Patterns

My pattern making process begins with the idea, inspiration, or sketch. When I see something I like or imagine a piece of clothing I want to make, I immediately think about the pattern. I try to picture what the pattern pieces will need to look like in order to get the look and fit I want. 

I made these slopers in my Fitting and Alterations class in college. We got basic store-bought patterns with bodice front and back pieces, skirt front and back pieces, and a sleeve. We also did the same for pants, but I have yet to use those slopers.. My body has changed a lot in the last few years since making these and I'm afraid they won't be the right fit anymore. 

We cut the pattern pieces out of cheap fabric and used markers and lots of basting stitches to get the perfect fit. Among other things, I matched the waist line to my exact waist, I moved the shoulder seam to the perfect place and I adjusted all the darts. Once I got the right fit, I transferred the patterns onto card stock. Now they are durable and ready to be used over and over again.

The most important tool in pattern making is the tissue paper! A few years ago, I went to a medical supply store and purchased a roll of tissue paper that is used to cover patient's beds. Best purchase I ever made!

Along with tissue paper, I also use a ruler, gridded cutting board, tape, scissors, and a pencil. 

I still refer to my old pattern making textbook regularly.

It gives instructions for everything: adjustments for knit slopers, all kinds of sleeves and necklines, changing the type of dart, the shape of the skirt, you name it!

I try to create variety in the clothes I make for myself. I am drawn to simple fabrics, usually solid colors. I try to make something unique and different each time, especially when the fabric is simple. I recently made a wrap dress and that was a new experience for me. I had never made a wrap dress, never tried flutter sleeves, and don't have much experience with chiffon. It was so fun to try something new, and I referred to my book for pattern adjustments along the way. 

Once I've made and used the pattern, I store it in a plastic bag, give it a name, and store it away in my overflowing drawer of patterns. 

I prefer making my own patterns over using store-bought ones because mine are simpler to use, they fit me perfectly, and it allows me to design my own wardrobe!

Embroidered Rooster

Im my textiles class, one of the projects we did was embroidery. It was toward the end of the semester in December and Christmas was right around the corner, so I made a Christmas present for my mom.

Her kitchen is gorgeous, and every once in a while she tosses in some kind of farmhouse design element. She loves roosters, so naturally I embroidered a rooster on a dish towel for her. It was the perfect gift, because she also loves dish towels! Growing up, we weren't allowed to use any of her dish towels for anything except drying hands. They were all too pretty. 

It was a time consuming process! The tail was my favorite part. I only had four different colors, so I had to get creative and combine threads to create different colors. 

I wish I would have embroidered his whole body, instead of just outlining it. Overall I was happy with how it turned out. 

Once I gave this towel to my mom, she announced a new rule to the family: no using this dish towel, not even for drying hands. It is strictly decorative. I was honored!

My Favorite Green Top

Like I mentioned in this post, I recently inherited a ton of fabric from my Oma, and I am in fabric heaven!
When I see or feel a piece of fabric, I almost immediately come up with a plan for what to make and how to make it.
In the box of fabric, there was a small cut (less than a yard) of kelly green polyester knit. I have always wanted a top with a straight hem and side slits, but all the ones I find at stores have slits that go as high as the bust line! So I made a pattern for my own.



The pattern is super simple. The back is slightly longer than the front and from the bust dart, the side seams go straight down.

Just after finishing

I was too bashful to get anymore pictures, but her is the side view of the side slit!
I love this top so much. I shamelessly wear it every week! Its stretchy and comfortable, but it looks like a nice blouse. It is easy to dress it up or wear it casually. 

Wrap Dress with Flutter Sleeves

Last week I went into LA with my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law to do some fabric shopping. I only had $40 with me, so I was nervous I wouldn't be able to get much. To my surprise, I got all the fabric I wanted for less than $6! Michael Levine Loft is the best. You really have to search and dig, but it is totally worth it!

I got white chiffon and two matching red and black floral print chiffon. I love the alternating colors, and I immediately knew I would make a dress with flutter sleeves. 

My sloper pattern pieces! I use these for every project! They match my (old) measurements perfectly

I decided to make a wrap dress! 

I wanted it to be a true wrap dress with flutter sleeves and a circle skirt.

The bodice front required some adjustments once the dress was all put together. The waist line sloped downward way too much, so I adjusted it so the neckline would lay flat and not gape open. 

Close up of the flutter sleeves, the alternating colors of the fabrics, and the skirt. 

Don't mind our dead garden.. The wind blows so hard here, our sunflowers stand at a 45 degree angle!

I've been wanting to sew something with flutter sleeves for a long time. I've been wanting to make a true wrap dress for an even longer time! I'm so happy with how it turned out. If I were to make it again, I would make the skirt about 3" longer, and I would adjust the neckline so I wouldn't have to wear an undershirt with it every time. 

I still have a large piece of white chiffon from the LA trip, and I am definitely making something else with flutter sleeves. 

More Baby Clothes

When I visited my parent's house a while ago, I went through my box of handmade baby clothes. It is full of things I made in my children's clothing class in school that I have been saving for nephews, nieces, or my own babies. 

Here are a few of my favorite items:

Striped fleece sleeper

I made this weeks after learning that my sister was pregnant with her first child. I was so excited, and even though I didn't know if she was having a boy or a girl, I got to work on the baby clothes! This one turned out a little feminine, so it has yet to find a home. 

Strange towel bibs

These are so funny to me! I posted a picture of Henry in one of these bibs a while ago. I made a bunch of them because they are so easy to make and convenient to have around. I have yet to decide if they are the most practical design for a bib...

Newborn cap and booties

Classic newborn cap and booties. I've made a few sets of these for baby showers throughout the years. They, too, are easy to make and so cute on little newborns!