No Patterns Needed: DIY Couture from Simple Shapes
This is the Deep V Tunic, taking inspiration from the triangle. (The 15 patterns are grouped in three collections inspired by the circle, rectangle and triangle.) If you’ve seen Instagram photos of Rosie at her book launch, this is the top she was wearing. Doesn’t she look amazing? I admired the top all evening and then gave a whoop when I realised I could sew my own version.
I chose some silk fabric that I’ve previously used here and here. I was thrilled to see that in the book Rosie had used silk from the same sample sale. Serendipity! Here’s a detail from the placket, laid out on a top I already own. (You use an existing garment from your wardrobe to judge neckline distance and depth of armhole.)
As with previous reviewers of this book, I was trepidatious to step away from paper patterns and wing it with chalk and a ruler. But once I began, I was hooked. Such a journey of adventure! Not too off piste, though. Rosie provides truly excellent and meticulous instructions – all beginning with your own measurements.
For this top, you cut out a variety of rectangles and, um, sew them together. Not quite that simple, but not far off. The placket insertion is made super-easy and you’ll feel very placket proud. The sleeve caps are so brilliantly modern. Indeed, the whole piece feels effortlessly urban, whilst still suiting a stroll on the beach.
If you’re interested, the print on this silk is of paramecia.
Any tips for sewing this top?
- The book doesn’t supply fabric amounts, so make sure you’re confident you have enough fabric before cutting out.
- Directional prints could be an issue if you’re making this for the first time, as you might not necessarily understand what piece is for which part. (I didn’t!)
- There’s a front centre seam. If you’re using a strong or repeating print the seam will cut across patterns.
- If you want to incorporate the front seam split, be sure to finish your centre seam accordingly ie don’t overlock both raw seams together. (The front seam split is one of the last steps and easy to overlook.)
- The sleeves are voluminous, which means people will be able to spy your sleeve hem finishes. Take care.
- Use decent interfacing on the placket and sleeve caps. Now is not the time for cardboard cheap interfacing.
- Unless you are very body confident or a friend of tit tape, you’ll want a vest to wear beneath the deep V. But it’s otherwise no trouble at all. None of those wardrobe malfunctions we all fear.
What else can I say? Oh yes – very important. How can we help support Rosie? Easy!
- If you like this book, post a reader review on Amazon. Now!
- If an Amazon reader review has been helpful to you, click YES to ‘Was this review helpful?’
Your reward for reading this far is a FABRIC GIVEAWAY. Would you like 1.5 metres of my silk for yourself? Then leave a comment below saying what your favourite shape is – the circle, rectangle, or triangle. This giveaway is open internationally and shall close on Tuesday 9 August at midnight GMT.
Rosie Martin has just raised the bar for sewing books. I look forward to seeing what else her future holds, as this woman is exceptionally talented and I am proud and privileged to have become acquainted with her through the sewing community. The future of sewing isn’t a triangle, circle or rectangle. It’s Rosie-shaped.
Triangles! Always.
This book sounds better and better with each review I read of it! Love your choice of fabric for this top. Think I’d have to go for triangles as my favourite, I love how you can play with stripe directions and draw attention to different features. They look so modern!
I’m a massive fan of the circle! Mainly because when we were at school were were taught this rhyme *ahem*
Pie R squared sounds like area to me
If I need the circumference I’ll just use pie D!
I still sing it every time I draft my own circle skirts!!!
Frankie
http://Www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk
Circle
My favourite shape is the triangle as it gives so many variations of itself
totally a triangle 🙂 Cause that’s what I look like.
Also – gorgeous top and the book does sounds great!
Silk giveaway? You got me there!!! I think the rectangle is the main shape in sewing. All began in homely woven rectangles tied together, didn’t it?
I can say I love to step away from comercial patterns and do them myself. It’s liberating! And very didactic, too! I have just started draping this summer, and as I said, all starts with the rectangle.
When it comes to seeing, I love the rectangle-so versatile! Skirts, drapey tops, bags, pillow cases… I think you’ve convinced me to give the non-pattern approach a go. Sounds terrifying but I can imagine it’d be very freeing (especially for my sewing room which is overloaded with printed PDF pattern pieces).
Hmm I’ve considired free handing it, Chinello from GBSB has a tutorial I keep meaning to look at…
My favourite shape would have to be the triangle.
Great review!
out of the choices, triangles. but my absolute favorite is a trapezoid. it is a great word [it has a zed!] and when you bisect it it makes obtuse triangles and when you drop a perpendicular, you have two cute right triangles.
I think I will have put on my book list. Triangles would definitely be my preferred shape. So much you can do with it.
I’m torn between triangles and circles
Triangles ate everywhere at the moment i’m always drawn to curvier shapes.
Gorgeous top! Plan to add the book to my Craft Library! My favorite shape is circle because it reminds me of unity.
I was a bit hesitant about making clothes without a pattern but you’ve convinced me to give it a go! Definitely putting this book on my birthday wishlist! My first choice would probably be to try something from the triangle section 🙂
Great review! Rose’s book sounds amazing and the tunic looks fab on you. My chosen shape? I think it would definately be a circle x
Great review Karen and a beautiful top. I would also go with a triangle. V shaped necklines so good when you have a full bust😍
The book sounds brilliant. Loving the silk!
Abbe
Every review makes this book sound better. It is going on my wish list. I Think triangles would be the most practical. But I’m the most curious about the circle.
Now I am truly curious about this book!
I just cant grasp the uniqueness of it, everybody like spreading hints but I can’t see the big picture…
I definitely gravitate towards the curcle.
Have added this book to my wish list as there have been so many great reviews. Fav shape has to be the Triangle.
Great review and the book looks to be very inspiring. Without question I would choose circle as it is my favorite symbol – in fact I collect circles wherever I go ! 🙂
First of all, thank you for this opportunity, the silk is fabulous! My own body shape is sadly rather circular, so a triangle works to create balance. Would I venture into un-pattern sewing? Now that I’m back at my machine, yes! And now a question….the sleeves are a wonderful longer length on you compared to Rosie; did you lengthen them?
Hey – Rosie here! Yes I am reading the comments under Karen’s amazingly kind review!! Really loving all this shape enthusiasm. I have a very flat chest, so the width of the whole top is narrow as it doesn’t need to go around much (!) – so my sleeve caps end up almost up on my shoulders. I reckon Karen’s are longer as she actually has a chest, so her whole top is wider. However, you definitely could lengthen the sleeves even if you make a narrow top, and in fact I am going to try it myself : ). Happy sewing Jen – Rosie xx
Thank you Rosie! Very kind of you to respond. I just might have to acquire your book and attempt a top (with the longer, more covering sleeves) …and I really love the skirt of the cover. Thanks again. 😀
Your top turned out lovely! I think it would look great with one of those “over engineered” bras that are popular nowadays, with straps that criss cross over the chest. Not that they come in my size though(38 H)… Anyway, regarding shapes, I think my favourite must be the rectangle as I think it has the most potential to become something else.
I think I like rectangles, but I am a bit of a shapeshifter….
Circles aiways.
I’ve recently discovered that rectangles look rather good. The idea of working without a pattern sounds rather daunting, but I’m beginning to get inspired by some of the people who’ve been writing about it. Will keep watching! And your silk is wonderful.
Triangle!
Triangles!
I love the circle, circle skirts are my favourite item to wear and I love drapey circle tops too
Rectangle – I’m afraid I have a thing for right angles.
Love circles. Not necessarily flattering but there you have it.
My favorite shape is rectangles. That’s the shape of the fabric I buy when I leave the fabric store. lol
I like circles. They’re what I always seem to doodle.
I’m a triangle person – the most flattering and versatile IMHO. Love the top you made and the silk (obviously!). Great plug for the book too, I’m intrigued and may well have to buy it.
Forgot to say…..the Paramecia did it for me. Took me right back to my biology degree many, many moons ago!
If I had to pick a favorite shape…hmm…maybe the circle? I do love polka dots!
Fingers crossed on the giveaway!!
Rectangle! I’m the Queen of the Right Angle!!!! Thanks for the chance!
Thanks for the informative book review. I am going to send for it…now.
My favourite shape: the triangle, for variety and pleasing proportions.
I have to go with the triangle, but I’m betting the book will have me liking them all!
I am drawn to the circle – the smooth unbroken line. And in my middle age I am beginning to look like one!
triangle
Definitely circle – no corners!
I have bought the book and it looks fab! I haven’t tried any of the patterns yet but can’t wait to get started! I would love some silk to make one of the patterns with!
Rectangle would be my favourite shape!
Triangles. There’s something bold and decisive about that shape.
This book looks great. I need to check it out. Thank you for the review, Karen. And the top looks great!
The never ending circle!
I’m a triangles girl too, and a particular fan of equilaterals! This book looks fascinating, thank you for the review.
That got me thinking, I’ve never thought about what my favourite shape us! Maybe the circle – but I have no idea why.
My favourite shape is the neverending circle.
My favourite shape is the rectangle. I love the asymmetrical skirt and will be ordering this book so that I can make it. Hope I’m lucky to win the silk which may be enough for the skirt. I love a silk skirt.
Oh my..! I totally dig the print, it would be so perfect to wear this to my Master’s thesis defense to close the deal on my natural sciences studies. Although I like rectangles for sewing (basically every piece of fabric you buy already is in that shape – how convenient), I like triangles best. They are the symbol of strength and stability for me.
Triangle all the way!
I like triangles, which can also be combined to form rectangles or parallelograms….
Triangles!
I love circles and perhaps my favorite form of a circle is a spiral. It seems such an organic shape in my eyes and means unity and wholeness to me.
Rectangles, specifically the square.
Hard choice! But just guess it’ll have to be triangle. Such vast possibilities, endless combinations and shape variations.
I’m a big fan of the triangle – – -so much to love and enjoy. Your top is fabulous, what a great idea for a book too1
Circles every time! I think I might have to buy this book, despite already owning quite a few! It seems like a great creative and liberating approach! Love your top, and that silk, Karen.
Triangles……can be positioned to show or hide any number of assets or flaws. And they are just very cool.
Triangles are my favourite shape.
Circle I think
Triangles! (although I also love circles!)
Love circles but don’t know why, they just please me.
Love the paramecia. Probably rectangles for me. I’m only just beginning to grasp this book – your review was helpful, thank you
Triangles! And circles!
Also, I really appreciated your review. I’ve looked at this book a few times and it seems so creative and interesting, but wasn’t sure what it would be like to try to make something using this method.
Circle, definitely. But not circle skirts.
You’ve whetted my appetite for this book for SURE 🙂 Right now I’m buried in sewing on the bias – Bias Cut Blueprints has completely hooked me but DIY Couture from Simple Shapes sounds to me like the perfect compliment and addition to what my present journey is. Thank you for sharing! I’m always up for an adventure 🙂
Triangles! I even have one tattoos on my arm.
My favorite shape is triangle. Probably because I’m triangular :). Thanks for the great review and the chance to win lovely silk!
My copy arrived today but as I’m still doing the washing from a fortnight’s holiday I’ve only quickly glanced through it… I have to admit to being thoroughly taken by all the circle inspired garments though – the ripple wrap blouse is just beautiful!
Rectangle all the way for me! Same shape as me 😉
For me rectangles. Thank You for the review!
This is lovely Karen and so great to hear such a glowing review of the book. I’ve been dying to get back to the UK and get my hands on it as its not out yet in the US. I love the idea of ditching the patterns. C xx (oh and shape wise,
I’m not sure, perhaps circles ..!)
I’m going for circles.
Triangle!
Your top is beautiful. I am a rectangle type of gal. Thanks for the giveaway.
Your book review is such a great read! and now off to buy the book.
I am a triangle.
M-C
Your review of the book is such a great read! Am off to buy the book now.
I am a triangle.
M-C
This tunic top is definitely my style and something I’d wear often. I’d say my favorite shape is the circle. It just goes round and round without any sharp edges…I like that.
Love the fabric. Triangles!
definitely triangles!
What a beautiful silk top. My favorite shape is the rectangle, as I have only recently discovered the beauty of boxy tops in drapey fabrics.
You’re top is perfect. So I’d say rectangle but book doesn’t come out here till August 16 but I preordered!
I am intrigued, and could I be brave enough to rely on my draftsmanship ! Love your top, great inspiration. A triangle to suit a pear for me!
I say triangle, as I ‘m a upside down triangle shape .
circle without a doubt
Great review! I love your blog, your outfit and paramecium silk – how cool is that? Where did you get it? I like circles but probably triangles work better for me 🙂
Definitely a circle… does it have one side or none, or an infinite number? That said, sewing-wise it’s got to be the triangle; darts, pleats, gathers and the classic A-line skirt, it’s amazing what can be achieved with such a simple and mathematically perfect shape!
Triangles! Beautiful top and a great review – thank you!
That’s a really lovely top and the cutting and sewing process sounds quite intriguing! I guess I prefer circles because a like smooth curve.
What an interesting write up. I think my favourite shape is triangle since there are so many different types of triangle- isosceles, equilateral, right angles eta and you can change each one by inverting it or rotating it. Perhaps GCSEs maths was useful after all!
Intriguing review will follow up to look at book more closely. I’m sewing more to clothe the house than for me at present so will go for rectangle as my favourite shape,
What a great top! Will have to get this book.Thank you for holding the silk giveaway.
I want to say that my favourite shape is circle, because it has no sharp corners, but then I must admit I like the straight-forwardness of a rectangle. It’s easy to create and handle.
And I’d love some silk! Today is my silk anniversary too (12 years) with my loving husband.
Circles cos polka dots. Love your new top.
Triangles – though it is a close call. I’m a bit of a rectangle… Helpful review!
I like the harmony of a circle! 🙂
Triangles, definitely! Why? IMO they are more ‘interesting’ than squares or circles as the side lengths and angles offer so many possibilities for pattern drafting, refashioning and patchwork. They can also be a little more ‘forgiving’ as the triangle gives a bias-ish cut along a side or two.
Love the book and the fabric, as an ex- microbiologist I have a soft spot for biological/ scientific inspired designs that look classy.
Circles. No beginning and no end.
And I giggled when I realized I was fascinated by paramecium.
Your top is lovely! I would have to pick rectangles!
Triangles are complex and infinitely diverse. Joined together, they can make a rectangle and even a circular shape. My body shape also looks triangular (the bottom-heavy type).
circle. great writing!
That top looks great on you! Thanks for the book review and for the awesome giveaway!
Thanks for sharing this book is going on my wish list…. for some reason Triangles call out to me!
Oh I love Triangles!
Thanks for the chance to win – awesome! You have given me the confidence to try this technique and will put the book on my wish list. I reckon a rectangle might be my first choice.
Rectangles! You can make anything with rectangles and it will be flattering.
You look great!! I prefer the triangle. It’s a flattering shape on my body type. Thanks so much for the chance!
Rectangle I think. I often find when ironing favourite (bought) garments that they are basically made up of rectangles and I think “I could make this'”. But I’m a bit too timid without a pattern. This book looks like it could be just the to get me over that.
I have always gravitated towards circles. Thanks for the book review and your experience in making a project from the book.
Love circles in particular. thanks for the giveaway and an interesting blog to turn to.
I love triangles 🙂
Circle lover of curves
My favorite shape is the triangle. Your top is lovey!
Everything I had went south so I am a mixture of all three. I guess I like the triangle the most
gandn74@ymail.com
Circles for me. What a cool silk shirt you made!
I think there is a time and a place for all three shapes – be it – a circle, a rectangle or a triangle.
I guess of the three shapes the one I find most useful and/or versatile would be the rectangle – so its the one I would select.
That’s all for now, Nancy
I love curves so it has to be a circle for me. Your top looks great. I’m intrigued by this book so will definitely order.
I’m always drawn to circles, can’t really say why, they just feel right!
My favourite shape is the circle – mainly because I love the way full circle skirts (and coats) move when you spin around!
Definitely the triangle. Beautiful fabric and the top looks great.
I’m a rectangle girl!!
The triangle! I am pear-shaped after all…
Thanks for this generous giveaway!
Rectangle is my choice – By far the most flexible shape. It can be folded into triangles and many other shapes; or rounded off for ovals and circles. Love the ‘paramecia’ silk.
definitely triangles 🙂
Rectangle for me! Thanks for bringing this book to my attention — it sounds fabulous, if a little terrifying. Off to buy it now. 🙂
Think I will have to go for rectangle. Very versatile shape. Love the fabric and as 9 August is my birthday would love to win.
Gorgeous! My favourite shape is circle
☺️
Stunning top! Thanks for the opportunity… circle all the way for me ! x
Oh my gosh, silk covered in paramecia! Who could resist? I love it!
I think my favorite shape would have to be the triangle, because you can combine them to make virtually any shape.
I think that rectangles are the most versatile, they would be my starting point. I like the idea of starting with your own body measurements rather than having to adapt an existing pattern which can be fiddly.
Definitely a Circle! I’m very tempted by this book.
Circle for me! Cup cakes, pancakes, fried eggs, circle skirts. Need I say more?
Love this top! It looks so comfy, and a great way to be a bit more modest in summer. I’m a triangle gal
Triangles are my favorite shape! love silk too..
I must say I love circles – they’re so satisfyingly complete 🙂
I think rectangles but I’m open to persuasion. I’ve certainly sewn more rectangles than any other shape!
I had to think about this and when I thought about what sort of shape I’m most likely to doodle, it was a circle, so that’s it – circle
I love the circle oooooo!
Triangles rule the waves. Looks like it is a book I need – I am mid-way through writing a post about my struggles finding patterns that fit. If all I need is my measurements, this looks like the perfect solution. I’m off to Amazon now to check it out!!
Triangles….every time. They can be joined to make all the other shapes.
This looks like a great book…..and as a curvy woman it could be just what I need. And a chance to win some fabric…..woohoo!!!!
Thanks for the book review. I have seen a few popping up in the blogosphere and it seems like a very interesting concept. Got to love a circle but triangles are probably more useful for clothing. Your top is lovely. Xx
got to be the circle, certainly!
I’m partial to horizontally long rectangles. Paramecium fabric is intriguing, and so is the book! Heading to Amazon to post a comment and then to My local book store to see if they will order it. Thanks!
Another triangle lover here! Thanks for the book review. Adding to my wishlist. 🙂
Hello England! It’s rectangles for me, because I can tailor them to fit all the body curves. I am kind of a tailored-fit fanatic. Since I am 5′ 10″, nothing fits me “off the rack”. When I was in 6th grade, I was lying about my height because I was taller than everyone, especially the boys! I wore a size 10 shoe – nothing fit me! That’s why I started sewing.
Who wouldn’t LOVE a length of black silk? Yes, please! What a fun idea! THANKS from across the pond!
Circle for me!
My favorite shape is the Triangle as it reminds my of The Holy Trinity! Thanks and God bless! ILuvTheEucharist (at) aol.com
Triangles 🙂
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