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

Sewing Instructions for The Patent Blouse

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Now that this pattern has been released on the website, it's time to put up some sewing instructions. At first the pattern shape appears weird and unusual, as it did for me when I first found this little beauty at the US patent office. The original blog post describes my process - Pattern Puzzle - The Patent Blouse. When cutting your own Patent Blouse, please make sure you use two-way stretch knit for the best results (four-way stretch knit in the US).

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My Fitted Dress Block for Pattern Puzzles

Thursday, August 02, 2018

This has to be my favourite block! It's the start place for so many of the garments you'll find in your wardrobe. It's the base for woven garments that cover the torso - dresses, corsets, shirts & jackets. Keep Reading...

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Pattern Puzzle - Issey Miyake Single Twist

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.

Issey Miyake single jersey twist pattern.

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Pattern Insight - Circular Knit Twist

Saturday, November 28, 2015

This entire post is inspired by my fascination with circular knits. I've not had much experience with this particular cloth but have always been hooked by the possibilities. I found this piece (slight grey marl cotton) at the back of one of the local fabric shops and grabbed a couple of meters to play with. My first idea was to try the twist, especially with a fabric that's half way to dressing you without any side seams.

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Pattern Puzzle - The Japan Skirt - no block required!

Monday, August 11, 2014

The Japan Skirt - Self-drafted Pattern. Rectangle skirts are nothing new. What maybe new is the way you work your rectangle. This particular pattern has been hanging on my pattern rail for at least 8 years. Originally developed for merino ponti, grading up and down in sizes allows you to cut this pattern in a variety of knit and woven fabrics. Keep Reading...