Named Breaking The Pattern Saraste Top - an Honest Review

[@Hide_and_silk]

Excellent and very balanced review. It's very refreshing to hear the negatives as well as the positives as I hear many reviews of Indy patterns / pattern books as gushingly positive. Love the blouse - looks great on you. Will try to remember to ask my son's partner about the pronunciation as she speaks some Finnish.

[@StitchedUp]

thanks Kathie, yes I agree, it's not often we see balanced reviews x

[@Loracanne]

I fully appreciate the honesty of this review. I came here looking for help with the Kaste dress because the instructions are very confusing and the first few steps are vague & lack any images to help. I too had to go looking for the Seam Allowance and finally found it. I also had the issue with the printing disappearing on the Pattern sheets (and I was tracing the smallest size so good luck to the bigger sizes!). I don't like the skipping back and forth with instructions either. Having said that the patterns are beautiful and there are a range of garments that cover a capsule wardrobe. This is my first time sewing a Named patterns piece so it may take a while for me to become accustomed to their method and language. I'm going to take a break from it, swot up on the instructions, and come back to it tomorrow with a clear head and fresh eyes 😉

[@nanastevens4094]

Wonderful review. Your honesty is refreshing. The top looks lovely on you.

[@StitchedUp]

thank you x

[@laurajones4088]

Hi Rachel, the top looks lovely on you. Thank you for sharing an honest review of the book and including both positive and negative aspects. I think this will be helpful to those who may want to purchase it.

[@StitchedUp]

you're welcome Laura x

[@bellepoupee61]

Looks so lovely on you and a dress would look perfect! Thanks for the review! Christine

[@Lisamakes]

Thanks for this! The top is adorable. I pre-ordered the book on Amazon, so I’m guessing it will be here soon. Now I won’t have to look up the seam allowances!😂

[@StitchedUp]

some lovely patterns in it Lisa, I'm itching to try more xx

[@nancypollard4531]

Very nice review. You are the first reviewer I have found that has actually shown and discussed the actual patterns. That's exactly what I wanted to see.

[@kathryndamron3238]

What a helpful review! As a new sewist I am so grateful!

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

Thank you for an honest review! I'm a beginner, so I will swot up on terms and techniques first! A helpful video! TFS 👍❤

[@StitchedUp]

you're welcome Hazel, the book does explain lots of sewing terms and techniques but I would have a few things under your belt before tackling one of these patterns xx

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

@@StitchedUp Thank you for the advice Rachel xx

[@sewingforfun7378]

I searched for this review as I am about to make this top and I found it very interesting and useful. I agree with you that the amount of the seam allowance should be clearly stated either on the pattern pieces or in the instructions preferably both. My pattern is also printed with the disappearing lines like yours! ...poor but I will manage. Thanks for your honest review which is the only type worth giving!

[@floraryce284]

Lovely blouse. Thanks for the honest book review, I'll give it a miss for now. Seems to be above my skill level and at 5' 2" don't feel like shortening everything. Was also shocked at the missing lines on pattern pieces. Enjoy wearing the blouse, really suits you. Flo

[@StitchedUp]

thank you Flo x

[@jillm8484]

Super pretty blouse on you. I love the dark floaty fabric too. I don't like flipping pages to find instruction either but I imagine that aspect of the book has more to do with the publishers and editors rather than the actual pattern writers/designers/makers! Great comments on how to make the book more user friendly for sewists. The patterns in the book look awesome. Hope you post more of your Named pattern makes.

[@StitchedUp]

Thank you Jill,. yes I am sure you are right, of course I am more than happy to post more reviews as I make them, I've just made the Asaka kimono too so may have to do a review of that as I love it! xx

[@kayreed9127]

Well done on giving a good balanced review! So often reviews are biased to the positives ! Good constructive negatives helps us all! I totally agree with your point on the seam allowances , why put it in the glossary when there was obviously ample room to put it on the project page- you have saved sewers so much time in highlighting this and pointing us in the right direction! Well done, love the blouse!

[@StitchedUp]

thank you Kay, that;s lovely to hear that you found it useful x

[@rebeccap.40]

Excellent comments! So glad to hear what you really thought. I think you made some very thoughtful observations. Your blouse looks lovely on you. I have recently made some wrist tie hacks on sweaters, just make them short so they just tie up.

[@StitchedUp]

thanks Rebecca, I think that may need to be my next make xx

[@SewNaturalDane]

Great review Rachel. I think I own one Named Pattern. They are below my measurements so I haven't sewn it yet. Your top is super cute.

[@StitchedUp]

thank you Nateida xx

[@Karolsstudio]

Totally agree with you. This book is not for beginners, not even intermediates. I I’m making the Saraste shirt long sleeves and I’m sad after trying 100% times to understand the placement of the sleeves and the cuffs... The way you have to see the sleeves it’s quite different from a normal sleeves. And they don’t mention on the steps. I will sell my book. Disappointed with the lack of information😥

[@Crafty3627]

You really gave a thorough review of these patterns. Excellent job on them review. The blouse style is very sophisticated but it does look a little big on you. This kind of thing has me frustrated with sewing. I work so hard on a pattern and then the fit is not right. Sometimes the fit isn't right even if I make a muslim to start with. Your videos inspire me to go on. Thank you.

[@StitchedUp]

yes my hubby says its too big, fortunately with a style like this you can get away with it, thank you for watching and I'm glad you found it useful xx

[@amynathanreed6534]

Thank you the review, the top is lovely and I'm keen to try it. I'm glad I wasn't the only one having trouble finding what the seam allowance was, I actually couldn't find it anywhere in the book so good to know it is there albeit only once at the start!

[@agathemeherio2258]

I too have a case or two of the disappearing blue lines on the one sheet I checked after watching your video. It's lucky (some of) the patterns are indeed available on their website, but shocking lack of professionalism on the part of the publishing house. Thank you for your review!

[@StitchedUp]

oh that's not good at all! it's clearly not just me then x

[@agathemeherio2258]

No it isn't. And I think it's a shame that the lovely job done by the designers is bound to be devalued by their publisher's sloppiness.

[@karenr3708]

Hi Rachel , very interesting video , I have the book but have never sewn any of their patterns ,so the height info is very helpful as I’m 5 foot 4. I agree about the seam allowance being in a more prominent position. Thanks again, Karen

[@StitchedUp]

you're welcome Karen x

[@myralorraine]

Very pretty top! I love the fabric you selected! Viscose is so wonderful to work with too! I like your version without the ruffle in the back!

[@StitchedUp]

thanks Myra xx

[@foxeymoore]

Fab blouse Rachel and thank you for the heads up on the instructions. Your hair looks good too. X

[@StitchedUp]

thank you Eileen x

[@jillyrosex6099]

Thanks for honest review. I am having book for Xmas and will be able to start making up garments with your comments in mind👍

[@StitchedUp]

you're very welcome x

[@StayStitching]

It would also look fantastic with a black or gray pencil skirt. With your height, it would be gorgeous! Thank you so much for the honest review! This isn't a book I'd probably buy, but if I were thinking about it, you've given some valuable information!

[@StitchedUp]

ooh theres a lovely idea! there is a pencil skirt in here called the Ute which is gorgeous and I'd love to make it so I might just do that!

[@thecamdenstitch2335]

Thanks for the helpful and honest review Rachel. The top looks great on you!

[@StitchedUp]

thank you so much xx

[@heatherr9201]

Thanks for the review, it’s in my list to get... and FYI I believe it says it comes with pdf copies of the patterns as well.... maybe it’s corrected on there, but you might email them either way. Lovely top and thanks for the insights.

[@StitchedUp]

does it Heather? that's something else that doesn't immediately stand out then as I'm not sure how i would access them, I better go have a read xx

[@variationsonaseam6939]

I have a top with wrist ties and yes, they do dip in everything. I have to be mindful when I wash my hands. BUT I love it. I don't care. It's so pretty that I don't mind being careful. Also, I didn't realize Named used taller models. I've never tried their patterns but I will do now. I'm over 5'9" and every pattern I ever sew has to have major alterations before it will come close to fitting correctly.

[@StitchedUp]

yes they do, one of the reasons I love their patterns! x

[@marywallace5248]

Hi Rachel, just found your review of this book as I am about to order it. What a great review where you highlight some of the problems, the seam allowance ( that could have caused problems with fitted garments!), the disappearing pattern lines is really bad, and the confusing collar stand instructions. Maybe they will corrected some of the errors by now! Thank you so much, I would love to make the frilled blouse and the shirt dress so your vlog has been super helpful! Did you ever make the dress?

[@RenataMarie]

Fantastic review, I'm late to the party but appreciate your honesty! I have plans to eventually purchase that book. I've learned to be a late adapter for this very reason. In the past I would run right away and buy the latest and greatest. Just the fact that I have tons of patterns now, my purchases are vetted out throughly. Thanks again!

[@StitchedUp]

some great patterns in there xx

[@Barneysma]

Thank you for the review. As a 5’ beginner I think it prob isn’t for me. I have a ready to wear top with wrist ties which has three quarter sleeves, so the ties don’t end up getting into everything. It is really annoying if they come untied though, as either I take it off to re-tie or need to ask for someone’s help.

[@StitchedUp]

yes I think they look cute but practically not sure how they would work for me x

[@Frugalisama]

Really appreciate the honest review, it's really bad form that the pattern lines are missing, easily - rectifiable if you've got some experience but not something anyone should have to do regardless of skill. Also, I agree you need the seam allowance to be referenced at the beginning of every pattern, most people aren't going to read the book from beginning to end. Your top looks great.

[@StitchedUp]

I'm glad it's on this pattern and not one of the more fitted ones otherwise I would have been worried and I probably would have sent it back and asked for another copy. You're right, it's not the kind of book you would normally sit and read cover to cover but instead jump straight to a pattern you want to make (if you're impatient like me!) so you want all the info on the project pages, thanks for watching xx

[@dorothymarquis5738]

Your points about having to refer to other sections is interesting. This is a book, and printing costs. Having a glossary in the front, and sewing methods is standard. I quite appreciate having this in a book. But I agree having to find an instruction in another pattern could be confusing. I also find instructions in patterns confusing and am tempted to revert to what I know (and I do on occasion). But I have also learned new sewing methods.

[@StitchedUp]

yes I understand that Dorothy, a glossary is standard however, pattern instructions should, in my view, be contemporaneous within the instructions for that pattern and being asked to refer to instructions in another pattern elsewhere to perform a particular step in the pattern (not in the glossary) seems a little lazy to me, thank you for your input

[@leisadaly6524]

Great review. I always feel that flipping through a book and giving a review isn’t enough, you have to sew from it. Well done!

[@StitchedUp]

totally Leisa! x

[@janspenno2241]

Excellent review and I have that book on my Christmas list so good to hear your issues. I emailed them in the past regarding one of their patterns and they were responsive so maybe you can ask them. Great review.

[@constancergarcia7258]

Thank you for your honest opinion. I would like to know what I am in for before I purchase the book.

[@StitchedUp]

you're very welcome x

[@janebrettell1737]

Hi, your top looks really lovely and thank you so much for an honest review and it’s made me realise that the best review is by someone who has used the book rather than just looked through it!! I’ve never made a Named pattern so I thought I would look at their website and maybe buy one and see how I like them but I was surprised when looking at their site that there were patterns pretty much the same as in the book maybe for different type of fabric and I know that the book does help you hack each one, but I was somewhat disappointed ,so I’m still yo yoing 🙄😟. Love your videos keep them coming 😊.

[@StitchedUp]

I do love Named patterns, I have made a few, I do think they come up a little large, (unless I am just overestimating my size), I have made the Helmi tunic, Esme cardigan, Talvikki sweater, Inari Tee dress, Delphi maxi and the asaka kimono, the only one I didn't like was the helmi and that was my fault due to my fabric choice xx

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Rachel, great review for the book and a surprising problem with the pattern lines. Like you say, probably not too much of a problem with someone with experience to alter but a bigginer might struggle with it, so well spotted. It sounds like others have had the same problem 😏. I agree with you totally about the seam allowance and think it should be with all the pattern information at the start of each garment....would just be more helpful. I'm loving your blouse though and it's a real pretty one and I love your idea of making it into a dress.....not that I'm a dress person but love to see them made by others 👗😀💝😘

[@StitchedUp]

thank you Sally xx

[@yougotmeinstitches1847]

Haya. Thanku for your truthful & objective review on the book. Your top looks great on you & the fabric you chose works really well. Thanku for sharing. Anna. X

[@StitchedUp]

thanks Anna x

[@Beeboo1903]

Lovely top and I liked your review. Thanks!

[@kjlouisi4630]

excellent review!! I agree totally with all your points. I find them hard sometimes and I am not a big fan of pattern tracing. On one that I printed off I ended up printing off several of the pages just to tape together instead of tracing. But to have the lines disappear is a major boo boo. I'm surprised Kate at the Fold Line didn't mention that. Maybe she hadn't found that error yet. But they are cute patterns but I'm a little too "old" and "round" for a lot of their designs. But I like looking!

[@StitchedUp]

I suppose Kate didn't look at the pattern pieces in great detail, I don't think I would have until I was actually tracing out x

[@astridbeckmann2520]

Thank you for your detailed review of the pattern. After looking at Rachels Blog thus morning I was tempted to order a Copy. But now I'm not sure. I'm a very experienced sewer, but what you've found in the pattern pages, Merks ne hesitate. Also my First impression of your top was, that it is to loose in your waist and under arm and to narrow on top of your shoulder. So I might Think Abitur offering a copy of the book. Anyway your top turned out very well!

[@StitchedUp]

thank you Astrid, yes it is too loose, but I quite like the looseness of it at the moment and think I can pull it off tucked into something, next time I make it I will drop it down a size xx

[@loriannpayne4483]

I love that top on you. Thank you Rachel for the honest review. I hope that Named employees are listening!

[@StitchedUp]

thank you Loriann, I hope you enjoyed your trip to Blighty! xx

[@loriannpayne4483]

Stitched Up! Rachel - what is Blighty?

[@StitchedUp]

@@loriannpayne4483 sorry, its a slang word for great britain xx

[@loriannpayne4483]

I’m still enjoying it Rachel! I’ve met so many KZbin Vlogger’s. I’m going to the Isle of Wight with Sian tomorrow for a couple of days. Then to see Aneka (Made to Sew) in Burford, then a couple of days in Oxford and back to London. Any chance that I could meet you? I thought you were going to the Stitcher’s Social, but I guess I was mistaken! My husband and I leave on the 27th.. Feel free to PM me!

[@StitchedUp]

@@loriannpayne4483 oh you will have a wonderful time meeting Sian and Aneka I'm sure!, you are obviously in the south of the UK now and as I'm in the north with work it will be difficult to meet up this coming week, such a shame! but I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip, you've met so many wonderful people xx

[@Penguinandpear]

Thats not great about the printing on the pattern, you want the lines there! I saw on Kates video if you go to their website you can get a download of those patterns (I guess if youve bought the book) so it might be worth doing that....

[@StitchedUp]

it seems I'm not the only one Claire, I'll take a look at their website x

[@mariangelafiddaman6244]

Great review I would be really annoyed about the lines on the pattern not being there if I needed that size I really think they need to sort that out.

[@StitchedUp]

yes I'm not sure if it's just a printing error, it will be interesting to see other reviews as they come out if anyone else has any issues x

[@andreanneabel3464]

Hi Rachel, great top! Very informative review :)

[@StitchedUp]

thank you x

[@tinagelder6894]

Hi Rachel your top looks Great, I think it would look Great as well with two self tie belts sewn into the back seams so it could be tied at the back of the top to pull it in a bit on the front would look good too.The ink missing on the pattern was very poor I wouldn't be happy with that at all .Hope your going to do a video on your comono don't know if that's spelt right but I remember the beautiful fabric you was going to make it in.

[@StitchedUp]

Thank you Tina, what a great idea about the ties!, yes a Kimono vlog will be coming up soon xx

[@janloftness]

I see you have a Babylock Imagine serger behind you- have you tried doing a narrow hem on it? It’s fantastic! Thanks for the review and heads up on some of these issues. Trying to figure out the SA on some of these indie patterns is one of my pet peeves - and when I finally find it usually use a highlighter over it or write it in large print! I have this book waiting at my mailbox for me. The first thing I’m doing is checking the pattern printing - hahah!

[@silversagapatterns]

Thank you for the honest review!

[@TheSplendidus]

Beautiful look all over Hair, make up and the top I like your reviews very much, they are normal, you are not selling anything nor are you trying to kiss any brands ass, pointing out things you like and that you don't like, it just makes sense, thank you for that Keep doing you!

[@StitchedUp]

thank you so much Tigresa, I'm glad you appreciate it, I see so many reviews of things where they never appear to be completely objective, I love Named patterns but this book does still need a few tweaks to make it more user friendly in my opinion xx

[@christinanorton6]

Rachel thank you so much for your extremely helpful review. I am considering buying the book because there is one pattern that I adore- the knit dress with the tie front waist. However I am appalled by the disappearing pattern lines and I think that this needs to be brought to their attention. You look beautiful in your floaty top and it would look fab tucked into a pencil skirt. You mentioned L K Bennett fabric - can I ask you where you buy that please? Thanks again for the (refreshingly) honest review.

[@StitchedUp]

you're welcome Christina, I bought the LK Bennett fabric at my local fabric store called Waltons, it was just on offer the last time I was in so I bought 3m of it but I don't think they have an online website, it is just a simple navy cotton (although a beautiful one), I like the pencil skirt idea thank you xx

[@murielbailiwick2978]

My pattern page has the same problem. The lines haven’t been printed at the bottom. Shocking lack of proof reading. The dress with the ties. Looks lovely but my immediate reaction was that I would leave those out for a start. Who would tie them for me? Definitely a garment for swanning around in with floaty tie sleeves!

[@StitchedUp]

thanks Muriel, that is a definite concern then if it's not just my pattern page x

[@gillmiller5193]

Your top looks great, love the loose swing fit - beautiful. I too have this book and every pattern is lovely. I could make every single item. Do you know about the possible pdf options from their site ? Thanks for sharing your projects and your comments will be great when I come to using the book. I’ll be sure to read all the book, thoroughly. X

[@StitchedUp]

No I didn't know that, not sure how I access them but I'll take a look xx

[@gillmiller5193]

Stitched Up! Go to their website and ‘sign in’ - and just follow instructions. There is a box on the actual pattern page pointing you to the website. X

[@mgam9501]

Great review, thank you

[@thenorthernsewist]

Really good review, Thankyou for sharing.

[@StitchedUp]

thanks for watching Lynne x

[@kimberlygray227]

Down 1-2 sizes AND maybe fish-eye darts in the back?

[@StitchedUp]

excellent idea!

[@sarahosmari7870]

Hello Stitched Up thank you for your honest opinion about the new booked by named clothing. The top looks great on you by the way. Is there anyway you could mention this problem to the named pattern company because that is a issue epecially as I am size 18 - 20 uk and the missing lines seem to be on the larger size. Have a beautiful rest of the day 😊

[@StitchedUp]

thank you Sarah, I think with the feedback I have had I will try to contact them and let them know there is a printing error xx

[@jeanettebadger8141]

I really love that shirt, but that pattern looks hard, and I have been sewing since I was 13 or 14 and I am 69 now!!!

[@StitchedUp]

honestly Jeanette its really not, its just a loose fitted princess seamed blouse with a ruffle sandwiched between the front princess seam xx

[@ariellecelestin9417]

Thank you for the first real review of this book! I wrote to Named via their IG account and will buy based on their reply. Now, I am 1,53m/5ft, is there a complete size chart and/or shortening instructions? I looked at their patterns, and they only seem to provided detailed finished measurements. Though, the regular patterns seem to have alteration lines. Thank you again for your honesty.

[@StitchedUp]

Yes there are shortening/lengthening instructions in the book Arielle, I would be interested to see your reply from Named xx

[@ariellecelestin9417]

@@StitchedUp They responded quickly to say that they "are very sorry that there is a small piece of line missing, it has been spotted and corrected for future editions". Love how they down play that, non? Anyway, the book is back on my wishlist, especially with your confirmation of alteration lines.

[@jillben-dor5906]

Hi, Rachel - great review. Arielle - I'm 1.60m/5'3 - it was easy to adjust the Ruska knit dress, which came out great! I really like the process of trying to figure out how to adjust the patterns for the vertically challenged - makes me feel like a real sewist and not just a technician following the instructions. The Sade blouse, which is supposed to be cropped, though, is super short and I shouldn't have shortened it. I'm actually adding back in some length. So definitely check where you like things to fall on you. Rachel, I totally agree with you re the seam allowance - I went through the book with a fine toothed comb to find that 1cm/3/8" direction. And I also agree that the directions are not super beginner friendly. Some things you just have to know. For example, the directions don't mention understitching when installing a bias tape neckline. On the other hand, it doesn't really bother me the flipping back and forth. I definitely recommend the book - the styles really are lovely. Your top is beautiful! Thanks!

[@meacelestin]

@@jillben-dor5906 This is great news! Thank you for sharing your experience. I just feel that Indie patternmakers should just make this information available from the start. After all, Big4 do it so why not the New Kids? When I wrote re: printing mistakes, they said they had noted this problem and would be correcting it in future editions. Which is a good sign already. Then I wrote an message via the website contact form re: Petite Alterations and the Back Length and Hip-Waist Length. They replied quickly and I can see from the measurements that alterations will be simpler than I feared. I also found the complete chart on page 16 of the book with Amazon's Look Inside feature. So I have now bought the book and cannot wait to get it! Do you have a blog, vlog or IG? I'm always looking for Shorties like me. That's why I started following the #shortsewers (?) on IG via The Sewcialists blog post on diversity and representation. You should check it out!

[@jillben-dor5906]

meacelestin I will definitely check it out! I’m @tri2sew on IG, but I’m terrible about posting. I just haven’t made it a priority which isn’t really fair since I gain so much knowledge and joy from the sewing community.

[@GingerheadCo]

I love your review. One of very few I've seen that is actually honest and worth watching. I'm also a huge Named fan and have made quite a few of their patterns. The instructions are ok, but compared to many independent pattern companies not very beginner friendly. Their print at home PDFs are not always perfect either - especially the earlier ones ( yes, I'm still talking about my favourite pattern company 😉 ). I see no point in watching biased reviews. I will, however, watch yours 😀 because you made me trust you 😉

[@StitchedUp]

aww thank you Alex, I didn't want to do a vlog on another flick through of this book as there are a few reviews of that already, as soon as it came though I just HAD to make something and that's when I thought 'hey, I need to review this' as it's only then that you really start noticing the good and not so good points with patterns and pattern books and how they flow and work for you, I'm glad you found it helpful xx

[@jandimarco3113]

I’ve asked for the book as a Xmas gift but at 5’4” I’m wondering whether the patterns can easily be shortened if they’re drafted for 5’8” people. I know you’ve only tried one pattern from the book but as you’re experienced with named patterns, I wonder if you can answer my question?

[@StitchedUp]

One thing I didn't mention Jan is that there are no lengthen or shorten lines on the pattern pieces I traced out so you would have to add your own xx

[@lilybogaards5089]

From other reviews I did see that there are several pages explaining how to alter the patterns for fit, including drawings of patternpieces with the slashlines. Those looked helpfull to me. Have not yet viewed the book myself though.

[@jandimarco3113]

I somehow anticipated you were going to say that!thanks

[@jandimarco3113]

Thank you.

[@flower-uw1hm]

What do you think of Knipmode patterns? Knipmode patterns are drafted for tall people. www.sewingpatterns.shop/knipmode