GosuRori 12 Review

It's probably a well-known fact by now that my sewing skills are marginal at best (if it's not, well then, you heard it here first folks!) I can do decent embroidered handwork but present me with the simplest machine project - say, making a ruffled skirt - and I quickly collapse into idiocy. (So perhaps this is less of a review and more of a lament, but make of it what you will).

And yet I possess one of the taunting articles to the poorly-skilled non-Japanese lolita: a GosuRori.

A GosuRori is a publication composed of patterns and a sewing instructions for a variety of outfits and clothing articles. If you had the skill, you'd probably be able to compile an entire wardrobe from one issue. This particular issue includes five patterns for varying styles of petticoats and panniers, several blouses and jackets, a good deal of gorgeously Gothic styles (along the lines of Mille Noir and Mille Fleurs - think beautifully old-school), a small tutorial on making your own sweets jewelry (who doesn't these days?), and even a few pages on greeting cards.

For the clumsy beginner such as myself, they have included a basic Putumayo skirt - this one done in a false-ruching overskirt style with large bows, as seen on the cover above - with step-by-step photographed instructions. Seeing as I read minimal Japanese, I pored over the pictures during the nine-hour car ride back from visiting my family's Virginia estate. And I may actually have an idea of how this all goes together! Keep a look out for updates on this project - I would love to try this skirt in a mint gingham for spring.

The other drool-inducing coordinate I fell in love with is the page 11 design by Katherine-san which features a long tiered skirt; angular-collared, sleeveless blouse; a split overskirt with a double-edged ruffle; and a frog-closed freestanding corset. The colors and patterns aren't really to my liking, in black and white stripes and checkerboard print, but a lovely blue or ivory Rococo style would lend itself well to the structure.

I would definitely recommend this mook if you have an interest in any of the following: unusual styles of lolita, sewing your own things, breaking away from the brand-induced haze, getting noticed, finding a new hobby, or simply ogling pretty pictures ;)

Labels: review

posted by Victoria Suzanne @ 12:19 PM