Japanese patterns…I’ve become mildy obsessed. With each project I make, I become a bigger fan. My continuing quest for more interesting tops was a great reason to sew up my fourth Japanese pattern.
The pattern I used is B: Smock Blouse with Garibaldi Sleeves from Stylish Dress Book, Wear With Freedom by Yoshiko Tsukiori. This is my second project from this book. My first was Japanese Dress Y. I chose pattern B because of it’s simplcity and design features that would lend well to a drapey fabric.
This book has 26 adorable patterns to choose from.
Contrary to my usual habits (I am actually not a fabric horder, and have very little stash), I already had the fabric before I choose this pattern. It was part of my online Black Friday sale purchase from Hawthorne Threads. The fabric is Anna Maria Horner, Pretty Potent Rayon, Eucalyptus in Ruby. I purchased about 2 yards for $9.95 per yard. This is a nice quality rayon which came through a machine prewash and line dry beautifully.
The neckline is finished with bias tape which I first machine stitched to the front, then folded over, hand stitched on the inside and then top stitched on the front side. The pattern does not provide explict instructions on how to do this!
Here’s a Garibaldi sleeve. It has a partially gathered bottom piece with an elastic casing hem.
The back neckline does not have gathers.
I did a machine blind hem. One of my favorite finishing techniques for hem that have little or no curve.
Inside peek at the stitch.
LET’S BE HONEST:
1. The pattern sizes in this book range from 6 to 16. I cut a straight size 12, and was happy with the fit. I probably could have made a 10 and been just as satisfied since it’s very loose fitting.
2. This pattern is well drafted and true to the picture. I have developed a trust in the Japanese patterns.
3. However, as with the other Japanese patterns I’ve made, the instructions are minimal. If you are a beginner, do not attempt one of these patterns unless you have some in-person support. Here’s Blouse B in it’s one page entirety:
4. The instructions showed the bias tape cut at 1 3/8″ wide. I cut it at 1 5/8″ because I was afraid any stretching or fraying might leave it too narrow in places.
5. I think one reason I like these patterns is they are friendly/flattering to the pear shaped, small busted woman.
I only sewed with Big 4 patterns (plus Burda) for 40 years. I trust them and know how to work with them. Since starting this blog, 2 years ago, I have ventured to other resources for patterns. (Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.) I have discovered that well drafted patterns can come from just about anywhere. Still, I choose patterns from alternate sources because I find an appealing and unique design, and not because I want to jump on the social media bandwagon with the latest indie pattern.
What about you? How do you choose patterns?
Thanks for visiting and reading this post! Cheers, Lori
It’s been such a warm February, our trees think it’s spring!
Sewing Myself Stylish 
Oh! I never would have looked twice at this blouse. What a gorgeous make! Your blog popped up while I was researching jobs and I stopped to read it. Now I want to sew instead of job hunting. Ahhhh!
Thank goodness I have this book. The pattern is in my clutches!
Thank you for sharing…Deb, No CA
I am glad I inspired you on a pattern that you found uninspiring! I’m job hunting too, and without a doubt, sewing is way more fun! Good luck on your job search.
Very pretty! This is a style that works for me too. I love the interesting sleeve.
Yes, I think the sleeve takes it from basic to unique.
really lovely, the fabric is so pretty. I have a Japanese pattern book but I haven’t been brave enough to try it, worried about the sizing (too small) and the tracing (so complicated), but they are so unique, I’ll get brave one day.
I understand your concerns, but I encourage you to take the plunge! Most of the patterns are so loose fitting that sizing might not be a big issue.
This blouse is beautiful! The fabric is gorgeous too. I love that we have indie pattern options. They are creative and the immediate download PDF’s make it easy to make something spur of the moment (which is often the case). I haven’t tried a Japanese pattern yet but I need to.
Cute and it looks super comfy.
My daughter-in-law was looking for a good smock pattern recently, this looks like a beauty. Love that Garibaldi sleeve.
Found your blog through Instagram, this top is smashing on you. I had ignored this pattern, am lucky to have the book and I will definitely go and relook at it now.
Thank you! I’m glad you are now inspired to make it!