Friday, August 27, 2010

Pattern drafting! An old passion revived!

Did I tell you that I took dressmaking courses up till intermediate level back in Singapore? Well, I did about 6 years ago. It took me about 4 years to learn with many break in between (this was because of many reasons such as work and social life). 

Anyway, the point is that since I have learned it and I love being creative, it was about time I started full scale on pattern drafting and making things. The ultimate goal is to be a fashion designer cum entrepreneur, that's my childhood dream amongst many other things! :) 

Finally, I am putting my knowledge to practice. I am a little rusty but I know I will get there with time and lots of practice!

Here are the pictures of 3 days of pattern drafting and test fit pieces.

Basic bodice drafts of front and back

Basic A line skirt draft of front and back


Test fit of the bodice piece. 
(I got this cheap fabric from the clearance rack at the fabric store in Sweden!)


Test fit of the A line skirt.


I must give credits to these two books that helped me on pattern alterations based on my body type! Which happens to be quite a weird shape. For a start I have smaller boobs and waist compared to my hips! I am a size XS on the top part and a Med on the hip department! I wish some of the load on the hips would be transferred to the boobs department! Well, I can always wish!



Anyway, I went ahead and made an empire cut round neck blouse with buttons on the back (ok that was a mouthful!). 

Here it is! Don't mind the bad construction. As usual I had to use the most difficult slippery fabric (I always have to make things difficult for myself!) 
Oh well, it's a learning process!

The draft of the blouse


Front of the blouse


Back



I hope to make decent clothing real soon with out reaching for ready made patterns when I get stuck on pattern drafting. 

Oh, If any of you could recommend pattern drafting books, that would be great. I love to learn different types of pattern drafting methods!

Till next time, have a wonderful weekend!



3 comments:

  1. Hey Lady, love the "new" look of your page. It's so cool that you've got the pattern drafting experience and are putting it to use. It's great not to be so commercial pattern dependent. Those are 2 great books you're using (I have them as well). Connie Crawford makes a pretty decent pattern drafting book if you want to check it out. Have fun and can't wait to see more of what you make:)

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  2. Hiya Uma,

    Sorry I can't give any tips on books about pattern drafting. This seems like an excellent tool under your belt to be able to do this.

    I really like the front of the blue blouse, it's very feminine.
    Have a great weekend!

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  3. Hello Uma, Just happened to stumble on your blog while blog hopping. Nice blog by the way :) Coming to the topic of Pattern Making books, you could try Pattern Making Made Easy by Connie Amaden Crawford. Good Luck.

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