Today I have a book review for you: The Magic Pattern Book by Amy Barickman!
The premise of this sewing book is a wearable wardrobe made from six basic patterns which can be transformed into many, many different looks. Included is a tank top, skirt, dress,
cardigan, coat, hat, and tote bag.
The Magic Pattern Book is geared towards the beginner, and uses a very intuitive approach to teach garment sewing.
The book also includes basic
construction techniques that will be quite helpful for anyone interested in learning to sew.
Each individual pattern also includes a few sidebars with suggested design changes and fabric choices to keep you thinking of even more creative uses for the base patterns.
The patterns in the book are included on a CD in sizes S-XXL. Finished garment measurements are noted on the first page of each individual design; for instance, the "Anne" shift dress ranges from a finished bust of 38" - 45.5". Most patterns work directly from body measurements, so I am not sure why this choice was made. And yes, these are PDF patterns. This is my least favorite part of the book, and unfortunately, it seems
to be a growing trend.
What I really love about this book is the fact that it encourages
beginners to be creative with pattern pieces and fabric choices right from the start. Six basic patterns may seem limiting, but in reality, it takes away some of the guess work while still allowing for creativity. (I clearly remember sitting at the pattern book table in JoAnn Fabrics many years ago and feeling completely overwhelmed by hundreds of choices, none of which were exactly what I was looking for - this book would have been very helpful at that moment.)
I think Amy has created a clever approach for someone interested in learning to make their own self-made wardrobe. There is a lot of wonderful information contained within the pages of her new book, but it remains very approachable. The illustrated diagrams are clear and concise, and the overall layout of the book is easy to follow. And best of all, while working your way through several iterations of one basic pattern, you cannot help but learn how to do the same for any design you come across in the future.
I think Amy has created a clever approach for someone interested in learning to make their own self-made wardrobe. There is a lot of wonderful information contained within the pages of her new book, but it remains very approachable. The illustrated diagrams are clear and concise, and the overall layout of the book is easy to follow. And best of all, while working your way through several iterations of one basic pattern, you cannot help but learn how to do the same for any design you come across in the future.
Workman Publishing has generously offered a copy of The Magic Pattern Book to one lucky U.S. resident. To enter, leave a comment
on this post - if you like, tell me what your next sewing project will be. The giveaway will close at midnight on October 21st PDT.
And make sure to check out the rest of the blog tour!
October 15 Four Square Walls
October
16 Pink Chalk Studio
October
17 City Stitching with Christine Haynes
October
20 Cut Out & Keep
October
21 He Sowed, She Sewed
October
22 Chic Steals
October
23 Threads
October
24 Indygo Junction
[A copy of this
book was sent to me for review, but the opinions expressed here are my own.]
So enjoy your blog!!
ReplyDeleteReturning to sewing after a very long break. Would appreciate a great sewing guide! Thanks for the opportunity!
Working on a Cami Dress sew-along.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!!
I like ideas for using patterns in different ways to get different looks but, like you, I don't like PDFs at all - the kitty tries to help with the taping and it gets messy.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm working on a 70s dress. I should really get it done before it's too cold out to wear it.
Brilliant, I've been looking for a beginners book for a friend of mine and this looks just perfect!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the UK so I know I can't win it but I will be ordering a copy for her (and have a peek myself)
I've been following your blog for a little while now and find it inspiring. Thanks for sharing this gem!
Cheers!
I saw this in a book store last week. I really like how she shows ways to change up the patterns for different looks. I just started a pair of skinny jeans last night (my first skinnys)... we'll see how they turn out.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a bodysuit for my daughter. Next I think I'll tackle a shit for my husband!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thanks for the opportunity to win. The book looks like a great one for my daughter who is learning to sew. She's out of town so it's hard for me to help her much. Right now, I'm working on a whole lotta khaki for school uniform skirts. Ack! I need some color soon!
ReplyDeleteI will be making winter skirts for myself. sarah@forrussia.org
ReplyDeleteMy next project will be a long skirt for myself. I need to take a break from making charity quilts and make a skirt. Thank you for the chance to win. This book would be a helpful reference guide.
ReplyDeleteYou're right! The concept of experimenting with patterns is intimidating - very cool to encourage that from the beginning. I think my next sewing project will be a picnic skirt from sewcaroline or another out and about dress.
ReplyDeleteMy next sewing project is Christmas presents for the grandkids: aprons with matching chefs hats. Sorry if this posts twice, when I logged on to comment the box became blank.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Eloise coat in this book. I have a weeks vacation starting in less than two weeks; I plan to sew several things, including a fitted Vogue jacket (a challenge project) using several of the techniques I've picked up in this blog! Thanks Laura Mae!
ReplyDeleteWould love to be entered. Thanks! I am currently working on a leisure dress for around the house for my aunt. She only likes the ones I make! lol
ReplyDeleteI have a pattern for a dress that I have been wanting to start for a while.. I finally got the fabric... however, Christmas will be here before I know it and I have a few projects that I need to start...Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteI am excited for this book. My next sewing projects are to finish my Halloween table topper..BEFORE Halloween and my sons Halloween costume
ReplyDeleteI could most definitely use a book like this! Thanks for the opportunity! My current project is a 1950's style three piece suit. It's going veeeeeeeeery slow :)
ReplyDeleteI am working on my sons first Halloween costume, he'll be a blue fuzzy teddy bear. Poor child. This book looks like it is full of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on Christmas gifts!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, and giveaway- thank you! I'm hoping to make a couple of winter tunics, once the canning's done. That, and saving my pennies to buy this book. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review and opportunity to win. I took a hiatus from garment sewing to make bags and quilts, but I am ready to get back to it. This book would be an invaluable resource. I am starting a tunic with Angela Walters' Athena line. I hope it comes out well!!
ReplyDeletePlease contact me at lanslady@gmail.com if I am lucky enough to win! Thanks!
DeleteEncouraging review. My next project will be a jacket for sure, lightweight for the gentle winters
ReplyDeletehere in the southern parts.
I'm currently making the Emery dress and when I am done I am going to make a delphine skirt.
ReplyDeleteI want to make a felted wrap coat for fall, for layering - thanks for the chance
ReplyDeleteI agree the PDF format for patterns is definitely NOT my favorite but the concept is wonderful. I just wonder how a size small has a finished bust of 38". This is a very roomy fit!
ReplyDeleteMy next project is going to be a 1950's swing jacket from a modern reissue of a vintage pattern. Trying to inject a little fabulous into my life :)
ReplyDeleteMy next sewing project is a challenge quilt for my quilting bee. I drew the color red.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be busy sewing rag doll costumes for my daughters and my niece!
ReplyDeleteI have heard so much about this book. I am a avid seamstress, and am slowly working into designing, just a few pieces for my friends, and for fun! Iwould love to have this book!
ReplyDeletewhoops forgot to say my next project is 40's dress for me. Since the last one decided it was made for another!
DeleteWhat an interesting book! Just what I'm looking for-how to make a variety of clothes without buying tons of patterns. I love creating! My next sewing project will be making some baby girl skirts out of old blouses of mine.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to sew patchwork pillows and Christmas presents. I bought a sewing machine that sews knit fabrics (rather than eating then) so I'm also excited to make something out of knit fabric.
ReplyDeleteMy next project is a high low tunic! I would love to win a copy of this book! iamsquid@ymail.com
ReplyDeleteI love the variety of ideas in one place!
ReplyDeleteStill have a few more quilts to finish before I get back to making clothes. -- soparkaveataoldotcom
ReplyDeleteI'm finishing some comfy "around the house" clothes for myself for after surgery. Upon recovery, I'll work on Christmas items.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very useful book :) As for what my next project will be, who knows, lol. I tend to work on whatever strikes me at the moment. I've been working out a muslin for Simplicity 1419 with the 2444 neckline. I hope to make it with this fantastic fabric with dinging chairs all over it. But I tend to get really excited about t-shirt making at random. We'll see what churns out next!
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of this book, though I too do not enjoy pdf's. Thanks for the chance to win! I'm on a small break from sewing but my son just informed me he needs a Halloween costume in 10 days so we shall see....
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to win a great book. I enjoy reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteI was just taking a look around and found this:) Thanks for the opportunity to win this book, being one of many women who are between sizes that manufacturers suggest are real, it looks like there are quite a few things for me to learn since I decided to make my own tops :)
ReplyDelete~Margaret
Thank you for this giveaway ! My next project... maybe a cambie dress, or a Deer&Doe skirt, or... my list is so big !!!
ReplyDeletethank you for the opportunity to win this. I have fabric sitting on my sewing table for a dress I hope to wear to a wedding
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a skirt now. But I also want to make a coat before winter!
ReplyDeleteAs a 30 year beginner this book seems like it would be perfect to bring my skills to the next level. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so fun!
ReplyDeleteMy next sewing project is activewear.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks very interesting...I also sometimes get overwhelmed by so many patterns, none of which are exactly what I have in mind but which look so intriguing :-) ! I don't know exactly what my next project will be - I'm waffling between a test run of the By Hand London Anna dress or a chiffon overblouse that would be worn for Christmas Eve. Eeny meeny miney moe...
ReplyDeleteI need to make a bag, mainly to carry my crochet projects around with me!
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm working on my daughter's Halloween costume. Then I'm going to do some selfish sewing and finish a wrap dress that I've had sitting cut and unsewn for two years!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of this book. I'd like to make some casual, long tops to wear with slacks. Your book would be the perfect help! Thanks.
ReplyDeletemy next sewing project is a quilt for my sister for christmas
ReplyDeletecooladam1 at live dot com
I am working on quilt repairs.
ReplyDeletewow, I am just really getting into garment making for me and would love to be able to go "off pattern" and make changes. Sewing bravery, as it were. Next projects....baby leggings, sleeping beauty, maleficent and prince phillip costumes and to finish the eva dress i started.
ReplyDeleteYes please! :-) I've just finished making a bunch of Biblical costumes for a theatre production, and I'm nearly finished with an adult Elsa gown. Next up: sewing for a fundraiser for a friend who is a missionary in Haiti. Over the past two years, I've raised nearly $2500 for her sewing baby items, home decor items, accessories and custom projects, with all proceeds going to her ministry. Craft show is November 8, so I need to get busy!
ReplyDeleteWhy do the patterns have XL and XXL but no XS? My bust measurement is 32, if the finished garments start at 38 inches the patterns would be huge.
ReplyDeleteSizing up to XXL? sign me up! Next project? Some interior decorating for the condo hubs and I just bought. Pillows, curtains, bed stuff, you name it!
ReplyDeleteInterested - working on two Jalie zippered tops for Fall layering.
ReplyDeleteI'd really like to try some easy garment sewing.
ReplyDeleteI want to make a skirt or apron.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to give outerwear a try
ReplyDeleteOoh thank you for the giveaway! My next project is an altering of the Vogue fitting shell pattern into a plungy V neck dress, complete with suede trim - my first time altering or really fitting something to me, and my first time sewing with leather. This makes me think I can get a lot more out of a book like this than I could just a few months ago!
ReplyDeleteI am always on the look out for new sewing books, whether for beginners or advanced sewing. Your review was very helpful in my deciding that this book will be one of my next acquisitions. I have been sewing off and on for years and always feel more relaxed and confident when I have an abundance of learning opportunities. One way or another this will be among my continuing education references.
ReplyDeleteMy next sewing project will be a sweater for my 9 month old son :) (I'm in the US)
ReplyDeleteMy next sewing project, that I hope to cut out tomorrow is a Marcy Tilton Vogue pattern: a grey raincoat
ReplyDeleteMaking a bag right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to win this bag. Right now I'm working on making bags, which will become Christmas presents.
ReplyDeleteMy current works in progress are quilt related rather than clothing. I've set aside some lovely wool tweed for a skirt but have yet to pick a pattern - maybe one from the book! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi!!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your blog. The toile dress you made from a gertie pattern a while ago is really what inspired me to move to garments. My next project is a retro style coat made from purple and black houndstooth.