Book Review: How to Sew Japanese Sewing Patterns

As far as I'm concerned, the only problem with Japanese sewing books is that they're in Japanese.  And unless you have a Japanese friend (who sews) to interpret them for you, they become just a book of pretty pictures.  Luckily Rin Gomura-Elkan has a solution to this dilemma, her new E-Book How To Sew Japanese Sewing Patterns. This book was created to help you tackle all those Japanese sewing patterns you've been coveting.  If Rin's name sounds familiar to you, it's because she's also the author of the blog Sew In Love. 

In How to Sew Japanese Sewing Patterns the chapters include: Japanese Sewing Patterns Overview, Sizing, Sewing Equipment, The Sewing Process, Patterns to Try, More Resources and Appendix.  Through out the chapters, you will find conversion tables for Japanese translations.  She also shares practical tips that will help you read patterns quicker.  For example, one thing she reccomends is memmorizing "right side" and "wrong side" in kanji (Japanese characters). One thing I like about the book is the format.  All chapters are broken down in chrological order of the sewing process and the chapters themselves are very straight forward making the book easy to navigate.

Along with the book, Rin has created two unique sewing patterns that can be purchased with the book as a set.   The first pattern is this high waist skirt with ribbon. 

The second pattern is a dress with a pleated neckline.  Both patterns come in sizes small, medium, large, and extra large.  The patterns also come with full tutorials in English.

If you're interested in learning more about the book How to Sew Japanese Sewing Patterns, please visit the official site, click here.

Rin is offering a special discount to Zakka Life readers.

Receive 10% off with the code  ZAKKASEWING913 

code expires 9/13/2013

I have not been compensated in anyway for this review.  I do not receive commissions for any books purchased.