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

Pattern Alterations - Flare and Gather Dress Pattern

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Now that the first sample has been made and fitted I'm able to bring you all the pattern alterations I have made to get this new design to work. I'm still fascinated with this design and hope the final pattern is something worthy of all this sampling effort. If you'd like to see the original pattern puzzle post you'll find it here: Pattern Puzzle - Flare & Gather Dress

Keep Reading...

Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Cowl Drape Dress - First Sample

Thursday, June 28, 2018

And now I'm ready to return to this little wonder! From the original Pattern Puzzle post I've made an initial sample in calico to check the design and fit of this new design. Throughout this post I'll share each stage of the pattern alterations that I hope will end up in a delightful pattern. Keep Reading...

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Vivienne Drape Dress - First Sample

Saturday, May 07, 2016

Back in the land of blogging and I've made a #FirstSample of the Vivienne Drape Dress. I've recently turned this #PatternPuzzle into an afternoon workshop that I hold at the studio. Students spend an afternoon in the studio and leave with this pattern completed in their size of choice. We always start with my Women's Fitted Dress Block (PDF available) and every student builds a pattern plan for the development of this special design.

Keep Reading...

Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Pattern Fix - Back Dress too Long

Saturday, April 02, 2016

How many times have you experienced this; fabric pooling at the back waist in your dresses and shirts? Well I have the Pattern Fix for that! Unfortunately there is little we can do to save the sample, but we can do the pattern alteration to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Keep Reading...

Comments (13) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

First Sample - Pinstripe Panel Skirt

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Do you remember the Pinstripe Panel Skirt? Blogged in May 2014, and first sampled by Capital Chic, this very creative piece of corporate wear is stylish, wearable and very popular. :)

Keep Reading...

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

First Sample - Drape Tube Skirt

Saturday, November 21, 2015

The Drape Tube Skirt has turned out to be such a favourite in my wardrobe that I think it'll be the first #PatternPuzzle to be turned into a pdf pattern for the website. Although my first impressions were of a failed sample, it turns out not to be the case. :) ADDENDUM MAY 2017: At last The Drape Tube Skirt available as a PDF sewing pattern here.

Keep Reading...

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

First Sample - The Dolman Coat

Monday, September 28, 2015

This is where it all started: The Dolman Coat. Inspired by a Yamamoto garment: the pattern making instructions were developed for a loose fit kimono block. For this sample I have used a polar fleece and for winter that makes it seriously snuggles. ;) Keep Reading...

Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Pattern Fundamentals - Gape Darts

Monday, November 03, 2014

Last Saturday we swapped our regular #PatternPuzzle for some #PatternFundamentals. The focus of the conversation was GAPE DARTS and how to use them in your pattern making to get a better result in your first toile of new designs. You may know them as contouring darts as suggested by Alexandria of In-House Patterns.

Keep Reading...

Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

THE PATENT BLOUSE - First Sample!

Thursday, October 09, 2014

The Patent Blouse has become a favourite top for me after the first set of samples were very wearable. Previous post here. It has become such a favourite that I managed to wear out my first red sample very quickly. Unfortunately rayon is not made to last and very soon the surface of the knit was a little shabby with pilling. I have promised myself that the next red patent blouse will be made in merino.