Naomi Ito

nonfiction, sewing with patterns in the Japanese, loose-fitting, layered (skirts with pants!), cocoon silhouettes, ranging in difficulty from ✂ one scissors = beginner-friendly, can finish in one day to ✂✂✂✂✂ five scissors = "challenging." Suggested for lightweight drapey linen-type or "cotton silk" fabrics, though the vests could maybe also be made in a slightly heavier wool crepe. Sizing ranges from bust sizes 32"-43" though the styles are very loose and forgiving.

I'm learning to appreciate the simple practicality and aesthetics of these looser silhouettes more and more but doubt I have the appropriately drapey fabrics in my stash (so this wouldn't help me much in my stash-busting goals), and also not sure I would get much wear out of these styles [See a picture index of the patterns here]. But I loved looking through the beautiful photos and found the first half of the book (showcasing each pattern with multiple variations of the finished product shown) to be well organized. The second half is the instructions for each pattern and I noted that these are out of order but they are indexed within the photos at the beginning; I can't speak to how well the instructions may be written.

Favorites: G Two way tunic shirt (shown here as a longer dress, pictured on pp 14-15, 37, 40, instructions 109. I had gone so far as to duplicate this collar combined with a modified cocoon blouse (pictured on pp 10, 19, 30, instructions start p.66), but couldn't settle on a fabric and in the end gave up on the whole project.
Q Short sleeve gathered dress, pictured p 31, instructions 128… (plus d'informations)

The simple and comfy-looking patterns from the cover of the book is what got my attention. Nani Iro is the name of Naomi Ito’s very well-known fabric brand. As a watercolor artist and textile designer, she creates beautiful fabric designs in a painterly style.

This book contains 18 patterns that can create a basic wardrobe: blouse, skirt, pants, jumpsuit, shirt, hat, two coats and several types of dresses. There’s advice and examples for mix and matching them as well as fabric specifications and suggestions for each pattern. There’s also a sneak peak into Nani Iro’s studio, showing fabric types, colors, and even the team of women working there, showcasing their favorite outfits using patterns from the book.

Really loved these minimalist and clean designs. These patterns look natural, romantic and breezy. Perfect for indoor use and, while I wouldn’t probably venture outside wearing the cocoon dress, most patterns would look lovely for informal occasions and weekend getaways. With the right fabric choice, their elegance can make them perfect for an evening out.

If it wasn’t clear by now, these patterns are not tight-fitted garments, they are very loose fit. Consider if this is a style you would like to wear. Another thing to keep in mind is that their biggest size (XL) is for someone up to 67 in. tall, 29.5 in. bust, 33.5 in. waist and about 41 in. hips. Their over-sized nature can help to stretch that limit but if not, you’ll need to make adaptations. Other than that, I think this book is wonderful. I specially enjoyed that it is more than a pattern book, it gives you tips on how to combine them, what fabrics suit them and for what occasions and weather. Really lovely pictures and enough inspiration to get you sewing.… (plus d'informations)