Book Review - Making Kimono and Japanese Clothes by Jenni Dobson

Given the ongoing popularity of and fascination for Oriental fabrics, I predict that many people will find Making Kimono and Japanese Clothes by Jenni Dobson a very interesting source book. The history of kimono is covered in the introduction, and I found myself being educated immediately. It is a fascinating subject, and this book makes for terrific reading, let alone pattern making and garment design.
Covered in detail, but most clearly, are sections on history of the garments, using the book and general sewing information, along with chapters on Japanese approach to design, decorative techniques, kimono, mompe, hippari and jimbei, waistcoats, hanten, haori, additional pieces such as obi, the patterns themselves, and Japanese historical periods.
Most importantly, the patterns are resizable, and are clearly graphed to make enlargement accurate and easy. Instructions are included for making clothing for people of all sizes, including men and children. You will be able create marvellous garments with embellishment such as appliqué, patchwork, sashiko, shibori and silk painting. The translated garments are pants, blouses, short coats, jackets, varying length styles of kimono and more. The directions are colourfully illustrated, well photographed, practical and easily understood. As the author is an accomplished dressmaker, quilter, teacher and writer, she has successfully catered to the beginner through to more advanced dressmakers. Softcover, 128pp. Julia.