well-suited blog - fashion design, illustration, pattern making.

Pattern Puzzle - Vintage Update

Monday, April 27, 2015

The vintage inspiration for this weeks #PatternPuzzle has come from a pattern I found on the So Vintage Patterns website. Unfortunately this particular one has been sold but they have a mountain of great vintage patterns for all eras. I was attracted by the asymmetrically-set, diagonal seams with gathered drape. But not so much the button decoration. By adding the extra seams I believe I have made it easier to construct as they eliminate the corner seams. I have also reworked the back view from the original design to carry the front diagonal seams through to the back dress. Keep Reading...

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Pattern Puzzle - Gather Shirt

Monday, April 20, 2015

Once again I am attracted to the loose-fit silhouette that is such a staple in most fashion ranges at the moment. And somehow I think it may also indicate a desire to bring my own wardrobe up-to-date. This cocoon shaped, gathered drape shirt would behave at its best if you were to cut it in a light, drapey woven such as silk satin or a crepe de chine. The gathered drape flows out of the neckline, over the shoulders into a slightly restricted armhole. This is the one feature of the design that will most likely require tweaking in the first toile. The shirt design also features a Hi-Lo hemline and a concealed button front with two-piece shirt collar. This design can be made as either a tunic length or dress length according to personal taste.

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Pattern Puzzle - Layered Shirt

Monday, April 13, 2015

This weeks puzzle is very much a summer weight shirt that I imagine in a cotton voile or organdie. The semi-transparent fabric is used in many layers (2-3) to create drape and subtle colour variation in the layering. The front opening of the shirt is a concealed, button front hidden under the front drape.

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Pattern Puzzle - Cowl Tee

Monday, April 06, 2015

It never ceases to amaze me how often I am drawn to this particular style of cowl drape. You will find many examples in the #PatternPuzzles that have been presented here over the past few years. This puzzle starts with the simplest of shapes and becomes an elegant tunic top.