book review: Buffi’s Dress Design

yesterday i got to chat with the ever-lovely Buffi Jashanmal about the release of her first book, Buffi’s Dress Design: Sew 30 Fun Styles: Make It, Own It, Rock It (afilliate link). We chatted a bit about the book, how it feels to finally be released after three years in the works, and what she’s up to these days.

about the book from Storey Publishing… “In this book, author and former Project Runway contestant Buffi Jashanmal guides readers through the art of dress design, from assembling the necessary sewing and pattern-making tools to putting the finishing touches on your dress. Using slopers for three basic dresses, you’ll learn to create fashionable pieces that fit your body type. Keep it simple, or add details and flair to fit your personal sense of style, from sleeves to piping. Buffi shows you how.”

the book includes tons of information on sewing tools, different fabric types, proper measuring, and includes slopers (blocks) for three dress types: the shift dress, the sheath dress, and the princess seam dress. each variation walks you through the basic form of the dress, simple alterations, and also more advanced ways of customizing. it’s one of those books that will grow with you, with projects you can tackle as a beginner, but that an advanced sewist can still learn from.

you can see more of the book in this sneak peek on the Storey Publishing blog.

so, what did Buffi herself have to say about the book? well, considering that this book has been in the works since pre-PR, she says it feels like a bit of a relief to have it finished and out there in the world. she said, “I’m really pleased with how it turned out, and it’s selling well so far.”

regarding the projects in the book, Buffi said, “Some of them are super easy for the beginners, some of them are a little bit more complicated. I didn’t want all the projects to be basic; I hope I have found the right balance.”

we also talked a bit about Buffi’s current work as group fitness instructor and personal trainer at Flywheel in Dubai. while sequestered after leaving PR, she passed the time at the gym, focusing on fitness, and also helped some of her fellow contestants keep in shape. after the show she became a certified personal trainer, and muses that her next book will likely be health/fitness focused with the same DIY vibe.

if you’re in the NYC area, check out these book signings and events:

Thursday 4/3, 11am-2pm DIY craft project and Book Signing at The Sewing Studio
Saturday 4/5, 5-7pm Book Signing & Mingling at Film Biz Recycling
Saturday 4/12 3-5pm Book Signing at SHAG

get your copy of Buffi’s Dress Design here on Amazon. plus, keep up with Buffi on her website, facebook, and twitter.

and i leave you with a bit of sewing advice from Buffi… I asked, if you could go back in time, what would you tell your former self about sewing? “Don’t get frustrated! Soon it will all make sense…” sage words, my friend.

happy stitching!
xo, rachael

photo credits: ©Peter LeMastro for Storey Publishing

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