It Starts with a Square

 

It Starts with a Square / Cris Wood
Beverly, MA: Quarry Books, c2026.
144 p.

I'm doing something a bit unusual for me today, and that's reviewing a book that hasn't been published yet. This collection of low-waste designs by Cris Wood is being released on August 4, so very soon -- and I really wanted to share it so you can look out for it -- it is fantastic! 

Cris Wood really hit it big online with her Envelope Dress during the pandemic boom in sewing, and has continued to develop new patterns. They are all zero or low waste designs, and there is quite a variety to her stable of patterns. This book incorporates some of those classics as well as new patterns. This is a generous book - there is so much of her work included.

The book has 17 garment projects (!) made entirely from basic squares and rectangles - no closures or premade patterns required. She goes over how to measure your body and translate that into the shapes for each pattern, and there are no really tricky techniques once you've got the measuring and cutting down. There's a section where she talks about how to mix & match the pattern elements to create new pieces, as well, which should appeal to more practiced sewists - it really extends the wardrobe options in the book.

This would be a great book for sewing newbies but it's also inspiring for those of us who have been sewing for a long time. I'm really excited about the possibilities here, and there is even one of her patterns included in this book that I've been meaning to make for ages, so now I will definitely give it a go. 

If you've enjoyed her work online, or if you're interested in low-waste sewing in general, don't miss this one. It's an inclusive collection, with lots of images of every pattern, on varied body shapes and sizes, and a great discussion of how this kind of sewing is based on your body, not preset sizing. I think this is one of the most welcoming sewing books I've seen in a while, but it is also organized, well-laid out, easy to use and instructive. It's a hit for me! 

You can see some of the interior images and pre-order on her website!

Gertie Sews Glam Knits

 

Gertie Sews Glam Knits / Gretchen Hirsch
NY: Harry Abrams, c2026.
192 p.

The latest pattern book by Gretchen Hirsch features knits - not a frequent fabric in her vintage-inspired designs. But in this book she covers all you need to know to make knits look glam and Hollywood. It's more than a pattern book, as she discusses quite a lot about knits themselves to begin with. How to identify, decide what kind of knit you'll need, the differences in content, stretch, drape, recovery and more. She discusses stabilizing, finishing, and so forth. It's actually a great intro for people who are hesitant to sew knits, or who are generally unfamiliar with them. 

Then of course there are the patterns. There are six main patterns here, with pattern-hacking variations included to extend their potential. All patterns are available as pdf downloads, in sizes 2-20 and 18-34, A-H cups. You could really make a knit wardrobe with the patterns here, if you were so inclined. They include: 

• The Jewel Neck Top
• The Surplice Top
• The Halter Top
• The Pencil Skirt
• The Side Draped Skirt
• The Tap Shorts

They all look lovely the way they've been presented here, on two body sizes. For my own wardrobe, I'd be most inclined to make the Pencil Skirt, particularly one of the variations that has a few draped tucks on the front. But this is a really informative read, as well as being visually engaging, as most of Gertie's books are. So it's just fun to look at even if you don't end up making anything! If you like vintage knits, this is one to get.

Dopamine Dressmaking

 

Dopamine Dressmaking / Brogan Allard
London: Quadrille, c2024.
191 p.

This is another book written by a former contestant on the Great British Sewing Bee. It highlights the style she showed in her appearance on the show - lots of frill and print. Very suitable to the younger sewist who loves this vibe! 

I love dresses so really wanted to check out this book. And while the styles aren't necessarily things I would make for myself, I found this to be quite a good book. It's well structured -- with 15 projects: there are 8 dresses, with a variation for 7 of them. The size range runs 6 - 22, or B/W/H of 21/23.5/33.75 to 46.5/39/49.25. 

The book starts out with an introduction to Brogan, some basic sewing info on sewing kit, fabrics and how to use the patterns in the book (all downloadable pdfs from the link in the book). Then it moves on to the projects. Each one has the initial pattern instructions, then a variation, then a technique tutorial on something that was involved in that project. Lots of learning opportunities here. The projects are all dresses: 

• T-shirt Dress
• Sun Dress
• Tea Dress 
• Buffet Dress
• Everyday Dress 
• Bib Dress 
• Shirt Dress 
• Party Dress

The Party Dress, as the most elaborate, is the only one without a variation included. The others have a second view that is different enough to feel like a new dress idea. The instructions are pretty good, and there are tons of bright and colourful photos included in the book too. This would be a great project book for someone still fairly new to sewing, to help them stretch their skills and learn new techniques. I always enjoy seeing the Sewing Bee contestants again after their season, and I thought this book was a well thought out collection, even if aimed at quite a specific audience. Lots of colour, print, and pretty dresses - definitely a great dopamine hit just to look through it! 

Weekend Review: Creating with African Wax Fabric

Creating with African Wax Fabric / Marion Costamagna
Concord, CA: Stash Books, c2022.
96 p.

This is a short book focused on African wax print fabrics, written by a French pattern designer who also uses a lot of this fabric. She runs Vestiaire Eponyme, and you can find lots more about her and her books and patterns there. 

This book is project based - not a lot of chatter other than the 20 patterns shared here. There is an intro by the (white) author, about herself and why sells and uses African Wax fabrics. And this book certainly does highlight this fabric! There are numerous colourful fabrics, a lively fun model, and interesting designs for youthful outfits - skirts, tops, dresses, pants, accessories. 

There are lots of options here, with 20 patterns. I liked the range of designs - a lot of them are short, or have cutouts or are cropped - definitely not my style but really cute on the models. I did like a couple of the skirts and a top in particular... one named Mélanie, so how could I not want to make it? 

I haven't tried to print the patterns yet so will have to report back on those. But the book is a fun one to look through, some great uses of print and print-mixing here. As noted, there isn't a lot to it aside from the projects, so if you don't like any of them it won't be that useful to you. I'd say if you like this fabric and want some ideas, try to find this at your library as well.  

Weekend Review: The Party Dress Book

The Party Dress Book / Mary Adams
NY: Potter Craft, c2010.
160 p.

I picked up this book at the thrift store just before the holidays - I mean, how could I resist it? It looked fun and that impression was right. I enjoyed this one a lot, even if I'll never actually make a little party dress from the included pattern (runs sizes 4 -14, I would fit into the 14) since this isn't my style, to wear anyhow. To look at, it was a delight. 

I didn't know about Mary Adams or her fashion house based in NY in the 80s. But there is quite a bit of discussion of it and the things she made for various celebrities, brides, and so on. That part was so interesting in itself! But there were also great photos of so many dresses. You can really see her vision; almost all of the dresses are similar, highlighting a strapless/halter bodice, fluffy shorter skirts, and ruffles, bias, and lots of poof. She shows some that are a bit different, like her Marie Antoinette inspired dress, which I really liked; it has a squared neckline and wide shoulder straps that are almost cap sleeves. Lots of embellishment, of course! She also loves colour and spends a chapter talking about it, and how to blend layers of organza to get original colours.

And the embellishments and use of fabric are fascinating. She discusses her preferences for scraps, and for cotton organdy which she had to hunt through random NY fabric shops to find. (Now I want some...) The photos show how she creatively used trims and embellishment as well as things like piecing, quilting, french seams, pintucks, darts etc. to create a look. 

After the intro chapters, there is one on techniques, which I was really interested in, there are some unique ideas there. She discusses the things I've just mentioned, and shows how she uses applique, trim, patchwork, ruffles, and my favourite, bias strips. The cover photo shows a black dress which is covered with bias strips just sewn on in even rows, leaving a bit of the black to peek out. I love the effect. 

And the next chapter is more functional, entitled "Sewing Your Dress". As noted there is a paper pattern included in the back of the book if you are into sewing the strapless, fluffy skirt design. I'm sure many would like it! I might have when I was younger, too (in the 80s ;) )

I would say the sewing instruction is not for a rank beginner. There would need to be some familiarity with the basics before you could follow along without panicking, as there isn't a lot of construction advice. This was a great read, though, probably best as a history of her fashion house and a visual feast with lots of embellishment ideas. Along with the bias strip feature, I also liked the way she mixed fabrics and created ruffles, flounces, and an "apron dress" specifically made for Amy Sedaris. I got a lot of enjoyment from this over the holiday break! 

 

Weekend Review: The Hand-Sewn Wardrobe

 

The Handsewn Wardrobe / Louisa Owen Sonstroem
North Adams, MA: Storey, c2025.
344 p.

Anyone interested in hand sewing has likely heard of Louisa Owen Sonstroem by now. She's a patternmaker and hand sewing enthusiast who has appeared on a number of sewing podcasts (Threads, Check Your Thread, and Craft Industry Alliance for example) and has a website, Louisa Merry. 

This book is a large, glossy one covering her interests in making by hand. It begins with a shorter section on basic patternmaking, to get you sorted for the projects that follows. There are 9 projects, the easier ones you might expect like a boxy top, gathered skirt or t-shirt, but there's also a jean jacket and jeans. - maybe not what you might think of when considering sewing by hand. 

Each section has instructions for first drafting a pattern, then construction, including tips that are specific to hand sewing. Buttonholes are interesting, that's for sure. She discusses materials, notions and so forth that work best with the fabric you're working with, and any special considerations you should be aware of. 

The steps are logical, with some photos, many line drawings, and examples, including variations at the end of each project. There are also a variety of people modelling the makes, from toddlers to those much older. There are ten 'featured artists' sprinkled throughout, one page with some Q&A with these fellow hand-sewing enthusiasts. Their books are then also listed in the bibliography and further reading section at the end. 

I found it interesting, although my own interest in hand sewing an entire garment is low. But the way the book is laid out, and the drafting information, is all fascinating. I'd recommend this for a more advanced sewist, or one who is looking to really challenge their skills and learn something new. 

Weekend Review: Sew for Yourself

Sew For Yourself / Ingrid Bergtun & Ingrid Vik Lysne
Atglen, PA: Schiffer, c2023.
240 p.

This is a charming book, written by two Ingrids from Norway (it was first published in Norwegian). It focuses on using upcycled fabrics to make a wide variety of garments, based on five patterns that are included with the book. The patterns run from XS to XXL (or, from a chest/waist/hip of 32/26/36" to 46/41/50")

There are seven sections of garments -- pants, tops, shirts, shorts/skirts, dresses, jackets and a jumpsuit -- plus one on bags and one on small scrap projects (scrunchies, hats, makeup pads). Each of the garment chapters includes variations on the core pattern, which I suppose brings the options up to the "50 Garments" referenced on the cover. 

The book also includes a section on basic sewing technique, on why and how to use (and find) second-hand fabrics, and tips on repairing and remaking. There are also lots of bright clear photos of the two Ingrids modelling each design. They are clear about the source of each project, whether a hand-embroidered tablecloth, a curtain or a blanket -- or other clothing that's been upcycled. 

I thought this was a bright and cheerful book, quite accessible in the level of instruction. The garments are pretty interesting, not all just shapeless boxy fits, and the adaptations to the basic patterns do make quite distinct garments. Their discussion of the kinds of fabric that might work for the patterns is also useful to anyone who isn't already a practiced sewist. 

There is also a section at the end that is a nod to all their sample sewists for the book, with thumbnail photos of each person plus their IG handles, if they have one. Fun to explore a bunch of new sewists online thanks to this! Even though this is now a couple of years old, it's new to me, and I enjoyed looking through it. I find it interesting to see the vibe of sewists from elsewhere in the world, and this was a fun read. 

Weekend Review: Making Happy Things

 

Making Happy Things / Sue-Ching Lascelles 
Melbourne, AU: Hardie Grant, c2025.
208 p.

I found this book in my library's online collection and it is so cheery and colourful! Written by an Australian blogger and sewist, this one is definitely part of the modern trends among younger sewists. Lots of colour, patchwork, pattern, boxy fits and a DIY aesthetic. 

This book has some traceable templates for necklines, crotch curves, pockets etc. on the endpapers (sadly not downloadable in the ebook version, as far as I could see) But otherwise it is really based on measurements, lots of rectangles, and dependent on a loose fit. 

So fun, with patterns for a patchwork dress made of tea towels, a caftan of napkins, tops and pants from a scarf, tablecloth, pillowcases, cushion covers, or just regular fabric scraps -- and lots more! There are 13 garment projects and 8 for accessories and home dec. Each one is well described, with a measurement chart and suggested fabrics, along with step by step instructions. These are aimed at a more beginner sewist level (and the styles may appeal mainly to younger readers) but it is a really fun book to read through. So much colour! I loved that. 

There are a couple of quirky patterns, a stuffed prawn toy and a triangular stuffie in particular, that are really cute and I can see making those for kids. It's a fun, lighthearted book that is also encouraging and welcoming to newcomers to the sewing fold. 

It begins with sections on sewing basics, tools, tips, and even one on fabric - how to source and identify thrifted or second-hand fabrics (including a burn test), and how to look at colour and print and figure out how to combine them successfully into a patchwork garment. The author is also a textile artist so she has lots of colour theory to share. 

Reading through this was a shot of dopamine. I really enjoyed it and think that many others will as well. If you find a copy, I hope you'll enjoy the colour and whimsy to be found here. 

Weekend Review: Make It, Own It, Love It

Make It, Own It, Love It / Matt Chapple
London: Jacqui Small, c2016.
176 p.

There are a lot of books by former GBSB contestants, and with the new season coming up, I thought I'd read one that I haven't before! This is by the winner of Season 3, Matt Chapple. It is aimed at beginners and is quite light and approachable. 

The title covers everything in this book -- he talks about upcycling and refashioning first, to dip your toe in to the sewing world. Then he moves on to simple projects which are either self-drafted (scarves and tees, nothing complicated) or are downloadable free patterns, so no big cost investment for those just trying it out. He also covers repairs and wardrobe maintenance, even talking about laundry labels and care. I find this approach focuses on affordability and sustainability, and it's fun and encouraging at the same time. 

The book is laid out in seven sections, and includes many photos which are light and bright and cheerful. Many of them are 'lifestyle' type of photos, not all just illustrating the projects or instructions. The projects have a lot of text instruction, not heavily illustrated, but they are all pretty simple. 

The book covers: 

• Tools
• Fabrics
• Stitching
• Make It Your Own (refashioning/altering)
• Make It From Scratch
• Make It Wearable (mending - very basic needs, like re-sewing on buttons, fixing hems, pocket holes, seams etc.)
• Make It Live Longer (maintenance, including shoes)

It's also a little different because it talks about sewing/altering men's clothing as well as women's, which isn't always the case with sewing books! And even in the sections on notions and tools, he is careful to note that you don't need everything at the start, some things are just "cool kit" in your tool kit, not essential. The tone of the book is encouraging and welcoming, emphasizing that starting out doesn't require a huge investment of time or money. I'd say it's a pretty good volume and worth checking out. 

 

Weekend Review: Sewing for the Soul

Sewing for the Soul / Jules Fallon
Tunbridge Wells, UK: Search Press, c2021.
128 p.

This is a lovely book; it's a sewing book but also a lifestyle book. It has a specific aesthetic, and includes interior design imagery and recipes too! 

It's organized around the seasons, with each section including two or three sewing projects, then a relevant recipe. Lots of lovely photos of projects and of the general domestic mood of the book. Most of the projects are garments but there are a few craft projects including like a stocking for Winter, or a patchwork blanket for autumn. There are also a couple of ideas that incorporate embroidery or upcycling -- my favourite is the embroided woven tee in Spring, which has a border of red flowers added to the rounded neckline. Very pretty. 

The clothes -- shirt dress, woven tee, winter coat, drawstring trousers, palazzos, just to name a few, are all fairly relaxed fit, loungey kind of clothing. Easier to fit but because it's also in line with the tone of the whole book - it's about relaxing, taking things easy while still having them beautiful. I haven't seen a sewing book like this before. It's the whole lifestyle, food included. And it's full of beautiful imagery while also having practical sewing illustrations and guidelines, and a list of sewing tools and materials to begin the book. There are 10 patterns included, up to a UK size 26/US size 22.

The author is the owner of Sew Me Something, and her experience in the sewing world shows. This is well put together, nicely thought out, and pleasant to read. She has captured the atmosphere of  "sewing for the spirit" that she used as the title -- it's enjoyable to look through but also has some nice basic pieces in it. If you read it online (as I did through my library) you can also go to the publisher's page and create a free account to get the extra materials (ie: templates & patterns). This is charming and I found it a gentle nighttime read. 

 

Weekend Review: StyleHacking

 

StyleHacking / Karoline Dahrling Hughes
Concord, CA: Stash Books,c2021.
128 p.

This book is a quick and dirty look at creating a 5 piece wardrobe of pattern templates that can then be hacked with various details to give you some variety. It's one of those books that is heavily DIY -- ie: sewing patterns are complicated and boring, there isn't a 'right way' to do anything, just do what you like! 

The book proposes five basic garments - a tee/tank, pants, skirt, dress and jacket, all of which you get a pattern for by "cloning" (tracing off garments that you already have in your wardrobe). Then there are a variety of sewing options to put them together in different configurations. Since there are no real rules, it's a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure way of learning. Four of the five projects are knits (easier fitting I guess) and the last can be made in woven. 

I loved the idea of this, and do like that the photos are bright and use colour. They are fun and encouraging for a certain kind of new sewist who likes to learn by experimenting. I think this one might appeal more to younger sewists who don't mind the DIY feel. 

For me, it feels a bit messy with the pattern clashing and boxy unfitted styles. There are some good ideas, though, that someone might use to create things more in their own style. This might be a different way to look at things for newer sewists who are afraid to deviate from a pattern, even with the simple ideas of adding a gathered  skirt to a favourite top pattern to make a dress. 

I'm not sure this one is for me, as I'm not a loosey-goosey sewist, I like to use patterns and fit things well. But I can see there being an audience for this book, and it's fearless approach to being just good enough and using what you have. Worth taking a look at if you can find it in your library as I did. 

Weekend Review: Zero Waste Patterns

 

Zero Waste Patterns / Birgitta Helmerson
London: Quadrille, c2023.
192 p.

I've been looking forward to this new Zero Waste book by Birgitta Helmersson, and was happy to find it in my library. I enjoyed looking through it, and reading her background to how and why she got to the Zero Waste pattern making stage. I also enjoyed the layout; logical structure and lots of nice large photographs of various models wearing the projects. 

The subtitle of the book is "20 Projects to Sew Your Own Wardrobe". There are 20 projects by virtue of variations on 5 basic blocks - Tee, Trouser, Singlet, Skirt and Shirt. They are all in the traditional zero waste aesthetic - natural fibres, no prints, very loosely fitting with not many shaping options in them. And elastic waist skirts and trousers. If you like this aesthetic or can see past the oatmeal/beige colours, I think this will be a great book for you! 

The instructions are well laid out, with cutting diagrams all fairly large and clear, including coloured notations for folds, slits or other special things to note. There are a handful of actual patterns for facings, pockets etc but these are so minimal that they are all printed inside the front and back covers (double fold covers) to trace off. She also explains the sizing of each pattern and the limitations when using the width of fabric as the base for a pattern (sizes are UK 6-30/US 2-26). There are suggestions given to enlarge a pattern when needed, by adding side panels or other ideas. But the fitting is pretty loose on most of these items also.

Unfortunately for me personally, I'm not really a fan of this kind of really oversize, boxy clothing. There is one variation on the shirt block that was interesting to me, as it has longer gathered sleeves and a bit more interest in detail. But I don't think I'm that likely to try any of these out very soon. I appreciate this book, though, and can see how the right reader will find this very helpful, as it not only has pattern charts but quite a lot of information on the zero waste approach. And it's pretty! 

I was glad to have the chance to read this through my library, and appreciate the availability of this kind of sewing book. 

Weekend Review: Sewing The New Classics

Sewing the New Classics: Clothes With Easy Style / Carol Parks
NY: Sterling, c1995.
152 p.

 

Since I was thinking so much about capsule wardrobes this month, I checked out this 1995 tome from Open Library to see how it had aged. Surprisingly well, actually! It's old school; there are 10 patterns for "wardrobe essentials" included, in the way that it was done in the 90s -- sketched out on a grid for you to enlarge by hand yourself. You'll find these items: a traditional shirt, a collarless tunic, a T-shirt, a straight skirt, a full skirt, elastic-waist pants, tailored pants, a jacket, a fitted waistcoat, and a big vest or jacket.

I remember wearing some of these styles in the past, but many of them could be very easily translated to contemporary styling depending on the choice of size and fabric. The 90s aesthetic is still current in its use of more casual and boxy wear. You might have to change up some of the styling choices, ie: the excessive layering, or accent choices, but I think a lot of this book is still really useful. And the colour choices here are often natural tones, and a lot of linen, which I think is very similar to a lot of current styling. 

I found the shirt and tunic, and the waistcoat, all intriguing for me right now. I think if I would have been sewing like I do now back in 1995 when this book was new it would be have been ideal to stitching up a very handy capsule wardrobe. Of course, now that we're used to pdfs or traceable pattern sheets, the idea of enlarging a pattern manually via graph paper feels VERY old school! But it's still possible. Of course with this kind of book and the pattern options, the sizing is quite limited. 

There is some good info on planning out a coordinated wardrobe, and tips on working with these patterns, as well as some sewing techniques. There is also a chapter on embellishments to change up these simple silhouettes -- things like adding tabs, insertions, embroidery or decorative painting/stenciling. I found it quite entertaining.

There are tons of great photos, and it's actually a really fun book especially if you like late 80s/early 90s style. It's a collection of loose fitting, coordinating patterns that will make up a capsule wardrobe of sorts, easily adaptable and able to be personalized. Enjoyable to look through for the retro feel but patterns are also still relevant if you like the boxy casual style.

Weekend Review: Building the Pattern

Building the Pattern / Laura Huhta & Saara Huhta
London: Quadrille, c2021.
208 p.

I read the first book by this sisterly duo when it came out some years ago, and enjoyed it, and copied out some patterns. And so I've been meaning to check this one out for a while now! I got a copy through my library, and have enjoyed going through it. 

It's a book full of projects. There are 6 patterns plus one extra purse pattern. But 5 of these 6 patterns have 3 distinct items included - the 6th, the jacket, has two variations. So there are quite a number of pieces you could make here. There are traceable patterns included in the book, no downloading required. Each chapter (one per pattern) includes some nice clear fashion photos, a materials and size guide, cutting guide and layplans, general sewing instructions and specialized instructions for any pattern hacking needed. There's not much fluff or filler here; it's all about the patterns. And the photos are lovely, on a range of (young) people. 

The sizing isn't hugely expansive; the patterns are in house sizes 1-9, which translates to European 34-50. I generally make a 42/44 in Burda; that range places me in the 5/6 in this book, which according to the measurement chart is spot on. So the sizing is true to standard. The actual body measurements, then, range from Bust 31.5-40 5/8, Waist 25 1/4 - 39 3/8, Hip 34 5/8 - 48 3/4. 

I liked the way they show that changing a basic pattern is doable, and that small changes -- length, sleeve, neckline, can make a big visual difference. They also give guidance for bigger changes that might seem insurmountable on first glance, for a beginner, but by following not too many steps, you have a whole new look. I like the concept, and think that following the guidelines here would give a sewist confidence to mix up some of the other patterns in your stash. Changing a shirt to a dress or pants to shorts or even a relaxed blazer to a bomber jacket are all in the mix here. 

If the sizing works for you, and you want to try hacking some patterns with guidance along the way, this is a good choice. The styles are fashionable but not too trendy, and there are nice details to make them a little more special than simple boxy shapes, which I find a lot of these kind of books rely on. There are fitted styles, and both woven and knit options to try out. I found it intriguing, and am planning on tracing out 3 of the patterns when I get a second! 

 

Weekend Review: Sewing Your Perfect Capsule Wardrobe

 

Sewing Your Perfect Capsule Wardrobe /
Arianna Cadwallader & Cathy McKinnon
London: Kyle Books, c2017.
175 p.

I recently got this book from my library; it's one I've seen mentioned here and there, and thought it would be interesting to see the advice about a capsule wardrobe given here. Well, I'm glad I got it from the library, because overall I found it a bit underwhelming. 

The book is organized into a structure around 5 core garments: The Vest Top (a tank top in North American speak), Basic Skirt, Shift Dress, Trousers, and Blouse. These are all fairly basic silhouettes -- the book is aimed at the advanced beginner, which I think is about the right level for these designs. There are fold-out pattern sheets included in the book, so you can trace and alter right away. Each basic piece has a straightforward main pattern, then tells you how to alter and redesign the piece to create something different, sometimes just a hair of difference but others are quite changed. You go from a below-knee pencil skirt to a short a-line, for example. There are also discussions of style changes you can make -- changing a neckline/collar, sleeve style, adding embellishment, etc. to really take these patterns and expand them in your wardrobe. 

I obviously like this idea a lot. However, this book as the main source of this kind of capsule wardrobe seems limited to me. The sizing is miniscule -- there is a range of 6 sizes with a 10" difference between them. Bust 32-42, Waist 24-34, Hip 33-43. It's a small range, and I fall near the top. So the actual patterns in this book will only be useful for a small proportion of sewists. And the patterns are also pretty standard, so any sewist who has been at it long enough will most likely already own similar pattern styles already -- some could even be equated to a few of the more well-known free patterns out there. 

The ideas for changing a base pattern into new styles are pretty handy here, though. They start with the "main" pattern and give a "sister" style then some other ideas for additional changes. You could take those ideas and apply them to the patterns you prefer to use. That might be the takeaway here. 

There isn't really a discussion about putting together a capsule wardrobe in the more traditional sense - they don't talk fashion, per se. To me, the book is more about creating a Capsule Pattern Collection. And that can be a good way to focus your sewing in light of the incentive to buy so many new and exciting patterns out there! 

So my view on this book is: good idea, some interesting ideas and instruction, but a fail when it comes to providing actual patterns that are useful for more than a sliver of readers.