Japanese Sewing Magazines

As promised, a review of the latest Female magazine – Autumn 2013.

I must say we really get it at a good price here. The listed price in Japanese Yen is 840, based on the current exchange rate, that is about SGD10.78, and with my member’s discount (Kinokuniya) I get it at SGD10.17! Even if you are not a member the price is not far off from the original listed price. Price aside, this is one of the magazines that I really use quite a bit. So it’s no wonder I have to buy every issue that comes along.

Now let’s take a look at what’s included in this issue!

 Part of the Autumn Hit Trend  Pick up feature, where they feature 7 looks that are “in” this season.
Above : A very uniquely constructed cardigan + Cocoon dress.

Left : Pullover (using straight line patterns) + Right : Light coat (requires the use of the standard Bunka sloper – instructions provided on construction of sloper)

Left : Shirt dress with gathered skirt (patterns provided) + Right : Frill Blouse (using Bunka sloper)

 Left : Flare mini skirt + Right : Frill dress (both patterns provided)
I love the dress on the right! Even got my patterns traced but now trying to find the right fabric.

 Remember this dress that I mentioned in the fabric post last week?

 Some interesting coat patterns included in this issue with ideas on co-ordination. The coat above requires the use of a Bunka sloper.

A casual looking Gown Coat pattern – patterns included, as well as step by step pictures. Yay!

 Some straight line sewing projects are included. I like the these two because of the front tuck details and the sleeves. They are actually similar except for length and the pockets on the green dress.

More sweet dresses with elastic waistband. Left dress is sleeveless, Right with frill sleeves.

 Something new this issue : Lingerie and Room wear feature

 Babydoll camisole & short pants set.

 Comfy clothes to wear while lounging at home.

Size chart for your reference.

(Top row of measurements for both tables – Bust / Waist / Hip / Back length(nape to waist) / Waist – hip/ Body Rise / Crutch Depth Line to floor / Sleeve length / Wrist Circumference / Height )

There are lots of instructions included with the magazine, many involve the construction of the Bunka sloper, which is rather wordy and being entirely in Japanese, so it may not be very useful for your construction purpose unless you are familiar with the construction of a sloper and measurements are all you require. There are apparently English translated versions of the Bunka Textbooks which you may purchase from Amazon. I have not personally flipped through these books so I don’t dare to recommend them here. But when I do and if I find it useful, I will be sure to let you know.

Other than instructions for the sloper, there are also useful pages like this : “How to use the patterns” page. There are also pages on basic sewing techniques, from handstitching, applying interfacing, how to sew on hook and eyes, snap buttons etc.

There are three featured patterns with detailed step by step photos (an example was seen earlier in the gown coat pattern). The majority of the rest are in colored diagrams like this one.

A close up of one of the diagrams.

For the rest of the projects that have neither photographs or colored diagrams, they are included at the back of the book in black and white diagrams. These are usually pretty easy pieces like standard pants and skirts so I guess no detailed explanation necessary.

I noticed that there have been people selling scanned copies of sewing books and magazines online , but these are clearly not authorized e-books by the publisher. Then there are also people who offer these downloads for free, but without the pattern sheets, what use are the sewing books/magazines? ;P Well, maybe you can manage to use just the straight line sewing patterns since these do not require patterns, but for the rest of the garments, you really need these pattern sheets.

I will be scouting around online for legitimate sources where you can buy these magazines and putting them up in a list on the blog. Those of you who buy them regularly, do share your sources as well and I will include them in my list. Remember to let me know which country these online shops are based as it will make a difference to the shipping cost. Thanks in advance for sharing!  🙂 See you guys on Thursday!

Another Summer magazine and one of my staples every season. It’s the Female magazine Summer edition 2013.

What I love about sewing magazines is that there is always a much larger number of projects compared to a sewing book, but do note that not ALL the actual size patterns are included in this one. Some of them require the use and modification of a basic sloper block. For those of you who are not familiar with drafting your own patterns, there are 2 large actual size pattern sheets included for some of the projects. Sizes included : S,M,L and LL.

Here are some of the projects I like!

Peplum & Ruffle Dress

 I glanced through the magazine at the bookshop and I decided that I really like these three different looks, but did not notice the fine print – these need to be made from a basic sloper pattern. Meaning that no actual size pattern is included.

 Pretty puff sleeve dress with Lace fabric.

 Summer tanks in a cheery yellow floral print with scalloped edges. Love the fabric, these are usually more pricey due to the finished edges, but it really does give it a professionally finished look doesn’t it?

 I really like this shift, as it reminds me of a dress I wore too much back in my uni days. I want to make this one!

 The shape and style of this dress is very pretty, but I think the size is too big for the model, or the model is too tiny.

Another  dress I am determined to make. In fact I’ve already traced and cut out the patterns for this one!  They even teach you how to co-ordinate for different occasions.

Is this the latest trend or something? Loud Prints + Baggy pants?

 Just had to share a close up. 🙂 I’m not making one of these. But I have actually seen people wear these pants in Japan. Loud floral prints, but thankfully not as baggy as these.

Nice basic sleeveless blouse design, which unfortunately calls for the use of a sloper.

Other than clothes,there are some pretty bag patterns too.

A 3 way clutch/sling bag/tote.

The Summer staple for ladies – the yukata. The one missing pattern in Cotton Friend this season.

Ok here’s how to tell if the pattern is included. Under the description of each garment, There will be this line highlighted by an asterisk. If you see the words within the note “実物大型紙” (actual size large pattern sheet) then you know the pattern can be found on the pattern sheet.

If you see this instead ”この作品はじか裁ちで作れます” – it means you have to cut out your patterns (but these usually mean constructing simple shapes and curves on the fabric)

For patterns using slopers, you will see the words “この作品は文化式製図”  which literally means “This project uses the Bunka style construction diagram“.

There are detailed diagrams to show you how to construct the basic sloper from which you make your modifications.

For those of you who fear drafting patterns, fret not. There are still many projects with actual size patterns, and some of them include step by step photographs.

There are also some projects that come with colored diagrams. which I feel is very helpful when identifying the right and wrong sides of fabric.

For the rest of the projects, here is an example of the how-to-make page. This happens to be one of the projects included in the pattern sheets, but the detailed measurements are included on the diagrams. Which makes it look kind of scary until you realize you can just ignore the complicated diagrams since the patterns are included.  It will be useful for those of you wanting to make your own patterns using your own custom measurements.

A close up of the step by step diagrams.

Here are the pattern sheets included.

There is also a small magazine insert, highlighting the new brands and trends in Japanese fashion this season.

Next week I am hoping to release a new pattern, so I’m going to have to work hard on it all week. Wish me luck!