little inclined to make your own clothes or if you can’t find that right fit in commercially made clothing.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book. Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

caitirin's review

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4.0

Decided to buy a copy of this. I want to learn to be better at making my own clothes and I loved the stuff on slopers and this is where I want to grow! The book was easy to understand, great pictures, and I felt it was approachable and empowering.

So hopefully this will be me, making a book purchase to MAKE MY OWN CLOTHES BETTER!

annieb123's review

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5.0

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Sewing Love: Handmade Clothes for Any Body is is a tutorial sewing guide with instructions for drafting patterns for clothing which really fits the reader's style and body written by Sanae Ishida. Released 23rd June 2022 by Sasquatch Books, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. The book also includes a wonderful message of kindness and body positivity and meets readers where they *are* honestly and respectfully.

The fabrics pictured are gorgeous. Pure cotton, linen, and blends. It's full of photos with models of different shapes and sizes showing the designs in the book which helps to visualize the drape and silhouette of the finished garments. The author has included resource links and lists for sourcing fabrics and further info and instruction.

I did not finish any of the garments, but a close read-through of the construction notes didn't turn up any glaring mistakes. The included tutorial diagrams are good, and on a par with those included with commercial patterns.

I really liked a lot of the designs here and there are numerous subtle details which are not immediately apparent. The style is absolutely not fussy or overly fitted. For me it's five strong stars especially given the reasonable and gentle positivity for meeting readers where they *are*. So much of commercial fashion is so very toxic that I've heard 5 year olds (girls) saying they want to be on a diet.

This would be a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, maker's groups, classroom instruction, and home studio.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

spiderfelt's review

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informative inspiring

5.0

This book contains granular level detail explaining how to create a precise 2D pattern of my unique body shape. When I do decide I want to sew more clothes, I will add this title to my personal library. 

fivecatsinacoat's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 

This was not at all what I expected! I went into this title thinking it would be a good introductory book on garment sewing, but instead discovered a wonderful resource for creating slopers with a good bit of body positivity thrown in. I will note, however, CWs for fat shaming and ED in the introduction. 

The content was well written and easy to understand. The pictures are informative and make the process approachable. 

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kelseygoldwein's review

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informative inspiring

4.5

mostly instructions, plus a small bit of nice encouragement. will maybe update after i do as i'm told

enterprisingsmoo's review

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informative inspiring slow-paced

4.5

stardustmelody's review

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4.0

A really wonderful text for those looking to learn pattern drafting. 

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elspethm's review

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4.0

This is a great introduction to clothing basics to sew. The patterns are easy and help you to learn sewing techniques as well as how to fill up your closet with clothing staples. Ishida includes her background as a sewist then outlines how to get started making your own clothing. She gives you detailed instructions on how to create your own pattern pieces based upon your own measurements. I really enjoyed the designs and look forward to taking advantage of her tips to make some easy fall, spring or summer clothing.

I received an advance copy of this book and am giving an honest review.

fluffycow's review

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informative

2.75

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