Book review: Homemade: mini couture - Little Miss Y - part 1

The book

The ringbound book has two halves where the second halve is upside down. Both halves start at the cover and end in the middle of the book. The girl 'halve' has 64 pages and 16 patterns. The boy halve is 48 pages and has 12 patterns. 

Sizes 3-10 year (except for two, these are 6m - 3y)

 

The patterns

After a quick introduction of the writers, the book starts quickly with the patterns. Firstly there are a couple of 'stand-alone' patterns. All patterns are accompanied with picture guided instructions/

Here a dress-up dress and a play-horse in sizes 3 to 10 year.

Exeptions to the sizes are the above two patterns. Dress and hat for 6m to 3 year.

All of the patterns have a vintage feel about them. Although the patterns aren't rated there are patterns for different sewing levels. The picture guided instructions make all patterns more comprehensible and accessible. Although I didn't show all the pages, I wished some patterns had some more pictures of the finished garment. 

Some pages for different finishes and details. 

Combine your own dress.

Next are two skirts and three tops to combine.

 Above the gathered skirt 'Icing'.

Above the giggle dress and the A-line skirt.

Candy cane top (with a gathered skirt and a scalopped hem) 

Haltertop Whiskers (and the a-line skirt of the giggle dress)

Mamboi top (with the gathered skirt)

Pros:

• Lovely versatile patterns.
• Love the vintage feel of the patterns.
  
• With combinations and instructions for added details the combinations are nearly endless.
  

Cons:

• Could use more pictures and details of finished garments.        
• There are mistakes in the book I found at first glance. The pockets for the Moonrabbit coat are mislabeled for example. 
• There is no sizing chart, fabric lay-out or needed amount of fabric. 
• Seam allowances for waist seam (in bodice and skirt) do vary a lot. Be mindful of your own preference (for example, 3/8 inch is not enough for a gathered skirt in my opinion).
  
• It is not for beginners, having sewn before and knowing how dresses go together makes it easier.
  

After making a dress:

After one dress I found the sizing a bit larger than anticipated. It might be because of the stretch fabric. If you make this dress in cotton though, don't forget to add a zipper.