Monday, January 09, 2017
My Knit Block will make all these Pattern Puzzles:
This post has been curated to bring the focus to my garment blocks now available on the website. They are the same blocks I use in my pattern puzzles and the same basic blocks that for the foundation of commercial pattern making. The first block for the spotlight is my Knit Block.
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Sunday, November 27, 2016
Inspired by fans, I've finally had a go at the
Kimono Twist Dress from the Pattern Puzzles series. My first pattern was cut from a knit kimono block that I made from my
Basic Knit Block that's now available here. I used a mid-weight two-way stretch jersey in a near-block aubergine. And although I've identified some issues for improvement, this first sample's not too shabby.
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Thursday, July 28, 2016
Trawling through my blog post archive I've come to realise that many of my posts have vintage content, and I discover there are at least twenty vintage posts! So this Vintage Inspired Round-Up is to refresh your memory of some of my earlier Pattern Puzzle posts and to share a few points in history where vintage style has influenced my work. Where does it all start?
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Saturday, April 16, 2016
Does anyone remember this little pattern puzzle from last year? It's been a long time waiting in the wings for posting. An innovation on an existing theme, this single twist is ingenious in that a cowl is built as part of the twist pattern. The final effect being a more subtle twist with a relaxed fit.
If you'd like to learn my method for creating Twist Drape Patterns I have a detailed worksheet for making Jersey Twist Patterns. For just a few dollars you'll get the same training you'd get if you came to the workshop in my studio. My Knit Block is also available as a PDF download.
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Saturday, March 05, 2016
The #PatternPuzzle sample this week is The Wrap Drape Dress from 2014. You can pop back to the original post for a refresh of all the pattern making instructions. I've used my Knit Block to make this elegant stretch pattern. 
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Friday, February 26, 2016
Did you ever think there'd be so many designs using Twist Drape? I was totally captivated with the asymmetric aspect of this design and the layering effects that can be achieved using two different fabrics and
my knit block. Like the majority of previous twists you'll definitely need a two-way stretch knit for this to work well. The elastane (Lycra/Spandex) in your knit fabric is the best tool for achieving a snug fit with this method of making twist patterns.
If you'd like to learn my method for creating Twist Drape Patterns I have a detailed worksheet for making Jersey Twist Patterns. For just a few dollars you'll get the same training you'd get if you came to the workshop in my studio.
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Wednesday, November 18, 2015
For over 20 years I've been teaching pattern making and I swear I can teach that subject blindfolded. However recent events have me delving into an entirely new area of expertise; personal fittings. 
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Thursday, November 05, 2015
Elegant and flattering, this is an interesting cut in a knit fabric. By using
my Knit Block or your favourite tee shirt patterns, you can self-draft the front pattern piece to drape while leaving the back and sleeve patterns exactly as they are. It's a looser shape than many drape tops and is cut with a more gentle fitting rather than hugging tight to the body. That slightly looser, non-grabby tee shirt is always flattering and much easier to wear.
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Wednesday, September 02, 2015
I have made an info-graphic to show you all what I've been up to with the workshop line-up here at the studio. Now I hear you say 'What's that to me? I live on the other side of the world! :( So to elaborate; the teaching materials I intend for the website (e-learning) are derived from the workbooks I make for each of the workshops I run here at the studio. The content and integration of that content becomes even more important when considering its use as online teaching materials. As a first step I've added my garment blocks to the website as PDF downloads.
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Monday, June 22, 2015
About two years ago, in a
Draped Dress Patterns workshop, this jersey style came into being. A combination of Cowl and Twist Drape, it proved to be a fabulous idea for students dealing with their first ever drape pattern. Using
my knit block for these early drape patterns is always a plus. There is never any question about... ' what to do with the darts!'.
If you'd like to learn my method for creating Twist Drape Patterns I have a detailed worksheet for making Jersey Twist Patterns. For just a few dollars you'll get the same training you'd get if you came to the workshop in my studio.
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