I saw this in a shop (US) yesterday while my wife was looking at fabric. I’m a visual artist and love working with different textures and as I flipped through this book, it was so much more than just a pattern book. It truly is a piece of art in itself. I’m not at all put off by the drawings. The photos, more importantly, show what each piece looks like. The artist did renderings that with all the folds, is a more interesting piece to draw. I’m new to your site. Keep up the good work. I did, buy the book btw.
Handmade By Ditsy-Tulip There was something about that book sitting in the store that said: Pick me up. Yes, it is a beautiful book. Keep up the good work on your end.
Love this book- made the haremere coat- very long- twice! Love it! And alway seem to end up resorting to the trouser instructions in this book whenever making trousers from anywhere!!
I really enjoy your book reviews, thank you! The photographs are beautiful, the artwork less so. :) I really like the dress at the beginning. Can't wait to see your next projects from this book.
Hi Mel, such a lovely book and illustrated beautifully inside. I love the look of your grey wrap top and love the linen look so much, especially for the summer 👍😘
I made the Heron top in an amazing silk, for a friends 60th and it looked fabulous with the collar slightly standing up. It was so comfortable and although I didn't have time to make a toile it fitted brilliantly, so do enjoy. I'm not sure about the Haremere jacket as drop shoulders on my narrow shoulders isn't the most flattering silhouette, however I'm definitely going to give the Strides a go, I will also be making them initially in a linen and then possibly a pair in an Italian light weight summer wool fabric from my stash, I may then partner them with a jacket either from SOI or The Makers Atelier .. I could have done with your excellent review before I bought it, but I have no regrets. Thanks again, and enjoy your sewing.
Sonia Butler oh I bet it was absolutely gorgeous in silk! And I will definitely try it with the collar standing up! I look forward to seeing your makes, so you share on Instagram? If so what’s your IG name? I’d love to see them ☺️💖
Ooh, this looks like a beautiful book. I've just ordered some scratch linen look fabric from the fabric room at £3.50 per metre which would be amazing for the top that you've probably made by now!
Love your top! The styles look like classic basics to me. They'll still be in style in five or ten years, so it's worth making them in nice fabrics like your linen.
Thank you for this book review Mel! I've seen this workbook on a number of sites but just thought they weren't my style but then again it might be the look of the patterns themselves because when I see the pics of the garments made up I think they do look so effortless chic :) That pic of your blouse is beautiful! I look forward to seeing it in that gorgeous copper linen. I love linen ;)
Kathleen Meadows thanks Kathleen ☺️ I can’t tell you the number of people who have said they haven’t purchased their patterns because of true pictures, I hope that they realise it’s having this impact on their sales! Xx
I took a workshop with Ron Collins here in Victoria a couple of years ago and he said Vogue patterns that don't have pictures of real people wearing the garment on the front (line drawings instead) have never been actually made up into a garment! They are "stock" patterns and you could be taking a chance that they won't really look like the drawings.
Thanks for sharing this, I literally just traced out the saltmarsh skirt. Definitely want to see what you think of the instructions while you make your project.
Empress Noel ah fab! The salt marsh is lovely! I found the instructions ok but I did have a head scratching moment a couple of times, it worked out exactly as per instructions in the end though ☺️
Enjoy your reviews. I have this book and want to sew the Heron top so I was thrilled to see you make it, but I’m now hesitant to make it since we’ve not heard anymore on it from you. What did you end up thinking about the pattern and fit and wearability? Will you review it at a later date with pics of you wearing it, and sharing size info would be so helpful. Thank you.
Robin Smith Hi Robyn I absolutely will so a review, I have so far made a wearable toile, there is a pic in my Instagram if you are on there (@handmadebyditsytulip) I do really like the top but did find the neck difficult to sew. It does size up on the large size as people say. I’ll get a review up soon ☺️
Handmade By Ditsy-Tulip what’s the size range darling? I’ve bought a couple of books in the past, only to discover they don’t go big enough for me...and being a newbie to sewing I wouldn’t have the first clue how to size a pattern up properly 🤦♀️
Hi Mel thank you for a great vlog, I really enjoyed it. I love the look of this book but must admit I am a bit nervous about making garments for myself as I am new to sewing, however my goal for this year is to make a loose shift dress in linen with pockets, so fingers crossed. I absolutely love the top you showed us, you will look beautiful in that. Have a lovely weekend Mel, always look forward to your posts. Big hugs and loves xxxxxxDorothy
Hi does your singer machine work and if so do you use it I am asking because about a month a go I purchased a Singer tredel Sewing machine and it works very well
Hi Mel Ihave that book along with most of her other patterns .I think it is a beautiful book stylish simple and chiq the patterns are extremely well drafted . I agree there is a lot of ease but I also think the styles are intended to have that loose fit . I made the heron top and also hacked it into a dress . I would think the size 8 on you would still be a generous fit I’m on instagram “julie sew me something “ if you would like to take a peak at mine good luck x
Yoo Hoo it’s sew_me_something I’m new at all this malarkey I made the yona coat too that was a pressie for my Ma but I made a bit of a mess with the belt loops too wide you have tempted me with the Wear lemonade 😂 x
I saw this in a shop (US) yesterday while my wife was looking at fabric. I’m a visual artist and love working with different textures and as I flipped through this book, it was so much more than just a pattern book. It truly is a piece of art in itself. I’m not at all put off by the drawings. The photos, more importantly, show what each piece looks like. The artist did renderings that with all the folds, is a more interesting piece to draw. I’m new to your site. Keep up the good work. I did, buy the book btw.
It’s a beautiful book isn’t it ☺️
Handmade By Ditsy-Tulip There was something about that book sitting in the store that said: Pick me up. Yes, it is a beautiful book. Keep up the good work on your end.
Love this book- made the haremere coat- very long- twice! Love it! And alway seem to end up resorting to the trouser instructions in this book whenever making trousers from anywhere!!
I really enjoy your book reviews, thank you! The photographs are beautiful, the artwork less so. :) I really like the dress at the beginning. Can't wait to see your next projects from this book.
Hi Mel, such a lovely book and illustrated beautifully inside. I love the look of your grey wrap top and love the linen look so much, especially for the summer 👍😘
I made the Heron top in an amazing silk, for a friends 60th and it looked fabulous with the collar slightly standing up. It was so comfortable and although I didn't have time to make a toile it fitted brilliantly, so do enjoy. I'm not sure about the Haremere jacket as drop shoulders on my narrow shoulders isn't the most flattering silhouette, however I'm definitely going to give the Strides a go, I will also be making them initially in a linen and then possibly a pair in an Italian light weight summer wool fabric from my stash, I may then partner them with a jacket either from SOI or The Makers Atelier .. I could have done with your excellent review before I bought it, but I have no regrets. Thanks again, and enjoy your sewing.
Sonia Butler oh I bet it was absolutely gorgeous in silk! And I will definitely try it with the collar standing up! I look forward to seeing your makes, so you share on Instagram? If so what’s your IG name? I’d love to see them ☺️💖
Ooh, this looks like a beautiful book. I've just ordered some scratch linen look fabric from the fabric room at £3.50 per metre which would be amazing for the top that you've probably made by now!
I am always distracted by your water colours in the backgrounds! I love them! Your Art work is beautiful! Never stop!
Love your top! The styles look like classic basics to me. They'll still be in style in five or ten years, so it's worth making them in nice fabrics like your linen.
Stay Stitching thanks so much and I totally agree, classics! X
Thank you for this book review Mel! I've seen this workbook on a number of sites but just thought they weren't my style but then again it might be the look of the patterns themselves because when I see the pics of the garments made up I think they do look so effortless chic :) That pic of your blouse is beautiful! I look forward to seeing it in that gorgeous copper linen. I love linen ;)
Kathleen Meadows thanks Kathleen ☺️ I can’t tell you the number of people who have said they haven’t purchased their patterns because of true pictures, I hope that they realise it’s having this impact on their sales! Xx
I took a workshop with Ron Collins here in Victoria a couple of years ago and he said Vogue patterns that don't have pictures of real people wearing the garment on the front (line drawings instead) have never been actually made up into a garment! They are "stock" patterns and you could be taking a chance that they won't really look like the drawings.
Thanks for taking us on a tour of the book! Lovely patterns 😊
Thanks for sharing this, I literally just traced out the saltmarsh skirt. Definitely want to see what you think of the instructions while you make your project.
Empress Noel ah fab! The salt marsh is lovely! I found the instructions ok but I did have a head scratching moment a couple of times, it worked out exactly as per instructions in the end though ☺️
I've never seen this book, I can't wait to see what you make from it.
Enjoy your reviews. I have this book and want to sew the Heron top so I was thrilled to see you make it, but I’m now hesitant to make it since we’ve not heard anymore on it from you. What did you end up thinking about the pattern and fit and wearability? Will you review it at a later date with pics of you wearing it, and sharing size info would be so helpful. Thank you.
Robin Smith Hi Robyn I absolutely will so a review, I have so far made a wearable toile, there is a pic in my Instagram if you are on there (@handmadebyditsytulip) I do really like the top but did find the neck difficult to sew. It does size up on the large size as people say. I’ll get a review up soon ☺️
THANKS, LOOKS GREAT!
Love the look of that book, the style is effortless and so chic...the wrap top you made looks beautiful 😍
Thanks Kaz it is lovely 😊 and all the garments are timeless staples! 💖
Handmade By Ditsy-Tulip what’s the size range darling? I’ve bought a couple of books in the past, only to discover they don’t go big enough for me...and being a newbie to sewing I wouldn’t have the first clue how to size a pattern up properly 🤦♀️
Hi Mel thank you for a great vlog, I really enjoyed it. I love the look of this book but must admit I am a bit nervous about making garments for myself as I am new to sewing, however my goal for this year is to make a loose shift dress in linen with pockets, so fingers crossed. I absolutely love the top you showed us, you will look beautiful in that. Have a lovely weekend Mel, always look forward to your posts. Big hugs and loves xxxxxxDorothy
Kaz Everall Hi Kaz I’ve just checked in the book and it goes to UK size 18 which they have sized as bust 42” waist 35” hips 45” I hope that helps! ☺️
Nice review
This is a beautiful book.
THANK U!
I was just looking at that copper linen on their site it looks stunning. How many metre Is the heron top
Lesley Jones hi Lesley I’ve just checked and for the 140cm wide fabric the max that would be needed is 1.75m or 120cm wide max 2.40m xx
Hi does your singer machine work and if so do you use it I am asking because about a month a go I purchased a Singer tredel Sewing machine and it works very well
Hi Mel Ihave that book along with most of her other patterns .I think it is a beautiful book stylish simple and chiq the patterns are extremely well drafted . I agree there is a lot of ease but I also think the styles are intended to have that loose fit . I made the heron top and also hacked it into a dress . I would think the size 8 on you would still be a generous fit I’m on instagram “julie sew me something “ if you would like to take a peak at mine good luck x
Julie Sewaholic thanks Julie I’ll find you on IG now I’d definitely love to see your makes 💖💖
Hi again Julie, I’ve just tried to find you on IG but can’t seem to see you 😳 do you have dashes or anything in the name? X
Yoo Hoo it’s sew_me_something I’m new at all this malarkey I made the yona coat too that was a pressie for my Ma but I made a bit of a mess with the belt loops too wide you have tempted me with the Wear lemonade 😂 x
Why does it look like slavery type clothing?