Tips and Ideas
one size in the pattern to achieve a
sleeker, more structured look, but
do the calculation mentioned above
to get the fi t you are after.
Playing with Fabrics
Another way to develop new looks
with your existing patterns is to play
with your fabric choices. While you
need to take note of the pattern
recommendations for fabrics you
can think outside the box and get
very different results. A lightweight
fabric can be bonded to give it more
body, or it can be used with a jacket
pattern and novelty fabrics to add
a wow factor. See Image 8 for a
very different version of Connie’s
raincoat in Image 9.
Use your blouse block as the
basis for a new style or to update
an old favourite.
This process is not diffi cult as
long as you analyze the garment
carefully and follow some
guidelines. We will use Image 10 as
an example. This pattern is a very
sweet 60’s Simplicity dress that is
most defi nitely out of print and the
sizing is wrong for me.
The fi rst question you should
ask is, what has the designer done
about the garment shaping? Does it
have darts, princess seams, or is it
basically a t-shirt? In our example
the answer is twofold. The front
of the dress has shoulder princess
seams and the back has darts – at
the shoulder and through the waist.
So I would use my shoulder princess
front block and my darted block for
the back.
Second, does it have any style
lines? Style lines are seams that
are added to a design to add
interest, allow for colour blocking.
They would include empire lines
or yokes. In this case the centre
front seam can be considered a
design line, as it is not essential.
However, as the pattern stands the
centre front seam provides extra
fullness in the skirt.The notable features of this dress
include:- It has an A line four gore skirt.
- The princess seams have slot
pockets inserted at hip level. - There is an inverted pleat added at
the centre back that is secured down
to the waist and then hangs free. - The neckline shape is wide jewel at
the front and a V at the back. - There is the option for an insert in
the back neckline, if desired. - The dress has no sleeves or set in
sleeves, as desired. - It has decorative bows across the
centre back
These are the features you want
to add to your blouse block or you
might choose to leave one or two
details out. I won’t be adding thebows at the back, as they are a little
young for me. I may add tabs or just
leave the back plain.
Once you have noted all the
features of the pattern that you want
to add then you will use the following
instructions, developed by Connie
Crawford to create your new pattern.If you have any questions or thoughts
please feel free to contact me via my
website janetlikestosew.com.auJanet Elmes