Pattern Magic 3: The latest addition to the cult Japanese Pattern Magic series (dress-making, pattern design, sewing, fashion)

Book Synopsis: The companion volume to the cult Japanese Pattern Magic and Pattern Magic 2 that fans have been waiting for.

In this new addition to the Pattern Magic series, Tomoko Nakamichi brings the subject alive by showing the finished designs in three dimensions. All the measurements and scaling information you need to start pattern making is included and as throughout the series, all the patterns are based on a basic block* which supplied in the book.

Easy-to-follow, step-by-step text with clear diagrams and beautiful photography will teach you how to sculpt with fabric, creating beautiful shapes, waves, and accents.

You will also learn to create dynamic movement in garments, using ruffles, shirring, and precise, sharply pleated lines. Step-by-step instructions and diagrams will ensure that your own patterns translate beautifully to your choice of garment. Photographs of the finished garments will inspire you to create your own designs.

Learn how to bring beautiful workmanship to your patterns:

• Sculpting a surface
• Making Waves
• Paring down and opening out
• Wearing a polyhedron
• Outlining a surface

Look at dynamic movement in fabrics:

• Full-bodied ruffle
• Wearing a bag
• Elastic shirring
• Serrated lines

*The dress form used as the basis for the designs in this book is the Bunka-style sloper (block) for an adult Japanese woman. All patterns are for a size M Japanese woman. The position of the cutting and opening out lines, the allowances, and other measurements may vary according to garment size. If you are using the half-scale dress form, reduce the full-sized measurements on the drawings by half when you develop the patterns.

From the author:

'For me, it's not all about pretty silhouettes. What starts me drawing a pattern is the sight of something that I find interesting or beautiful, and want to bring to life as a garment. There's an irresistible pleasure in sketching out the lines over and over, and seeking out their shape as I assemble them. Sometimes, I'll put something together that I love, only to have second thoughts a little while later and find myself back at my drawing. I guess it's the little things that happen, the things I hear and see on a daily basis, that make me work this way.

I'll go with what I have for now. Although, who knows, I could be having second thoughts again soon…'

Read more