14 Sep Drape Shift Rethink
The Drape Shift was one of my earlier #PatternPuzzle posts that popularised my blog in 2014. However the pattern making instructions proved to need much more work.
Archive
30 Aug Retro Wrap Sewing Instructions
Posted at 11:11h
in Garment Construction, Pattern Puzzle Sewing Patterns, Pattern Puzzles, Sewing patterns, Stretch Patterns, Vintage Patterns
4 Comments
The Retro Wrap was one of my earliest Pattern Puzzle patterns and easily one of the all-time favourites. I've made the original pattern and all the adjustments necessary to prepare it for conversion into a PDF Sewing Pattern. And I do admit that working out the grading plan for this style was a huge challenge. When the grade document is returned I'll let you know if it was successful.
17 Aug Testing the Twist Tee
Posted at 10:00h
in Garment Construction, Pattern Puzzles, Stretch Patterns, Womens Knit Block
0 Comments
The Twist Tee pattern puzzle was always one of the easiest versions of jersey twist patterns I've ever produced. You don't even need your own garment blocks to make this pattern. Any simple top or tee shirt shape pattern is a good place to start for this project. The sample I have posted here is the double twist version. It's possible to make this as a single twist pattern from the original post if you have access to the appropriate fabric.
22 Jul An Elizabethan Shirt
For a very long time images of the elizabethan shirt as a pattern or garment have fascinated me. I've always favoured patterns that use every bit of fabric as they speak of a time when textiles were considered to be of great value. A time when your household was valued by the quality of the textiles produced in the home and worn by the family and often sold to generate income.
Inspo from Butterick 4486 - especially the lace-up front.
14 Jul Working with my Corset Block
Fashion Corset v Historic Corset
There's a lot of talk around the negative aspects of wearing corsets but be assured that's not the whole story. My experience with corsets is strictly fashion industry and what I share here in the blog and through the product I have listed on the website is all derived from that experience. The articles and papers listed below will help you develop your own understanding of the debate around historic corsets if this issue is of interest.
History of Corsets: the first wave of feminism - A reasonable introduction to the debate.
The Kurious Kase of Kim Kardashians Korset - A more thorough and academic investigation of debate around corsets.
Bust supporter and corsets. Copyright The Museum at FIT. Courtesy Google Arts and Culture.
24 Jun First Sample – Tucked Tee
If you have a look at this original post you'll see my thinking when I attempted this Pattern Puzzle. It appears so simple as an idea, but when testing the pattern I found it was like many other apparently 'simple' ideas, that is very difficult to achieve.
05 Jun Building the Minimalist Wardrobe
One of the biggest pitfalls in being a designer/pattern maker is the making and testing of sewing patterns, and the continual accumulation of sample garments related to these patterns. For the on-going operation of my business I have to make these samples to test my patterns. But personally I don't really ever need more clothes, but many of these samples end up in my wardrobe. Many designers have regular sample sales to pass on these items to a more useful end or send them to the local charity shop for resale. Clearly I'm having trouble distinguishing between personal clothing needs and the output of my creative work.
14 May Using my Knit Block
Posted at 13:21h
in Garment Blocks, Pattern Making Instructions, Stretch Patterns, Womens Knit Block
2 Comments
Every now and then I like to put together a blog post that details some of the garment blocks and techniques I use when making patterns for my industry clients and my website. This post is to highlight the features and potential of my knit block for all users and new pattern makers. It may help you decide if it is in fact the block for you in your new design project.
07 Feb Wrap Layer Top #2
It's surprising what you find when you start digging around in old pattern puzzle files. This second version of the Wrap Layer Top has remained buried for over six years. The first version can be found here: Wrap Layer Top #1.
18 Jan Vintage Bodice – Full Bust Adjustment
Posted at 10:45h
in Fitting Patterns, Pattern Fitting Tutorials, Pattern Puzzles, Self-draft, Sewing Pattern Alterations, Vintage Patterns
0 Comments
To begin, a quick recap of previous posts for the Gil Brandao, Conjunto Pratico. You can start with the first post, the self-draft instructions for this vintage bodice. If you think you'd like more detail you can download my detailed worksheet - Vintage Style Pattern Making. The instructions in the worksheet include information for drafting different sizes, from 6 to 22. If you're unable to access the worksheet there is a post where I outline the grade rules to make the original draft in to other sizes - Grade Rules - Gil Brandao Conjunto Pratico. Taking the vintage bodice further I have a post with the instructions for adding a skirt to the vintage bodice to make and wrap style dress -Vintage Bodice as Dress - Fist Sample.
