I’ve always wanted to try out those Japanese pattern books where the garments seem like little works of art. I couldn’t believe my luck when I finally got my hands on an English translation of Drape Drape 2
After reading the introductory pages, I launched right into pattern number 2: one-piece side drape top.
I might have launched myself in a bit too quickly though because after converting my bust measurement into centimeters and seeing I was about a small, I traced the S/M pattern for myself. It wasn’t until after I cut the pattern out from a bit of leftover Mood wool jersey from my Swingy Stripes dress that I realized just how small the pattern was around the hips. I then went back and converted the waist and hip measurements for S/M to inches and found out that I should have added quite a bit of fabric! I sewed it up all the same just to see.
It worked, but it didn’t hang quite like the garment in the book, so I made the executive decision to wear this dress more like a long top. And, as a long top, I wanted sleeves. So, I took out my Sewaholic Renfrew pattern and grafted on some sleeves.
I then totally mangled up the neckline since I’m still getting used to my serger – not only how to use it but also when to use it. An extra fold later and all was fine, but I ended up with an off-the-shoulder drape drape.
I love it though. My first adventure into Drape Drape 2. That said, my next adventure will definitely involve grading to a large. And, there will be a next time. I want to experiment with all different kinds of fabrics and make unique, eye catching garments.
Now for the best part – the giveaway. Laurence King Publishing has agreed to give away an additional copy of the English version of Drape Drape 2 to one of my readers. Think of it as a little early holiday gift. If you’d like to be entered into the drawing, just leave a comment below letting me know. I’ll pick a winner at random next Tuesday, November 20th at 7 am PST. Good luck!
P.S. This garment is also live over on the Mood Sewing Network. Check it out!
Sew Well 
Seriously – you would never in a million years guess that you had other intentions for this top! It’s gorgeous.
I have to admit I’m inspired and intimidated all at the same time with the Japanese pattern books, it’d be amazing to have a chance to look a translated version over. I may then get brave and go for one where I can only work from diagrams!
The drape in the rear view – with the fitted band at the bottom – is quite nice! I’d be curious to see the line drawings of the draped pieces.
Wow – great save! The top looks great. Very current. I’d love to win the giveaway. I’ve been intrigued by these books since I first saw garments made from them, but felt I would really need an English translation. I’d love to be entered in the giveaway!
I do and I don’t want to win this book. I love sewing Japanese patterns, but I have never done any draping and it sounds intimidating. eek. Still going to go for it though.
I like the drape of your interpretation, tight around the hips, better than the original! Very chic. I’d like to enter the drawing for the book.
I like seeing this as a top, and it looks great with sleeves! These two adjustments make the pattern so wearable. I’ve had this book sitting in my Amazon cart for a couple months now; haven’t pulled the trigger yet and would be thrilled to win a copy. I love the modern designs in this book! They look comfortable, but also stylishly contemporary. I’m especially eager to work up a version of the drapey cardigan.
I really like the top and would also like to enter the drawing. Thank you for your generosity!
Looks great as a top, and I can see myself doing the same to add sleeves! Great job!
Way cute! I love this on you! I’m anxious to try out Japanese patterns, although I’m not sure how flattering they would be on me. No need to enter me in the giveaway, though. 🙂
Wow, those are beautiful clothes. I want to work more with knits, but I don’t have a serger. I would definitely borrow one for this pattern
Oh, I love these books! And I love your version, too. It’s definitely long-sleeve top season over here. Please count me in!
That looks fantastic in stripes! Very flattering!
Nice adaptation… the top turned out great! Count me in on the drawing!
Very cute, Amy! I love that top on you and you sure learned a lot. I’d love a copy of that book. 😉
I love the drape drape patterns! Hope you had fun experimenting! I’d love to give the second book a go!
I love, love, love this in the stripes! I’m very curious about Japanese pattern books–especially now that I’ve seen what you can do with them!
What a great looking top! And i love it that u added sleeves too, looks so cosy 🙂 ive always been curious re japanese pattern books, appreciate this opportunity to win one!
oh i would love a copy to learn more about drape! I really like your top. I love stripey tops! Used to live in them all them time! I like your proactiveness as well making it your own by making it work! 🙂
I would love to win the book! I’m intimidated by these books, but your top is so cute you’ve inspired me.
I think your top looks brilliant! I’d love to win a copy of the book. Count me in!
Looks fantastic, despite the hiccups. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have been thinking about trying out one of these. But since I am a newbie, I have to wait and eye these draped beauties until I am confident enough to plunge into something like this. Gorgeous top… love it!!!
Oh… forgot to mention… I would love to enter into the drawing.. Thanks.
It looks great – even better with the sleeve. Draping is one of those things I would love to try but just not quite game yet.
I love the way yours turned out! It actually looks like it may get more use this way. I still haven’t tried any of the drape drape patterns and am also interested in the drawing.
Ive always wanted to try Drape Drape! Maybe I’ll win 🙂
That looks like such a fun book! I would love to give it a try!
I love that dress in the book and the top you’ve made.
Amazing job! I can’t wait to see what else you do from this book. Everything I’ve seen from these books are beautiful – now there is an English version I may get up the courage to give it a go!
I would love to win a copy of the book
I think your top turned out quite fun, although I understand how it can take a little bit to get over the disappointment of something not turning out to fit your vision before you can appreciate it for what it is. I would be quite interested in trying one of the books! Hearts – Erin
I love the draped look!
I think your top looks cute! The book looks like it will provide tons of inspiration. I’m starting to get more comfortable with sewing, but I’m still nervous when going beyond the pattern. I’m very impressed that you were able to graft those sleeves on. Can’t wait to see what else you make from the book! I’d love to be entered to win a copy too 🙂
Great top, I’ve always been interested in the Drape Drape books (and similar)!
I’d love to be entered in the drawing for the book! I like what you did with the top. I’m also interested in seeing how it compares to the top made just like the pattern….and I appreciated the heads up on making sure I measure my bust AND my hips before I decide which one to cut out! I’d have made that mistake sure as the world without a warning… : ). l
am really enjoying reading your blog. It’s been great stress relief. Thanks!
Spent a delightful Sunday sewing with a friend where we solved all of our friends challenges AND still found time to talk about cool Japanese pattern books. Would love to get my hands on an English drape drape book
for our next Gdi (girls day in).
I would love to be entered in the drawing. Your blog inspires me to push myself as I learn to sew and this top is no exception. I feel ready to try draping and the Drape Drape books – but only with English instructions!
Beautiful, I would love to be entered 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
What fun–haven’t used a Japanese sewing boook yet, but would love to give it a try!
I would love to be included in the draw – the closure coming as it does, right near my 64th birthday! I have previously used one of the Japanese books with patterns, loved it! Just need to keep one’s wits about one!
Love how your garment developed and took on a life of its own. I too would love these Japanese books and would love the opportunity to get my hands on one 🙂
Wow what a great giveaway!!! I love your top/tunic, anything with stripes gets my vote 😀 I’ve been eyeing this book for ages, would absolutely love to try it out 🙂
What a great opportunity to learn how to incorporate draping into patterns. All my previous attempts have resulted in tops that look like I took two extra yards of fabric and stuck it in the most unflattering place in the most unflattering way. I have to get this book!
Great job on that pattern- your version looks much more wearable. Thanks for the giveaway, would love to be entered.
I have all these books, but in Japanese. An English translation certainly would have been helpful, but they’re so well illustrated that I felt it didn’t really matter. So you can leave me out of the giveaway!
Now onto your top! It looks amazing! I love your fearless problem solving! Sometimes I think its those kind of decisions that are more important than picking a pattern or fabric – the “on the spot” decisions we make while encountering a problem while we sew. You handled this top brilliantly! I think in one of the other books there is actually a short sleeve top that has a similar, twisted side cowl. Anyway, I love it! I can’t wait to see what else you make with these books!
I’d love to own one of these as they’ve been on my amazon wishlist forever, but in Japanese. This is one the tops I considered making… and I love what you did with it! A fun layer-y autumn tunic.
Oh! I love these japanese books! Please count me in for the giveaway! : )
It turned out great, in the end! I’m also intrigued and intimidated by the Japanese pattern books – I love draped/twisted knit garments, but so far I’ve stuck to the safety of commercial patterns… I’d love to give this book a try!
I love your version, and how you have styled it- very casual- and would never have thought to try it in stripes, but it so works. I’m intrigued about the sleeves; was it difficult to draft them from the Renfrew? They look great, by the way.
Sure, I’d love to win a copy of this book. Would it be too “single white female” if I tried one in a stripe too?!
I have book looking at those books for so long – I’ve seen Carolyn (from Handmade by Carolyn) make things from hers, and now you! They look so cute and modern. Like Aleah said in her comment, I’m intrigued and intimidated but want to try them none the less.
Cute top. Please enter me in the drawing.
I have seen this book in Japanese and I really liked it but my Japanese is not that good, so in English is definitely better! So I would love to win a copy of the book!
Lovely top. Count me in!
This is awesome! I must admit to having eyed off these books before but I’ve always been a bit scared to try anything in them. Love the use of stripes- it adds to the drapiness!I’d love to be in the draw for a copy to have a bash at a frock/top/art work!
Amazing! I enjoy learning from your problem solving skills ~ thank you! I am intimidated by the Japanese sewing books, but am intrigued to try. Thank you for the giveaway!
Love your top, and the drape drape books!
Love your new top! I would love to be entered to win the drawing! 🙂
This is sooo bay Area! I love it! Please enter me in the drawing!
Please center me in the drawing to.
Stripes Take Two top is such fun! I love your ‘flow’ attitude – it needs sleeves…let’s make sleeves…would like to win Drape Drape 2 – thanks!
I have always wondered how to do the drapey sleeves. Would LOVE to have a copy!
Your top looks really great! Would love to have a chance at winning the book and try doing my own version. Keep up the good work!
I’d love to have a copy of this book – it looks fascinating!
How fantastic! It looks great with the sleeves. I’d love to go in the giveaway I’m keen to try that dress out myself!
I think the top looks great! I have the first one, didn’t know the second was translated yet! Found your blog while googling drape drape to see finished projects. Would love to win, please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks!
I love that fabric… count me in as I would love to have a go too!
Thank you for the giveaway. I’d love to win the book and give some of the patterns a try.
Bravo for your take no prisoners approach to making this top work out so beautifully. I too would love to try out these cool designs.
It looks great as a shirt! Thanks for the giveaway.
I actually really like the top, like others have said I would never think it was intended to look any different. The book looks very intriguing, I’d love to read it and try some things on my own. thank you for the giveaway!
I’d love a copy and I love your top. Thanks for doing this give-a-way. Hope I win!
I would love this book. I’m smaller than the average pattern so it usually takes me forever to get the fit right before making anything. Maybe this will help me do a few quick projects.
This is lovely. such great interpretation on the original.