I am such a fan of Japanese Sewing. Most of the clothes I sew for myself are patterns from Japanese Sewing books. I recently purchased the book Shapes and Clothes (quite frankly, I could not resist). The book has 22 full size patterns of unconventional shapes that unexpectedly reveal themselves as draped tops and dresses. Each pattern consist of just 2 pattern pieces which makes them a quick and easy sew despite instructions being written in Japanese.

I chose pattern O, a loose fitting asymmetrical drape dress. The patterns in Shapes and Clothes are ‘one size fits all’, but I would say that this dress would fit a UK size 10 -18.

I made mine using some beautiful organic navy jersey and I just love the result. I think I’m obsessed with drapes.

I made a couple of changes to the pattern:
I raised the neckline (personal preference) and I hand stitched the hem (even though it’s a bugbear of mine), the pattern suggested iron on hemming tape, but I wasn’t sure how effective that would be. Anyway hemming didn’t take too long and I think I did a good job because it’s practically invisible from the front.

I’m looking forward to the warmer weather to get full use out of this dress. But for now, I think I’ll go back to my Shapes and Clothes book to start planning of my next project.  Watch this space.