Book Review – Cotton Friend Autumn 2012

Is it Autumn yet? Being here in Singapore it’s hot all year round, so it’s hard to tell when the seasons change in other parts of the world. I rely on the publishing dates of my favourite sewing magazines like Cotton Friend and Cucito to indicate the change in seasons 🙂 I know I did a Cotton Friend Summer edition review recently,  but that was because I was slow to get the last one. Now that the Autumn edition is here, I better review it before Winter comes!

Check out the number of projects you can make! Page 1 of contents.

Page 2! At 950 yen ($13.90 in SGD), this magazine is definitely worth it.

This issue comes with a free cloth sample of the new Smile life range from Kokka, as well as 4 postcards.
Now, there are alot of projects included in the book, but I shall just feature the ones that I find interesting and unusual. It’s hard to decide which ones to show, there are so many good ones!

This is an interesting top with ruffles down the middle panel. There is also a ribbon tie around the waist.

Using the same pattern and a simple fabric, you can also make a long tunic and now it looks like a totally different garment.

Or, make it with long sleeves and it becomes an interesting coat to layer on.

A pattern that I’ve been hunting for. Culottes. Especially one that looks more skirt-like, with a sweet ribbon bow tie on one side. Pretty and practical at the same time.

Another tunic dress that I really like. I love the unusual details on the collar, and the pin tucks down the front.

A very simple but totally wearable blouse.

I wanted to make some knit dresses like this (but without the long sleeves). So maybe this pattern can be modified. I didn’t realize it at first, but notice the uneven looking stripes? Love the fabric!

There are also a couple of matching Mum and daughter sets. I’ve thought about it, but wondered if it would be too cutesy ;P

It looks so much cuter on the girl doesn’t it? This is a wrap top.

I’m not so sure about this skirt though, seems the outer fabric is too thick? Or is it meant to keep warm in the cooler months? Lol 😛

Kid’s wear in Autumn Colors.

Such cute kid models! 🙂 Oh and the pants too..These pants are going into my to-do list.

Now for bags! Lots of bag projects in this book. Cute bucket totes with a drawstring lining.

Lace fabric bag, with a very interesting chain strap.

Leather bag. There are even tips in the how-to-make to teach you how to sew on leather.

These bag patterns are not included, but are bag kits for sale on www.swany.jp using the new line of fabric from Mas d’ Ouvan.

There are bags for the kids too! Cute sling bag for the girls.

School totes

Pianica Cases.

There are some projects that come with step by step photographs.

Close-up of instructions.

The rest of the instructions are in diagrams.

2 sheets of patterns are included.

Couldn’t resist a shot of the back cover. I’ve been using these clips alot since I bought them on my last trip. There are now new clips in different lengths and colors and come in packs of 30! Adding this to my wish list!

 Title : Cotton Friend Autumn 2012 (vol.44)
Publisher : Boutique-sha