Slow Fashion Just got Slower

I have spent this term learning pattern making with St George and Sutherland Community College, and loved every minute of it.  I had to get over the sick "I'm in over my head" feeling in the first lesson, but thanks to a great teacher and taking things a step at a time I got quite far along the road.  It unraveled a lot of the mystery of patterns.  Drawing them up was more like an exercise in geometry than creative genius.  It was an extremely satisfying process for my mind that is clearly far less terrified of maths than imagination.



Following drawing up the patterns on butcher paper we made pattern pieces from interfacing.  These were then used to construct calico garments to fine tune the shape on our bodies, I have never had something fit me so well.  I intended to take a photo of this but once I was wearing nothing but calico and pins in a classroom cupboard it was the last thing on my mind.   This process made a (theoretically) perfect skirt block, and bodice block for my body, next term I will do the same for a pair of trousers.  I will also convert the bodice and skirt to make all sorts of variations; empire line dresses, princess style dresses, inserting bibs.  From there I won't be able to avoid my imagination any longer.

Another bi-product of attending the course is I have learnt of and acquired some fantastic sewing gadgets, perfect for a sewing geek.  From left to right in the photo there is the Dressmaker's L-square and French Curve which have been invaluable in the pattern making.  They have also been great in the family for making board games and space station head dresses.  Next is the Loop Turner which I could have done with knowing about years ago, it turns thin strips of fabric inside out (for spaghetti straps or piping) without making it the arduous hours-long process is has been for me so far with a safety pin.  The Tracing wheel allows you to easily and accurately trace a pattern, or alterations to a pattern.  The Sewing Gauge has a million uses but I have been using it for measuring seam allowances and also poking out corners of sewing to give a professional finish.   Finally the name of the Thread Clipper says it all, although I haven't really had to use it yet I do know its makes a very satisfying noise like a stapler, I can't wait.

Which leads me on to my summer projects, wish me luck trying to squeeze something in amongst the summer holiday madness.