Monday, 3 December 2012

Pattern Magic, part 2

So here's my attempt at the takenoko (bamboo shoot) bodice from Pattern Magic.


I love this design. I want to get some more of this fabric and make a proper top using this pattern.

(Not pictured, the pieces of calico that could be used to make the hideously ugly crater bodice, if I could get them to line up correctly, and the many, many, many bits of paper used to work out the patterns for both.)

This was an interesting – and occasionally frustrating – course. I've only ever used shop-bought dress patterns before so this was my first experience drafting and manipulating my own patterns. It's possible that I could have done with an interim stage as Tomoko Nakimichi's approach to pattern design is very technical! However, it was really useful to see how the shape of a pattern can be changed by adding or deducting space. I really hope I can apply some of this knowledge when using shop-bought patterns in future, altering them to create a better fit. (Although that kind of alteration is definitely made easier with access to a tailor's dummy.)

2 comments:

  1. hi i have been trying to make this pattern as well i have done the paper pattern and trying to do it on fabric but i cant seem to get the fold to go in with out some sort of puckering or fold being seen i was just wondering if you could give me some advise on how you did yours.
    Many Thanks Brogan x

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    1. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by the fold puckering. The fabric I used is very thin - possibly that made it easier to fold it without the fold being seen.

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