Skip to main content

Working with Commercial Patterns

Since my fall and winter shows have been postponed to next year, I have a decent amount of time on my hands. So far I've been using that time to take online classes, tune in to various webinar seminars, and read for fun. I've decided to finally work my way though some commercial patterns I own. I am currently in the process of hunting down all of the necessary notions for each pattern. 

I've chosen two patterns to focus on at the moment. First is a Simplicity pattern #8229 by Madalynne for a matching underwire bra and panty set. The other is a lined button front unisex jacket: McCall's pattern #M7818 "W Melissa Watson for Palmer/Pletsch".

My plan is to use as much fabric from my current stash as possible and only buying what I am missing. Since I don't typically sew stretch lace and spandex, I will be buying most of the fabric for the matching bra and panty set. However, I have plenty of fabric to make multiple lined jackets, so I will be able to make a mock up first and then make any necessary size changes to make sure that the final jacket fits beautifully. I am planning on making myself a jacket for the upcoming fall season to add to my work wardrobe. But I would also love to make my husband a jacket, simply because he doesn't own a casual jacket and it would be a great addition to his closet. There will definitely be more posts as I make progress on these projects. First step is to acquire all fabrics and notions needed for each pattern. In the meantime I can cut out the patterns, cut the pieces in fabric that I already have, and see what progress I can make while waiting for all the pieces I need.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mood Board for Writing Characters

The Dire Circle - " The circle is dire, much like the outcomes of these stories. In this black zodiac themed anthology, you may come to dislike other people...maybe even yourself."   When I pitched an idea for "The Dire Circle" during 2021, I wasn't sure that it would even get picked. But, once it did and I was given a Black Zodiac to then develop my short story, I decided to do what I do for costuming a character - I made a mood board for my main character.  My Black Zodiac was the Serpent and my short story for the anthology is Twisted Tales, Dripping in Honey . My story centered around a very femme fatale main character with lots of buried secrets. I looked to old Hollywood glamour, dark reds, demon eyes, and other glints of seductress mixed with sweetness to create Melia . For me, coming up with a name was very difficult. After creating what should would look like, having an idea of her voice, her outfits, her drive, everything about her, I still needed the...

Fire Gloves - Witch's Special Effects in "The Kingdom of Dreams: A Tale of Oz"

Currently a work in progress , this is one image of the fire gloves for the Witch in "The Kingdom of Dreams: A Tale of Oz." Using conductive thread I was able to hand sew a controller, 9 LEDs, and a mini on/off button to each glove. The actress will be able to use the on/off switches on the thumbs on the gloves to control the lights. My husband, who is a software engineer, is programming the LEDs to create a fire effect in red. There will be a thin glove worn over these so that the LEDs and controller will be hidden. The LEDs are very bright and will be able to be seen through the second layer. Once the programming is in place I will share a video of the gloves in action. Stay tuned for more special effects!