Are you tired of not finding any patterns that actually look like the types of clothes you would buy for yourself? Have you noticed that most patterns out there either don't fit how they should even if you buy them for the right measurements, require a ton of adjustments, or are just plain uncool looking, not to mention expensive?
Unless you have the measurements and body of the fit model used for the pattern company your sewn up patterns are most likely going to need some adjustments.
In fact, fitting problems are probably the main reason most women don't really get into sewing for themselves.
Making your own patterns isn't very hard!
This dress isn't exactly my cup of tea but see how simple the pattern for this 400$ Marc Jacobs dress is? Now finding the fabric? Good luck!
And notice how simple the cut is on this 650$ Pillip Lim dress.
Sewing your own clothing is such a rewarding and interesting hobby. You are always learning new things. It make sense that if you do sew your own clothes already sometimes, the next step would be to learn to make your own patterns as well.
Wouldn't it be neat to go to be able to just whip up something that you saw in a magazine or shop but also be able to put your own personal spin on it?
And if you draft the pattern to your measurements and fit it perfectly, you can use that master pattern in the future to make lots of different style from.
A lot of the dresses, tops, and bottoms that are in style right now are really actually simple designs, not at all like the complicated designs found in vintage clothing and patterns.
I am going to be working through the book Design It Yourself Clothes starting November 1st.
I hope you will join along with me in this group pattern drafting project.
Each week I will make a new pattern from the book.
You can follow along as much or as little as you like.
The next week I will sew up that pattern and share the finished projects of others on my blog. Or you can post them in the Flickr group.
I would love if you would sew along with me! You don't have to commit to sewing all of the projects. I won't be doing that either, or else it would take me all year to finish this project.
I will be making the basic patterns in the book, the basic skirt, the basic button down, the basic tee, dress, and pant patterns.
I am really excited about making my own patterns and I love the designs in the book as well.
Cal Patch, the author is being very generous in offering her time and expertise to the project acting as our Sewing Fairy Godmother! She has even agreed to donate a book to giveaway to one reader.
Stay tuned for the giveaway.....
If you would like to participate please leave a comment below. I did make a post last week to gauge interest so if you signed up then, would you mind doing it again here?
Below is the button for the project that you can post on your blogs if you like to do that sort of thing when you are in a sew along.
I do!
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Great that gives me sometime to get some other projects out the way first! Im in!
ReplyDeleteI have had this book for a long time. This is the challenge I needed to draft the patterns. Looking forward to November
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. I have hundreds of patterns, but none that fit well. Can't wait to get started.
ReplyDeleteI'm veeeery interested. Don't have the book yet and can't commit to how much I'll actually be able to sew along, but I'll definitely be following along!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! I'm very interested in 'sewing along'.
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun, I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI need to learn to draft my own patterns. I mean, I needed six patterns to get matching dresses for my two girls, and all of them vintage. Talk about getting pricey! Granted, these patterns will be reused, but still! I'll probably be following along, because I haven't a clue how to start! Count me in for the giveaway, though. :)
ReplyDeleteI have had this book for years wanting to use it and being very inspired by the idea. I shall watch out and decide nearer the time if I can commit to keeping up with you in November...it's my usual Xmas present making time, but you never know! And besides, after Christmas I can refer back ?!
ReplyDeleteI'm interested, have the book, played with a bit but pushed for time at the moment. I will do as much as I can, what are you planning to make, that might help people decide whether they are going to try it. Might I hint at the shirt, cos I failed miserably doing this before and it would be great to have support doing it again!
ReplyDeleteCount me in! I'm hoping you are going to make a shirt, too, as I'd like to make one for myself. Anything else, I'll probably adapt for kids.
ReplyDeleteI have tried and tried to see my own clothes from store bought patterns and they never turn out. I am so in on this. :-)
ReplyDeleteI would love to learn how to draft my own patterns, a draft a long is the perfect place to do that!
ReplyDeleteWell, after Halloween and KCWC this month, I think November might be high time for some selfish sewing!
ReplyDeleteI picked up this book from the library last week and it is a keeper! I am so glad you are doing this and am excited to learn all sorts of new things.
ReplyDeleteI keep looking at this book and thinking about buying it. Now I have a reason. lol
ReplyDeleteI just checked this out from the library a couple of weeks ago - but I need to return it. I'm sure i can recheck it out in Nov though - count me in for at least one or two projects. I'll be in Christmas mode starting Nov 1, but I need to sew some things for me, and this will push me to do it!
ReplyDeleteI would like to participate!
ReplyDeleteI'm super interested too! i don't have the book or much time in November but I'm sure I can pick up lots of hints and tricks from your posts. PS sorry about pr&p. :(
ReplyDeleteI don't have that book, but I have some other sources. I really should make some basic patterns for myself, since none of the commercial patterns fit me. I'll try to do as much as I can.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I would like to participate, I'm not sure if I would do all the projects , one quiestion, is this give away for international followers of your blog? I'm from México =)
ReplyDeleteI have had this book sitting on my shelf for a long time. So, I am super excited about this!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
I really want to!! But I have a baby due in November. Still, I will do what I can. I have had this book for a year, it's about time I worked through it! So, I guess that is I am joining part-time? ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave been looking to make my own pattern, as I have to always alter the commercial patterns, as they never fit correctly, can't wait to start. Thanks Very Much.
ReplyDeleteI am very interested so I can make things for my grandchildren. Count me in! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am going to try and join you!
ReplyDeleteI have had this book on my shelf for ages and am eager to put it use!
ReplyDeleteI ordered this book last week I when saw your initial post last and am hoping I can learn along with you all and finally make a start on making my own patterns.
ReplyDeleteOoomh I'm so excited about the draft along. I don't make enough time for sewing so I'm going to use this to schedule some. I'm really looking forward to it. Thank you so much for this great idea.
ReplyDeleteOoomh I'm so excited about the draft along. I don't make enough time for sewing so I'm going to use this to schedule some. I'm really looking forward to it. Thank you so much for this great idea.
ReplyDeleteHello Justine..New to your blog, This sounds like a lovely idea.. I am a beginner in sewing clothes. But I am not a pattern person always.. I love drafting my own clothes and designs. I would love to tag along in this sew along. Added the button to my side bar and following your blog. Feel free to visit mine when you get time:)
ReplyDeletehttp://thehobbyharbor.blogspot.com
I have this book too and I've never attempted any of the projects. Looking forward to drafting along with you!
ReplyDeleteWell this sounds so lame, but I have been sewing for about 50 years and just started making my own patterns. I made all my kids clothes down to their underwear when I was a young mother. So weird that I was actually afraid to make up my own patterns, scared I would do something wrong. Now I am realizing it isn't all as hard as I thought and trusting myself more. So fun. I made up some patterns and made sweater dresses for my granddaughter and made some ruffly skirts. So yes count me in. I am so ready to make some cute clothes for myself and my little ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested!
ReplyDeleteI try to design my own clothes but always have an issue with the shoulder/arm seams :-\ Thank you for a chance to win this book!
ReplyDeleteMe too!! Count me in.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting this book for ages! I will definitely follow along even if I can't participate.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do this, but time will be very limited in November, but I'll do as much as I can!
ReplyDeleteCount me in! (I think---what am I getting myslef into?? :)))) Ahhh! ;) Seriously, I'm SEW in!
ReplyDeleteI'm in....I am so looking forward to this!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to this. I sew all the time but rarely for myself.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to this. I sew all the time but rarely for myself.
ReplyDeleteAlright...I've been thinking this over for a few days, and I'm in, too. I've been wanting to work through this book for a few years and was just wishing for a friend to do it with me. I'm so glad you are doing this and that you are inviting all of us to join along. Just what I needed. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am in, yeah!
ReplyDeleteIn!
ReplyDeleteI have had the book for a while but other than an a-line skirt I have not attempted any pattern drafting yet. So this will be the perfect occasion to try other patterns. Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI had just finished reading this book when you first posted about doing a sew-along. It's destiny! I'm in!
ReplyDeletei got this book recently as a present from my husband. i haven't had a chance to look at it yet but now i will! i'm excited to follow along even if i probably don't have the time to make more than one or two of the projects in november.
ReplyDeleteI want to join!
ReplyDeleteI want to join! Will try my best to sew along. I just started early in the year but I learn very quickly and love to create.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to make the leap to making clothes for myself (I already sew for my toddler) for ages, but have been intimidated by the huge number of adjustments I'd need to make (I'm all over the map for sizes) and have often thought it would be much easier to just start from scratch. I am moving to a new home so may be a bit behind, but I will follow along as best I can!
ReplyDeleteI guess I can blow the cobwebs off my copy of the book. Excited about joining you.
ReplyDeletewow
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