When I was in design school working on my custom clothing certificate, I learned that I should think holistically–I shouldn’t just create one garment, I should think in terms of a collection and how they go together. And I understand that rationale. Completely.
Matchbook cover; Image courtesy of WackyStuff on Flickr.com
But my vision for what I want that collection to become is hampered by my lack of pattern drafting skills. Oh sure, I can create a garment using couture techniques now. But I’m having a heck of a time drafting or adapting patterns for my figure. Give me a Size 8 dress form or my dancer sister and I’m golden. Give me my own figure and I just run into problems. Therefore, I’ve decided that 2013′s primary learning and sewing goals are to
- (Re)learn how to draft patterns and learn how to use the professional-grade pattern drafting software I bought when I was in design school
- Draft basic patterns (slopers) that can then be adapted into something fashionable
- Skirt
- Bodice
- Pant
- Dress (this is actually the skirt and bodice sloper attached at the waist)
- Source from my fabric stash when feasible
I am fortunate in that my university has a Family and Consumer Sciences program so the library has lots of resources that I can use in this quest to develop my pattern drafting skills. Alas, we’re severely understaffed in my office right now so I won’t be able to take any classes from my F&CS colleagues this year.
My ultimate goal is to be able to create patterns inspired by my vintage pattern collection. Then I can finally make my “Ladies Who Lunch” wardrobe!
What is your sewing-related learning intention for the year?
Twitter: nerdbliss
Mine is to find time to sew every single week. Daily is too tricky a goal, but finding a few hours a week really moves projects along.
Tina recently posted..Random Second Half
I have to admit………..mine is to get back to sewing garments, for me, for others. I still quilt, of course, but have promised myself now that I am retired that I will get back to other sewing!
DrMolly recently posted..Still cold & snowy,
My goal is to work on better fit for the commercial patterns that I buy – take the time to figure out the final measurements. I also want to sew more – just find more time to spend sewing!! Good luck to you.
My goal is to create practical and beautiful doll clothes. No alterations. No drafting and re-drafting. Just opportunities to use my imagination within the parameters established by others for the benefit of children.
Kathy Warnock recently posted..SNOWY DAY REFLECTIONS
Sewing toys (bears, dolls, stacking rings, etc.)
I am a quilter but I think that I need to go back to sewing garments. I have a figure that needs some pattern adjustment and I feel that daunting.
We Miss you. Please post a podcast for us listeners. We Miss you so much. All of your listeners send their love for your new life.
Happyness……………
There’s something so fulfilling about quilting. My children used to tell me how can I enjoy something so tedious and time consuming? I told them you’d understand someday.