The Spring Shower Jacket Pattern!!!

 I think this pattern speaks for itself!!! My daughter and I love it.

Elegance & Elephants has done it again!

 So, we cheated a little - it's supposed to be a rain jacket... but I made it in a very light corduroy fabric - and it's perfect for the spring weather we're having right now - sun, very cold in the mornings and warmer during the day.

 It's a very well made pattern - and a little time consuming, but oh so worth it. It's made with double seams almost all over, and I know this will hold up for all her playing and jumping on the trampoline...

 The pattern calls for a rope around the waist, we wanted an elastic instead ... The pattern also has two different versions!

 The hood is very nice and big. Heidi has made the hood a little smaller in her final pattern, but my daughter loves this big one, calling it her secret hiding place!

 And as soon as I get to the fabric store for some more water resistant fabric, there WILL be more Spring Shower Jackets!!! I have been looking for a jacket like this one - and now I have the pattern and can make the jacket myself!!!

Two patterns in the making! (And also two birthday presents)

 The new dress is ready to be written into a pattern, I think it will be ready by the end of the week, I hope.

I really like how this turned out in the end - it still has some of the features from the Project Runway dress, but a longer bodice.

 It will still have the three different options in the back.

My twins are going to a birthday party tomorrow. This dress will be for the birthday girl along with the skirt below.

 I really like how this skirt turned out, I still have to try out a few different options, but the general idea is in this skirt. A circle skirt with a square bottom and elastic at the bottom! I am picturing dome different options with this as well!

If you'll just be a little patient with me, I'll have the patterns ready for you soon!

Have you seen Skirt Week over at CrafterHours? Fun!!!

Getting ready for pattern making

I know... I'm really quick (not) with the things I say I will do - I always have a LOT of plans and a lot of designs and dreams running through my head, and... I don't always see it through. I have come to terms with my shortcomings in regards to this - I love to dream and plan, and I'm okay with not everything coming to life.

But, I do really want to learn how to make patterns - good patterns. And today I am here to tell you guys what you will need to make a pattern - which tools you will be needing. Then (maybe) next week we'll start at the pattern...

The most important tool is PAPER.  According to my book, there are several types of paper, but a semi-transparent paper will work really well.

Second you will need a regular pencil - and don't sharpen it too much, the paper is really thin.

Thirdly you will need a pair of scissors. DON'T use your sewing scissors. 

Then there is the ruler - a clear plastic, flexible kind of ruler is the best one, but any ruler will work.

Let's not forget the tape measure - gotta measure the measurements of the body, right?

The above items are necessities for making patterns, but these items will make your pattern making a whole lot easier: clear tape, safety pins, tailor's chalk, dressmaker's carbon paper and stapler.

Now, let's get the items and tools collected and let's meet next week for starting on making our skirt pattern.

Be blessed, Tone

(images from google)

Finding inspiration for my first pattern

I am about to start my first pattern from my pattern-making book - THE SKIRT!

The only thing is, I have now clue as to what kind of skirt I want - and I want these clothes to be for me, or another adult, no kids clothes at this point.

So I googled SKIRTS, looking for inspiration. I'm showing you the pictures that "spoke" to me.

http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2006/05/09/bubble-skirts/

 

Still don't know which to choose, have to look some more.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/rates-up-skirts-down/2006/08/05/1154198378641.html

http://www.greengrechen.com/2009/03/30/must-have/hemporganic-cotton-wrap-skirt/

A lot of nice skirts here - and I think maybe the last one I found is my favorite - it has to be a skirt that I want to wear to work, feel stylish in and that flatters my figure. The last skirt might make me a little big, but I would like to wear this to work.

Now I just have to find the perfect fabric, and start following the instructions in the book on how to make the pattern.

Be blessed, Tone

Making a pattern

I want to start a regular post here - I don't know if I will make it EVERY lets say Thursday, but I want to share on my blog how I work through this book, learning how to make patterns.

The book is divided up into chapters where the author deals with one basic pattern at the time. She shows you hos to make the pattern.

She explains different parts of how to make a pattern.

She then shows you how you can alter the basic patterns into other kinds of .. lets say the basic skirt.

So if anyone wants to learn how to make proper patterns - clothes that fits perfectly, tag along with me. I will be showing how I make one basic pattern at a time. And first out is the skirt.

And hopefully I'll be a good pattern maker at the end of the book, and maybe some of you will be the same.

Happy pattern making. And be blessed. Tone