C . W : Patterns

 

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : Prima Oct. 2019 &Vogue Basic Design 1534

This time I am looking at different styles for loose dresses. The prima pattern - Oct.2019, on the left, has a empire line fitted round the bust, 3/4 or gathered 1/4 length sleeves. The skirt of the dress flows from there, seamed down the front, another option is there for having a slit in the front from about knee height. A casual dress, with a vintage vibe, especially in floral fabrics. Cottons, linens, crepe and any silk/silk like will make a lovely fabric choice. I can see this in some abstract florals for a fun twist. Making a comfy dress, you can adapt the fit  to your body and be able to make a fairly simple dress in some nice fabrics or combinations. I can see some going for a faux vintage vibe with  decorative buttons and loops on the front up the seam, to the split.

On the right, I have an old pattern brought second hand in a charity shop (uncut last time I checked), with Vogue's Basic 1534 boxy dress pattern. A lot of variations are included in this pattern alongside the main body - a boxy top with a wide and shallow boat neckline, a key hole at the back of the neck, gathered at an elasticated waist, with a loose skirt. The options include; sleeveless, elbow length sleeves, and full length cuffed sleeve, a neck tie with a wide peter pan style, a split square/pilgrim collar, 2 skirt lengths and finally a contrast band in the skirt if preferred. This pattern would be loose and comfortable some details are very dated and not often worn anymore, including the silhouette. I like to have some boxy fits from the bust with the short skirt, I'd like keep a plain/contrast neckline or have the peter pan and tie style. Split the sleeves under the arm and have them as a capelet style. From there I'd have the try the fit to make bigger changes. One addition to think of is lengthening the parts of the front of the bodice  to exaggerate the boxy look/as if it was tucked in. The skirt can be shortened or length added, as well, to suit.

I would most likely make the Prima Oct.2019 pattern in cotton with puff sleeves and remake in a crepe or more fun print. However, I would love to see the Vogue pattern made and worn, but the dated style makes it difficult to wear when its not in my preferred style from the past.  I would modernise it where possible, and with my body the fit would not be as flattering. Only a style for comfort in my case. I would have to see how this adapts to any changes I make before this changes in my mind.

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C . W : Patterns

G . O : Workspace During Lockdown

 

Getting On :

Workspace During Lockdown : Desk, Study & Dinning Table

Like everyone I know - workspace at home has been a major change for a lot of people. For me - I don't have a fully dedicated space that fits me and my work, alongside side everything else in the home. I did my desk and hung art in a few places - this hasn't changed much during lowdown. However, I have had more time to work at home on art and other mediums, but not the space to keep ongoing work out for more than a few days at a time.

I have a good desk setup, which will be getting a new chair and a monitor stand (with a drawer) - Though largely unchanged during this time. Unless you count all my mess. I have knitting and embroidery projects to my right side at the moment. I've had some projects to use up materials, rather than buy. Including those boxes I've decorated for my partner and me. This has helped to make a little more space and create at least some more storage, before having any clear out.

Over lockdown I've had only 3/4 clear outs - only two focused on my work stuff and hobbies. The first was to make space for die-cutting and paper crafts, as you can see my shelves are decently full, in the pictures below. The second time, was to accept some fabric due to a clear-out of another home-sewer. While this meant getting rid of some scraps that weren't being used (tiny pieces), making quick plans for larger pieces and donating anything I knew could be used by someone else. 

Pulling everything out and organising usually takes a good while to sort. Last time, it took me 3 days, as I gave myself breaks and space. Walking away can let me see what I actually can use versus something I want to keep for the sake of it. For my process - I need to have a project even if it'll take a long time before I start or finish the project. I will need to go through these shelves and the cabinet on the right again, soon and plan sewing clothes or larger projects before lockdown is fully lifted in May.  (This is my deadline no matter what occurs, I need deadlines and timelines so times to focus on projects).

Dining table is another space I use but I like making a point of using it a couple of days a weeks for dinner, while my partner enjoys eating at his desk while there are other plans for both of us. We have a wooden table, second hand - so we have a table cloth to make it look nice. Protecting the table isn't much of a priority due to age and previous owners. The table has an extension but I rarely use this when working on art or hobbies, as I will just spread to fit the space I have. When I should keep myself under some control, when I don't need a 6 person table. 

This table has seen me through acrylic painting, watercolours, die-cutting, sewing clothes, pattern drafting, photography and plant care. Along with all my project planning and organising. This bit of space has been good to keep organised with my mess and make sure I clean up regularly and plan my weeks. Planning my time has been a something that's helped my mental health during lockdown - Knowing they aren't set in stone also helps. 

The rest of my space hasn't been decorated - hence the white walls but adding art and keepsakes to my areas has been great. I wanted grey carpets and white walls so whatever furniture and décor we pick will pop with colour and details. I am hoping to add a lot more with our current plans for our space.

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G . O : Workspace During Lockdown

G . O : Pinterest

 

Getting On :

Pinterest Boards : 

Mine-Shop-On-Etsy on Pinterest

This is my board on Pinterest - with my Etsy. I have only recently made this addition but have several boards for personal events and research. Largely for reference photos, designs and textile techniques. I have used it through university. I've looked into knitting, cooking, sewing, fashion and clothes patterns. 

I have a love for cosplay but very little experience - Pinterest has been a great way to explore so much. And with some keep research, pictures and some links over a long period. I often can't gather a lot of what I enjoy in one place to look back at years later, that isn't my own work or writings.  

I hope that adding my own work and experiences will add to someone else doing the same. Trying some new or finding something they like to look at. Even if its just someone looking and feeling like they can also make that theirs.

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G . O : Pinterest

C . W : Patterns

 

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : Prima July 2015 & 6557

These two patterns are for halter neck dresses, on the left is the Prima pattern July 2015. Let most of of Prima pattern was gifted to me. It's a simple halter style with a V-neck and tied at the neck. With a variate for a child's dress, with elastic, rather than a zip, and no darts. 

The second pattern is 6557 - its from simplicity and was brought at a market. This pattern has 5 dress styles with a few fastening options. With halter neck and other options for straps, as well.

A halter neck dress is a good choice for summer, with the most popular fabric being cotton/linen. These two patterns are very different - both in silhouette and level. The prima pattern is still fitting with darts and with a simple simple skirt, while the simplicity pattern (on the right) has 3 parts. A skirt, waist and bust. This raises the level for those sewing, but the shapes and options should not be difficult to follow, but adding gathers, piping and bound edges also increases the work. 

This increase in work and complexity also increases the options and wear-ability. Teaching you can take a simple dress for summer, the beach or a simple evening, to take other skills you've learned for a more unique design and tailored. Taking a chance to learn and applying what you've learned through both patterns I feel more options will open up. 

For myself I'm most interested in 6557's option E - I wouldn't have the waist tie, but the sweet heart neckline would be great in a red/purple satin. I have a lot of trouble with halter neck dresses due to the pull on my neck - I feel I could learn to make more support within the dress and make adjustments to the tie to reduce the pull. I have a preference for a fitted dress and the waist would allow for the fit I want, this is only big factor. The shape to both is lovely and with the various on the second pattern or some inspired additions - Anyone can play with the design of a dress or two.

             

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C . W : Patterns

G . O : Watercolour Tags

  

Getting On :

Watercolour Tags : Die-cutting Paper Crafts

I started die-cutting in 2020, as a way to help make a friend's wedding invites. I've had a lot of fun with it, and made a point to buy dies that would be used again. With the ideas for cards and gift trimmings, e.g. boxes and tags. I made a few for friends and family as gifts over Christmas. I also made several available on Etsy. I still do. However, since December I wanted to continue to play with die-cutting - I've struggled with designing cards, but had fun with newer weights of card and paper. including the title of this post - watercolour paper. I've had fun with painting designs and adding texture to paper that can be used as a material. This has made some very abstract and refreshing unique pieces.

Etsy @AnimalRev

It's been nice to plan and explore with basic designs, then finding I can twist what I've learnt in a new way. I always like applying my new skills to others, whether I'm still learning or I'm established my abilities. I think I prefer plant themes. However, the tones and textures made with layering colour like on my gift bags, below - is a design I want to plant with further. I'm hoping this will lead me to build more card design and building skills, as even if I don't sell cards. I would love to be able to send homemade cards to family and friends. To do that I need to be happy with the results I want to give. Preferably, this would also be holding myself to a standard, as if this was a product, personal or not. 

I'm going to keep looking for more inspiration, more colour and how to add finishing touches to each piece. Finding a style all my own, within just papercrafts and paper cutting.

Etsy @AnimalRev

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G . O : Watercolour Tags

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : March 2015 & July 2019

March 2015 Prima Pattern on the left has culottes and loose boxy top, in a long enough to almost hit the hips. The top has 3 option, including a lace trim. I have noted on the pattern I would lengthen this pattern, this in is relation to the culottes as I don't like most trousers hitting me mid leg. The length -with shop brought clothes- are often too long and hit the wrong part of my ankle/leg. I'd have this hit mid ankle or shorten to hit a little higher on me. This pattern will be comfy but likely need to be adjusted for most people. Shortening the top for a more purposeful boxy top or even a loose crop top. 

While on the right, I have July 2019 Prima Pattern with a loose top with a few options on length, hem shaped and front detail. A very comfy style again and loose fitting - the type you could wear all summer or as a cover up. With this style you could also length the sleeves by another 3/4cm and roll hem as decoration.

For me - I lean towards the March 2015 pattern - both for the top and culottes. I like a boxy top - but either men's or shorter - hitting the waist not the hips. The suggestion of the lace details are very appealing. As is playing with a fit of the culottes, extending the hem a little I can easier shorten them as needed.

I like a loose trouser with pleats in the waistband, giving plentily of space for hips and movement. I could see making a set with cotton/polyester culottes and a top of printed or textured viscose. Contrasting colours and print could be a lot of fun. 

The left pattern 5827 appears to be very simple with the option for contrasting fabrics and high keyhole opening.

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C . W : Patterns

G . O : Collages

 

Well, I found a forum with some advice and tips - one tip was making collages. I know I can do a lot with Instagram and other apps. But I like using my computer a lot. One site they suggested was befunky.com and it's pretty good. A lot of control and tools to do more editing than just a collage. 

I think I'll be making more with my own photographs and work. I find collages a great way to show off a collection of work or a theme. In the case above some of my favourite images of my embroidery. 

Clearly shows a need to work on filtering and editing my images to be more similar. More presentable in a collage or online shop front. Making layouts for my patterns could be really interesting, as could adding more text and watermarks.

There's a lot of different sites and apps out there to assist people with almost any project . Have fun, know what data you want to give and keep looking for something that works for you. This one just worked for me.

https://www.befunky.com/

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G . O : Collages

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : Aug 2014 & May 2015

Both of these patterns were given to me - both are separates to a make a whole outfit. May 2015 Prima Pattern on the left, makes up a squared necked dress and fitted jacket. White Aug. 2014 Prima pattern makes up a top and skirt pairing. Both patterns allow for matching sets or mixing fabrics or patterns.

These two patterns are of two very different styles of necklines and though the dress and top have similar dart placements - they can be fitted to be more boxy/loose, as the dress is photographed or more fitted as the top. It would also be possible to swap the necklines between them - as long as any sewer is aware of the changes it it bring. For my style - last year I would have likely sewn the dress - I try to wear less trousers when I'm out of work and its even a little warm. Make it out of floral cotton or a glittered black fabric with a heavier cotton. Lowering the neckline a by 2-4 cm. 

However, I would lean towards the jacket from May 2015 Pattern and the skirt from the Aug. 2014 pattern. Making them in matching small print. OR a floral skirt and soft great jacket. I'd do this to have more jackets that would fit me well and I enjoy sewing skirts a lot after making many sun dresses at the beginning of lockdown. The skirt would pair well with a lot more tops I own.  

The jacket - if care is taken- could even be made it cotton with sheer panels or lacey effects. Making a very unique piece.

The top is could become boxy and short on my body - due to my bust. I can make several adjusts to help the fit - however if I made the top and it wasn't a perfect fit I wouldn't wear it even with a matching skirt. Or amazing fabric I loved.

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C . W : Patterns

G .O : Embroidered Patches

 

Getting On :

Embroidered Patches : 

With Lockdown I have restarted my Etsy and a large reason was to sell items I make as a hobby or interest. Since I have sewn for years, I have quite a bit of experience with embroidery and beading to expand on my skills. Embroidery has been a great way to expand on my design skills and take my time with work - I can't always draw on paper and can struggle to sit and get my ideas out. 

It started with just practicing some bead work, then some embroidery stitches and developed into actually making pieces that could sell, if someone is interested. 

I'm currently focused on stitching pieces to create stock, each piece will be unique and different from one another. Allowing for some stock, along a few other pieces. Once I feel comfortable with the amount, I will focus larger projects, including embroidery or embroidered pieces. Such as some pieces I want to make are 30-50cm tall and another idea is similar to the gifts I made previously - aprons with embroidered details - keeping the idea of making each unique or allowing custom work. I don't want to duplicate every item, despite the handmade aspect ensuring each will always be unique.

If you look at my work so far below I have been varied with my stitch work, designs and themes. Taking ideas from what interests me at the time, be it exploring heart designs. Embroidering my style of eyes. Using fabric paint to enhance some of my work. Or focus on composition and layout with moon pieces. It keeps my hands busy and allow me to interest myself in a single project at a time, in the hoop.

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G .O : Embroidered Patches

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : Nov 2018 & Nov 2008

Left Nov.2018, Prima Blazer Pattern, Right Nov.2008, Prima Wrap/Loose Coat Pattern

Both of these patterns were given to me, passed on from a non-sewer, to add to my collection. Left is a blazer pattern from Nov.2018, with 3 options, 2 x for pockets, including a welt option and 1x without pockets. Though loose on the model, with the darts in the front this could be highly customisable for fabrics and fit. Also the options would allow for more advanced options e.g. welt pockets.

The pattern on the right is a loose coat with a tie, and simple, bagged pockets. Only a little longer in the body than the option pattern, and with looser fit, this could make a comfy wrap for going outside. This coat will allow for a quick project and 

Both of these patterns were brought while I was in Derby - but on separate visits to the market stall, about 2013-2015. This was one of my favourite stalls as they had a great collection of printed fabrics, patterns, and they often had swatches for pennies. Great for tests, mock up, illustrations, and research for sketchbooks. 

These two Butterwick patterns are of two very different styles of dresses in the construction and structure of them. 

The left pattern 5827 appears to be very simple with the option for contrasting fabrics and high keyhole opening.

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C . W : Patterns