Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this book a few years ago now, the actual price and place escapes me. I had wanted to learn to make my own patterns as I was finding the shop ones rather tedious.

I was originally a home sewer and just made things for my family with no pattern cutting experience at all, and to be honest, very little general knowledge of patterns.

When the book arrived I really didn't understand it, and it got left on the shelf for a few months. I then decided to get my head around patterns and started. The basic bodice drafting it based on a numbers and points system, and each of those is determined by the relevant measurement on the body - a calculator really helps here.

Once the basic bodice has been drawn it can be made it to any of the shapes included in the book. Once you've mastered moving darts, most of it is easy to follow. The same applies to trouers and sleeves, although this book doesn't go into the designer elements, and is mainly pictures rather than instructions, a fashion design book would go very well with this book.

I have found the most useful part of the book to be the evening wear and lingerie part, which has enabled me to start designing my own evening wear for profit.

Once you've finished your basic blocks there is also a little section on how to size your patterns, so you don't have to re-draft each size. This is a little complicated to get your head around, but once you've got it, it's a breeze.

There's also size charts inlcuded for sizes 8-32. Although I've crossed mine out to be sizes 6-30 respectively, not because these sizes aren't correct, but I have found for example when making a size 14 to the measurements in the book, it will fit someone who would wear a size 12 in the highstreet, a bit confusing, but it works better for me that way.

Overall I would say this is a great book, although perhaps not for the new sewer!

A good starter, 10 Jun 2006
This book is a good starter but there are many printing errors (wrong instructions, missing instructions) so beware. It also assumes that you are familiar with some pattern cutting techniques. If you are an absolute beginner it would be useful to have someone in the know to ask as at times it is possible to become absolutely stuck. If you are studying pattern cutting this would be a really useful book to have. If you are learning by yourself, you may find this book to be a little frustrating.

Worth the learning curve, 28 Nov 2002
I found this book difficult to use at first, being used to commercial pre-printed patterns, but with a bit of perseverance I was able to produce some well-fitted pieces that I was quite pleased with. I particularly liked the section on dealing with bodies of different shapes (sloping shoulders, long backs etc). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting the flexibility to design their own clothes.

pure guava, 19 Mar 2000
i am currently in the process of gaining my diploma in fashion and textiles at the nelson polytechnic NEW ZEALAND this tome will aid you in designing fashion garments while realising that pattern cutting is an artform.

Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this book a few years ago now, the actual price and place escapes me. I had wanted to learn to make my own patterns as I was finding the shop ones rather tedious.

I was originally a home sewer and just made things for my family with no pattern cutting experience at all, and to be honest, very little general knowledge of patterns.

When the book arrived I really didn't understand it, and it got left on the shelf for a few months. I then decided to get my head around patterns and started. The basic bodice drafting it based on a numbers and points system, and each of those is determined by the relevant measurement on the body - a calculator really helps here.

Once the basic bodice has been drawn it can be made it to any of the shapes included in the book. Once you've mastered moving darts, most of it is easy to follow. The same applies to trouers and sleeves, although this book doesn't go into the designer elements, and is mainly pictures rather than instructions, a fashion design book would go very well with this book.

I have found the most useful part of the book to be the evening wear and lingerie part, which has enabled me to start designing my own evening wear for profit.

Once you've finished your basic blocks there is also a little section on how to size your patterns, so you don't have to re-draft each size. This is a little complicated to get your head around, but once you've got it, it's a breeze.

There's also size charts inlcuded for sizes 8-32. Although I've crossed mine out to be sizes 6-30 respectively, not because these sizes aren't correct, but I have found for example when making a size 14 to the measurements in the book, it will fit someone who would wear a size 12 in the highstreet, a bit confusing, but it works better for me that way.

Overall I would say this is a great book, although perhaps not for the new sewer!

A good starter, 10 Jun 2006
This book is a good starter but there are many printing errors (wrong instructions, missing instructions) so beware. It also assumes that you are familiar with some pattern cutting techniques. If you are an absolute beginner it would be useful to have someone in the know to ask as at times it is possible to become absolutely stuck. If you are studying pattern cutting this would be a really useful book to have. If you are learning by yourself, you may find this book to be a little frustrating.

Worth the learning curve, 28 Nov 2002
I found this book difficult to use at first, being used to commercial pre-printed patterns, but with a bit of perseverance I was able to produce some well-fitted pieces that I was quite pleased with. I particularly liked the section on dealing with bodies of different shapes (sloping shoulders, long backs etc). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting the flexibility to design their own clothes.

pure guava, 19 Mar 2000
i am currently in the process of gaining my diploma in fashion and textiles at the nelson polytechnic NEW ZEALAND this tome will aid you in designing fashion garments while realising that pattern cutting is an artform.

Fresh Fruits, 31 Jan 2008
A good book for a flick through for inspiration. Not much text, but some funny anecdotes on the purposes of the outfits and current obsessions of the people in the book. A lot of the styles are generally unwearable everyday, but a good magazine style book. Very inspirational, not just the clothes but the hair styles and makeup. Leave it on a able when your friends come around to seem knowledgable and colourful-its a very eye-grabbing book!

Fashion like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets., 22 Apr 2007
There's no denying this book's quite expensive for what it is, and as someone who's not used to forking out for books with virtually no words (call me a peasant - English Literature Student habits are hard to kick!), it was a bit of a strange experience to find myself lusting so much after it.

Essentially, it's just a bunch of photos of random Japanese kids - so why is it so special and worth spending 19.00 a throw on?

And my answer? Because I guarantee you'll NEVER have seen anything like what these kids are wearing! It's like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets on an acid trip. The sheer detail, colour, creativity of the outfits and the don't-give-a-f**k COOLNESS with which they're worn will inspire you. And the tiny blurbs at the bottom where each fashionista says a bit about themselves and their style are frankly hilarious (Answers to 'What's your current obsession?' range from 'happiness' to 'the line on my head' and 'MMMM' (???) )

Recommended for those of a Punk, Emo, possibly Goth, Electroclash or Hippy persuasion. Mainstream Marks-and-Spencer conservatives won't touch this with a bargepole, whilst Aristo-Goths and Lolitas should probably wait for the up-and-coming sister book, 'Gothic and Lolita', and get that instead.

Overall, I think you've got to be quite into creative fashion to justify buying this book - virtually anyone would find it mildly entertaining to flick through in a bookshop, but you'd probably need to be quite into colourful/DIY fashion yourself if you're going to permanently keep it around your house for reference and inspiration.

In years to come, I hope I'll still appreciate this book - it says a lot about being a teenager.


I know its gonna be great!, 02 Apr 2006
Hey, i got fuits from a book stool at my college, having never herd of it before i just had to buy it because it looked so cool and it was such an inspiration, since treating myself to it i have been wearing colourful outstanding clothing almost everyday. so i just know that the second book will be fantastic....cant wait till i can afford it!

Just as good as the first..., 19 Jan 2006
Thanks to my art teacher I have discovered the world of FRUITS!!

This book, is very interesting, there are many different variations going on inside, so much to see, it almost feels as if your there at times. The pictures are of the highest quality and details are given for each photo or person in the photo.

Very interesting book, great for getting ideas, or inspiration.

A very fun book to hold and to cherish...

Exciting and unique, 18 Jan 2006
This book may have very few words written inside it, but to me it says a lot. The pictures are of the highest quality and you can read it over and over again and notice new things everytime, there are so many variations inside, and none of these pictures are themed towards, goths, punks, preps, tradional, gothic lolita or any other trend. Perfect for brightening up your bookshelf and your outlook on fashion.

Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this book a few years ago now, the actual price and place escapes me. I had wanted to learn to make my own patterns as I was finding the shop ones rather tedious.

I was originally a home sewer and just made things for my family with no pattern cutting experience at all, and to be honest, very little general knowledge of patterns.

When the book arrived I really didn't understand it, and it got left on the shelf for a few months. I then decided to get my head around patterns and started. The basic bodice drafting it based on a numbers and points system, and each of those is determined by the relevant measurement on the body - a calculator really helps here.

Once the basic bodice has been drawn it can be made it to any of the shapes included in the book. Once you've mastered moving darts, most of it is easy to follow. The same applies to trouers and sleeves, although this book doesn't go into the designer elements, and is mainly pictures rather than instructions, a fashion design book would go very well with this book.

I have found the most useful part of the book to be the evening wear and lingerie part, which has enabled me to start designing my own evening wear for profit.

Once you've finished your basic blocks there is also a little section on how to size your patterns, so you don't have to re-draft each size. This is a little complicated to get your head around, but once you've got it, it's a breeze.

There's also size charts inlcuded for sizes 8-32. Although I've crossed mine out to be sizes 6-30 respectively, not because these sizes aren't correct, but I have found for example when making a size 14 to the measurements in the book, it will fit someone who would wear a size 12 in the highstreet, a bit confusing, but it works better for me that way.

Overall I would say this is a great book, although perhaps not for the new sewer!

A good starter, 10 Jun 2006
This book is a good starter but there are many printing errors (wrong instructions, missing instructions) so beware. It also assumes that you are familiar with some pattern cutting techniques. If you are an absolute beginner it would be useful to have someone in the know to ask as at times it is possible to become absolutely stuck. If you are studying pattern cutting this would be a really useful book to have. If you are learning by yourself, you may find this book to be a little frustrating.

Worth the learning curve, 28 Nov 2002
I found this book difficult to use at first, being used to commercial pre-printed patterns, but with a bit of perseverance I was able to produce some well-fitted pieces that I was quite pleased with. I particularly liked the section on dealing with bodies of different shapes (sloping shoulders, long backs etc). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting the flexibility to design their own clothes.

pure guava, 19 Mar 2000
i am currently in the process of gaining my diploma in fashion and textiles at the nelson polytechnic NEW ZEALAND this tome will aid you in designing fashion garments while realising that pattern cutting is an artform.

Fresh Fruits, 31 Jan 2008
A good book for a flick through for inspiration. Not much text, but some funny anecdotes on the purposes of the outfits and current obsessions of the people in the book. A lot of the styles are generally unwearable everyday, but a good magazine style book. Very inspirational, not just the clothes but the hair styles and makeup. Leave it on a able when your friends come around to seem knowledgable and colourful-its a very eye-grabbing book!

Fashion like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets., 22 Apr 2007
There's no denying this book's quite expensive for what it is, and as someone who's not used to forking out for books with virtually no words (call me a peasant - English Literature Student habits are hard to kick!), it was a bit of a strange experience to find myself lusting so much after it.

Essentially, it's just a bunch of photos of random Japanese kids - so why is it so special and worth spending 19.00 a throw on?

And my answer? Because I guarantee you'll NEVER have seen anything like what these kids are wearing! It's like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets on an acid trip. The sheer detail, colour, creativity of the outfits and the don't-give-a-f**k COOLNESS with which they're worn will inspire you. And the tiny blurbs at the bottom where each fashionista says a bit about themselves and their style are frankly hilarious (Answers to 'What's your current obsession?' range from 'happiness' to 'the line on my head' and 'MMMM' (???) )

Recommended for those of a Punk, Emo, possibly Goth, Electroclash or Hippy persuasion. Mainstream Marks-and-Spencer conservatives won't touch this with a bargepole, whilst Aristo-Goths and Lolitas should probably wait for the up-and-coming sister book, 'Gothic and Lolita', and get that instead.

Overall, I think you've got to be quite into creative fashion to justify buying this book - virtually anyone would find it mildly entertaining to flick through in a bookshop, but you'd probably need to be quite into colourful/DIY fashion yourself if you're going to permanently keep it around your house for reference and inspiration.

In years to come, I hope I'll still appreciate this book - it says a lot about being a teenager.


I know its gonna be great!, 02 Apr 2006
Hey, i got fuits from a book stool at my college, having never herd of it before i just had to buy it because it looked so cool and it was such an inspiration, since treating myself to it i have been wearing colourful outstanding clothing almost everyday. so i just know that the second book will be fantastic....cant wait till i can afford it!

Just as good as the first..., 19 Jan 2006
Thanks to my art teacher I have discovered the world of FRUITS!!

This book, is very interesting, there are many different variations going on inside, so much to see, it almost feels as if your there at times. The pictures are of the highest quality and details are given for each photo or person in the photo.

Very interesting book, great for getting ideas, or inspiration.

A very fun book to hold and to cherish...

Exciting and unique, 18 Jan 2006
This book may have very few words written inside it, but to me it says a lot. The pictures are of the highest quality and you can read it over and over again and notice new things everytime, there are so many variations inside, and none of these pictures are themed towards, goths, punks, preps, tradional, gothic lolita or any other trend. Perfect for brightening up your bookshelf and your outlook on fashion.

for the intermediate and beyond, 14 Nov 2008
I have used the metric pattern cutting book for ladies fashion before but found this a perect book to carry on my studies. The main diference for me is that the paterns drafted here already have seam alowances in them. The paterns are more for finished garments and not quite as basic. A great follow on guide for somone with basic patern drafting already under thier belts. My only concern is that the waistcoat draft is mis-printed. I've made many paterns form meausrments before and pride myself with pin point prescion and acuracy. However the waistcoats always, without fail, come out 5 cm too tight and too short. Once you take that into acount the finished patern works beautifully.

Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this book a few years ago now, the actual price and place escapes me. I had wanted to learn to make my own patterns as I was finding the shop ones rather tedious.

I was originally a home sewer and just made things for my family with no pattern cutting experience at all, and to be honest, very little general knowledge of patterns.

When the book arrived I really didn't understand it, and it got left on the shelf for a few months. I then decided to get my head around patterns and started. The basic bodice drafting it based on a numbers and points system, and each of those is determined by the relevant measurement on the body - a calculator really helps here.

Once the basic bodice has been drawn it can be made it to any of the shapes included in the book. Once you've mastered moving darts, most of it is easy to follow. The same applies to trouers and sleeves, although this book doesn't go into the designer elements, and is mainly pictures rather than instructions, a fashion design book would go very well with this book.

I have found the most useful part of the book to be the evening wear and lingerie part, which has enabled me to start designing my own evening wear for profit.

Once you've finished your basic blocks there is also a little section on how to size your patterns, so you don't have to re-draft each size. This is a little complicated to get your head around, but once you've got it, it's a breeze.

There's also size charts inlcuded for sizes 8-32. Although I've crossed mine out to be sizes 6-30 respectively, not because these sizes aren't correct, but I have found for example when making a size 14 to the measurements in the book, it will fit someone who would wear a size 12 in the highstreet, a bit confusing, but it works better for me that way.

Overall I would say this is a great book, although perhaps not for the new sewer!

A good starter, 10 Jun 2006
This book is a good starter but there are many printing errors (wrong instructions, missing instructions) so beware. It also assumes that you are familiar with some pattern cutting techniques. If you are an absolute beginner it would be useful to have someone in the know to ask as at times it is possible to become absolutely stuck. If you are studying pattern cutting this would be a really useful book to have. If you are learning by yourself, you may find this book to be a little frustrating.

Worth the learning curve, 28 Nov 2002
I found this book difficult to use at first, being used to commercial pre-printed patterns, but with a bit of perseverance I was able to produce some well-fitted pieces that I was quite pleased with. I particularly liked the section on dealing with bodies of different shapes (sloping shoulders, long backs etc). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting the flexibility to design their own clothes.

pure guava, 19 Mar 2000
i am currently in the process of gaining my diploma in fashion and textiles at the nelson polytechnic NEW ZEALAND this tome will aid you in designing fashion garments while realising that pattern cutting is an artform.

Fresh Fruits, 31 Jan 2008
A good book for a flick through for inspiration. Not much text, but some funny anecdotes on the purposes of the outfits and current obsessions of the people in the book. A lot of the styles are generally unwearable everyday, but a good magazine style book. Very inspirational, not just the clothes but the hair styles and makeup. Leave it on a able when your friends come around to seem knowledgable and colourful-its a very eye-grabbing book!

Fashion like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets., 22 Apr 2007
There's no denying this book's quite expensive for what it is, and as someone who's not used to forking out for books with virtually no words (call me a peasant - English Literature Student habits are hard to kick!), it was a bit of a strange experience to find myself lusting so much after it.

Essentially, it's just a bunch of photos of random Japanese kids - so why is it so special and worth spending 19.00 a throw on?

And my answer? Because I guarantee you'll NEVER have seen anything like what these kids are wearing! It's like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets on an acid trip. The sheer detail, colour, creativity of the outfits and the don't-give-a-f**k COOLNESS with which they're worn will inspire you. And the tiny blurbs at the bottom where each fashionista says a bit about themselves and their style are frankly hilarious (Answers to 'What's your current obsession?' range from 'happiness' to 'the line on my head' and 'MMMM' (???) )

Recommended for those of a Punk, Emo, possibly Goth, Electroclash or Hippy persuasion. Mainstream Marks-and-Spencer conservatives won't touch this with a bargepole, whilst Aristo-Goths and Lolitas should probably wait for the up-and-coming sister book, 'Gothic and Lolita', and get that instead.

Overall, I think you've got to be quite into creative fashion to justify buying this book - virtually anyone would find it mildly entertaining to flick through in a bookshop, but you'd probably need to be quite into colourful/DIY fashion yourself if you're going to permanently keep it around your house for reference and inspiration.

In years to come, I hope I'll still appreciate this book - it says a lot about being a teenager.


I know its gonna be great!, 02 Apr 2006
Hey, i got fuits from a book stool at my college, having never herd of it before i just had to buy it because it looked so cool and it was such an inspiration, since treating myself to it i have been wearing colourful outstanding clothing almost everyday. so i just know that the second book will be fantastic....cant wait till i can afford it!

Just as good as the first..., 19 Jan 2006
Thanks to my art teacher I have discovered the world of FRUITS!!

This book, is very interesting, there are many different variations going on inside, so much to see, it almost feels as if your there at times. The pictures are of the highest quality and details are given for each photo or person in the photo.

Very interesting book, great for getting ideas, or inspiration.

A very fun book to hold and to cherish...

Exciting and unique, 18 Jan 2006
This book may have very few words written inside it, but to me it says a lot. The pictures are of the highest quality and you can read it over and over again and notice new things everytime, there are so many variations inside, and none of these pictures are themed towards, goths, punks, preps, tradional, gothic lolita or any other trend. Perfect for brightening up your bookshelf and your outlook on fashion.

for the intermediate and beyond, 14 Nov 2008
I have used the metric pattern cutting book for ladies fashion before but found this a perect book to carry on my studies. The main diference for me is that the paterns drafted here already have seam alowances in them. The paterns are more for finished garments and not quite as basic. A great follow on guide for somone with basic patern drafting already under thier belts. My only concern is that the waistcoat draft is mis-printed. I've made many paterns form meausrments before and pride myself with pin point prescion and acuracy. However the waistcoats always, without fail, come out 5 cm too tight and too short. Once you take that into acount the finished patern works beautifully.

excellent, 03 Sep 2008
excellent as always Kate Fletcher surpasses herself in this brillaint and useful book. Not for people uniterested in the ethics of clothing and fabric but a real must have for textile designers

Fashion can and is being done differently!, 19 May 2008
I found this to be a truly inspiring book. It's an invaluable font of ideas that you can dip into regularly for reference. The initiatives it describes are an antidote to institutionalised ways of both producing and consuming fashion. It clearly sets out a variety of ways of thinking about sustainability in fashion and textiles but its real gift is how it enables us to think about loosening the stranglehold consumption has over fashion.

Outstanding book jam packed with eye-opening ideas, 07 May 2008
Wow! This book is brimming with industry-led knowledge and facts on sustainability fashion design and I urge anyone who is interested in fashion or textiles to read it. It will alter your perception of the way that we produce and consume fashion and helps build the foundations for a radical new perspective.

This book gives us an eye opening look into the world of fashion and textiles and presents great new sustainable options with potential influence far beyond the fashion and textiles industries. Every aspect of the industry, use and lifecycle of textiles is considered. It delivers exactly what you want from a book - it opens your mind and changes your perspective for evermore. It is written and presented in an accessible way that is easy to use and a pleasure to read. If you are (or want to be) in the fields of textiles, fashion or sustainability, you definitely need to get with the programme and read this book!

If you only buy one fashion book this year, make sure its this one, 04 May 2008
Hi we are Jenny and Ruthy and We are currently studying fashion design at University College Falmouth, we've been reading your "Sustainable fashion and textiles" book to eachother everyday, before and after college! Its absolutely AMASING, we've been waiting forever for a book like this-this is a book that every fashion designer MUST read.

Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this book a few years ago now, the actual price and place escapes me. I had wanted to learn to make my own patterns as I was finding the shop ones rather tedious.

I was originally a home sewer and just made things for my family with no pattern cutting experience at all, and to be honest, very little general knowledge of patterns.

When the book arrived I really didn't understand it, and it got left on the shelf for a few months. I then decided to get my head around patterns and started. The basic bodice drafting it based on a numbers and points system, and each of those is determined by the relevant measurement on the body - a calculator really helps here.

Once the basic bodice has been drawn it can be made it to any of the shapes included in the book. Once you've mastered moving darts, most of it is easy to follow. The same applies to trouers and sleeves, although this book doesn't go into the designer elements, and is mainly pictures rather than instructions, a fashion design book would go very well with this book.

I have found the most useful part of the book to be the evening wear and lingerie part, which has enabled me to start designing my own evening wear for profit.

Once you've finished your basic blocks there is also a little section on how to size your patterns, so you don't have to re-draft each size. This is a little complicated to get your head around, but once you've got it, it's a breeze.

There's also size charts inlcuded for sizes 8-32. Although I've crossed mine out to be sizes 6-30 respectively, not because these sizes aren't correct, but I have found for example when making a size 14 to the measurements in the book, it will fit someone who would wear a size 12 in the highstreet, a bit confusing, but it works better for me that way.

Overall I would say this is a great book, although perhaps not for the new sewer!

A good starter, 10 Jun 2006
This book is a good starter but there are many printing errors (wrong instructions, missing instructions) so beware. It also assumes that you are familiar with some pattern cutting techniques. If you are an absolute beginner it would be useful to have someone in the know to ask as at times it is possible to become absolutely stuck. If you are studying pattern cutting this would be a really useful book to have. If you are learning by yourself, you may find this book to be a little frustrating.

Worth the learning curve, 28 Nov 2002
I found this book difficult to use at first, being used to commercial pre-printed patterns, but with a bit of perseverance I was able to produce some well-fitted pieces that I was quite pleased with. I particularly liked the section on dealing with bodies of different shapes (sloping shoulders, long backs etc). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting the flexibility to design their own clothes.

pure guava, 19 Mar 2000
i am currently in the process of gaining my diploma in fashion and textiles at the nelson polytechnic NEW ZEALAND this tome will aid you in designing fashion garments while realising that pattern cutting is an artform.

Fresh Fruits, 31 Jan 2008
A good book for a flick through for inspiration. Not much text, but some funny anecdotes on the purposes of the outfits and current obsessions of the people in the book. A lot of the styles are generally unwearable everyday, but a good magazine style book. Very inspirational, not just the clothes but the hair styles and makeup. Leave it on a able when your friends come around to seem knowledgable and colourful-its a very eye-grabbing book!

Fashion like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets., 22 Apr 2007
There's no denying this book's quite expensive for what it is, and as someone who's not used to forking out for books with virtually no words (call me a peasant - English Literature Student habits are hard to kick!), it was a bit of a strange experience to find myself lusting so much after it.

Essentially, it's just a bunch of photos of random Japanese kids - so why is it so special and worth spending 19.00 a throw on?

And my answer? Because I guarantee you'll NEVER have seen anything like what these kids are wearing! It's like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets on an acid trip. The sheer detail, colour, creativity of the outfits and the don't-give-a-f**k COOLNESS with which they're worn will inspire you. And the tiny blurbs at the bottom where each fashionista says a bit about themselves and their style are frankly hilarious (Answers to 'What's your current obsession?' range from 'happiness' to 'the line on my head' and 'MMMM' (???) )

Recommended for those of a Punk, Emo, possibly Goth, Electroclash or Hippy persuasion. Mainstream Marks-and-Spencer conservatives won't touch this with a bargepole, whilst Aristo-Goths and Lolitas should probably wait for the up-and-coming sister book, 'Gothic and Lolita', and get that instead.

Overall, I think you've got to be quite into creative fashion to justify buying this book - virtually anyone would find it mildly entertaining to flick through in a bookshop, but you'd probably need to be quite into colourful/DIY fashion yourself if you're going to permanently keep it around your house for reference and inspiration.

In years to come, I hope I'll still appreciate this book - it says a lot about being a teenager.


I know its gonna be great!, 02 Apr 2006
Hey, i got fuits from a book stool at my college, having never herd of it before i just had to buy it because it looked so cool and it was such an inspiration, since treating myself to it i have been wearing colourful outstanding clothing almost everyday. so i just know that the second book will be fantastic....cant wait till i can afford it!

Just as good as the first..., 19 Jan 2006
Thanks to my art teacher I have discovered the world of FRUITS!!

This book, is very interesting, there are many different variations going on inside, so much to see, it almost feels as if your there at times. The pictures are of the highest quality and details are given for each photo or person in the photo.

Very interesting book, great for getting ideas, or inspiration.

A very fun book to hold and to cherish...

Exciting and unique, 18 Jan 2006
This book may have very few words written inside it, but to me it says a lot. The pictures are of the highest quality and you can read it over and over again and notice new things everytime, there are so many variations inside, and none of these pictures are themed towards, goths, punks, preps, tradional, gothic lolita or any other trend. Perfect for brightening up your bookshelf and your outlook on fashion.

for the intermediate and beyond, 14 Nov 2008
I have used the metric pattern cutting book for ladies fashion before but found this a perect book to carry on my studies. The main diference for me is that the paterns drafted here already have seam alowances in them. The paterns are more for finished garments and not quite as basic. A great follow on guide for somone with basic patern drafting already under thier belts. My only concern is that the waistcoat draft is mis-printed. I've made many paterns form meausrments before and pride myself with pin point prescion and acuracy. However the waistcoats always, without fail, come out 5 cm too tight and too short. Once you take that into acount the finished patern works beautifully.

excellent, 03 Sep 2008
excellent as always Kate Fletcher surpasses herself in this brillaint and useful book. Not for people uniterested in the ethics of clothing and fabric but a real must have for textile designers

Fashion can and is being done differently!, 19 May 2008
I found this to be a truly inspiring book. It's an invaluable font of ideas that you can dip into regularly for reference. The initiatives it describes are an antidote to institutionalised ways of both producing and consuming fashion. It clearly sets out a variety of ways of thinking about sustainability in fashion and textiles but its real gift is how it enables us to think about loosening the stranglehold consumption has over fashion.

Outstanding book jam packed with eye-opening ideas, 07 May 2008
Wow! This book is brimming with industry-led knowledge and facts on sustainability fashion design and I urge anyone who is interested in fashion or textiles to read it. It will alter your perception of the way that we produce and consume fashion and helps build the foundations for a radical new perspective.

This book gives us an eye opening look into the world of fashion and textiles and presents great new sustainable options with potential influence far beyond the fashion and textiles industries. Every aspect of the industry, use and lifecycle of textiles is considered. It delivers exactly what you want from a book - it opens your mind and changes your perspective for evermore. It is written and presented in an accessible way that is easy to use and a pleasure to read. If you are (or want to be) in the fields of textiles, fashion or sustainability, you definitely need to get with the programme and read this book!

If you only buy one fashion book this year, make sure its this one, 04 May 2008
Hi we are Jenny and Ruthy and We are currently studying fashion design at University College Falmouth, we've been reading your "Sustainable fashion and textiles" book to eachother everyday, before and after college! Its absolutely AMASING, we've been waiting forever for a book like this-this is a book that every fashion designer MUST read.

A great book, 22 Oct 2008
A great book with all the basic blocks and shapes you will need for lingerie pattern cutting an additional book for inspiration is recommended!

Good book, 27 Jun 2008
This book is for the person that really knows their stuff. It is informative but not for the beginner. Also some of the styles of the garments are a bit old fashioned and not something that I would make. Would be quite a good book to get some basic tips from if you could expand and add your own designs in.

Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this book a few years ago now, the actual price and place escapes me. I had wanted to learn to make my own patterns as I was finding the shop ones rather tedious.

I was originally a home sewer and just made things for my family with no pattern cutting experience at all, and to be honest, very little general knowledge of patterns.

When the book arrived I really didn't understand it, and it got left on the shelf for a few months. I then decided to get my head around patterns and started. The basic bodice drafting it based on a numbers and points system, and each of those is determined by the relevant measurement on the body - a calculator really helps here.

Once the basic bodice has been drawn it can be made it to any of the shapes included in the book. Once you've mastered moving darts, most of it is easy to follow. The same applies to trouers and sleeves, although this book doesn't go into the designer elements, and is mainly pictures rather than instructions, a fashion design book would go very well with this book.

I have found the most useful part of the book to be the evening wear and lingerie part, which has enabled me to start designing my own evening wear for profit.

Once you've finished your basic blocks there is also a little section on how to size your patterns, so you don't have to re-draft each size. This is a little complicated to get your head around, but once you've got it, it's a breeze.

There's also size charts inlcuded for sizes 8-32. Although I've crossed mine out to be sizes 6-30 respectively, not because these sizes aren't correct, but I have found for example when making a size 14 to the measurements in the book, it will fit someone who would wear a size 12 in the highstreet, a bit confusing, but it works better for me that way.

Overall I would say this is a great book, although perhaps not for the new sewer!

A good starter, 10 Jun 2006
This book is a good starter but there are many printing errors (wrong instructions, missing instructions) so beware. It also assumes that you are familiar with some pattern cutting techniques. If you are an absolute beginner it would be useful to have someone in the know to ask as at times it is possible to become absolutely stuck. If you are studying pattern cutting this would be a really useful book to have. If you are learning by yourself, you may find this book to be a little frustrating.

Worth the learning curve, 28 Nov 2002
I found this book difficult to use at first, being used to commercial pre-printed patterns, but with a bit of perseverance I was able to produce some well-fitted pieces that I was quite pleased with. I particularly liked the section on dealing with bodies of different shapes (sloping shoulders, long backs etc). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting the flexibility to design their own clothes.

pure guava, 19 Mar 2000
i am currently in the process of gaining my diploma in fashion and textiles at the nelson polytechnic NEW ZEALAND this tome will aid you in designing fashion garments while realising that pattern cutting is an artform.

Fresh Fruits, 31 Jan 2008
A good book for a flick through for inspiration. Not much text, but some funny anecdotes on the purposes of the outfits and current obsessions of the people in the book. A lot of the styles are generally unwearable everyday, but a good magazine style book. Very inspirational, not just the clothes but the hair styles and makeup. Leave it on a able when your friends come around to seem knowledgable and colourful-its a very eye-grabbing book!

Fashion like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets., 22 Apr 2007
There's no denying this book's quite expensive for what it is, and as someone who's not used to forking out for books with virtually no words (call me a peasant - English Literature Student habits are hard to kick!), it was a bit of a strange experience to find myself lusting so much after it.

Essentially, it's just a bunch of photos of random Japanese kids - so why is it so special and worth spending 19.00 a throw on?

And my answer? Because I guarantee you'll NEVER have seen anything like what these kids are wearing! It's like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets on an acid trip. The sheer detail, colour, creativity of the outfits and the don't-give-a-f**k COOLNESS with which they're worn will inspire you. And the tiny blurbs at the bottom where each fashionista says a bit about themselves and their style are frankly hilarious (Answers to 'What's your current obsession?' range from 'happiness' to 'the line on my head' and 'MMMM' (???) )

Recommended for those of a Punk, Emo, possibly Goth, Electroclash or Hippy persuasion. Mainstream Marks-and-Spencer conservatives won't touch this with a bargepole, whilst Aristo-Goths and Lolitas should probably wait for the up-and-coming sister book, 'Gothic and Lolita', and get that instead.

Overall, I think you've got to be quite into creative fashion to justify buying this book - virtually anyone would find it mildly entertaining to flick through in a bookshop, but you'd probably need to be quite into colourful/DIY fashion yourself if you're going to permanently keep it around your house for reference and inspiration.

In years to come, I hope I'll still appreciate this book - it says a lot about being a teenager.


I know its gonna be great!, 02 Apr 2006
Hey, i got fuits from a book stool at my college, having never herd of it before i just had to buy it because it looked so cool and it was such an inspiration, since treating myself to it i have been wearing colourful outstanding clothing almost everyday. so i just know that the second book will be fantastic....cant wait till i can afford it!

Just as good as the first..., 19 Jan 2006
Thanks to my art teacher I have discovered the world of FRUITS!!

This book, is very interesting, there are many different variations going on inside, so much to see, it almost feels as if your there at times. The pictures are of the highest quality and details are given for each photo or person in the photo.

Very interesting book, great for getting ideas, or inspiration.

A very fun book to hold and to cherish...

Exciting and unique, 18 Jan 2006
This book may have very few words written inside it, but to me it says a lot. The pictures are of the highest quality and you can read it over and over again and notice new things everytime, there are so many variations inside, and none of these pictures are themed towards, goths, punks, preps, tradional, gothic lolita or any other trend. Perfect for brightening up your bookshelf and your outlook on fashion.

for the intermediate and beyond, 14 Nov 2008
I have used the metric pattern cutting book for ladies fashion before but found this a perect book to carry on my studies. The main diference for me is that the paterns drafted here already have seam alowances in them. The paterns are more for finished garments and not quite as basic. A great follow on guide for somone with basic patern drafting already under thier belts. My only concern is that the waistcoat draft is mis-printed. I've made many paterns form meausrments before and pride myself with pin point prescion and acuracy. However the waistcoats always, without fail, come out 5 cm too tight and too short. Once you take that into acount the finished patern works beautifully.

excellent, 03 Sep 2008
excellent as always Kate Fletcher surpasses herself in this brillaint and useful book. Not for people uniterested in the ethics of clothing and fabric but a real must have for textile designers

Fashion can and is being done differently!, 19 May 2008
I found this to be a truly inspiring book. It's an invaluable font of ideas that you can dip into regularly for reference. The initiatives it describes are an antidote to institutionalised ways of both producing and consuming fashion. It clearly sets out a variety of ways of thinking about sustainability in fashion and textiles but its real gift is how it enables us to think about loosening the stranglehold consumption has over fashion.

Outstanding book jam packed with eye-opening ideas, 07 May 2008
Wow! This book is brimming with industry-led knowledge and facts on sustainability fashion design and I urge anyone who is interested in fashion or textiles to read it. It will alter your perception of the way that we produce and consume fashion and helps build the foundations for a radical new perspective.

This book gives us an eye opening look into the world of fashion and textiles and presents great new sustainable options with potential influence far beyond the fashion and textiles industries. Every aspect of the industry, use and lifecycle of textiles is considered. It delivers exactly what you want from a book - it opens your mind and changes your perspective for evermore. It is written and presented in an accessible way that is easy to use and a pleasure to read. If you are (or want to be) in the fields of textiles, fashion or sustainability, you definitely need to get with the programme and read this book!

If you only buy one fashion book this year, make sure its this one, 04 May 2008
Hi we are Jenny and Ruthy and We are currently studying fashion design at University College Falmouth, we've been reading your "Sustainable fashion and textiles" book to eachother everyday, before and after college! Its absolutely AMASING, we've been waiting forever for a book like this-this is a book that every fashion designer MUST read.

A great book, 22 Oct 2008
A great book with all the basic blocks and shapes you will need for lingerie pattern cutting an additional book for inspiration is recommended!

Good book, 27 Jun 2008
This book is for the person that really knows their stuff. It is informative but not for the beginner. Also some of the styles of the garments are a bit old fashioned and not something that I would make. Would be quite a good book to get some basic tips from if you could expand and add your own designs in.

Take a peek into the Fashion World of the Victorian Age, 08 Aug 2003
Firstly, from exploring this book it must be noted upon that this is a book of illustrations, not of descriptive texts and literature. However, within this specific topic, the book is splendid and I can highly recommend it to all who seek an intense visual peek into the Victorian age of Fashions.

As I first looked into the book I felt as though I was in this time period and looking through a Fashion magazine, honouring the splendour of one piece and the critisizing the next. It is a visual assessment which provokes thought and realisations.

When I opened the book, I was greatly excited and very eager to explore every detail of the pieces of Fashion, especially to flip the page and see what expressions of art from this marvelous Victorian period I would be beholding next.

As remarked upon earlier, the piece "Victorian Fashions" should be viewed - from my opinion - a fashion magazine from the Victorian period. However, no doubts are needed, because the book is marvelous in donating a view into the Victorian period.

Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this book a few years ago now, the actual price and place escapes me. I had wanted to learn to make my own patterns as I was finding the shop ones rather tedious.

I was originally a home sewer and just made things for my family with no pattern cutting experience at all, and to be honest, very little general knowledge of patterns.

When the book arrived I really didn't understand it, and it got left on the shelf for a few months. I then decided to get my head around patterns and started. The basic bodice drafting it based on a numbers and points system, and each of those is determined by the relevant measurement on the body - a calculator really helps here.

Once the basic bodice has been drawn it can be made it to any of the shapes included in the book. Once you've mastered moving darts, most of it is easy to follow. The same applies to trouers and sleeves, although this book doesn't go into the designer elements, and is mainly pictures rather than instructions, a fashion design book would go very well with this book.

I have found the most useful part of the book to be the evening wear and lingerie part, which has enabled me to start designing my own evening wear for profit.

Once you've finished your basic blocks there is also a little section on how to size your patterns, so you don't have to re-draft each size. This is a little complicated to get your head around, but once you've got it, it's a breeze.

There's also size charts inlcuded for sizes 8-32. Although I've crossed mine out to be sizes 6-30 respectively, not because these sizes aren't correct, but I have found for example when making a size 14 to the measurements in the book, it will fit someone who would wear a size 12 in the highstreet, a bit confusing, but it works better for me that way.

Overall I would say this is a great book, although perhaps not for the new sewer!

A good starter, 10 Jun 2006
This book is a good starter but there are many printing errors (wrong instructions, missing instructions) so beware. It also assumes that you are familiar with some pattern cutting techniques. If you are an absolute beginner it would be useful to have someone in the know to ask as at times it is possible to become absolutely stuck. If you are studying pattern cutting this would be a really useful book to have. If you are learning by yourself, you may find this book to be a little frustrating.

Worth the learning curve, 28 Nov 2002
I found this book difficult to use at first, being used to commercial pre-printed patterns, but with a bit of perseverance I was able to produce some well-fitted pieces that I was quite pleased with. I particularly liked the section on dealing with bodies of different shapes (sloping shoulders, long backs etc). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting the flexibility to design their own clothes.

pure guava, 19 Mar 2000
i am currently in the process of gaining my diploma in fashion and textiles at the nelson polytechnic NEW ZEALAND this tome will aid you in designing fashion garments while realising that pattern cutting is an artform.

Fresh Fruits, 31 Jan 2008
A good book for a flick through for inspiration. Not much text, but some funny anecdotes on the purposes of the outfits and current obsessions of the people in the book. A lot of the styles are generally unwearable everyday, but a good magazine style book. Very inspirational, not just the clothes but the hair styles and makeup. Leave it on a able when your friends come around to seem knowledgable and colourful-its a very eye-grabbing book!

Fashion like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets., 22 Apr 2007
There's no denying this book's quite expensive for what it is, and as someone who's not used to forking out for books with virtually no words (call me a peasant - English Literature Student habits are hard to kick!), it was a bit of a strange experience to find myself lusting so much after it.

Essentially, it's just a bunch of photos of random Japanese kids - so why is it so special and worth spending 19.00 a throw on?

And my answer? Because I guarantee you'll NEVER have seen anything like what these kids are wearing! It's like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets on an acid trip. The sheer detail, colour, creativity of the outfits and the don't-give-a-f**k COOLNESS with which they're worn will inspire you. And the tiny blurbs at the bottom where each fashionista says a bit about themselves and their style are frankly hilarious (Answers to 'What's your current obsession?' range from 'happiness' to 'the line on my head' and 'MMMM' (???) )

Recommended for those of a Punk, Emo, possibly Goth, Electroclash or Hippy persuasion. Mainstream Marks-and-Spencer conservatives won't touch this with a bargepole, whilst Aristo-Goths and Lolitas should probably wait for the up-and-coming sister book, 'Gothic and Lolita', and get that instead.

Overall, I think you've got to be quite into creative fashion to justify buying this book - virtually anyone would find it mildly entertaining to flick through in a bookshop, but you'd probably need to be quite into colourful/DIY fashion yourself if you're going to permanently keep it around your house for reference and inspiration.

In years to come, I hope I'll still appreciate this book - it says a lot about being a teenager.


I know its gonna be great!, 02 Apr 2006
Hey, i got fuits from a book stool at my college, having never herd of it before i just had to buy it because it looked so cool and it was such an inspiration, since treating myself to it i have been wearing colourful outstanding clothing almost everyday. so i just know that the second book will be fantastic....cant wait till i can afford it!

Just as good as the first..., 19 Jan 2006
Thanks to my art teacher I have discovered the world of FRUITS!!

This book, is very interesting, there are many different variations going on inside, so much to see, it almost feels as if your there at times. The pictures are of the highest quality and details are given for each photo or person in the photo.

Very interesting book, great for getting ideas, or inspiration.

A very fun book to hold and to cherish...

Exciting and unique, 18 Jan 2006
This book may have very few words written inside it, but to me it says a lot. The pictures are of the highest quality and you can read it over and over again and notice new things everytime, there are so many variations inside, and none of these pictures are themed towards, goths, punks, preps, tradional, gothic lolita or any other trend. Perfect for brightening up your bookshelf and your outlook on fashion.

for the intermediate and beyond, 14 Nov 2008
I have used the metric pattern cutting book for ladies fashion before but found this a perect book to carry on my studies. The main diference for me is that the paterns drafted here already have seam alowances in them. The paterns are more for finished garments and not quite as basic. A great follow on guide for somone with basic patern drafting already under thier belts. My only concern is that the waistcoat draft is mis-printed. I've made many paterns form meausrments before and pride myself with pin point prescion and acuracy. However the waistcoats always, without fail, come out 5 cm too tight and too short. Once you take that into acount the finished patern works beautifully.

excellent, 03 Sep 2008
excellent as always Kate Fletcher surpasses herself in this brillaint and useful book. Not for people uniterested in the ethics of clothing and fabric but a real must have for textile designers

Fashion can and is being done differently!, 19 May 2008
I found this to be a truly inspiring book. It's an invaluable font of ideas that you can dip into regularly for reference. The initiatives it describes are an antidote to institutionalised ways of both producing and consuming fashion. It clearly sets out a variety of ways of thinking about sustainability in fashion and textiles but its real gift is how it enables us to think about loosening the stranglehold consumption has over fashion.

Outstanding book jam packed with eye-opening ideas, 07 May 2008
Wow! This book is brimming with industry-led knowledge and facts on sustainability fashion design and I urge anyone who is interested in fashion or textiles to read it. It will alter your perception of the way that we produce and consume fashion and helps build the foundations for a radical new perspective.

This book gives us an eye opening look into the world of fashion and textiles and presents great new sustainable options with potential influence far beyond the fashion and textiles industries. Every aspect of the industry, use and lifecycle of textiles is considered. It delivers exactly what you want from a book - it opens your mind and changes your perspective for evermore. It is written and presented in an accessible way that is easy to use and a pleasure to read. If you are (or want to be) in the fields of textiles, fashion or sustainability, you definitely need to get with the programme and read this book!

If you only buy one fashion book this year, make sure its this one, 04 May 2008
Hi we are Jenny and Ruthy and We are currently studying fashion design at University College Falmouth, we've been reading your "Sustainable fashion and textiles" book to eachother everyday, before and after college! Its absolutely AMASING, we've been waiting forever for a book like this-this is a book that every fashion designer MUST read.

A great book, 22 Oct 2008
A great book with all the basic blocks and shapes you will need for lingerie pattern cutting an additional book for inspiration is recommended!

Good book, 27 Jun 2008
This book is for the person that really knows their stuff. It is informative but not for the beginner. Also some of the styles of the garments are a bit old fashioned and not something that I would make. Would be quite a good book to get some basic tips from if you could expand and add your own designs in.

Take a peek into the Fashion World of the Victorian Age, 08 Aug 2003
Firstly, from exploring this book it must be noted upon that this is a book of illustrations, not of descriptive texts and literature. However, within this specific topic, the book is splendid and I can highly recommend it to all who seek an intense visual peek into the Victorian age of Fashions.

As I first looked into the book I felt as though I was in this time period and looking through a Fashion magazine, honouring the splendour of one piece and the critisizing the next. It is a visual assessment which provokes thought and realisations.

When I opened the book, I was greatly excited and very eager to explore every detail of the pieces of Fashion, especially to flip the page and see what expressions of art from this marvelous Victorian period I would be beholding next.

As remarked upon earlier, the piece "Victorian Fashions" should be viewed - from my opinion - a fashion magazine from the Victorian period. However, no doubts are needed, because the book is marvelous in donating a view into the Victorian period.

superb book, 17 Jan 2005
This book is brilliant for those with pattern cutting experience, although it doesn't have to be that much! I bought Winifred Aldrich's book first, and this fills in the gaps. It is a very "wordy" book, with lots of instructions and explanations. A brilliant pattern cutting book, as is "More Dress pattern Designing" and invaluable to those who wish to create their own patterns.

very helpful, 21 Jun 2001
I've tried several pattern designing books, and I found this, and its follow up 'More Dress Pattern Designing' to be the best. It goes through step by step instructions, and is very well illlustrated. I think between them, there isn't an aspect of womens clothing they didn't cover. Theres a section on childrens clothing too in the second book. Although theres nothing about mens clothing, or about garment construction, I'd still recommend these books very highly. A great textbook, and I often refer to it.

Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this book a few years ago now, the actual price and place escapes me. I had wanted to learn to make my own patterns as I was finding the shop ones rather tedious.

I was originally a home sewer and just made things for my family with no pattern cutting experience at all, and to be honest, very little general knowledge of patterns.

When the book arrived I really didn't understand it, and it got left on the shelf for a few months. I then decided to get my head around patterns and started. The basic bodice drafting it based on a numbers and points system, and each of those is determined by the relevant measurement on the body - a calculator really helps here.

Once the basic bodice has been drawn it can be made it to any of the shapes included in the book. Once you've mastered moving darts, most of it is easy to follow. The same applies to trouers and sleeves, although this book doesn't go into the designer elements, and is mainly pictures rather than instructions, a fashion design book would go very well with this book.

I have found the most useful part of the book to be the evening wear and lingerie part, which has enabled me to start designing my own evening wear for profit.

Once you've finished your basic blocks there is also a little section on how to size your patterns, so you don't have to re-draft each size. This is a little complicated to get your head around, but once you've got it, it's a breeze.

There's also size charts inlcuded for sizes 8-32. Although I've crossed mine out to be sizes 6-30 respectively, not because these sizes aren't correct, but I have found for example when making a size 14 to the measurements in the book, it will fit someone who would wear a size 12 in the highstreet, a bit confusing, but it works better for me that way.

Overall I would say this is a great book, although perhaps not for the new sewer!

A good starter, 10 Jun 2006
This book is a good starter but there are many printing errors (wrong instructions, missing instructions) so beware. It also assumes that you are familiar with some pattern cutting techniques. If you are an absolute beginner it would be useful to have someone in the know to ask as at times it is possible to become absolutely stuck. If you are studying pattern cutting this would be a really useful book to have. If you are learning by yourself, you may find this book to be a little frustrating.

Worth the learning curve, 28 Nov 2002
I found this book difficult to use at first, being used to commercial pre-printed patterns, but with a bit of perseverance I was able to produce some well-fitted pieces that I was quite pleased with. I particularly liked the section on dealing with bodies of different shapes (sloping shoulders, long backs etc). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting the flexibility to design their own clothes.

pure guava, 19 Mar 2000
i am currently in the process of gaining my diploma in fashion and textiles at the nelson polytechnic NEW ZEALAND this tome will aid you in designing fashion garments while realising that pattern cutting is an artform.

Fresh Fruits, 31 Jan 2008
A good book for a flick through for inspiration. Not much text, but some funny anecdotes on the purposes of the outfits and current obsessions of the people in the book. A lot of the styles are generally unwearable everyday, but a good magazine style book. Very inspirational, not just the clothes but the hair styles and makeup. Leave it on a able when your friends come around to seem knowledgable and colourful-its a very eye-grabbing book!

Fashion like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets., 22 Apr 2007
There's no denying this book's quite expensive for what it is, and as someone who's not used to forking out for books with virtually no words (call me a peasant - English Literature Student habits are hard to kick!), it was a bit of a strange experience to find myself lusting so much after it.

Essentially, it's just a bunch of photos of random Japanese kids - so why is it so special and worth spending 19.00 a throw on?

And my answer? Because I guarantee you'll NEVER have seen anything like what these kids are wearing! It's like Vivienne Westwood meets The Muppets on an acid trip. The sheer detail, colour, creativity of the outfits and the don't-give-a-f**k COOLNESS with which they're worn will inspire you. And the tiny blurbs at the bottom where each fashionista says a bit about themselves and their style are frankly hilarious (Answers to 'What's your current obsession?' range from 'happiness' to 'the line on my head' and 'MMMM' (???) )

Recommended for those of a Punk, Emo, possibly Goth, Electroclash or Hippy persuasion. Mainstream Marks-and-Spencer conservatives won't touch this with a bargepole, whilst Aristo-Goths and Lolitas should probably wait for the up-and-coming sister book, 'Gothic and Lolita', and get that instead.

Overall, I think you've got to be quite into creative fashion to justify buying this book - virtually anyone would find it mildly entertaining to flick through in a bookshop, but you'd probably need to be quite into colourful/DIY fashion yourself if you're going to permanently keep it around your house for reference and inspiration.

In years to come, I hope I'll still appreciate this book - it says a lot about being a teenager.


I know its gonna be great!, 02 Apr 2006
Hey, i got fuits from a book stool at my college, having never herd of it before i just had to buy it because it looked so cool and it was such an inspiration, since treating myself to it i have been wearing colourful outstanding clothing almost everyday. so i just know that the second book will be fantastic....cant wait till i can afford it!

Just as good as the first..., 19 Jan 2006
Thanks to my art teacher I have discovered the world of FRUITS!!

This book, is very interesting, there are many different variations going on inside, so much to see, it almost feels as if your there at times. The pictures are of the highest quality and details are given for each photo or person in the photo.

Very interesting book, great for getting ideas, or inspiration.

A very fun book to hold and to cherish...

Exciting and unique, 18 Jan 2006
This book may have very few words written inside it, but to me it says a lot. The pictures are of the highest quality and you can read it over and over again and notice new things everytime, there are so many variations inside, and none of these pictures are themed towards, goths, punks, preps, tradional, gothic lolita or any other trend. Perfect for brightening up your bookshelf and your outlook on fashion.

for the intermediate and beyond, 14 Nov 2008
I have used the metric pattern cutting book for ladies fashion before but found this a perect book to carry on my studies. The main diference for me is that the paterns drafted here already have seam alowances in them. The paterns are more for finished garments and not quite as basic. A great follow on guide for somone with basic patern drafting already under thier belts. My only concern is that the waistcoat draft is mis-printed. I've made many paterns form meausrments before and pride myself with pin point prescion and acuracy. However the waistcoats always, without fail, come out 5 cm too tight and too short. Once you take that into acount the finished patern works beautifully.

excellent, 03 Sep 2008
excellent as always Kate Fletcher surpasses herself in this brillaint and useful book. Not for people uniterested in the ethics of clothing and fabric but a real must have for textile designers

Fashion can and is being done differently!, 19 May 2008
I found this to be a truly inspiring book. It's an invaluable font of ideas that you can dip into regularly for reference. The initiatives it describes are an antidote to institutionalised ways of both producing and consuming fashion. It clearly sets out a variety of ways of thinking about sustainability in fashion and textiles but its real gift is how it enables us to think about loosening the stranglehold consumption has over fashion.

Outstanding book jam packed with eye-opening ideas, 07 May 2008
Wow! This book is brimming with industry-led knowledge and facts on sustainability fashion design and I urge anyone who is interested in fashion or textiles to read it. It will alter your perception of the way that we produce and consume fashion and helps build the foundations for a radical new perspective.

This book gives us an eye opening look into the world of fashion and textiles and presents great new sustainable options with potential influence far beyond the fashion and textiles industries. Every aspect of the industry, use and lifecycle of textiles is considered. It delivers exactly what you want from a book - it opens your mind and changes your perspective for evermore. It is written and presented in an accessible way that is easy to use and a pleasure to read. If you are (or want to be) in the fields of textiles, fashion or sustainability, you definitely need to get with the programme and read this book!

If you only buy one fashion book this year, make sure its this one, 04 May 2008
Hi we are Jenny and Ruthy and We are currently studying fashion design at University College Falmouth, we've been reading your "Sustainable fashion and textiles" book to eachother everyday, before and after college! Its absolutely AMASING, we've been waiting forever for a book like this-this is a book that every fashion designer MUST read.

A great book, 22 Oct 2008
A great book with all the basic blocks and shapes you will need for lingerie pattern cutting an additional book for inspiration is recommended!

Good book, 27 Jun 2008
This book is for the person that really knows their stuff. It is informative but not for the beginner. Also some of the styles of the garments are a bit old fashioned and not something that I would make. Would be quite a good book to get some basic tips from if you could expand and add your own designs in.

Take a peek into the Fashion World of the Victorian Age, 08 Aug 2003
Firstly, from exploring this book it must be noted upon that this is a book of illustrations, not of descriptive texts and literature. However, within this specific topic, the book is splendid and I can highly recommend it to all who seek an intense visual peek into the Victorian age of Fashions.

As I first looked into the book I felt as though I was in this time period and looking through a Fashion magazine, honouring the splendour of one piece and the critisizing the next. It is a visual assessment which provokes thought and realisations.

When I opened the book, I was greatly excited and very eager to explore every detail of the pieces of Fashion, especially to flip the page and see what expressions of art from this marvelous Victorian period I would be beholding next.

As remarked upon earlier, the piece "Victorian Fashions" should be viewed - from my opinion - a fashion magazine from the Victorian period. However, no doubts are needed, because the book is marvelous in donating a view into the Victorian period.

superb book, 17 Jan 2005
This book is brilliant for those with pattern cutting experience, although it doesn't have to be that much! I bought Winifred Aldrich's book first, and this fills in the gaps. It is a very "wordy" book, with lots of instructions and explanations. A brilliant pattern cutting book, as is "More Dress pattern Designing" and invaluable to those who wish to create their own patterns.

very helpful, 21 Jun 2001
I've tried several pattern designing books, and I found this, and its follow up 'More Dress Pattern Designing' to be the best. It goes through step by step instructions, and is very well illlustrated. I think between them, there isn't an aspect of womens clothing they didn't cover. Theres a section on childrens clothing too in the second book. Although theres nothing about mens clothing, or about garment construction, I'd still recommend these books very highly. A great textbook, and I often refer to it.

Academically useful but few patterns, 05 Jan 2007
This book is an interesting academic work that is full of useful information but I was dissappointed by the lack of patterns - from the title I expected more detailed patterns from the title.

Nonetheless, mine of information and a good addition to my library.

Facinating but un-orthodox, 22 Jan 2006
I have read a lending-library copy - this is what I remember of it. At first glance this book will seem to be way off the mark to anyone who has studied medieval costume. However, Dorothy Hartley's theories and the way in which they are presented are useful in making us reconsider the 'facts' that we all accept as sacrosanct. Since this book was originally written in the first half of the C20th, it is also an interesting historical document in itself - throwing light on the art of medieval costumery as practiced more than 50 years ago. Anyone wanting to achieve the 'medieval look' (for a school play for instance) without too much fuss and bother over authenticity will find this book very useful. Serious students of costume may also find some useful nuggets (eg I seem to remember some helpful hints on arranging head-cloths.) Re-enactors may also like to read 'Food in England' by the same author.

Buy this book!, 22 Oct 2008
I was given this book when i started my HND theatre costume design book. We have used it for two years and i can not recommened it highly enough! Some of the girls in my class had never done pattern cutting before and this book tells you everything you need to know. On first glance it seems very confusing. But when you read it and follow it step by step it all makes sense! The blocks shown in this book are basic blocks from which you can adapt or alter to suit you.

Buy this book!

Basic pattern making that can be adapted to most designs, 15 Mar 2008
I brought this bo