Having had success with Shimazaki Ryuichiro's men's coat pattern book, I figured I'd give his shirt book a try. I know only one person who's sewn something from it -- Claudine, who made a very lovely sheer seersucker camp-style shirt last year.
Like the coat pattern book, this one offers multiple variations (nineteen in all) on a few basic patterns. The artfully staged photos are very inspirational. I can't speak for the patterns themselves since I haven't tried them yet, but other than being on the small size (a Medium corresponds to roughly a 36" Chest), it seems pretty straightforward if you've sewn men's shirts before.
Since all the instructions are in Japanese, it would be helpful to have some shirtmaking experience under your belt -- or a working knowledge of Japanese of course. The diagrams are very clear, which helps a lot.
Pretty nice, huh? Just like the men's coat pattern book, you have to trace the necessary pattern pieces and add the seam allowance. I don't mind that.
Speaking of Japanese patterns, I got started on my Miyake coat today. I did narrow the back a bit, by precisely 4" at the bottom hem (8" total). This is the original piece:
Here's the alteration I made, which actually saved me from having to buy more leopard print fabric.
The back still has plenty of flare -- trust me. It's a VERY oversized coat.
And that's it! I'm done sewing for the day but look forward to moving forward with the Miyake project -- I think it's really going to be something special and different from anything I've made before. (After that, perhaps a Japanese shirt.)
In closing, have you -- or someone you know -- ever tried the Japanese men's shirt pattern book? How was it?
Have a great day, everybody!
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