Teach Yourself to Drape Patterns: How to Get Started

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFIiY114g6L2DnDSqWykzeEwotGAdBEkkMpyxVGdT-WCE6Oy3a_5YPuN9E_hhKKrxMwe_HjDYW9Ap3tompz6Wdx4ujgpWTB3J0gzLTNUvgBFGn0XASirgRsXifeosCbZ0Q91Wcjsa4tUH/s1600/Drape+patterns.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFIiY114g6L2DnDSqWykzeEwotGAdBEkkMpyxVGdT-WCE6Oy3a_5YPuN9E_hhKKrxMwe_HjDYW9Ap3tompz6Wdx4ujgpWTB3J0gzLTNUvgBFGn0XASirgRsXifeosCbZ0Q91Wcjsa4tUH/s640/Drape+patterns.jpg" width="500" /> </a><br />Let's Talk About: Fashion Design<br />When you have fashion design ideas, one of the first skills you need to have is creating an original pattern.  If you cannot take a pattern design class, it can be very frustrating to learn how to make a pattern.  There are two main ways to produce a pattern.  The draping method uses a professional dress form, laying fabric on it to create the desired garment style.  The flat drafting method uses measurements to create a drafted pattern.  Often the draft is actually a manipulation of a pre-existing pattern.<br /><br />Most students begin with pattern draping.  After learning to work with fabric on the 3-D form, their pattern can be traced onto paper and used for future patterns.  The following information will be based on learning how to drape patterns.<br /><br />Before you start: the first purchase must be a dress form.  While these can be costly, they are essential for all types of design and sewing, so it is as important to own as your sewing machine.  What size to buy?  If you plan to create designs that might later be sold, you should consider a sample size "8" to start.  This is generally considered a basic size.  If you have a specific target market, get your dress form in their 'average' size and shape.  If you are sewing for yourself, then that size would be best.  If you are looking at an older dress form, brands such as "Modern Model" and "Wolf" are common.   "PGM" is a more recent brand that is imported.<br /><br />Professional dress forms will have the following:<br /><br />strong, sturdy base with wheels and adjustable height pedal<br />collapsable shoulders (used to pull off skirts)<br />princess seam lines in the muslin cover<br />shoulder plates where the armholes should be<br />pin-able surface<br />  <br />Tools and Supplies for Pattern Draping:<br /><br />Pins: long pins are best for working on a dress form<br />L ruler, aluminum:: 24" x 14", this is a metal ruler with a right angle<br />Clear ruler: this "C through" 18" long x 2" wide ruler has a grid mapped on it.<br />Measuring tape: plastic <br /><br />Marker: many students use 'sharpie' brand markers<br />Pencil: a standard desk type pencil can be used<br />tailor's chalk: a chalk that is thin and flat for sharp lines <br />Shears: you will want 8" sharp fabric shears for cutting your yardage<br />Muslin: 100% cotton is required.  A medium weight is best (don't use a thin, cheap muslin)<br />Twill tape: 1/4" wide tape will be used to wrap around the dress form to mark specific body areas<br /><br />Tools and Supplies for transfering muslin pattern to paper:<br /><br />tracing wheel or pattern wheel: sharp needle point wheel with wooden handle<br />awl: to punch holes in the paper<br />French curve: clear plastic curve to draft smooth lines around curves<br />hip curve: 24" long, a larger gentle curve used to draft smooth lines <br />pattern notcher: 1/16", used to mark pattern edges<br />dot paper<br />manila paper or other heavy paper such as 'butcher paper'<br />heavy scissors: for cutting paper<br /><br />Tutorials for learning Pattern Draping:<br /><br />Before starting a draping program, the student should have a good understanding of sewing and some experience working with patterns. Before beginning a drape, it would be a good idea to purchase the same style pattern first, then cut and sew it before learning to drape it.   <br /><br />A series of tutorials for 10 garment processes along with how to prepare the dress form is available online through Cornell University, <a href="http://fit.cit.cornell.edu/textiles/draping/index.htm" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.  Each process is shown in a step-by-step format.  The entire set of tutorials equals about one or two semesters of classroom projects at the college level. A draping text is recommended as a guide.  This series assumes the student is an intermediate level sewist, who has experience in sewing the garment being draped.  <br /><br />Videos: With so many videos available online, it's tough to select tutorials that are well planned and accurate.<br />Craftsy.com has a <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/fashion-draping-dressmaking-basics/205" target="_blank"><b>full series of pattern draping tutorials</b></a> taught by Paul Gallo.  They are well priced, and appear to be comprehensive enough to get a student started in the draping technique.  On youtube.com this short<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayd15gpcNT8&list=UUT6bqz11BI3QMWQGZynwowQ&index=12" target="_blank"><b> video on draping</b></a> by PandemicApparel is also a good place to start if you don't want to spend a cent before you get a 'feel' for this process:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ayd15gpcNT8?list=UUT6bqz11BI3QMWQGZynwowQ" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />References:  You can never have too many good books.  These are typical titles used in fashion draping courses:<br /><br />Draping Basics, by Sally Di Marco.  I recommend this first due to the great tutorial photos.  She works with gingham fabric, which clearly show the grainlines while working.  There is a pdf preview online: <a href="http://www.fairchildbooks.com/ext/resources/instructor-resources/PDF-previews/7366-Sample.pdf" target="_blank"><b> HERE</b></a><br />The Art of Fashion Draping, by Connie Amaden-Crawford<br />Draping for Apparel Design, by Helen Joseph-Armstrong<br />Draping for Fashion Design, by Hilde Jaffe<br /><br />Shopping Resources: Most tools and supplies can be found online if you aren't located near a fashion college's student store.  One popular vendor is<a href="http://www.ids-la.com/" target="_blank"><b> IDS International Design Supplies</b></a>, Inc., Los Angeles and<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> </span>student kits are available:<a href="http://www.ids-la.com/Kits-and-Packs_c_93.html" target="_blank"><b> HERE</b></a><br /><br />I hope this helps you to get started learning pattern design. If you have any questions--just ask and I'll get back with an answer! <br /><br /><i>This original article on fashion is part 10 of a series called <a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/p/fashion-design.html"><b>"Let's Talk About:"</b></a> that is posted only here at Pintucks. The contents of this article are the intellectual property of this blog. Please do not copy any content or images to another blog or digital media without contacting me first. I will ask that you link back to this article and give reference to this source within your feature. If you are using content or images for a research paper or project, please link back to this page in the traditional academic format, thank you! </i><br /><br /><br /><br />

Teach Yourself to Drape Patterns: How to Get Started

  Let's Talk About: Fashion Design When you have fashion design ideas, one of the first skills you need to have is creating an original ...

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The Party Dress Book by Mary Adams: a Book Review

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA3ew1g1MtNJccE2cLz3cVjY406BMijQkx_S4t-zlcO8bLGANIl585LM4P3waPnVAUKbeD0wyVFtsjQt0tx7cgusCeuNQoYmdD9HMGnmGMONIJ6YbJ4f9B6QAJICFtlM-3ITQwv5orfGA/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557287959783742258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA3ew1g1MtNJccE2cLz3cVjY406BMijQkx_S4t-zlcO8bLGANIl585LM4P3waPnVAUKbeD0wyVFtsjQt0tx7cgusCeuNQoYmdD9HMGnmGMONIJ6YbJ4f9B6QAJICFtlM-3ITQwv5orfGA/s400/IMG_3857.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" /></a>Sewing dresses is a great creative outlet, but for many who sew, coming up with ideas and trying to make them real is a big challenge. Finding vintage inspired fashion to sew can be difficult as well. "The Party Dress Book by Mary Adams" is a great source for new and vintage concepts and ideas for sewing dresses. It has a whimsical bent, with styles that you won't find in a store. Rather, the focus is on dream-like and fantasy looks with a vintage 1950's or Victorian or Marie Antionette kind of style.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq99G6YnVny2KGSb1xZB7sBz7BA87JhqwWS3zQY3YjSXCSTfqc1lo_L0rU-fdp5-r58ELbateUVlI3F8VNuViTH5ubbv5WevPbxxli9i5MfQL5Th8hJ55704apkmvPiSlPl3smhgWBGn1o/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557289134434806354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq99G6YnVny2KGSb1xZB7sBz7BA87JhqwWS3zQY3YjSXCSTfqc1lo_L0rU-fdp5-r58ELbateUVlI3F8VNuViTH5ubbv5WevPbxxli9i5MfQL5Th8hJ55704apkmvPiSlPl3smhgWBGn1o/s400/IMG_3863.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zMh3UN7wxDWKr3bs1LceZN9WgWoGQ61azDInhwh-XjqBAV8hROwS7l2P0FwvxfuhgjTp1CnAOfWVdlrVGGgrOcQiPY-qBMOh0W5H8giDbOAMry6Mj8VbpD8UlLQkQGYBOe_h9drbwlZd/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557289003079034466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zMh3UN7wxDWKr3bs1LceZN9WgWoGQ61azDInhwh-XjqBAV8hROwS7l2P0FwvxfuhgjTp1CnAOfWVdlrVGGgrOcQiPY-qBMOh0W5H8giDbOAMry6Mj8VbpD8UlLQkQGYBOe_h9drbwlZd/s400/IMG_3862.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfdPbvTLoVl6PVYyWk-aOV_6kqZmTD54xQADWaOJ0k3L9uHdppO6Ctf88gLAXPhCrrlyaHEOAU9SunBN61RnKnYwdFhrGrxi3h19KvxUIDP0r2gJkIREk0k2aSIB3v4aiTPkthXHDFNYj/s1600/IMG_3858.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557288857688448178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfdPbvTLoVl6PVYyWk-aOV_6kqZmTD54xQADWaOJ0k3L9uHdppO6Ctf88gLAXPhCrrlyaHEOAU9SunBN61RnKnYwdFhrGrxi3h19KvxUIDP0r2gJkIREk0k2aSIB3v4aiTPkthXHDFNYj/s400/IMG_3858.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>The sewing techniques shown in this little book range from layering sheers, applying bias strips, ruffles, applique and other textures. By using opaque and sheer fabrics, many unusual and fanciful effects are created. The author reviews each type of texture in detail, showing how it can enhance a surface and provide richness and visual interest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CAGRu3ZOVb0bAJJ_dKVVX4bn4lYkZHnmzdHLg1buFYN8GMfuLeaTDgZC7Y9-pKHEsmcl-SZGw5I-rk-p9kpIrq-TS-KFT_bOgs7ZZE39-L0c-ybJN-qTuPdn9SDAjMxFYO-irwunBQty/s1600/IMG_3872.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557291301150238018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CAGRu3ZOVb0bAJJ_dKVVX4bn4lYkZHnmzdHLg1buFYN8GMfuLeaTDgZC7Y9-pKHEsmcl-SZGw5I-rk-p9kpIrq-TS-KFT_bOgs7ZZE39-L0c-ybJN-qTuPdn9SDAjMxFYO-irwunBQty/s400/IMG_3872.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVufMgITGY86RtrWHucoum4Tfd95Mv5rq4L9dvbWxdkBC_uTsuNx5T5PYOl2_AEDNuf8C080I87rxfyMvXGHW7IbK5qhLEtn9ML2QUMHm6clzYOGToXHUNtp4vBT5bom8onBvZBUR5w2n2/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557291157231741010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVufMgITGY86RtrWHucoum4Tfd95Mv5rq4L9dvbWxdkBC_uTsuNx5T5PYOl2_AEDNuf8C080I87rxfyMvXGHW7IbK5qhLEtn9ML2QUMHm6clzYOGToXHUNtp4vBT5bom8onBvZBUR5w2n2/s400/IMG_3880.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJcubFK-C-sEM7AYnJYdXGZpzcQfECRYHscizFOVmclAEh0VvruenHvdeOXMQAguJ5y-zkxL5LrX9Br1pfQw3dCsaGhvuqBIKkbtZiftLLaIwcDMGLuK6lLmAxb_xhkAyDFciYUAOtmQ0/s1600/IMG_3885.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557291001887331010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJcubFK-C-sEM7AYnJYdXGZpzcQfECRYHscizFOVmclAEh0VvruenHvdeOXMQAguJ5y-zkxL5LrX9Br1pfQw3dCsaGhvuqBIKkbtZiftLLaIwcDMGLuK6lLmAxb_xhkAyDFciYUAOtmQ0/s400/IMG_3885.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO-mz8uqVQAYHe3gTGg35eu8FNy-Mx-DCglyfKyXZ6Dx3cboJm7NpSLKJD9rDq6lzYlZM47VNe1bxjPZ0wL8XGcKeegetjxuiTqAtEqHU8X4MMunJ54Xl1bflsR-5c0vYTH46cFsabxA0/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557290888289161442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO-mz8uqVQAYHe3gTGg35eu8FNy-Mx-DCglyfKyXZ6Dx3cboJm7NpSLKJD9rDq6lzYlZM47VNe1bxjPZ0wL8XGcKeegetjxuiTqAtEqHU8X4MMunJ54Xl1bflsR-5c0vYTH46cFsabxA0/s400/IMG_3876.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MI5QczMFrO5S2KKhQROdZPXx4OiyBasocgiN48279AgiVAmVKSk6yukd9qBFhte1g1tTSNRns0aXBGo2s_c6yUfSrqqI0BTipGtW05ltV0xhTctR3ytPm-2OaIprOLH7x6L0LCZw-b_r/s1600/IMG_3878.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557290767248057874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MI5QczMFrO5S2KKhQROdZPXx4OiyBasocgiN48279AgiVAmVKSk6yukd9qBFhte1g1tTSNRns0aXBGo2s_c6yUfSrqqI0BTipGtW05ltV0xhTctR3ytPm-2OaIprOLH7x6L0LCZw-b_r/s400/IMG_3878.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 331px; height: 400px;" /></a>Bodice and skirt details are shown from the author's collection. There is a significant portion of the book devoted to the author's background and artistic profile. This is not always what someone looking for sewing ideas is willing to read, but it does provide an interesting viewpoint and career outline that some may find inspiring.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokyjtqZAj6fQfQ6jkOe4CV8S9Qv7Mn5HtZVGDix1st1H9h_mDEuRvxqIsBd23HkxWmJuB_mdLMtyfE4NgvKJ4rHTIACYMDgDYOcC7_0MKL6XavoBbdIv9jGgDqKP3vMqoYlkoPsPFSgWC/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557292383490496434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokyjtqZAj6fQfQ6jkOe4CV8S9Qv7Mn5HtZVGDix1st1H9h_mDEuRvxqIsBd23HkxWmJuB_mdLMtyfE4NgvKJ4rHTIACYMDgDYOcC7_0MKL6XavoBbdIv9jGgDqKP3vMqoYlkoPsPFSgWC/s400/IMG_3890.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTcc55B2CxTp0gJYyivmMmK3A92BQKM2MAMCkNbm8-lNTHFB_zd-p9wI33oEM8utQZYb9twKpEJyWajEo56j1o43WpMMJADhK9-nxzXyDGiNJ0P8qwWeidnIh5fx-dz4vZ6srHoHaGtgu/s1600/IMG_3891.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557292293901089378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTcc55B2CxTp0gJYyivmMmK3A92BQKM2MAMCkNbm8-lNTHFB_zd-p9wI33oEM8utQZYb9twKpEJyWajEo56j1o43WpMMJADhK9-nxzXyDGiNJ0P8qwWeidnIh5fx-dz4vZ6srHoHaGtgu/s400/IMG_3891.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUX8CVjtg-6XgA_Wlbaod5s8hluCw7_CJGVtM0A9H1pYZ_9EPfvuOpLAzw_7Hf5VNsYLbWX0yqPuKkzPr_u6xrsiZfUeDMfvsUNB4EwxlyumillfAEEDPxrZxtr0CjDXbvOTHJ6gyMuPE/s1600/IMG_3892.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557292209211593058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUX8CVjtg-6XgA_Wlbaod5s8hluCw7_CJGVtM0A9H1pYZ_9EPfvuOpLAzw_7Hf5VNsYLbWX0yqPuKkzPr_u6xrsiZfUeDMfvsUNB4EwxlyumillfAEEDPxrZxtr0CjDXbvOTHJ6gyMuPE/s400/IMG_3892.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 389px;" /></a>The final book chapters provide a pattern with directions for making a dress. This is a princess line bodice and circle skirt dress, which is especially good for detailing with textures and color. <br /><br />The pattern itself may seem complicated for a beginner to work with, but similar patterns are available in purchased patterns, if that approach is easier. In fact, a purchased pattern might provide helpful supplementary sewing instructions not given in the book. <br /><br />This bodice is shown without boning, which will make it soft, without structure. With this style, shoulder straps are essential. I am guessing the author left out boning to make the pattern easier. Having a purchased pattern may help to advise the sewer who wants a boned bodice instead.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZW87USMwcf4d1R6QcKri4hIAPVzlvfWAZmbztCXZquLYQnLHy8KlVXG0US5OjJGS2_FVkYD7w6jdIblMu36MKjINU7y78O8foh2RhBV6-9ribnrv3hHQ85y_44uXKP1tSKvXGFwU01zX-/s1600/IMG_3864.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557294115541347330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZW87USMwcf4d1R6QcKri4hIAPVzlvfWAZmbztCXZquLYQnLHy8KlVXG0US5OjJGS2_FVkYD7w6jdIblMu36MKjINU7y78O8foh2RhBV6-9ribnrv3hHQ85y_44uXKP1tSKvXGFwU01zX-/s400/IMG_3864.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />I highly recommend this book as a source of inspiration, along with a great series of tutorials on how to create texture and visual interest when sewing fashion. This is something that has been left out of fashion sewing in recent years, so for many this may be a first peak into new territory for sewing.<br /><br />Book: The Party Dress Book, How to Sew the Best Dress in the Room<br />Author: Mary Adams<br />Publisher: Watson-Guptill, 2010<br />Binding: spiral bound<br /><br />Skill level: Intermediate<br />(With a purchased pattern, this book could be used by someone who has fit and sewn a dress or two successfully, and is ready to be more creative.)<br /><br />Suggested:<br />This book will appeal to anyone who loves fanciful and creative fashion. <br />It is the perfect engagement gift for a creative bride to be.<br />This is equally fun as a 'look book' for someone who doesn't sew but loves new ideas. <br />It is also an interesting read to learn about the author's own career in the arts and fashion.<br /><br />Supplimentary Patterns: <br />The following commercial patterns may be used when making the dress shown in this book.<br /><br />Princess bodice, with sweet-heart neckline:<br />Simplicity 4070<br />New Look 6805<br /><br />Princess bodice, with flat neckline:<br />Butterick 5322<br />Butterick 4443<br />Simplicity 2440<br /><br /><a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="Pintucks" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

The Party Dress Book by Mary Adams: a Book Review

Sewing dresses is a great creative outlet, but for many who sew, coming up with ideas and trying to make them real is a big challenge. Find...

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Halter Tops for Summer

<a href="http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/pintucks/?action=view&current=P6260138-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/pintucks/P6260138-1.jpg"></a><br /><br><br />Let's face it, we probably have a good 2 months left of summer weather. You still have time to make up some cute summer tops, and THEN you can cruise the town!<br /><br />What's more classic than a halter top when the weather is hot, and this one is so cute. It's made from a single piece for each bra top, and a midriff panel that is shaped in front to create a slender look.<br /><br />This style works best if it's lined with something crisp and cool, like cotton broadcloth. That also makes the edges neater than trying to turn and stitch all the way around every edge. The pattern here gives some idea how the bra top is cut: with an open dart at the bottom that has been converted into gathers under the bustline (pattern piece G).<br /><br /><a href="http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/pintucks/?action=view&current=P6260141-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/pintucks/P6260141-1.jpg"></a><br /><br />This pattern is part of a great group of summer styles: tops and pants with that 70's style. We love those wide leg pants too. It's all so "1930's beach pajama" in style, something Katherine Hepburn would wear so well. Or sew it up in black satin and Joan Crawford comes to mind!<br /><br><br /><a href="http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/pintucks/?action=view&current=P6260136-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/pintucks/P6260136-1.jpg"></a>

Halter Tops for Summer

Let's face it, we probably have a good 2 months left of summer weather. You still have time to make up some cute summer tops, and THEN y...

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