Drape Drape

I have attempted a few items from this book so far. The designs are lovely, and are quite easy to adapt if you're not quite the same shape as the average Japanese woman. However, at least one of the patterns (which is illustrated with a backless gathered red dress) has a technical flaw in that the dots which are supposed to match up to align the pattern pieces do not match up. (This may just be my error, but I see no way in which they could have reasonably matched up). The other small issue is that many of the designs are clingy and are not lined, meaning that on the average person they can appear indecent when worn. Making your own lining pattern is easy, so it's a shame that it's not included in the given design. (It would be a struggle to find a suitable bra to wear with many of the top/dress designs in this book, since some are cowl front and back, or backless, or very low cut at the sides. Hence why lining becomes even more important). The other small issue is that the given patterns are absolutely jammed together on the pattern sheet, but given some time and a few colored highlighter pens this isn't too much of an issue.

I was so excited to receive this book and couldn't wait to get started making the patterns. Unfortunately, although it does contain complete, full size, graded patterns, all of the pattern pieces for every pattern in every size are printed overlaid on top of each other on the front and back of a single sheet of paper. All sizes for every pattern are printed in black with dot differentiations to tell them apart, and all the pattern pieces are jumbled up amongst each other with no indication of how many pieces there are for each pattern or where they might be on the pattern paper. It means that it's a huge job just to track down all the pieces you need and trace them off in the size you think you need before you can start actually sewing anything. I've found time to trace off one pattern, but not to sew it which means I can't comment on how they actually sew up once you manage to get to that stage. The pattern pieces are all huge (which is to be expected with drapery) and obscure shapes which make it very fabric hungry for cutting out. When I do get round to trying to sew a pattern, it's not going to be cheap in fabric!

I want all of these Drape Drape books! These are great patterns. You will need an overlocker or serger to make the very best out of this book and of course lots of fabric. I now just need the time to work my way through them. At first they do seem to feel daunting but as soon as you remember it is like fabric origami, you will find it much easier.

Fast delivery, Great book.

Lovely pattern book. Very exciting to be able to buy one of these awesome Japanese pattern books in an English translation. Great patterns, clear instructions and a beautiful book. Haven't made all of the patterns yet, and some i won't be tackling at all, but well worth it alone for the three patterns i have used.

I am pleased with the patterns in the book, and very helpful instructions.

Excellent book 👍🏼❤️👍🏼

Some nice patterns