11/11/13

Coffee Dress: A Stylish Dress Book Review

     I have to say... Monday is just a little bit more bearable now that I'm my own boss! Even though I am waking up at the same time and trying to keep a pretty regular schedule, Sunday evening was not filled with the normal cloud of gloom hanging over my head as when I was going into the office every Monday.  Anyway, on to more important things like this dress, which I am pretty excited about because it is the first thing that I have ever sewed from scratch!  Oh yeah, and the fabric that I used has a COFFEE print (which I found at my local Jo Ann Fabrics).  *Fuzzy kitty by my feet not included.

A few months ago, the awesome people at Laurence King Publishing sent me two sewing books to review by Japanese designer and seamstress Yoshiko Tsukiori.  The Sweet Dress Book and the Stylish Dress Book both contain beautifully styled lookbook images, as well as 26 sewing patterns so you can make the garments yourself at home!
    I will start off by saying that I have never in my life used a sewing pattern or tried to make something from scratch.  I really only ever learned how to fix hemlines and do small alterations to already made clothing, so I was a bit nervous to try something on my own!  This project did take me a few weeks to create, but mainly because I only had time to squeeze in an hour here or there on weekends.  I chose pattern B for a simple looking drop waist dress out of the Stylish Dress Book and couldn't be happier with how it turned out!  While I did have to look up a few of the sewing terms online, I think these books are wonderful for anyone with a basic sewing knowledge and I am so excited to create more!  If you want to take a peak inside the book, you can flip through a few sample pages on the Laurence King Publishing website here!  And if you have any other questions about my experience with the book or about the sewing part itself, I would be happy to answer your questions in the comment section!
     Have you guys ever used a sewing pattern before?  If you have ever made anything and showed it on your blogs, I would love to take a peak!  Have a great start to your week!
xo Hannah

18 comments:

  1. This dress is awwwesome, love the print!!! I think I need a coffee printed dress in my life now, my two passions together, coffee and fashion.
    The last time I tried to sew other than hemming things was grade 7 and it was a disaster, so I'm impressed!!
    xJennaD

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  2. I am super surprised that you hadn't previously done much making from scratch; you are so handy with a sewing machine. Well, that much is obvious with how cute this dress came out! Love it.

    Oh, it has been so long since I've sewn something. Last clothes was when I worked in a costume shop (poor actor who had to wear the vests I made...)

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  3. Oh my goodness, it's so beautiful! And that PRINT! I haven't sewed any of my own clothes in a while, but I'm in the process of crocheting a skirt. . .

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  4. You did such a great job Hannah! I can't believe it was your first dress! I took a few sewing classes before going back to school for design and I loved sewing things from patterns. I am definitely rusty because it's been a few years but I got a few this summer that I am determined to try soon. Nothing like making something yourself, even though it's intimidating to start :) Love the fabric you chose and this looks like something you could make over and over in different fabrics!

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    1. I was thinking the same thing about this pattern! I am now on the lookout for thrifted cute fabrics because buying this fabric new was kinddd of expensive. You should totally give the patterns a shot again! :)

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  5. Love this print, what a fun project - turned out great! :)

    <3 Megan
    http://www.garden-variety.net

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  6. that dress is so unique <3

    http://britishmermaid.blogspot.co.uk

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  7. Awesome job on the dress! Love the shape and the print is adorable.

    xo, Michelle
    Neon Rattail

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  8. A coffee print?? Oh my word, I need this dress in my life!

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  9. Very cute little dress! You did such a great job on your first ever dress. I have not sewn a dress in so long...I really need to. I miss it!

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  10. I'm in a sewing class now in college and oh my goodness...there is no way my dress would have turned out that nicely! haha it's so much more difficult than you think! The pattern pieces still don't make sense to me and I'm always amazed when a project turns out remotely similar to the picture on the front haha

    xx
    www.thestyleduckling.blogspot.com

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  11. wow Hannah! everything is even! that is how i judge a good sewing job haha and you clearly surpassed that, fantastic job! Def doesn't look like a first dress attempt - you are awesome! and that print is too fun. pitty the kitty isn't included : ).
    Cuddly Cacti
    Mitla Moda

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    1. Also, how awesome they sent you these books!! i just took a peek and they're both gorgeous! can't wait to see what else you create.

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  12. I seriously can't believe you made this dress! It's PERFECT. And now I really want coffee.. haha! You're a natural :) I really want to learn to sew and make my own clothes one day.
    Oh, and congrats on going full-time with the shop! What a dream job!
    Jessi
    http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com

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  13. That fabric is awesome, and the dress turned out fantastically! I'm dying to learn how to sew and make my own dresses. These books might be the perfect starter set for me... oh, and I'm loling because I totally thought your kitty cat were fuzzy boots for a hot second!! Silly me :)

    xox Sammi
    www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

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  14. Oh Hannah, you are too good at that crafty stuff! The dress is adorbs and I'm sure will be the first of many. I mean, coffee print? I love it!! P.S. loving reading your tales of being self-employed. You go girl. And to answer your question, no, I have never sewn anything, pattern or otherwise. Well, I hemmed some sari fabric for a scarf last time I was home with my Mom. That's it.

    perfectly priya

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  15. Wow, your dress turned out SO cute and it looks really well constructed! I've been sewing for quite some time now, I used to want to be a designer so I made tons of dresses! Unfortunately I've gotten a bit rusty, but I'm getting back into it this year by taking costume design and working on creating costumes for the plays at my school!

    Xo, Hannah

    sweetsweetnoir.net

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