Whilst my mojo may have deserted me, my brain is working overtime on new ideas. As I’ve mentioned previously, for the past 10 weeks I’ve been attending a patternmaking class at a local college. Now that I’ve got my basic blocks fitted and ready to use, I need to start working on developing my skills. So Mr Stitches purchased the above book for me. (Thanks, honey.)
It’s a hefty tome, but just so inspiring. Whilst the Winifred Aldrich book (which was the recommended text for the course)
gives you good basic instructions for a variety of garments, the illustrations themselves are a bit dated for my taste. Helen Joseph Armstrong’s book is the opposite. It illustrates a basic concept and then a number of variations. It even has instructions for all the elements that I’m considering for my wedding dress, which is rather exciting.
So, when I do finally find my mojo, I’m going to have a go at drafting something a little more challenging than a skirt. This could be the start of something good (and a whole lot cheaper and satisfying that patterns from the Big 4). Watch this space.
I’ve taken a drafting course too and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately I haven’t used much of it since then, but at least I have the information. I also have the Patternmaking for Fashion Design book and just love it.