Sanae Ishida created Sewing Love an amazing book with helpful resources, patterns, and alternatives to the styles, and how their love for sewing began, making me appreciate the craft much more. Sewing Love is different than other sewing books because Sanae Ishida takes their time to give her expertise and guidance, and it isn't just instructional, this is perfect for the visual person also because every step has a visual example. That was why I enjoyed and learned so much from Sewing Love, I am a visual person especially when it comes to following instructions or a process. Sewing Love is great for beginners and for more advanced sewers as well.

I have been sewing for a very long time and adapting commercial patterns to fit my needs, but they were still not quite right. But this book… I wish I’d had it years ago. Though I don’t sew nearly as much as I used to, I know this will be on my “buy this book” list as a must-have.

The author spends quite a bit of time explaining why she sews and the reasons for this book. Not everyone is a size 5 (or whatever) or has perfect measurements. All bodies are different. And we should not be body shaming ourselves with the way we are, but learning to love and accept ourselves as we are. Even as our bodies change, these patterns are adaptable.

There are extensive sections on the basics and tools you need for sewing your own clothes as well as resources and suggestions for more information. And there are 25+ patterns included—and color pictures!—that you can make for yourself.

Recommendation: A definite buy if you are even a little inclined to make your own clothes or if you can’t find that right fit in commercially made clothing.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book. Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Sewing Love
By Sanae Ishida
Publisher: Sasquatch Books
Rated: 5
Obtain: Buy it
Back of the Book: “Learn to sew beautiful, simple handmade clothes and begin a journey to loving the body you have.
Draft patterns and sew clothes that fit your unique body! In this garment-making primer, sewing is an act of radical kindness and self-care. Learning to sew for yourself enables you to make exactly the kinds of clothes you want, and empowers you to solve the fit issues that come with buying commercial clothing designed to fit one "ideal" body type. Sanae Ishida, author of the award-winning Sewing Happiness, guides you through the process with her inspiring personal story and gentle instruction in the simple art of pattern-making and garment sewing.
Create a complete capsule wardrobe of tops, bottoms, dresses, tunics, and outerwear. Each of the 15 projects (including variations) is designed to look good on a wide variety of body types—they're fashionable yet timeless, and let you move with ease. Every pattern is self-drafted (no printed pattern sheets here—you will learn to draft and customize basic shapes to your own body measurements for a comfortable fit). Patternmaking has never been easier than in this intuitive, fully illustrated book.
Includes:
Lookbook with photographs of the projects on diverse models
Primer on basic sewing, pattern drafting (slopers and muslins), and fitting
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for all 15 projects and variations
Heartwarming personal essay on the author's journey to body positivity

Impressions: This was a fabulous book for a newbie like myself. I am familiar with my machine and basic projects but using patterns and making patterns has been on my to do list… for years. The language was easy to follow and encouraging for a insecure sewer like myself. I felt confident in attempting these projects after reading the beginning chapters. I think the projects were simple and broad enough to adapt for many styles. This will defiantly be a book I will purchase for reference and experimenting.

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

As an almost expert seamstress, this book is phenomenal. Reading through it, it gives you the more advanced version of sewing, the one most people don't get to see in "normal" sewing books. This is that next level step that I have found that home sewing guides are missing. Sanae helps you up your sewing prowess within her book. While I feel the styles are more for minimalist/Japanese inspired/millennial and older looks, This is not for the faint of heart, as it took me an entire year to be able to do custom patterns in school (two semesters) but with this book, I feel you could get there in time.

It was a great summary if various techniques. My favorite was all the drafting tips since it can be expanded to other patterns. The designs are very minimalistic

An excellent and informative guide to sewing. Even if the included designs aren't your style, the info on drafting is top notch and widely applicable. A recommended purchase for collections where sewing and craft books are popular.

This is an excellent guide to drafting and sewing your own clothes, making up your own patterns. There are lots of tops, bottoms and dresses but they are sort of minimalist, comfortable, and natural looking. They are not at all my style (which would be... maybe forest fairy with too much cleavage?😉), which is a shame since I'm very short and my measurements don't match anything found in stores. I've always wanted to make my own clothes but I think I need to reverse engineer my own nontraditional clothes instead. This book is great though, and very friendly towards all bodies.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

This is a fantastic sewing book that really goes into depth on drafting unique patterns that fit the reader. I love how the book if written in a very body positive tone with a narrative style and features a diverse array of models from various ethnic groups, sizes, and ages. Sanae really does a fantastic job of helping this book appeal to a wide reader base as her story is relatable and the pieces are basic, while also being highly adaptable to different body types or unique styles. This book is perfect for any seamstress or individual interested in learning to pursue the hobby. Instructions are clear with many pictures to accompany them.

This book actually got me planning to break out my sewing machine again for the first time in decades. It makes the process of making a sloper seem totally doable - it's very friendly, the designs are simple but attractive, I love the body positivity emphasis, and I really want to make that bateau neck top! I especially appreciate that she gives instructions for measuring yourself without help; that's always a sticking point.

This book was so beautifully illustrated! From the different pieces of pattern and how they fit together to just showing a technique, everything was beautifully laid out. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. If you have a base knowledge of sewing skill and want to begin making your own, this book is a great place to start.

I had requested this for my mum who loves sewing. So my review is based on what she loved it the book. Though ,she has still not tried any of the projects given in the book. My mum loved the book because she got to learn some new techniques that the author has used as to her old one that she knows. Though, my mom would have loved if the author mentioned more readily available tools as not all tools are available in different parts of the world.

Overall a great book if your interested in sewing.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC.

Sewing Love is the perfect book for anyone wanting to have a go at sewing and creating their own clothes. The detailed step by step instructions make it perfect for beginners and beyond, and the process of pattern making is simplified so that everyone can understand it. The patterns are mostly basic styles but could easily be adapted and elaborated on. The perfect gift book for anyone wanting to learn to make their own clothes that actually fir like a glove.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I would highly recommend this book if you have a custom body in an off the rack world. With that said, I have not attempted any of the creations at this point, so I can't testify to the accuracy.

The 4 stars are because I found very few of the illustrations of fashion to be appealing. I found them to be rather bland....but I can still apply the principles of the book.

This book is for you.
I don't even think it matters if you wanted to sew or not, you do now.
Sanae Ishida gently guides you through the pattern drafting process allowing anyone to embark on their sewing adventure.
The book itself is beautifully laid out and the colour schemes and font are a joy to read. The photography is stunning and the representation is wonderful to see.
I particularly loved the sleeveless dress with pockets pattern and am keen to dust off my machine and give it a go.

I was gifted a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley.

A great book for anyone interested in sewing and one that even an experienced sewer could learn from.
The concept of pattern drafting is very well explained and the reader is lead through the process. Some very good patterns, suited to many different people and ages, in my opinion.

Definitely a book to inspire a new sewer to try and make perfectly fitted clothes that are unique to them.

This is the sewing book that I have been waiting for! I have been dying to create simple patterns made for my body, but I've been at a loss where to start! I've been sewing from patterns from years, but I have never heard of a sloper.

Honestly, it's as if Sanae Ishida created this book just for me- directions for flattering basics, a diverse group of models, and body positive language throughout. It was exactly what I wanted and didn't think I would find.

I was so lucky to receive a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will be purchasing a physical copy as soon as this book hits shelves, however!

A long time ago when my daughter was little, I bought a sewing machine to patch clothes, and make Halloween costumes. As she grew I needed the machine less and less because my daughter fell in love with sewing. She took over the family sewing needs. Now that I am an empty nester I have been eyeing my sewing machine wondering if I should get rid of it.

See this book pop up on NetGalley intrigued me. I have been seeing a lot of cute minimalist self made clothes on my Instagram feed. Could I do that too? I requested an advanced copy of the book to look through. I have most of the tools listed and I have some old flat sheets I have been wondering what to do with. Hmmmmm I said to myself let's try this. My passion has been lit for a self made wardrobe! Sanae explains everything in easy to understand terms and tells you not to be a perfectionist about this. Clothes are meant to move, no one is following you around with a tape measure or plum bob. You can do this and have a cute tailor made wardrobe to fit your unique body.
This book has gone on my Christmas shopping list to gift each of my loved ones who sew.

I totally related to the story behind Sewing Love. Intimated by THE MACHINE, the TOOLs, the LANGUAGE. I bought a machine in the winter and it sat. I watched plenty of youtube videos. I read books and magazines. And still. I made some horrible (but funny!) items. Author Ishida addresses what seems to be the big sewing elephant in the newbie room: anxiety about....everything. Mainly, though, anxiety about getting started, "Doing the Damn The Thing." Her story is relatable and humorous. Ishida then offers patterns (Slopers) that can be customized - tops/dresses/tunics, bottoms, outerwear.
Highly recommend for the conversational tone and ease at learning.
To be fair, I have not attempted to make anything, only because there isn't time at the moment. However! I fully feel when I have time to do create, Ishida has given me the confidence I need to forge ahead!

This is book is a great introduction to drafting and making your own perfectly fitting clothes. It talks you through all the sewing jargon, the equipment you’re going to need, and promotes the healthiest body positivity. It walks you through step by step how to make ‘slopers’, pattern pieces that custom fit to your unique shape. From these you can go on to make any or all of the fifteen garments the book shows you how to draft and sew. There are clear step by step instructions to help guide you through, and plenty of pictures and photographs to show you exactly what you’re aiming for - fantastic!

Thank you to Sasquatch Books and Netgalley for an eARC of this book to read and review.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute book!

Ishida talks about how to make clothes for every body and making clothes that you love. There's beautiful pictures and information on making a variety of patterns. There's patterns in this book for clothing like sweaters, tunics, dresses, etc. There's a lot of information in this book and tips on how to make your own patterns. It may be overwhelming as a newbie.

Overall a thoughtful guide.