One thing I’ve always wanted to be able to do is to design my own clothing – without a pattern (what can I say, I like a challenge). I know that there are several of books on the market that discuss how to do this, but honestly, I don’t want to read anything that looks like a text book. While placing my last Amazon order, I stumbled across Design-It-Yourself Clothes and decided to take the plunge and buy it. Although the the designs are ‘simple’ (basic skirt, tee, button up shirt, dress, and pants), Cal discusses ways that your can change the overall look to give some variety to your design. Speaking of the projects in the book, I did find that most of them have quite a bit of ease (as you can see from the front cover). If you go in expecting to come out with a pair of fitted pants, this book isn’t for you – it’s just a very basic introduction to pattern drafting. There is some information on how to fit, however, it’s not in depth and honestly with some of these styles, isn’t really needed (for example, I saw a lot of people on Amazon saying that there wasn’t any information on full bust adjustments and bust darts, but I just don’t see how bust darts would work with these designs). With that said I did find Design It Yourself Clothes to be a wealth of information and I do intend on making my own project (based on MY measurements and not a pattern company) sometime in the near future. I’m really hoping that Cal decides to write more of these books (perhaps a bit more in depth and with fitted designs) in the near future because I found this to be a fun, easy to read instruction book on how to draft your own clothing patterns.
The Bottom Line: A great beginner’s book for pattern drafting, especially if you’re looking for an easy read with lots of illustrations. However, you may be disappointed in the styles if a fitted looks is what you’re after.