Ivanne has taken the bold step of offering us a book combining original and adaptable patterns for both men's and women's wardrobes.

For the ladies, we find 8 original patterns with 7 possible variations, each named after precious or semi-precious stones:

• Diamond is a blouse with a wrap-back and its dress variation
• Quartz is a romantic top with a very original back, its variation is a backless dress
• Moonstone is a tunic dress, offered in a strap top variation
• Jadestone is a blouse with a pleat at the back closed with a pretty bow, its variation is a tank top
• Mother-of-pearl is a superb pleated skirt, offered as a dress
• Opal is a dress with a pleated skirt and a magnificent back yoke, which can be made as a long skirt version
• Amethyst is a trench-style jacket with a storm flap, also offered in a beautiful frock coat model
• Aquamarine is a coat with raglan sleeves and a double turned-down collar.

All the women's patterns are offered from size 34 to 46 (bust measurement from 80 to 104cm, waist measurement from 58 to 82 cm, hip measurement from 84 to 108cm).

My beige version of Opal

For the gentlemen, 8 patterns with 2 variations are offered:

• Sapphire is an original shirt with pretty details
• Granite is a tunic with a stand-up collar
• Gypsum is an oriental-style tunic with slits
• Basalt is a close-fitting zipped vest, its variation is a very nice tee-shirt
• Topaz is a long-sleeved raglan tee-shirt with a polo-style button placket, also offered in a short-sleeved tee-shirt variation with seams
• Onyx is a very handsome V-neck sweater with two shoulder yokes highlighting the shoulders
• Anthracite is a fitted pea coat with pretty storm flaps and double-breasted fastening
• Emerald is a set of bermuda shorts and a kimono-style jacket in a homewear version.

All these patterns are offered from size 42 to 54 with a bust measurement between 84 and 108cm and a waist measurement between 72 and 98cm.

It should be noted that the technical booklet offers a method to extrapolate 2 sizes smaller or larger; thus extending the size grading from 30 to 50 for the ladies and from 38 to 58 for the gentlemen.

The 2 large double-sided printed pattern sheets are of good quality. Seam allowances are not included.
Each base pattern is identifiable by its corresponding colour. Sizes are indicated on the pattern pieces. Care must be taken when tracing as there is no line pattern differentiating the sizes. The markings on the pieces are clear (grainline, notches, ...).
The patterns offered as "variations" are not on the sheets. Instructions follow the step-by-step of the base pattern to modify the base pattern accordingly. Some basic patternmaking knowledge is therefore needed to make these adjustments.

For each pattern, Ivanne assigns a difficulty level from very easy to difficult; likewise, she advises on the materials to use for their making. Each step-by-step refers to the technical booklet (a real treasure trove!) at the end of the book to explain and illustrate the techniques used to make the pattern. You will find detailed advice and diagrams on:

• overcasting, assembling, sewing corners and curves, interfacing
• making French seams, hems
• applying bias tape, piping, elastic, a zipper
• making button closures (buttonholes, plackets), darts, slits
• assembling sleeves, facings, collars
• making gathers, pleats, pockets
• lining a jacket or coat
• adjusting and modifying a pattern.