Japanese sewing – Measure Twice Cut Once

First up apologies for the sound, seems like a jet lagged me was a bit lax with actually connecting the microphone to the recording device so I’m sorry for that. Also sorry for my ugly feet (why are feet so ugly? Like why???) so just ignore them and focus on the pretty bath mat.

Right with that out of the way, this is Sew Japanese in January a fun challenge set out by @ bloglessanna on Instagram to encourage people to use their beautiful Japanese sewing books.

The book I’m using translates as “Goods made with simple fabrics – bags and miscellaneous” ISBN978-4-594-06361-0 I got it on my last trip to Japan so it’s many years old now but I love the simple and practical ideas.

Everything was sewn on my Brother NV180D

My nail polish is from Hanami “Tides” not an add just a huge fan.

As always thanks for watching if you have questions please leave a comment and please subscribe it’s a really easy way to help support the work I do.

Lastly thanks to Anna of @ bloglessanna for running such a fun challenge each January and July!

Recently I ended up with some unexpected free time so I cut out 3 pairs of shorts for The Englishman and finished the Jinbei jacket that has been cut for ages but needed a band and ties before being finished. These are all just casual around the house pieces. After long cycling rides it’s nice for him to have something comfortable to potter about the house.

I used the same pattern I did here. It’s one I picked up from Nomura Tailor in Kyoto for a men’s Jinbei consisting of jacket and shorts/pants.

Shorts 1 – Japanese cotton Lawn from Spotlight. These ended up shorter than expected as the cutting on the fabric piece was so bad by the time I straightened out the grain I was more than 5 cm either end shorter than expected. Still they will be fine for your very hot days in the summer.

Shorts 2 – Navy blue stripe. I picked this up as a remnant at Pitt Trading and I’m fairly sure it’s a Japanese milled fabric. It looks beautiful quality but may need a wash or two to soften up a bit more?

Shorts 3 – blue and white stripe denim. Lightweight fabric I picked up forever ago in Cabramatta. I seem to have miles of it so it must’ve been cheap but it’s super quality and am slightly kicking myself for not making a dress from it as well.

Jinbei jacket – I finally seem to have got the sizing right for The Englishman. I need it to be boxy but not swamp him so I cut it slightly narrower through the body but maintained the wider shoulders and boxy arms.

Fabric: various sources – see above

Pattern: Men’s Jinbei from Nomura Tailor

Alterations: Cut size small width, size Large length in shorts, slight narrowing of hem of jacket.

Tag: Japanese sewing

What I made, sew Japanese in January

Sewing Adventures – Mens Jinbei jacket and shorts