The Magic Pattern Book By Amy Barickman – Book Review

on Oct 16, 2014 in Books | 83 comments

“In planning and designing your own clothes, you need first to know your type, what to emphasize, and what to subdue. And then you should have a good, reliable style magazine, a full-length mirror, and a determination to persevere until [the] right effects are obtained.”
– Mary Brooks Pickens 1920

The focus of The Magic Pattern Book by Amy Barickman is on foundational design principles of 6 wardrobe staples:

Magic Pattern A -The Tank Top
Magic Pattern B – The Skirt
Magic Pattern C – The Dress
Magic Pattern D – The Cardigan
Magic Pattern E – The Coat
Magic Pattern F – The Accessories

The “Magic” that sets this pattern book apart is that each basic has 6 variations, for a total of 36 unique designs. Take it one step further with each variation shown in 6 different fabrics. Magic!

“You’ll be proud of your accomplishment. You’ve always wanted to make a dress all by yourself, haven’t you? But you’ve been timid. Banish your fears.”
– The woman’s Institute’s Fashion Service magazine, 1929

Here you can see two variations of Magic Pattern A – The Tank Top.

“Surely the making of a comfortable, becoming, and attractive dress from a garment discarded and seemingly useless is cause for rejoicing.”
Mary Brooks Pickens, Inspiration Newsletters 1924

Magic Pattern C is The Dress – With multiple hem lines and interchangeable sleeve details the dress variations are based on a figure flattering A-line silhouette.

“As sewing experience increases [so does] the confidence that says of the most intricate or elaborate design, ‘I can make that.'”
– Laura McFarlane, The Woman’s Institute’s Fashion Service Magazine, 1930

Magic Pattern D – The Cardigan gives instructions to create a knee length sweater, a cropped jacket style, a fluttery wrap as well as a vest and a waist length Jackie O style jacket.

“In planning clothes for yourself, first read all the authentic fashion news available and observe style drawings, shop windows, and well-dressed women.”
Mary Brooks Pickens 1923

All thru the book there are many ideas for repurposed designs. The Faith Beret is made of cashmere fabric from an unwearable sweater.

To win a copy of The Magic Pattern Book leave a comment below telling us what garments you want to make this fall.

For more projects and giveaways visit The Magic Pattern Book tour stops throughout October:

October 6: AmyBarickman.com
October 7: Windy Lou
October 8: Melly Sews
October 9: Craft Gossip
October 13: Adventures of a DIY Mom
October 14: Lilacs & Lace
October 15: Four Square Walls
October 16: Pink Chalk Studio
October 17: City Stitching with Christine Hayes
October 20: Cut Out & Keep
October 21: He Sowed, She Sewed
October 22: Chic Steals
October 23: Threads
October 24: Indygo Junction

 

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    83 Comments

  1. I would like to make the tunic but all of the patterns give me inspiration!

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    Tina

    October 16, 2014

  2. I have had a Tova cut out for quite awhile. I really need to sew it up.

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    Tamie

    October 16, 2014

  3. I would love to make a few tops for myself! This book looks amazing- thanks for the chance to win!

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    Sarah J.

    October 16, 2014

  4. I need to tackle pants but there are a lot of cute tops that call out to me. Pattern-choice overload, as usual!

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    Barbara J

    October 16, 2014

  5. I would like to make some cute jackets and vests for layering inspiration.

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    Margo

    October 16, 2014

  6. I would love to make a version or two of the cardigan. thank you for the opportunity!

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    Robin

    October 16, 2014

  7. I would love to try making Cecelia dress. The book looks amazing!

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    Alisa

    October 16, 2014

  8. The Davina cardigan would be at the top of my list. I love the way that you could build an entire wardrobe from just these patterns. Thanks for the chance to win.

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    Judith

    October 16, 2014

  9. I want to make some tunics and high low dresses to wear with leggings! This book looks soooo fun!

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    Elizabeth

    October 16, 2014

  10. Tbere is one thing I absolutely want to make is a denim skirt because it goes with everything!!

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    Marleen

    October 16, 2014

  11. I love the idea! That Abigail tank looks pretty interesting right now! Thanks for sharing.

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    kelley

    October 16, 2014

  12. This book is amazing. I would love to learn to make clothes that fit and are wearable. I will so buy this book if I don’t win

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    Marie Klink

    October 16, 2014

  13. I want to make a couple of jumpers for fall and winter. Just something basic that I can change up with the tops I wear under them or the sweaters I wear over.

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    Sandy A in St. Louis

    October 16, 2014

  14. I haven’t sewn clothes for myself in many years. I’ve sewn for grandkids, quilted and crafted. I’ve been wanting to get back to fabrics other than quilting cotton and make clothes that fit and move with me.
    I’d so love to win the book and get started with real sewing again.

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    Jo Ann Moulds

    October 16, 2014

  16. I really want to make a few of the cardigans!

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    Michelle Smith

    October 16, 2014

  17. I really need some tunics to cover my bum so I can wear my leggings and skinny jeans.

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    angie s.

    October 16, 2014

  18. Well, I do already have a knit tank top, and batwing sweater to finish, plus a couple’a bag patterns. But I would really love to make the Cecilia dress. It has just the right balance of frumpy/vintage/funky.

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    Jill

    October 16, 2014

  19. These look fun! I want to make a dress. Also a jacket.

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    Alison

    October 16, 2014

  21. I would love to make a knit cardigan, jacket and tops. What an inspiring book!

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    Karen

    October 16, 2014

  22. Definitely I need to make some cardigans. Finding what I want in ready-made is next to impossible.

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    Ellee

    October 17, 2014

  23. It is Spring here and already warming up so I am hoping to make lots of sweet summer cotton dresses for this spring and summer.

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    Tas McCullagh

    October 17, 2014

  24. I am hoping to make a corduroy skirt that will be perfect with tights and riding boots.
    Love the patterns in this book.

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    Ginger

    October 17, 2014

  26. Ahhh, I love this!! I really want to make everything, but I’d like to start with some dresses or skirts. 🙂

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    Jess

    October 17, 2014

  29. I need some skirts! My daughter would love this, she has a thing for fashion and sewing.

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    Johanna

    October 17, 2014

  31. I would like to make tops in several different layers.

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    Jackie Thompson

    October 17, 2014

  32. Oh weird, it never occurred to me that now that I’m sewing garments, that I should find a great fashion magazine – I’m sewing knit tops this season, mostly finishing up the 20 in progress things I didn’t manage to finish because I was a beginner, now that I’ve taken a craftsy fitting class I feel better able to tackle hese things!

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    Alexandrea Morton

    October 17, 2014

  33. I need to make a couple of lined jackets to wear to church this winter. I hate wearing my big winter coat so I usually wear a lighter jacket.

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    Margaret R

    October 17, 2014

  34. The book is on my Christmas list, as well as, a second one to be given to my daughter for Christmas. Thank you for sharing.

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    Gloria

    October 17, 2014

  35. I’d like to try the cardigan, first.

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    Denise Swanson

    October 17, 2014

  36. I want to make a raincoat and hat, and a warm scarf. The Fiona scarf especially appeals because of the leaf shapes strung together in an appropriate length.

    I couldn’t wait, so bought a copy of this book for myself. However, I intend to acquire a second copy of The Magic Pattern Book somewhere along the way so that I can give one to my daughter for Christmas.

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    LadyD

    October 17, 2014

  37. I’ll be happy if I can finish up a couple small baby items for friends who recently had little ones.

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    Megan W

    October 17, 2014

  38. I want to make some casual, flattering dresses for myself this fall! This book looks so fun!

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    Jessica

    October 17, 2014

  40. I’m going to make a jacket and maybe try my hand at a pair of pants! Thanks for this chance to win!

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    Stacey

    October 17, 2014

  41. so what’s the best pattern for someone pear-shaped? LOL

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    Allison

    October 17, 2014

  42. since i already made 12 dresses for myself this year i’m now planning some things for the kids. first on my list: a baby in the hood jacket for my 2 year old.

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    Daniela

    October 17, 2014

  43. Love the new book! I need some nice-fitting new dresses. Thanks a bunch

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    Jan c.

    October 17, 2014

  45. Thanks for the chance! I have so many things on my list to make! I want to try to find some great flannel plaids for some cozy things like a jacket or hat.

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    Carla k

    October 17, 2014

  47. I would love to make the Dress in the book, start off with the basic one and then make a bunch more with the different “changes”.

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    Ruth Griffeth

    October 17, 2014

  48. I would love to master a dress and a cardigan. Great layer dressing for all seasons. This book looks sensational.

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    Judy Cinerari

    October 17, 2014

  49. I like the repurposing ideas.The Faith would be fun to make, I have some denim jackets.

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    WANDA O

    October 17, 2014

  50. I want to make a jacket for me, and a bunch of knit dresses/tops for my kids

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    auschick

    October 17, 2014

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