I am so excited… a new book has just arrived through the post… Pattern Magic by Tomoko Nakamichi and the greatest thing about it is that it’s the English-language version. Though everybody says it’s not hard to figure out what to do given the drawings… I feel more reassured with English text.
So, if any of you needs any help I would be happy to share the translation. I can’t wait to have some time to read through the pages… I have just flicked through some and my hands are itching… I want to try out the amazing construction.

I don’t know about you, but my book purchases are always in bulk so to save on shipping charges… so I plan for months and then finally buy new items together.

So, next purchase in this shopping basket was Sew U Home Stretch. I just started reading a few pages and it’s fantastic. It’s written in an extremely user-friendly language and includes three full-size patterns. I now have an excuse to buy some affordable knits…

I have also ordered Pattern Magic 2…but I have to wait until it’s released in English next year… I guess I can wait. I already have many projects on my to-do list.

These books complement my already existing sewing bookshelf…

It all started with two great books

Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing and Amy Butler’s in Stitches: 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects.
These include projects to fill your entire life… ranging from home to going out and clothing. I find their pictures and explanations really exciting.

When I flick through the pages I really want to start sewing… I guess that’s what the authors wanted, right? My only wish is that those beautiful fabrics were cheaper and more available where I live, because the end result and feeling changes dramatically if you have a different fabric.

Then I decided to explore the patternmaking world a bit more…

I have spoken several time about Design it yourself clothes and its clear explanations.

And since I wanted a more comprehensive manual I decided to buy Pattermaking for Fashion Design which is widely used in fashion degrees. Luckily the international edition is a lot cheaper than the America one so I could get it.

And indeed it has all that you need and more. The only drawback is that it always talks about altering the bodice and never about creating a full lenght top… or perhaps I haven’t found it.

And since I really wanted to make a dress…

Little Black Dress, The: How to Make the Perfect One for You seemed a really good to have.

Overall I like the book especially since it has both imperial and metric measurements, but I don’t like that the whole bodice drafting is done on a dress form. I don’t have one, nor I have a sewing buddy nearby who can help me out with the fitting. So I used my other patternmaking books for the bodice and only used this book for tips on the dress alterations.

Last but not least is Burda sewing book, it’s the Italian version Manuale di cucito. It’s really helpful because it has the sewing basics as well as some tips for adapting Burda patterns. It goes without saying that I have a few issues of Burda Magazine ;o)

So for a while I think I have plenty of reading and sewing material. I won’t be buying more books though there are so many good ones out there that I would like to own them all. But I wouldn’t want to end up with a pile of material that overwhelms me.

What sewing books do you have? Do you prefer patterns to books? Are you a few essentials type of person or do you have a larger library? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Of course if youwould like to have more info on a specific book just let me know.