This week I’d planned to take some photos of my recent (and not so recent) makes that haven’t made the blog yet. I figured out my outfits, ironed everything and then this weather happened….for 3 days. I decided the wild, wet and windswept look was not for me, ditched the idea of photos and decided to have a giveaway instead.
My love for Japanese pattern books is well known and I’m a happy enabler anytime a sewer is in the city to take them to Kinokuniya‘s and while away some time looking at the gorgeous books. So I was pretty excited when Tuttle publishing got in contact and offered me a free English Language version of “She Wear the Pants“. My dilemma was, I already own the book in the original Japanese, so would they mind terribly if I gave the book away? They liked the idea so much they’ve sent me more than one copy to give away! yay! and thank you!
So if you’d like your very own English Language version of “She Wear the Pants” please leave a comment on this post telling me your favourite Japanese pattern book, favourite place in Japan or dream destination in Japan. Mostly because I’m planning another trip to Japan and am looking for inspiration on where to go. I will post to anywhere in the world and will pull names out of a hat at random on Sunday the 26th of April 2015.
I’m also going to give a copy away on instagram, so to double your chances of being selected why not head over there and add your name again?
Disclosure: These books were sent to me for free, I am giving them away and paying for the worldwide postage myself. The BookDepository links are affiliate links, if you choose to you them I may be compensated.
Kate Carvalho
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book! My favourite Japanese sewing book is Stylish Dress Book – Clothing for Everyday Wear by Yoshiko Tsukiori. My dream Japanese destination is Tokyo.
Amy
How could I pick one place in Japan? I loved Kyoto, so beautiful. For sewing related things I recommend the hidden little needle shop in central Kyoto. And next time I go I want visit Nippori Fabric Town in Tokyo properly – so overwhelming.
Michelle Frain
I am comitted to the Drape Drape books and have made quite a few very successful projects out of them I would love to try some projects from this book
Sophie Reeve
On a recent school trip to Japan (with 30 14 year olds!) I visited a mountain town called Minakami in Gunma prefecture (just over an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen). One of the attractions there was a craft village. We had the opportunity to paint traditional masks and make soba noodles (which we ate for lunch!), but there were many other different crafts to experience too, including indigo dyeing. An awesome experience that i recommend!
Meg
this looks like a great book! Sigh, I would love to go to Japan and see the cherry blossoms, or maybe those monkeys who like to hang out in the hot springs!
Kirsty
Ooh, I’d love a copy of this book! My favourite place in Japan is very difficult to pick, because I love it all, but it might have to be Enoshima, a lovely little island with a plethora of cats and hawks, and gorgeous sea views and caves to explore. A close second would be the Nagasaki Bio Park, where you can hand-feed my favourite animal, the capybara!
Marilla
I am totally up for this giveaway! My favourite japanese sewing book is any of the stylish dress books. Love the simple, contemporary shapes! Thanks for gate great giveaway x
Sue
Currently making things from “Basic Black”, but love “Casual Sweet Clothes”. I’m off to Japan at Christmas and think my favourite place is Kyoto, or Tokyo, or Niseko, or…. I don’t know, it depends on the time of year and what I want to do. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Friederike
The book looks lovely. I made some experiences with “Happy Homemade Vol.1” and “Sewing Talk” by Machiko Kayaki, but sadly not the best so I gave it up. But I’m on the blazer bandwagon at the moment and the one above lookes really interesting. Maybe it’s time for another try, if I’m lucky. 🙂
Robyn
I really love Nara. There are of course the deer everywhere, but also Todaiji and lots of great shopping. In particular I remember a very sweet little vintage kimono shop where I picked up a beautiful obi for a decent price during one Nara visit. I wonder if it is still there?
Susan Goodwin
Hi Robyn, Your name has just been drawn as the winner! Be sure to email me measuretwicecutoncepatterns AT gmail.com to give me your address so I can post out your beautiful new book! Congratulations.
Jenna Oh
My favorite place is Kyoto. Fell in love with it while I was there for the first time!
jaelh
I have always wanted to go to sit in the hot springs in hokkaido… one day. :).
Sasha
I would totally like my “very own English Language version of “She Wear the Pants”” – this would be my first Japanese sewing book … I’ve also never been to Japan 🙁
Christy
Japan is a bit of a pipe dream for me. My fav book at the moment is Clean and Natural. I’ve already traced a pattern, I just need time. 🙂
Fabric Tragic
Such a great prize, thankyou! I’ve only just made my first japanese toile, the asymmetric scoop top from drape drape 2, and it’s so fabulous. IVe never been to Japan, but would love to go one year during the blossom festival. Although the husband suffers terrible hay fever so he’s not too keen. This book looks great (especially the stripey top on the cover!).
Sewingiu
Never been to Japan before but I’ll be going there for my honeymoon in October, can’t wait! As for the books, I like “drape drape” although i did not dare sewing anything from this book yet (still a beginner 🙁 )
enjoy your trip!
Lee
Oh I’d love to win this book! I don’t own any Japanese sewing books as yet, but flicked through this one recently and admired quite a few of the patterns. As for my favourite place in Japan, I’ve never been, so I wouldn’t know where to start!
Irene
So far Drape Dreape are my favorite Japanese pattern books. Unfortunately I haven’t been in Japan yet!
Lindsay
I’ve never been to Japan or sewn from a Japanese pattern book, but I’m hoping to do both soon! I would especially love to go to the fabric district in Tokyo!
seamsoddlouise
I’d love to win. Thank you for the giveaway its a good prize.
SeamstressErin
I’ve never actually had a Japanese pattern book in my hand, although I’ve put them in and out of online shopping carts many times 🙂
If I were able to go to Japan I would do a tour of all the best ramen places. My husband and I are kind of obsessed with ramen right now and I can see us spending a week in Japan eating Ramen for lunch and dinner every day!
Lea (sproutlea)
Hi
I’d love a chance to win this book. I love a japanese sewing book but must admit I use them as more a guide cause I don’t have quite the right shape for them. My favourite is the Daily Sewing Book, but they are all so full of inspiration.
Kten
The only Japanese pattern book I have is the original drape drape. So that has to be my favorite, lol. I’ve only made one dress so far but I really like how it came out and I plan to make more. (I already have the fabric chosen). Honestly I would love to go anywhere in Japan because I haven’t been, and I just can’t say no to a travel adventure. I hope you have fun on your vaca!!!
Frankie
Oooh, going in for a second chance. I have spent many nights in Narita, but Niigata wins as my favourite place as my cousin lives there. Would love to coincide a visit when sakura season is in full bloom though!
Reana Louise
Gimme gimme gimme!
Ahem, I mean, I’d really like this book 🙂
My fave book so far is “Stylish Dress Book” because I’ve gotten the most wear out of it. And I’ve never been to Japan, but when I do go Jiro’s restaurant is at the top of my list after seeing “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” (even though that would probably be my entire spending budget haha!) x
Catherine
ooh exciting! I only have 1 Japanese book – Little black dress, which ive made two things from so far! Ive never been to Japan, but there is those rabbit Islands and cat Islands and Deer Parks that look pretty fun! Cute animals for the win!
Vanessa
Thanks to you Susan and Tuttle publishing for such a fantastic giveaway.
My favourite Japanese Pattern Book would have to be the first Pattern Magic book.
It blew my mind the first time I flipped through it and still does every time I flip through it.
Katie
This book looks great! I have one of the books, Casual Sweet Dress, I think, and I have a brilliant Japanese sewing magazine called Female – I can’t decipher the patterns but it’s really good for inspiration.
Genua
I do not have any from the mentioned above but, I do like to read Haruki Murakamis’ books and it brings me as close to travel in Japan as I can…
Catarina
I love Japanese sewing books and have several. The one I keep coming back is my beloved Stylish Dress Book 1. Love all the patterns and made some.
I was looking for a book with pants and I think I found it.
Thanks for the opportunity
Jenny
In other food related suggestions, have you seen this guardian article?
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/mar/10/best-restaurants-kyoto-tokyo-japan-chefs-choice
Oh, and the shinjuku isetan foodhall
Susan Goodwin
Oh my these are amazing! thank you! We are planning for sometime next year so plenty of time yet to sort out all the food adventures