I really hate patterns. From the time in 8th grade when I was sewing letter-shaped pillows in Home Ec, I found all those tissue paper notches annoying. And the super-detailed instructions might be good for some people or when you’re learning a new construction technique, but… Align reverse side to front side at notch, pin. Turn 1/2 inch. Sew to notch, reinforcing seam with double row of stitches. Yuck!
Here in Japan, none of the patterns are in my size, so I’m spared this trauma. I have experience drafting patterns, though it’s been a long time and my skills are rusty. What I need is inspiration. What do current fashions look like?
Enter the fashion book. I’ve fallen in love with these and already own three of them.
Each book has a front section with photos of the designs on models. Then each item has a one or two page spread that shows you how to place the pieces on the fabric, a numbered list of instructions, and details for any special construction points.
There are assumptions about your ability to sew. You must know how to cut a pattern, sew a seam, turn a hem, etc. These books are not really for true beginners, though they are not difficult things to sew if you have the basics under your belt. The instructions are sparse but there are illustrated sections to cover some techniques and I’ve learned a clever ironing tip from the “Men’s Shirts” book.
The books also have pullout patterns—a single sheet with all of the pieces printed on top of one another. You are suppose to trace them out. Of course, they are not drafted for my shape, so I will have to redo them to fit my waist-hip ratio and my wide shoulders.
This page shows the skirt I made last week. It doesn’t even have a pattern, just measurements for the various rectangles. The instructions include some detail on putting together the pocket, but other than that, it’s 7 easy steps:
- Sew side seams
- Make the slit
- Assemble pockets, attach
- Create a tri-fold casing hem
- Sew the waisband casing
- Insert the waistband elsastic
- Insert the cord at the hem
It was so easy, I made two. Summer wardrode is sorted. Have I mentioned that I now know the kanji for “fusible interfacing” in Japanese?
Posted by kuri at May 16, 2003 08:19 AMWOO! You are great, Sawing is one of my poorest things.
Posted by: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hanz01/version01/ on May 16, 2003 08:52 AMSawing is one of my strong points. Sewing however I was never really allowed to try much. I am really intrigued however with the idea of making my own clothes. I’m intrigues with about 5,000 ideas at the moment though, so I doubt I’ll do it. Thanks for the site title, Johnny approved it and it went up. It is hilarious. If you don’t see it when you first visit the page, just hit reload. (This will play hell with my page views count)
Keep on Truckin’
UltraBob
Posted by: UltraBob on May 16, 2003 01:24 PMThanks for the complements on my patterns Tracey, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to say no about the sewing circle.
;p
UltraBob
Posted by: UltraBob on May 16, 2003 04:28 PMIt’s pretty great to have someone else replying to comments on my site. Saves me tons of time. Thanks, UB!
P.S. Sewing circle is on, even if UB is too busy to make his own clothes.
Posted by: kristen on May 16, 2003 04:32 PMDoes UB have too much time on his hands? Idle hands are the devil’s work!!
Posted by: Tracey on May 16, 2003 05:39 PMI mean, when you see my patterns it’s pretty obvious really.
UltraBob
Posted by: UltraBob on May 16, 2003 06:44 PMOooh, maybe you should write abook. I’m sure I’d buy “UltraBob’s Fashion Sense for Women.” Maybe I can do the cover design for you…
Posted by: kristen on May 16, 2003 07:31 PMIf you decide not to create your own patterns, you could buy a copy of Burda magazine. It comes in a few languages and has many patterns and sizes.
Of course, you still have to trace the patterns from the sheet in the middle, but…..!
Posted by: Helen on May 17, 2003 01:25 AM