Pattern Magic 2: (Part of the Best-Selling Japanese Inspired Pattern Magic Series) Paperback – Illustrated, 21 Feb. 2011

I am writing one review on all 3 books as they are my opinion and experience. This is back to the roots of basic common sense in pattern making from ordinary shapes you see around you. The explanations are simple and clear and you can easily follow them. As the sloper or master pattern is made to measure and meant to fit the human body properly, all you have to do is take the patterns to a printer and blow them up to the size recommended and then another increase by just 2% nor more than 3% to fit the western human body better without the pain of having to reform it by hand yourself. Alternative is if you have a shop bought pattern in your size then use that to measure it against the Japanese sloper - make the adjustments and then retrace and then copy again.Opens up your imagination - and you can see how easy pattern making and grading can be - good pix but stingy on finishing off info! Finally did the cover sleeve this year because had challenges with the pleating in crescents and found that I had to increase pattern to larger size first and then found the answer to incorporating sleeve to garment without affecting accordion knife pleats did only a mock toile and took pictures but Tomoko's clue to this is actually in how she describes the effect of sleeve when correctly pleated took a week but glad I cracked it! I own 3 of her books & am done collecting....!

I purchased this book at the same time as the first Pattern Magic book. Initially I came across a few designs on pinterest, which is where I originally learned about the books. I was happy to see they had been translated to English and was really excited about them. I started sewing when I was about 4 but have gotten really into garment making in the last few years. The first book I found excellent for starting to work with the complicated patterns but yet was still easy enough to give a go.This book does not disappoint either. Like the first book it shows how to lay complicated designs on a flat pattern and how to assemble the garment. The book goes through pattern markings in the book and there are a lot of very detailed photos and details in writing of how to read the pattern. I Made the Nyokitto at the front bodice and found that a nice challenge that I was able to complete. The ball shaped accordion (which is what is shown on the sleeve on the front of the book) looks interesting and I would like to try that next. I'm also particularly excited to try the vanishing tie as this was another photo I found on pinterest.Part one goes through Wearing a Balloon, Wearing a Cirgle, Wearing a Triangle, Wearing a square, Sprouting at the back, Sprouting at the front, Just like a Stole, A Ball Shaped Accordion, Circular accordion, circular sleeve, square accordion. Part two goes through Knots, Like a Jungle, Stars, Flip Turn, Different Facings Different Looks,Cowl Neck, Application of the Cowl Neck Design. Part three goes into A Vanishing scarf, vanishing tie, vanishing lapel and a vanishing pocket.My only compliant is similar to the first book I wish there was more information about the best types of fabric to use with each technique, but with some trial and error you get there in the end. I would highly recommend for someone who already has experience in garment making and pattern reading as without it I think a reader would be a little lost. It is great for further developing your pattern and garment making. It has me looking at couture dresses more and trying to work out the complicated designs and I have started to find this very very interesting.

I already had this book before it was out in english and found it OK to understand but of course there may be something missed. I love Pattern Magic it allows me to expand on my understanding of pattern cutting and this in turn allowing me to be much more creative. This is a fantastic book presenting great new ideas and thought. This price is stunning as i spent £30 per book when it was first out (not english) so at £15 (or what the price is at the moment) is well worth the buy

Brought for my daughter she loves it and has been inspired by it with her own designs

Perfect for pattern drafting

This book provided the inspiration I was looking for, however being a novice at pattern cutting, makes the tasks seem daunting. The projects are amazing, so I would suggests to anyone; stick with it and your efforts will be rewarded.

If you're feeling adventurous and want a new look this book is inspirational..you must have some knowledge of pattern making though.

The book is beautiful! I ordered it to offer to a friend that loves Japanese culture and is able to sew using patterns. Now, having a look at it, I also feel in a mood to try some stuff. I think that I will order a second one for me...Good quality pictures, simple language and, at the end the patterns to copy 200% for full size.