What do you think?
Rate this book
Sewing Love: Handmade Clothes for Any Body
Learn to sew beautiful, simple handmade clothes and begin a journey to loving the body you have.
Draft patterns and sew clothes that fit your unique body! In this garment-making primer, sewing is an act of radical kindness and self-care. Learning to sew for yourself enables you to make exactly the kinds of clothes you want, and empowers you to solve the fit issues that come with buying commercial clothing designed to fit one "ideal" body type. Sanae Ishida, author of the award-winning Sewing Happiness, guides you through the process with her inspiring personal story and gentle instruction in the simple art of pattern-making and garment sewing.
Create a complete capsule wardrobe of tops, bottoms, dresses, tunics, and outerwear. Each of the 15 projects (including variations) is designed to look good on a wide variety of body types—they're fashionable yet timeless, and let you move with ease. Every pattern is self-drafted (no printed pattern sheets here—you will learn to draft and customize basic shapes to your own body measurements for a comfortable fit). Patternmaking has never been easier than in this intuitive, fully illustrated book.
Includes:
• Lookbook with photographs of the projects on diverse models
• Primer on basic sewing, pattern drafting (slopers and muslins), and fitting
• Step-by-step illustrated instructions for all 15 projects and variations
• Heartwarming personal essay on the author's journey to body positivity
Draft patterns and sew clothes that fit your unique body! In this garment-making primer, sewing is an act of radical kindness and self-care. Learning to sew for yourself enables you to make exactly the kinds of clothes you want, and empowers you to solve the fit issues that come with buying commercial clothing designed to fit one "ideal" body type. Sanae Ishida, author of the award-winning Sewing Happiness, guides you through the process with her inspiring personal story and gentle instruction in the simple art of pattern-making and garment sewing.
Create a complete capsule wardrobe of tops, bottoms, dresses, tunics, and outerwear. Each of the 15 projects (including variations) is designed to look good on a wide variety of body types—they're fashionable yet timeless, and let you move with ease. Every pattern is self-drafted (no printed pattern sheets here—you will learn to draft and customize basic shapes to your own body measurements for a comfortable fit). Patternmaking has never been easier than in this intuitive, fully illustrated book.
Includes:
• Lookbook with photographs of the projects on diverse models
• Primer on basic sewing, pattern drafting (slopers and muslins), and fitting
• Step-by-step illustrated instructions for all 15 projects and variations
• Heartwarming personal essay on the author's journey to body positivity
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2022
96 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Sanae Ishida
14 books24 followersSanae Ishida writes, draws, sews, and takes photos almost every day. In addition to writing and illustrating books for kids, she's written several books on sewing. She lives with her husband and daughter in Seattle, Washington. It's possible that she and her daughter have too many handmade clothes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 18, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read inexchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Sewing Love is a guide book full of photographs and easy to follow instructions to sew your own clothes. The author works with the sloper concept within this book and the diagrams and photos helped to explain this without it feeling overbearing or too intimidating to understand.
The book itself is broken down into three sections - different clothing and styles, sewing basics and different projects ideas. There's loads to learn and have a go at in this book and I definitely want to try my hand at a few of the sewing projects.
Sewing Love is a guide book full of photographs and easy to follow instructions to sew your own clothes. The author works with the sloper concept within this book and the diagrams and photos helped to explain this without it feeling overbearing or too intimidating to understand.
The book itself is broken down into three sections - different clothing and styles, sewing basics and different projects ideas. There's loads to learn and have a go at in this book and I definitely want to try my hand at a few of the sewing projects.
July 27, 2022
Thank you, Sasquatch Books, for the advance reading copy.
I love how organised and basic this guidebook is.
The quality of the pictures and the content is top-notch. I am thoroughly impressed. Presentation wise I am really satisfied.
Coming to the contents, the book has three sections which showcase the different clothes and styles on different people. The second section focuses on the sewing basics which is explained well with basic pictures and steps, which I feel is perfect even for the beginners.
I love the last section the most as it showcases different projects for tops, dresses, tunics, bottoms as well as outerwear. Sucha good collection we can choose from.
Get this book. You will get lots of ideas to create new and comfortable outfits.
I love how organised and basic this guidebook is.
The quality of the pictures and the content is top-notch. I am thoroughly impressed. Presentation wise I am really satisfied.
Coming to the contents, the book has three sections which showcase the different clothes and styles on different people. The second section focuses on the sewing basics which is explained well with basic pictures and steps, which I feel is perfect even for the beginners.
I love the last section the most as it showcases different projects for tops, dresses, tunics, bottoms as well as outerwear. Sucha good collection we can choose from.
Get this book. You will get lots of ideas to create new and comfortable outfits.
June 8, 2022
This is an excellent guide to drafting and sewing your own clothes, making up your own patterns. There are lots of tops, bottoms and dresses but they are sort of minimalist, comfortable, and natural looking. They are not at all my style (which would be... maybe forest fairy with too much cleavage?😉), which is a shame since I'm very short and my measurements don't match anything found in stores. I've always wanted to make my own clothes but I think I need to reverse engineer my own nontraditional clothes instead. This book is great though, and very friendly towards all bodies.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
July 4, 2022
Beautiful, easy to follow instructions on how to create your own slopers and use them to create some basic pieces.
Ishida uses terms and descriptions that I easily followed (I’ve been sewing a little off and on for years but usually mending or basic stitches. Occasionally following a pattern or tutorial.)
The diagrams and photos really helped explain the sloper concept and made it seem much less intimidating! (I haven’t made them yet but will update my review when I do).
I’m hoping she’ll make another book expanding on how to adapt slopers to create pieces that I dream up or want to recreate from photos.
Thank you Sasquatch Books and Netgalley for the ARC!
Ishida uses terms and descriptions that I easily followed (I’ve been sewing a little off and on for years but usually mending or basic stitches. Occasionally following a pattern or tutorial.)
The diagrams and photos really helped explain the sloper concept and made it seem much less intimidating! (I haven’t made them yet but will update my review when I do).
I’m hoping she’ll make another book expanding on how to adapt slopers to create pieces that I dream up or want to recreate from photos.
Thank you Sasquatch Books and Netgalley for the ARC!
Read
July 23, 2022Thanks Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
This is a terrific guide to designing your own pattern slopers, or blocks, to your own measurements. It includes a selection of patterns with instructions for adapting to your blocks, which I think would be an excellent stepping stone towards designing your own patterns from scratch. Also I would wear almost every single garment included! I particularly liked the inclusion of a pants sloper, which I haven’t seen much in similar books. Lovely, personal tone and clear instructions.
This is a terrific guide to designing your own pattern slopers, or blocks, to your own measurements. It includes a selection of patterns with instructions for adapting to your blocks, which I think would be an excellent stepping stone towards designing your own patterns from scratch. Also I would wear almost every single garment included! I particularly liked the inclusion of a pants sloper, which I haven’t seen much in similar books. Lovely, personal tone and clear instructions.
October 13, 2022
"The Love Story" at the beginning is great - the backstory of how the author came to appreciate her own body. The photographs, and the clothes, are absolutely beautiful. However, the process of measuring, creating the slopers, then the muslins, then another "quick" muslin, before making an actual garment, is quite involved. I see this book as a good accompaniment for a class in how to make your own clothing, like a textbook. The process is quite complex for a novice.
June 22, 2022
Sanae Ishida created Sewing Love an amazing book with helpful resources, patterns, and alternatives to the styles, and how their love for sewing began, making me appreciate the craft much more. Sewing Love is different than other sewing books because Sanae Ishida takes their time to give her expertise and guidance, and it isn't just instructional, this is perfect for the visual person also because every step has a visual example. That was why I enjoyed and learned so much from Sewing Love, I am a visual person especially when it comes to following instructions or a process. Sewing Love is great for beginners and for more advanced sewers as well.
May 27, 2022
DISCLAIMER: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would highly recommend this book if you have a custom body in an off the rack world. With that said, I have not attempted any of the creations at this point, so I can't testify to the accuracy.
The 4 stars are because I found very few of the illustrations of fashion to be appealing. I found them to be rather bland....but I can still apply the principles of the book.
I would highly recommend this book if you have a custom body in an off the rack world. With that said, I have not attempted any of the creations at this point, so I can't testify to the accuracy.
The 4 stars are because I found very few of the illustrations of fashion to be appealing. I found them to be rather bland....but I can still apply the principles of the book.
December 31, 2022
Sew with love
Sanae Ishida, author of sewing books as well as books for children, presents her book "Sewing Love. Handmade Clothes for Any Body", published by Sasquatch Books. The book is divided into three main parts: 1) The Love Story, 2) The Foundation, and 3) The Projects. There are fifteen projects including variations (tops, dresses and tunics, bottoms, and outerwear). The book contains not only a content list but also a project list. Ishida underlines that it is for ANY body. Here goal is to help her readers to "learn to draft patterns and sew clothes that fit your unique body" (back cover).
This is not only a book about sewing. Ishida is very honest about her own journey that led her into sewing and writes in an encouraging style. The book is presented with great photo and design. Ishida also uses not only slender models but shows that the projects can be adapted to various body sizes and types. I really like her statement: "Every single body is magnificently, wonderfully distinct" (p. 63). The book includes very detailed step-by-step explanations for the various projects, a list of resources, an index, and a conversion table for inches/yards and centimeters/meters. I really appreciated the book and long for the time to create my own slopes for my sewing. I recommend the book for every body who struggles with custom-made patterns that just do not fit their bodies and for those who like simple designs. It is a book for beginners and for those who have advanced knowledge in sewing their own clothes.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#SewingLove #Netgalley
Sanae Ishida, author of sewing books as well as books for children, presents her book "Sewing Love. Handmade Clothes for Any Body", published by Sasquatch Books. The book is divided into three main parts: 1) The Love Story, 2) The Foundation, and 3) The Projects. There are fifteen projects including variations (tops, dresses and tunics, bottoms, and outerwear). The book contains not only a content list but also a project list. Ishida underlines that it is for ANY body. Here goal is to help her readers to "learn to draft patterns and sew clothes that fit your unique body" (back cover).
This is not only a book about sewing. Ishida is very honest about her own journey that led her into sewing and writes in an encouraging style. The book is presented with great photo and design. Ishida also uses not only slender models but shows that the projects can be adapted to various body sizes and types. I really like her statement: "Every single body is magnificently, wonderfully distinct" (p. 63). The book includes very detailed step-by-step explanations for the various projects, a list of resources, an index, and a conversion table for inches/yards and centimeters/meters. I really appreciated the book and long for the time to create my own slopes for my sewing. I recommend the book for every body who struggles with custom-made patterns that just do not fit their bodies and for those who like simple designs. It is a book for beginners and for those who have advanced knowledge in sewing their own clothes.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#SewingLove #Netgalley
August 23, 2022
Sew Respect for Your Body
I received an advanced, electronic review copy of this book from the publisher, and here are my thoughts.
Well, frankly, this is sewing book I was hoping someone would write! I had only read a few paragraphs when I knew I would pre-ordering it, which I have done.
And, it has arrived today and I can't wait to get started!
I am new to sewing and would like to learn how to sew FLATTERING clothing. To me, this means a few things, but mainly:
1) The item fits on my body properly, according to my measurements.
2) The item is in a style that looks attractive/enhances my particular bone structure and features.
As the purpose of this book is to be getting you to be able to draft your own clothing patterns so that you can make clothing that fits YOU perfectly, this book definitely addresses point No. 1.
Now, I would call the overall style of the clothing in this book "Casual Natural". And although not everyone looks their very best in this style, I think this is probably the most flexible style to begin with for beginning pattern drafting, because it is helpful to master more simple and forgiving clothing lines before you can do more intricate patterns. So, although for me personally "Casual Natural" is not the best look, it is a look that many women do look good in.
And, as I mentioned before, after reading the advanced review copy, I pre-ordered a physical copy of this book, because I absolutely love the way Ms. Ishida writes and the way she approaches the lessons.
She shares her own sewing history, which has both failures and successes...and takes you by the hand and gets you OVER YOUR ISSUES and straight to your SEWING MACHINE.
Her encouragement is so important to me, because I am a procrastinator like she was.
And, did I already mentioned how well the lessons are put together? This book is a labour of love.
From the author's social media account, I also know that she invited people to test out her projects, so that gives me even more confidence that the instructions were carefully crafted to help get everyone over any sewing and pattern drafting hurdles they may have. Just like we wish the recipes in every cookbook are actually tested...well...no worries here. Deed done.
Thank you, Ms. Ishida, for writing such an amazing sewing book that will help revolutionise the way women sew and also help them to accept their bodies as they are. So many of us have been frustrated by the disappointing fit of ready-to-wear clothing, and purchased patterns don't always solve all fit issues because they are also a "standard" size. Women come in different shapes and sizes, and so should our clothing.
Brava!
P.S. On the subject of learning to sew so that you can make clothing that actually fits...I also recommend a young adult fiction book called My Eyes Are Up Here by Laura Zimmermann. It is a beautifully written coming of age story where a person who has the ability to adjust clothing so that it fits a non-standard body saves the day with her sewing expertise. TWICE! Moral of SEWING LOVE and My Eyes are Up Here....your body is fine. Make your clothes fit your body, not the other way around.
I received an advanced, electronic review copy of this book from the publisher, and here are my thoughts.
Well, frankly, this is sewing book I was hoping someone would write! I had only read a few paragraphs when I knew I would pre-ordering it, which I have done.
And, it has arrived today and I can't wait to get started!
I am new to sewing and would like to learn how to sew FLATTERING clothing. To me, this means a few things, but mainly:
1) The item fits on my body properly, according to my measurements.
2) The item is in a style that looks attractive/enhances my particular bone structure and features.
As the purpose of this book is to be getting you to be able to draft your own clothing patterns so that you can make clothing that fits YOU perfectly, this book definitely addresses point No. 1.
Now, I would call the overall style of the clothing in this book "Casual Natural". And although not everyone looks their very best in this style, I think this is probably the most flexible style to begin with for beginning pattern drafting, because it is helpful to master more simple and forgiving clothing lines before you can do more intricate patterns. So, although for me personally "Casual Natural" is not the best look, it is a look that many women do look good in.
And, as I mentioned before, after reading the advanced review copy, I pre-ordered a physical copy of this book, because I absolutely love the way Ms. Ishida writes and the way she approaches the lessons.
She shares her own sewing history, which has both failures and successes...and takes you by the hand and gets you OVER YOUR ISSUES and straight to your SEWING MACHINE.
Her encouragement is so important to me, because I am a procrastinator like she was.
And, did I already mentioned how well the lessons are put together? This book is a labour of love.
From the author's social media account, I also know that she invited people to test out her projects, so that gives me even more confidence that the instructions were carefully crafted to help get everyone over any sewing and pattern drafting hurdles they may have. Just like we wish the recipes in every cookbook are actually tested...well...no worries here. Deed done.
Thank you, Ms. Ishida, for writing such an amazing sewing book that will help revolutionise the way women sew and also help them to accept their bodies as they are. So many of us have been frustrated by the disappointing fit of ready-to-wear clothing, and purchased patterns don't always solve all fit issues because they are also a "standard" size. Women come in different shapes and sizes, and so should our clothing.
Brava!
P.S. On the subject of learning to sew so that you can make clothing that actually fits...I also recommend a young adult fiction book called My Eyes Are Up Here by Laura Zimmermann. It is a beautifully written coming of age story where a person who has the ability to adjust clothing so that it fits a non-standard body saves the day with her sewing expertise. TWICE! Moral of SEWING LOVE and My Eyes are Up Here....your body is fine. Make your clothes fit your body, not the other way around.
August 24, 2022
4 stars (would have been 5 if the whole book wasn't completely in imperial measurements).
FIRST IMPRESSION(S):
This book is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I love the timeless feel of the colourways, layout and photos. I also absolutely love the timeless quality of the clothing, with so much room for personalization (through both creating your own personal pattern foundations based on your own body, and fabric choices + any embellishments you might want). I will be ordering a physical book, and can already see how essential it will become in my tiny sewing library.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
* I LOVE that the author teaches us how to draft slopers for our own bodies, make muslins from each, and then how to extend that to creating patterns that fit our own unique bodies. Many of us sewists make our own clothing so that (unlike RTW fashion) it fits our own bodies well. But there can still be a lot of grading between sizes, or extending the pattern dimensions to meet smaller or larger body sizes. In this book though, we use our actual measurements to make the clothing pattern pieces - which is an amazing skill that can be extended far beyond this book!
* I love that the designs are simple, to allow the sewist to choose how subtle or wild they want each piece to be (via fabric choice, embellishments and/or sizing choices). Plus, all the pieces just feel/look so classic.
* The photography and design for the book are classic, stylish and swoon-worthy!
* Sanae Ishida's writing is so relatable, and her instructions are 100% clear. I knew nothing about creating slopers before reading this book - and now I am super confident that I can do it (as soon as summer fades into fall and life gets a bit slower!!).
WHAT I REALLY DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
* Imperial measurements! I mean, can we all just agree that imperial measurements are ridiculous?! And if you want to reach audiences outside of America, and the younger generations - AT LEAST use both metric and imperial (if you absolutely have to). This is 100% why I am not giving this book 5 stars.
* Just because the author doesn't find bust darts essential, doesn't mean that they are not advantageous to other sewists and/or to create curvier lines. I found this assumption (mentioned more than once) to be exclusive rather than inclusive.
CONCLUSION: This book is absolutely ESSENTIAL! I mean, the only thing better than sewing your own wardrobe is to first create your own patterns from your actual body measurements, so that they fit wonderfully!
I am super grateful to the author Sanae Ishida, Sasquatch Books and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
FIRST IMPRESSION(S):
This book is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I love the timeless feel of the colourways, layout and photos. I also absolutely love the timeless quality of the clothing, with so much room for personalization (through both creating your own personal pattern foundations based on your own body, and fabric choices + any embellishments you might want). I will be ordering a physical book, and can already see how essential it will become in my tiny sewing library.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
* I LOVE that the author teaches us how to draft slopers for our own bodies, make muslins from each, and then how to extend that to creating patterns that fit our own unique bodies. Many of us sewists make our own clothing so that (unlike RTW fashion) it fits our own bodies well. But there can still be a lot of grading between sizes, or extending the pattern dimensions to meet smaller or larger body sizes. In this book though, we use our actual measurements to make the clothing pattern pieces - which is an amazing skill that can be extended far beyond this book!
* I love that the designs are simple, to allow the sewist to choose how subtle or wild they want each piece to be (via fabric choice, embellishments and/or sizing choices). Plus, all the pieces just feel/look so classic.
* The photography and design for the book are classic, stylish and swoon-worthy!
* Sanae Ishida's writing is so relatable, and her instructions are 100% clear. I knew nothing about creating slopers before reading this book - and now I am super confident that I can do it (as soon as summer fades into fall and life gets a bit slower!!).
WHAT I REALLY DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
* Imperial measurements! I mean, can we all just agree that imperial measurements are ridiculous?! And if you want to reach audiences outside of America, and the younger generations - AT LEAST use both metric and imperial (if you absolutely have to). This is 100% why I am not giving this book 5 stars.
* Just because the author doesn't find bust darts essential, doesn't mean that they are not advantageous to other sewists and/or to create curvier lines. I found this assumption (mentioned more than once) to be exclusive rather than inclusive.
CONCLUSION: This book is absolutely ESSENTIAL! I mean, the only thing better than sewing your own wardrobe is to first create your own patterns from your actual body measurements, so that they fit wonderfully!
I am super grateful to the author Sanae Ishida, Sasquatch Books and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2022
Sewing Love
By Sanae Ishida
Publisher: Sasquatch Books
Rated: 5
Obtain: Buy it
Back of the Book: “Learn to sew beautiful, simple handmade clothes and begin a journey to loving the body you have.
Draft patterns and sew clothes that fit your unique body! In this garment-making primer, sewing is an act of radical kindness and self-care. Learning to sew for yourself enables you to make exactly the kinds of clothes you want, and empowers you to solve the fit issues that come with buying commercial clothing designed to fit one "ideal" body type. Sanae Ishida, author of the award-winning Sewing Happiness, guides you through the process with her inspiring personal story and gentle instruction in the simple art of pattern-making and garment sewing.
Create a complete capsule wardrobe of tops, bottoms, dresses, tunics, and outerwear. Each of the 15 projects (including variations) is designed to look good on a wide variety of body types—they're fashionable yet timeless, and let you move with ease. Every pattern is self-drafted (no printed pattern sheets here—you will learn to draft and customize basic shapes to your own body measurements for a comfortable fit). Patternmaking has never been easier than in this intuitive, fully illustrated book.
Includes:
Lookbook with photographs of the projects on diverse models
Primer on basic sewing, pattern drafting (slopers and muslins), and fitting
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for all 15 projects and variations
Heartwarming personal essay on the author's journey to body positivity
Impressions: This was a fabulous book for a newbie like myself. I am familiar with my machine and basic projects but using patterns and making patterns has been on my to do list… for years. The language was easy to follow and encouraging for a insecure sewer like myself. I felt confident in attempting these projects after reading the beginning chapters. I think the projects were simple and broad enough to adapt for many styles. This will defiantly be a book I will purchase for reference and experimenting.
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
By Sanae Ishida
Publisher: Sasquatch Books
Rated: 5
Obtain: Buy it
Back of the Book: “Learn to sew beautiful, simple handmade clothes and begin a journey to loving the body you have.
Draft patterns and sew clothes that fit your unique body! In this garment-making primer, sewing is an act of radical kindness and self-care. Learning to sew for yourself enables you to make exactly the kinds of clothes you want, and empowers you to solve the fit issues that come with buying commercial clothing designed to fit one "ideal" body type. Sanae Ishida, author of the award-winning Sewing Happiness, guides you through the process with her inspiring personal story and gentle instruction in the simple art of pattern-making and garment sewing.
Create a complete capsule wardrobe of tops, bottoms, dresses, tunics, and outerwear. Each of the 15 projects (including variations) is designed to look good on a wide variety of body types—they're fashionable yet timeless, and let you move with ease. Every pattern is self-drafted (no printed pattern sheets here—you will learn to draft and customize basic shapes to your own body measurements for a comfortable fit). Patternmaking has never been easier than in this intuitive, fully illustrated book.
Includes:
Lookbook with photographs of the projects on diverse models
Primer on basic sewing, pattern drafting (slopers and muslins), and fitting
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for all 15 projects and variations
Heartwarming personal essay on the author's journey to body positivity
Impressions: This was a fabulous book for a newbie like myself. I am familiar with my machine and basic projects but using patterns and making patterns has been on my to do list… for years. The language was easy to follow and encouraging for a insecure sewer like myself. I felt confident in attempting these projects after reading the beginning chapters. I think the projects were simple and broad enough to adapt for many styles. This will defiantly be a book I will purchase for reference and experimenting.
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
October 30, 2022
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Sewing Love: Handmade Clothes for Any Body is is a tutorial sewing guide with instructions for drafting patterns for clothing which really fits the reader's style and body written by Sanae Ishida. Released 23rd June 2022 by Sasquatch Books, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. The book also includes a wonderful message of kindness and body positivity and meets readers where they *are* honestly and respectfully.
The fabrics pictured are gorgeous. Pure cotton, linen, and blends. It's full of photos with models of different shapes and sizes showing the designs in the book which helps to visualize the drape and silhouette of the finished garments. The author has included resource links and lists for sourcing fabrics and further info and instruction.
I did not finish any of the garments, but a close read-through of the construction notes didn't turn up any glaring mistakes. The included tutorial diagrams are good, and on a par with those included with commercial patterns.
I really liked a lot of the designs here and there are numerous subtle details which are not immediately apparent. The style is absolutely not fussy or overly fitted. For me it's five strong stars especially given the reasonable and gentle positivity for meeting readers where they *are*. So much of commercial fashion is so very toxic that I've heard 5 year olds (girls) saying they want to be on a diet.
This would be a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, maker's groups, classroom instruction, and home studio.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Sewing Love: Handmade Clothes for Any Body is is a tutorial sewing guide with instructions for drafting patterns for clothing which really fits the reader's style and body written by Sanae Ishida. Released 23rd June 2022 by Sasquatch Books, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. The book also includes a wonderful message of kindness and body positivity and meets readers where they *are* honestly and respectfully.
The fabrics pictured are gorgeous. Pure cotton, linen, and blends. It's full of photos with models of different shapes and sizes showing the designs in the book which helps to visualize the drape and silhouette of the finished garments. The author has included resource links and lists for sourcing fabrics and further info and instruction.
I did not finish any of the garments, but a close read-through of the construction notes didn't turn up any glaring mistakes. The included tutorial diagrams are good, and on a par with those included with commercial patterns.
I really liked a lot of the designs here and there are numerous subtle details which are not immediately apparent. The style is absolutely not fussy or overly fitted. For me it's five strong stars especially given the reasonable and gentle positivity for meeting readers where they *are*. So much of commercial fashion is so very toxic that I've heard 5 year olds (girls) saying they want to be on a diet.
This would be a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, maker's groups, classroom instruction, and home studio.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 20, 2022
I have been sewing for a very long time and adapting commercial patterns to fit my needs, but they were still not quite right. But this book… I wish I’d had it years ago. Though I don’t sew nearly as much as I used to, I know this will be on my “buy this book” list as a must-have.
The author spends quite a bit of time explaining why she sews and the reasons for this book. Not everyone is a size 5 (or whatever) or has perfect measurements. All bodies are different. And we should not be body shaming ourselves with the way we are, but learning to love and accept ourselves as we are. Even as our bodies change, these patterns are adaptable.
There are extensive sections on the basics and tools you need for sewing your own clothes as well as resources and suggestions for more information. And there are 25+ patterns included—and color pictures!—that you can make for yourself.
Recommendation: A definite buy if you are even a little inclined to make your own clothes or if you can’t find that right fit in commercially made clothing.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book. Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
The author spends quite a bit of time explaining why she sews and the reasons for this book. Not everyone is a size 5 (or whatever) or has perfect measurements. All bodies are different. And we should not be body shaming ourselves with the way we are, but learning to love and accept ourselves as we are. Even as our bodies change, these patterns are adaptable.
There are extensive sections on the basics and tools you need for sewing your own clothes as well as resources and suggestions for more information. And there are 25+ patterns included—and color pictures!—that you can make for yourself.
Recommendation: A definite buy if you are even a little inclined to make your own clothes or if you can’t find that right fit in commercially made clothing.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book. Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
June 27, 2022
A very informative sewing book. There's a delightful introduction in which Sanae Ishida talks about her dressmaking journey and how it helped her to grow to love her body. The book has instructions on how to self-draft a pattern to suit your own body shape. A detailed explanation of how to transfer your measurements into a working pattern piece is given. There are a number of designs in the book for wardrobe staples; dresses, blouses, trousers and even coats and jackets. No patterns are supplied with the book, the idea is that you use your self-drafted pattern pieces to customise your outfits to your body. A gallery of photos of non-standard size models wearing each of the designs shows the versatility of the patterns.
I found the introduction about understanding and accepting your body shape very inspiring. The patterns were not really to my taste, a little too shapeless, but the idea of being able to take your basic body pattern and derive a variety of garments was interesting to study. Although there were some line illustrations to accompany the instructions, I would have preferred to have seen photos. The lack of photos was a disappointment in an otherwise very instructive and informative book.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I found the introduction about understanding and accepting your body shape very inspiring. The patterns were not really to my taste, a little too shapeless, but the idea of being able to take your basic body pattern and derive a variety of garments was interesting to study. Although there were some line illustrations to accompany the instructions, I would have preferred to have seen photos. The lack of photos was a disappointment in an otherwise very instructive and informative book.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
July 7, 2022
Sanae Ishida's newest sewing book, Sewing Love, builds on her previous Sewing Happiness by teaching basic pattern drafting to help the reader make a sloper/muslin for torso, sleeve, and lower body. I really appreciate that she includes detailed instructions about how to take accurate body measurements, including a great trick for finding where your neck ends and your shoulder begins by using a necklace chain, which should naturally rest at the neck/shoulder point.
While this book seems like it would be a bit advanced for a truly beginner sewist, the encouraging tone and the clear step-by-step instructions should allow most amateurs to greatly increase their ability to sew garments that fit. The patterns and variations included are for rather simple garments, but the real benefit is in seeing how the construction happens and how to modify the existing patterns to create new garments or fix fit issues. These techniques can be applied to commercial patterns to truly expand your sewing horizons.
I received this book free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While this book seems like it would be a bit advanced for a truly beginner sewist, the encouraging tone and the clear step-by-step instructions should allow most amateurs to greatly increase their ability to sew garments that fit. The patterns and variations included are for rather simple garments, but the real benefit is in seeing how the construction happens and how to modify the existing patterns to create new garments or fix fit issues. These techniques can be applied to commercial patterns to truly expand your sewing horizons.
I received this book free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for the digital galley of this book.
In this garment-making primer, Ishida shares her own story alongside step-by-step instructions for creating clothes for the body you have right now. The 15 patterns are designed to look good on different body types, and of course, you can tailor them to your own body.
Includes:
Lookbook with photographs of the projects on diverse models
Primer on basic sewing, pattern drafting (slopers and muslins), and fitting
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for all 15 projects and variations
Heartwarming personal essay on the author’s journey to body positivity
I’m a largely self-taught sewist, which is great because I can create new things and figure stuff out, but the drawback is that I don’t necessarily understand the method and some of the nuances of more complicated things like garments. This book is a great mix of using what you have and the technical instructions for understanding and creating the pieces. Definitely recommend for even beginner sewists.
In this garment-making primer, Ishida shares her own story alongside step-by-step instructions for creating clothes for the body you have right now. The 15 patterns are designed to look good on different body types, and of course, you can tailor them to your own body.
Includes:
Lookbook with photographs of the projects on diverse models
Primer on basic sewing, pattern drafting (slopers and muslins), and fitting
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for all 15 projects and variations
Heartwarming personal essay on the author’s journey to body positivity
I’m a largely self-taught sewist, which is great because I can create new things and figure stuff out, but the drawback is that I don’t necessarily understand the method and some of the nuances of more complicated things like garments. This book is a great mix of using what you have and the technical instructions for understanding and creating the pieces. Definitely recommend for even beginner sewists.
May 21, 2024
I love this woman, and the amount of work she puts into how to measure your own body is amazing. In a world where so many of my peers seem to be obsessing about aging or trying to sort out how to avoid it, this writer is so refreshing. I'm going to buy this book because it's way overdue from the library. The Lookbook is gorgeous.
From page 12:
"I am in my fifties, after all, and I believe I'm evolving in my own lovely way.
Gravity has pressed more firmly upon me. Wrinkles have settled in al over, taking root. My hair is streaked with more and more silver every day. It's simply part of life, I realized. I get to acknowledge that yes, this is my body and hey, it's downright incredible. Like my college friend Shelly from so long ago, I'm learning how to like myself no matter what. To love myself, even. It's never too late, and it's a beautiful thing."
Viva the Textile feminists, they are saving me from this broken zeitgeist.
From page 12:
"I am in my fifties, after all, and I believe I'm evolving in my own lovely way.
Gravity has pressed more firmly upon me. Wrinkles have settled in al over, taking root. My hair is streaked with more and more silver every day. It's simply part of life, I realized. I get to acknowledge that yes, this is my body and hey, it's downright incredible. Like my college friend Shelly from so long ago, I'm learning how to like myself no matter what. To love myself, even. It's never too late, and it's a beautiful thing."
Viva the Textile feminists, they are saving me from this broken zeitgeist.
June 6, 2022
This is a fantastic sewing book that really goes into depth on drafting unique patterns that fit the reader. I love how the book if written in a very body positive tone with a narrative style and features a diverse array of models from various ethnic groups, sizes, and ages. Sanae really does a fantastic job of helping this book appeal to a wide reader base as her story is relatable and the pieces are basic, while also being highly adaptable to different body types or unique styles. This book is perfect for any seamstress or individual interested in learning to pursue the hobby. Instructions are clear with many pictures to accompany them.
July 30, 2022
A handy book for those with an interest to sew their own clothes but have zip experience (pun intended).
Only thing is that none of the clothes give the wearer any shape O__O so meh
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
#reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2022 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
Only thing is that none of the clothes give the wearer any shape O__O so meh
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
#reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2022 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
August 7, 2022
This was a very informative book with thorough instructions and tips on how to construct your own basic sewing patterns. I found the information to be quite extensive and the patterns used to practice the methods discussed were basic yet flattering. There were also lists of supplies needed and explanation for each step.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who would like to learn garment design. These garments can easily be modified to adjust the sleeve style, neckline or add other details to give each garment sewn your own style and signature. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who would like to learn garment design. These garments can easily be modified to adjust the sleeve style, neckline or add other details to give each garment sewn your own style and signature. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 23, 2022
This guidebook for creating patterns and sewing a capsule wardrobe promises to not only give greater confidence in sewing, but also foster body positivity. As the author very logically points out, commercial clothing is designed to fit someone's body--not yours--so why berate yourself when clothes don't fit off the rack?
I haven't sewn for decades, but this book convinced me I might be able to try again. Unfortunately, for me, the biggest barrier to sewing is the difficulty in finding reasonably priced fabrics. But I really like the idea of making my own clothes again, and SEWING LOVE is the best companion piece for starting. #SewingLove #NetGalley
I haven't sewn for decades, but this book convinced me I might be able to try again. Unfortunately, for me, the biggest barrier to sewing is the difficulty in finding reasonably priced fabrics. But I really like the idea of making my own clothes again, and SEWING LOVE is the best companion piece for starting. #SewingLove #NetGalley
May 28, 2025
This is a great book for someone like me, who wants to make their own clothes but doesn't want to pay $25 or more for a pattern then spend too much time trying to use it to make something and then try adjusting it. I've read it through and because I've made my own patterns before, I saw images of me. Those where my vanity overstepped caution a few times so I felt that here too. I didn't need something that big / that small, and of course it didn't fit. Hearing that echo in these pages lightened my heart. This is a strong affirmation that we don't need to keep ourselves bound to someone else's idea of The Perfect Look.
July 14, 2022
4.5 Stars!! Great book for anyone who is into sewing and wants to learn how to make their own patterns. Maybe not for absolute sewing beginners, such as myself, however I’ll definitely be looking at this book once I figure my sewing machine out. I’m sure I can make my own pattern after reading this book but I’d have no clue how to sew it. This is such an informative book with plenty of photos to follow along with. Definitely recommended.
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
July 19, 2022
This is a great introduction to clothing basics to sew. The patterns are easy and help you to learn sewing techniques as well as how to fill up your closet with clothing staples. Ishida includes her background as a sewist then outlines how to get started making your own clothing. She gives you detailed instructions on how to create your own pattern pieces based upon your own measurements. I really enjoyed the designs and look forward to taking advantage of her tips to make some easy fall, spring or summer clothing.
I received an advance copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
August 20, 2022
This book is fantastic. I love the stories and the body acceptance message. It's something I've never seen in a sewing book before. The instructions for creating slopers is thorough and much less intimidating those I've come across before. The patterns are simple and beautiful.
I can't wait to buy a physical copy of this book and try everything out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for the advanced copy.
I can't wait to buy a physical copy of this book and try everything out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for the advanced copy.
October 5, 2022
I wish I had discovered this book years ago when I first began sewing garments for myself. First, it starts off with self body love. Don't we all need more of that? Your numbers are just data that will help you make proper fitting clothing. If you can master making slopers (and this book gives every detail in how to do exactly that!), you could save so much money not buying patterns that usually need to be altered still. I highly recommend this book.
November 9, 2022
Sewing Love is a great pattern making book. The pictures are simple enough to understand and the instructions are easy enough to follow if you are already familiar with some pattern making. I felt that the book was a bit too much about loving your body. I got the book because I love to sew and that’s what I’m reading it for. I really wanted to skip over all the self image chapters. Will definitely be referring to this for making markups.
Read
September 25, 2023No rating from me unless I actually test the directions, but I really like the concept of the book and the layout is quite lovely. The garments aren’t necessarily my style but I think with the information in the book I would feel confident making the changes to make them work for me. I already have some experience with muslins and pattern alterations and drafting (though I have not created my own sloper) so I cannot say for certain if this would be a good book for beginners.
May 27, 2025
The author is knowledgeable and presents her material well. She sews for different reasons than I do. I am fine with my body. I want to avoid synthetics and sew with only natural fibres. I wish she would explain why she does not recommend quilting cotton for sewing clothes. 90% of the clothes I have made are sewn with quilting cotton. I love the vibrant patterns of quilting cotton. I also did not care for her choices of patterns: too loose.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews