I really hate patterns. From the time in 8th grade when I was sewing letter-shaped pillows in Home Ec, I found all those tissue paper notches annoying. And the super-detailed instructions might be good for some people or when you’re learning a new construction technique, but… Align reverse side to front side at notch, pin. Turn 1/2 inch. Sew to notch, reinforcing seam with double row of stitches. Yuck!
Here in Japan, none of the patterns are in my size, so I’m spared this trauma. I have experience drafting patterns, though it’s been a long time and my skills are rusty. What I need is inspiration. What do current fashions look like?
Enter the fashion book. I’ve fallen in love with these and already own three of them.
Each book has a front section with photos of the designs on models. Then each item has a one or two page spread that shows you how to place the pieces on the fabric, a numbered list of instructions, and details for any special construction points.
There are assumptions about your ability to sew. You must know how to cut a pattern, sew a seam, turn a hem, etc. These books are not really for true beginners, though they are not difficult things to sew if you have the basics under your belt. The instructions are sparse but there are illustrated sections to cover some techniques and I’ve learned a clever ironing tip from the “Men’s Shirts” book.
The books also have pullout patterns–a single sheet with all of the pieces printed on top of one another. You are suppose to trace them out. Of course, they are not drafted for my shape, so I will have to redo them to fit my waist-hip ratio and my wide shoulders.
This page shows the skirt I made last week. It doesn’t even have a pattern, just measurements for the various rectangles. The instructions include some detail on putting together the pocket, but other than that, it’s 7 easy steps:
- Sew side seams
- Make the slit
- Assemble pockets, attach
- Create a tri-fold casing hem
- Sew the waisband casing
- Insert the waistband elsastic
- Insert the cord at the hem
It was so easy, I made two. Summer wardrode is sorted. Have I mentioned that I now know the kanji for “fusible interfacing” in Japanese?
