Yoshiko Tsukiori is a graduate of Joshi Bijutsu College. After working in apparel companies, Yoshiko became an independent freelance sewing designer. She creates a diverse range of clothing such as children's and babies clothes, and women's designer garments.
For experienced sewists who'd like to try some of the popular patterns coming out of Japan, this book is a good introduction. Tsukiori's designs are unified around a common theme, which might be called "Boho Peasant," and feature 26 patterns for smocks, dresses, and overshirts, all of them loose-fitting and distinctly youthful. The photos are very much in the Japanese style: one wan-looking model, wearing clothes done up in Liberty fabrics. Perhaps a better idea is to look at the pattern schematics themselves, black and white sketches that give a better idea of the shape (and the appeal) of the garments. The usual caveats to Japanese-origin publishing are needed-there are no instructions on sewing technique, and what directions there are must be carefully read; readers may miss the introductory note that seam allowances aren't provided on the provided pattern paper. Notably, however, more directions than usual are provided, and the size range is much greater than typically given, going up to size 16. Using Japanese-origin books as crafting manuals, even when well translated, is always a bit of an adventure; this book is a good place to start if so inclined. Full-color photos, patterns for tracing. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
This collection of 26 garments features the work of designer Tsukiori, whose blousy, romantic style is popular in her native Japan. Some of the dresses are stylish in a sweet, retro way, but a few look like children's clothing sized to fit adults, making them a little too precious-looking for most adults to wear. The directions for assembling the garments assume significant knowledge of clothing construction-there is no basic how-to information provided. Patterns for sizes 6-16 are included. VERDICT Though the garments themselves aren't particularly complex, the directions aren't very detailed; this this book is most appropriate for skilled, confident sewists or fashion/design collections. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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