Buffi’s Dress Design: Sew 30 Fun Styles

Jashanmal is a former Project Runway contestant, and her first book is in tune with that program’s DIY aesthetic. She thoroughly explains the process for drafting and using patterns based on one’s measurements, and provides an overview of tools, fabrics, and sewing techniques. Then variations on three basic dress patterns— the shift, the sheath, and the princess seam— are provided, with clearly illustrated instructions. In total, the book provides a reasonable facsimile of a beginning dressmaking course such as one might find at FIT or Parsons School of Design. Unfortunately, the photos— many of which include Jashanmal modeling her own designs— that illustrate the pattern variations can be off-putting. Jashanmal favors a “crafty” style that can look sloppy, and she too often uses fabrics that seem garish, especially when posed next to busy backdrops. Some simpler designs— a strapless number or a cute sailor’s style outfit— are more broadly appealing. Buy this one for the instructions, not the design inspiration. Color photos and illustrations. (Feb.)