Saara Huhta

When I first got this book in 2020 I had just started sewing clothes. I originally rated this 4 stars because I did not like how the patterns needed to be traced out. Also, the sizes are not referenced on the patterns at all and you have to dig around the book to try and find a legend. So the book ended up forgotten on my bookshelf.

Now that I have a few years of garment sewing experience, I am digging into this book again and very much loving it. The patterns are great, stylish, well drafted. They are made for tall, angular Scandinavian women which is ME! I have had a difficult time finding patterns like that and I normally have to make a LOT of changes but not with these. I am SO glad I rediscovered this book when I was ready for it.… (altro)

nonfiction/sewing (intermediate-advanced)
A collection of patterns from Named (pictures of which you can see on their site); most of which I wouldn't make (either because the style doesn't suit me or because I can't be bothered to buy the appropriate fabrics and put the work into something I don't really need). The paperback copy comes with multi-sized printed pattern sheets in the back (which you would adjust to your size and transfer/make your own copies of). There is a little box printed on each pattern page that notes which pattern pieces are on that side of that page, but you have to look for it and I still ended up opening each of them up to find it (sort of a pain, but once you copy your selected patterns you never need to refer to them again). According to the
I ended up making the saraste top (adapted with button-tab half-sleeves), which had a roomy trapeze-y fit so I did not need to adjust the pattern for my shorter stature or larger tummy, though I did size down. The instructions were fairly clear, referring to pages of instructions for previous garments (arranged from simplest to most advanced in a way that is meant to build up the sewist's skills). I probably would not recommend this for beginners (unless you are very determined, and have the patience to accept all the mistakes that beginners are bound to make), but I did think the instructions were pretty clear for intermediate sewists with significant experience.… (altro)

I like Named's designs; they tend to have interesting details or shapes. Kielo has been on my list for a long time. This book has a really nice, cohesive collection of patterns, some of which aren't my style, but some of which are really calling to me. The Rae pants and Nummi bag, in particular, look like they could fill really useful roles for me (I have the former traced).

The pattern sheets are a little bit eye-crossing, in the style of Burda magazine pattern sheets, with multiple patterns overlaid and pattern pieces split in two. That said, the book is organized really well so that it's easy to track what you need and where it is. (Although I think I ended up finding the note on the seam allowances online, not in the book.)

ETA: Just finished the Rae pants, and LOVE THEM. The pattern itself (after tracing) is really simple but gives a professional looking result. I shortened the legs quite a bit (I have no idea whose legs are that long) and in future, I might raise the slit an inch or two, but otherwise they're just what I was looking for!… (altro)