The Magic Pattern Book By Amy Barickman – Book Review
“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
83 Comments
I would like to make the tunic but all of the patterns give me inspiration!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I have had a Tova cut out for quite awhile. I really need to sew it up.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I would love to make a few tops for myself! This book looks amazing- thanks for the chance to win!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I need to tackle pants but there are a lot of cute tops that call out to me. Pattern-choice overload, as usual!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I would like to make some cute jackets and vests for layering inspiration.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I would love to make a version or two of the cardigan. thank you for the opportunity!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I would love to try making Cecelia dress. The book looks amazing!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I want to make some tunics and high low dresses to wear with leggings! This book looks soooo fun!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
Tbere is one thing I absolutely want to make is a denim skirt because it goes with everything!!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I love the idea! That Abigail tank looks pretty interesting right now! Thanks for sharing.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
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
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
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.
View CommentI’d so love to win the book and get started with real sewing again.
October 16, 2014
I would love to make myself a dress.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I really want to make a few of the cardigans!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I really need some tunics to cover my bum so I can wear my leggings and skinny jeans.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
That’s my plan too, Angie!!! xo ~Diana
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
These look fun! I want to make a dress. Also a jacket.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I want to make skirts.
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
I would love to make a knit cardigan, jacket and tops. What an inspiring book!
View CommentOctober 16, 2014
Definitely I need to make some cardigans. Finding what I want in ready-made is next to impossible.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I am hoping to make a corduroy skirt that will be perfect with tights and riding boots.
View CommentLove the patterns in this book.
October 17, 2014
I am a huge cardigan fan, plus I have never made one!
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
Ahhh, I love this!! I really want to make everything, but I’d like to start with some dresses or skirts. 🙂
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I’d like to make some skirts.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I would love to make the cardigan. Thanks
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I need some skirts! My daughter would love this, she has a thing for fashion and sewing.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
…the coat! I need a nice an unique one!
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I would like to make tops in several different layers.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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!
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I’d like to try the cardigan, first.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I’ll be happy if I can finish up a couple small baby items for friends who recently had little ones.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I want to make some casual, flattering dresses for myself this fall! This book looks so fun!
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
Ooh I’d love to play with this! I need a divine every day dress pattern : )
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I’m going to make a jacket and maybe try my hand at a pair of pants! Thanks for this chance to win!
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
so what’s the best pattern for someone pear-shaped? LOL
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
Love the new book! I need some nice-fitting new dresses. Thanks a bunch
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
Very nice!
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
They all look great!
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
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”.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I would love to master a dress and a cardigan. Great layer dressing for all seasons. This book looks sensational.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I like the repurposing ideas.The Faith would be fun to make, I have some denim jackets.
View CommentOctober 17, 2014
I want to make a jacket for me, and a bunch of knit dresses/tops for my kids
View CommentOctober 17, 2014