Translating Japanese Mooks

This past weekend I attempted to translate some instructions for an outfit in one of my Japanese doll pattern mooks.

I searched and found a few blogs with translation lists and guides (I've listed them at the bottom of this post).   I also discovered that the Google Translate app, which I've had on my phone for some time, can translate characters from photos.

The app accepts handwritten or typed text and once you've given it access, accepts speech via the phone's microphone and uses your phone's camera for scanning.  It can also speak the English translation for you.  It's a tedious process, but here's a brief look at how it works:

Some of the translations were hilariously wrong or verbose, while others were spot-on.  What I've learnt so far:

• Some Japanese characters' individual translations differ from when they are grouped with other characters; so you need to know where a sentence/phrase begins and ends to know where to highlight for translation.
• The app doesn't seem to recognise when the characters are printed for vertical reading (and there is a lot of vertical print),  so the translation ends up sounding like something Yoda would say.
• Good lighting and clear print are a must, as the characters can be misinterpreted if they're not clearly printed for scanning.

During my online search, I came across this blog with very informative guides on sewing (in general) with patterns from Japanese sewing books:

• Using Japanese Sewing Books.
• Fabric Names Translated From Japanese
• Understanding a Typical Japanese Sewing Pattern.
• How To Make - Quantity of Fabric and Materials
• How To Make – Choose Size, Locate Instructions & Trace The Patterns 
• Understanding The Instructions - Working Example
• A List of Translated Terms 

These are the Japanese sewing terms translations:

• Dictionary of Japanese Sewing Terms from Japanese Sewing Books blog.
• Dollfie Dream Maid sewing patterns book translation notes from Jade Pixel
• A pdf list of Japanese character translations from My Little Mochi blog.
• Elegant Gothic & Lolita Livejournal Community's Japanese Sewing Translations 

This project requires a lot of patience and I hope the information I collect is viable.  My previous thinking was that all I had to do, with my knowledge of sewing,  was just to follow the photos.  But, after reading the translations, I've realised that I could be missing out on important information.  So,  here goes...