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Sew Many Dresses, Sew Little Time: The Ultimate Dressmaking Guide
With her "choose-your-own-adventure" approach to sewing, Tanya Whelan offers an invaluable collection of patterns that empowers sewers to become designers. The trick is a set of patterns for 6 skirts and 8 bodices that line up perfectly at the waist, plus an additional 4 sleeve styles and 4 necklines. Tanya gives readers clear instructions and easy-to-follow step-by-step diagrams that allow them to use the enclosed pattern pieces to create up to 219 fitted dresses, including simple strapless designs, sheaths, and halter gowns. The book covers basic dress construction and altering techniques for women of all shapes and sizes.
208 pages, Spiral-bound
First published June 16, 2015
85 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 20, 2017
This is not a book for beginners..
But what Tanya Whelan has done is give us a book with mix and match patterns.
Her full and concise instructions and guidelines are quite easy to follow, however, if you are not an advanced dressmaker I recommend that you read through a few times before starting.
Everything is covered, buttonholes, boning, seams zippers and even how to customise your dress form.
Every dress is beautiful. the photographs are amazing and there is not one that I didn't like.
From a basic bodice, these dresses have all the styles. one shoulder,halter neck and my favourite, the off the shoulder dress, Whelan shows us how to shape, pleat and fit each style to perfectly fit all our feminine shapes and sizes.
This comprehensive guide is a must have. you will never need another dress pattern.
Sew Many Dresses will help you design your dress and is full of ideas. I loved the hard cover and a spiral bound book is always easier to work with.
If I have one gripe, it is the pattern itself. As with all of these books the pattern sheets are double sided and the markings are all grey with lighter grey for varying sizes. This made it very hard to follow. As you have to trace your chosen pattern onto pattern paper, this is quite difficult. especially if like me your eyesight is not very clear. The patterns overlock and I found this very hard to decipher which line I needed to follow.
I loved this book and made a dress using a pattern which I have demonstrated on my blog.
Highly recommended
But what Tanya Whelan has done is give us a book with mix and match patterns.
Her full and concise instructions and guidelines are quite easy to follow, however, if you are not an advanced dressmaker I recommend that you read through a few times before starting.
Everything is covered, buttonholes, boning, seams zippers and even how to customise your dress form.
Every dress is beautiful. the photographs are amazing and there is not one that I didn't like.
From a basic bodice, these dresses have all the styles. one shoulder,halter neck and my favourite, the off the shoulder dress, Whelan shows us how to shape, pleat and fit each style to perfectly fit all our feminine shapes and sizes.
This comprehensive guide is a must have. you will never need another dress pattern.
Sew Many Dresses will help you design your dress and is full of ideas. I loved the hard cover and a spiral bound book is always easier to work with.
If I have one gripe, it is the pattern itself. As with all of these books the pattern sheets are double sided and the markings are all grey with lighter grey for varying sizes. This made it very hard to follow. As you have to trace your chosen pattern onto pattern paper, this is quite difficult. especially if like me your eyesight is not very clear. The patterns overlock and I found this very hard to decipher which line I needed to follow.
I loved this book and made a dress using a pattern which I have demonstrated on my blog.
Highly recommended
September 29, 2016
Quite a useful book - lots of base patterns and detailed instructions for mixing and matching and customizing. Highly recommend for beginners and intermediate sewers.
April 14, 2020
I love the concept of this book – mix and match the bodice, skirt, neckline and sleeve patterns and create the dress you want. I just wish my sewing skills were up to it!
February 10, 2017
This book pretty much has everything. It walks you through everything, from supplies and fabrics to alterations and construction. The book is laid out really well, though there are a few times while reading that something you have not yet read is referenced, so you might need to flip ahead before carrying on. It is all very easy to read and understand. Even if you are not someone who cares about wearing or sewing dresses, this has so many wonderful bits of advice that can be applied to sewing any sort of garment. I borrowed this from my local library, but I definitely want to get a copy all for myself. As I read, I kept a list of all the variations I want to try. So excited to get my own copy and jump into making dresses for the spring and summer.
January 23, 2018
Dressmakers - 5 Star Dream
One's figure changes over time and standard patterns just don't fit any more. Buying and making clothes became a nightmare Having studied many patterns and books, and destroyed a lot of fabric over many years I find this wonderful book
My clothes now fit perfectly
I purchased thick plastic sheeting to trace the patterns which is great as it doesn't move or tear. Using a Permanent Marker, let the writing dry throughly as it will smudge otherwise
One's figure changes over time and standard patterns just don't fit any more. Buying and making clothes became a nightmare Having studied many patterns and books, and destroyed a lot of fabric over many years I find this wonderful book
My clothes now fit perfectly
I purchased thick plastic sheeting to trace the patterns which is great as it doesn't move or tear. Using a Permanent Marker, let the writing dry throughly as it will smudge otherwise
July 22, 2019
This is a great book! It has mix and match styles for bodices, skirts, collars, and sleeves. Each section has some great tips for beginning alterations.
I feel confident I could alter these patterns to best fit my body (which is why I started sewing in the first place!)
Great for the intermediate sewer, who is already familiar with standard patterns.
I feel confident I could alter these patterns to best fit my body (which is why I started sewing in the first place!)
Great for the intermediate sewer, who is already familiar with standard patterns.
January 19, 2020
While the photos are lovely, it does not provide enough instruction to make the alterations. The dress on page 59 does not explain how to finish the bodice/sleeves. It is unclear whether to use seam binding or facing. I could see either working, but details on how the dress was actually made would be helpful. I may like it better once I have completed the dress.
August 9, 2015
Why has no one thought of this before? Mixing and matching bodices to skirts for a never-ending adventure of truly unique dresses is a concept way overdue. I haven't sewn any dresses from it yet so I hope the fit works. If not, it may change my rating.
March 28, 2016
its really very basic
February 1, 2022
This book has totally fit my needs as I've gotten more into pattern drafting and designing. I started as a fairly experienced seamstress, but I think that it would be useful to an ambitious beginner as well. This is mostly useful in drafting fitted, non-stretch dresses with a waist seam, although it can be adapted for skirts, blouses, etc.
Pros:
Patterns seem well drafted, and come in a large range of sizes. I made a few alterations based on the back of the book, and they are all things that I feel like are my body's weirdness and not the pattern's
The modular design is super useful! I like that it makes altering patterns so easy.
Great photos throughout, with caveats below.
Well written, useful introductory material and fitting guides.
Spiral bound design and back envelope are both good choices.
Cons:
The models are all clearly smaller sized. That's fine for me, but it does make me worry the pattern grading wasn't thoroughly tested.
Tracing the overlapping patterns is a pain and sometimes confusing.
Information is sometimes tricky to find. For example, the size chart is near the middle of section one and I kept having to look for it. There's no list of all the pattern pieces and what sheets they are on. A few quick reference pages at the back with this type of thing would have been nice.
Construction information and tricks are also scattered throughout the book. If you're fairly new to sewing, I'd suggest skimming the whole book before you pick your first project.
This is definitely more work than just picking out a pattern. Expect some time and flipping around in the book as you put together your plan, add up your yardage, etc.
The fitting guide assumes you're using the basic bodice.
I wish there were more options for sleeves, collars, etc. Yes, I can draft my own puff sleeve or peter pan collar with the instructions, but having a ready made pattern is useful. Also, there are only three actual skirt patterns, the others are just drafting instructions. I would rather have had fewer bodices (drafting out a princess seam or wrap bodice from a basic bodice is fairly easy, and the gathered halter bodice is just hideous) and more other pieces—an actual pattern for an a-line skirt, a few more collar and sleeve options, etc.
Pros:
Patterns seem well drafted, and come in a large range of sizes. I made a few alterations based on the back of the book, and they are all things that I feel like are my body's weirdness and not the pattern's
The modular design is super useful! I like that it makes altering patterns so easy.
Great photos throughout, with caveats below.
Well written, useful introductory material and fitting guides.
Spiral bound design and back envelope are both good choices.
Cons:
The models are all clearly smaller sized. That's fine for me, but it does make me worry the pattern grading wasn't thoroughly tested.
Tracing the overlapping patterns is a pain and sometimes confusing.
Information is sometimes tricky to find. For example, the size chart is near the middle of section one and I kept having to look for it. There's no list of all the pattern pieces and what sheets they are on. A few quick reference pages at the back with this type of thing would have been nice.
Construction information and tricks are also scattered throughout the book. If you're fairly new to sewing, I'd suggest skimming the whole book before you pick your first project.
This is definitely more work than just picking out a pattern. Expect some time and flipping around in the book as you put together your plan, add up your yardage, etc.
The fitting guide assumes you're using the basic bodice.
I wish there were more options for sleeves, collars, etc. Yes, I can draft my own puff sleeve or peter pan collar with the instructions, but having a ready made pattern is useful. Also, there are only three actual skirt patterns, the others are just drafting instructions. I would rather have had fewer bodices (drafting out a princess seam or wrap bodice from a basic bodice is fairly easy, and the gathered halter bodice is just hideous) and more other pieces—an actual pattern for an a-line skirt, a few more collar and sleeve options, etc.
September 3, 2021
This is a great idea for those that want to move on from following commercial patterns exactly to pattern hacking and franken-pattern sewing. As the components are all interchangeable by design someone not used to mix and matching can be confident the final garment will go together. It also teaches the standard order of assembly.
Parts:
- Introduction and how to use this book
1. Sewing Essentials: tools, fabrics, dressmaking basics, using the patterns, assembling a dress.
2. Bodices
3. Necklines and collars
4. Sleeves
5. Skirts
6. Fittings and alterations: length; bust, neck, shoulder, sleeve skirt, swayback, hip, thigh and seat (derriere, posterior, botttom...) adjustments. The shoulder adjustments are particularly comprehensive which is great because that's where dresses hang from.
Obviously, it's mostly dresses, and dresses with waist seams at that. There are some hacks for tops and skirts. Basic patterns are included.
Parts:
- Introduction and how to use this book
1. Sewing Essentials: tools, fabrics, dressmaking basics, using the patterns, assembling a dress.
2. Bodices
3. Necklines and collars
4. Sleeves
5. Skirts
6. Fittings and alterations: length; bust, neck, shoulder, sleeve skirt, swayback, hip, thigh and seat (derriere, posterior, botttom...) adjustments. The shoulder adjustments are particularly comprehensive which is great because that's where dresses hang from.
Obviously, it's mostly dresses, and dresses with waist seams at that. There are some hacks for tops and skirts. Basic patterns are included.
May 14, 2018
I was impressed by how comprehensive this was; beginners could use it, but more experienced sewers wouldn't be put off. I would have preferred to see the dresses modeled on more body types, but in the end the point was moot for my purposes, because while the book was well done none of it was my style.
October 13, 2020
Nice variety, lots of good information. I really like the fabric glossary. *Make sure to check the size chart!* patterns come in 12 sizes which DO NOT correlate to sizes in stores. I usually wear a woman’s XL or around a size 18, and the book’s size 12 is closest to my measurements. It does come with three pattern sheets with patterns on both sides. Patterns will need to be traced before using.
November 27, 2020
This is an incredibly handy book to have if you love to sew garments, especially skirts, blouses, and dresses. Very versatile, just a few patterns that can be modified in a hundred ways, and a great reference to have for any skill level. Did I maybe make a dress slightly above my level? Yes, but all considered, with the mostly clear instructions, it turned out decent for a first time!
December 18, 2025
I would definitely buy this book, but the sizes only go up to 12. I'm.... bigger.
In any case, I still want to buy it for the masterclass on altering a pattern provided in its pages!
Altering as in taking a basic bodice and making it...
one shoulder, halter top, moving darts, everything else one can do!
In any case, I still want to buy it for the masterclass on altering a pattern provided in its pages!
Altering as in taking a basic bodice and making it...
one shoulder, halter top, moving darts, everything else one can do!
July 17, 2019
This is a GREAT sewing book for ANY level, especially a beginner that’s intimidated with trying to read a pattern. This book explains it ALL and gives you MANY patterns and variations to chose from. Happy sewing!!! :))
March 11, 2022
Can't wait to try
I've read a lot of reviews about the sizes offered being too small but don't let that worry you. This would be the best book to use for learning how to develop your own patterns. Sizing correctly isn't hard. Don't let it be.
I've read a lot of reviews about the sizes offered being too small but don't let that worry you. This would be the best book to use for learning how to develop your own patterns. Sizing correctly isn't hard. Don't let it be.
July 13, 2020
Excellent if you sew. How to fit and make variations,
March 16, 2021
Nice book gives you basic information you might need
February 22, 2022
Going to buy hard copy. Great resource.
July 28, 2018
This is a pretty thorough guide to adapting patterns, covering slash and spread techniques, SBA, LBA, and so much more. The size range for the included basic patterns (basic bodice, strapless bodice, halter bodice, gathered halter bodice, mock-wrap bodice, cowlneck bodice, princess bodice, bias skirt, fluted six-panel skirt, straight skirt) that you mostly have to adapt yourself in order to create the different looks) are size 1 (32"-24"-34") through size 12 (50-1/2"-42-1/2"-52-1/2"). If I were into self drafting perfectly fitting (very fitted) dresses, I might be into this (lots of inspiration, and some interesting/different skirt styles presented), but since my sewing tends to be more of the looser-fitting, reconstructed thrift duds variety, I can't bring myself to study this for very long.
August 16, 2018
This is an awesome book for creating different types of dresses by mixing and matching pattern pieces. One can choose a bodice, skirt, sleeves using the multi-sized patterns that are included with the book. One can make classic modern styles or go retro. Look online at vintage patterns and images for ideas! Plus there are extra tips, a fabric guide, and ideas for more styling options. It's cheaper to buy this book than buying a bunch of sewing patterns that are similar. Of course, it doesn't show you how to make every type of dress but it comes really close to doing just that. Also, one can make blouses and skirts from the patterns. I would recommend this book to any sewer from novice to advanced. With this book, you will have a collection of basic slopers in many sizes.
October 3, 2016
This book is all about mix and match patterns. There are several bodice patterns and skirt variations that can combine to make over 20 different dresses. Lots of information about pattern alterations give even more variety by offering different sleeve and neckline options. I have zero experience with pattern alteration but I feel like if I took my time, read all the instructions well, that I could learn a lot about it by making a couple of dresses with this book.
May 17, 2016
I love the mix and match options to make a dress and the instructions on adjusting the patterns to make many variations. I wish she had gone into a little more detail in just a few areas (like maxi skirts and a few more skirt options and a little more info on sleeves). The last chapter on fitting looks helpful. I am excited to use this book to make a dress (and hopefully many more)!
September 23, 2016
I haven't actually read this book, just looked at the pictures : ) " interchangeable patterns to create 200+ unique patterns." So I guess I like this for the many styles of bodice and skirt that can be recombined in many ways. Basic pattern pieces are included but only go up to size 12 : ( (bummer, literally)
October 9, 2015
All the dresses in this book are great! I can't wait to make one.
January 7, 2016
Very informative for sewing dresses and clothing. Will be one of my main go to books when I make my first dress.
April 28, 2017
Very good pattern resource
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews