Two Way Stretch

Lycra - two way stretch – a great fabric to sew with, wonderful bright colours to choose from and fabulous finishes, from high gloss to metallic prints. The project was a leotard and sports shorts for a 5 year old. The paper pattern worked well but cut in fabric was big and in the wise words of my lecturer, “just shave it off” came to mind when fitting the child. The final result is good, the fit is good and the Swarkovski element Multi-Faceted round crystal beads from Harmony Beads finish the Hello Kitty  (which reads Hello Lara) theme off nicely.

The Challenge

The last two years have been about updating skills and improving technique, that means evening classes at MelbourneFashion Institute. Advanced patternmaking and garment construction, with many project done and many folders filled with patterns that have been mastered. The challenge most enjoyed was choosing a Designer runway garment and getting a working pattern together from the photo. Proenza Schouler Fall 2012 #31 an obvious choice, this is what happened.

In March the computer aided design part of the education begins, but the paper, cardboard, rulers and pencils will always remain in French Seam Studio, as will the box of Lego for busy little hands. The computer course is Grafis, it all began with a one day introduction at Textile and Fashion Hub. A great space and worth many more visits! 

Draft Basic Blocks

I think about clothing constantly. I obsess about finding the perfect solution to making garments fit, from drafting basic blocks and starting from scratch or sewing up a rough toille, then fitting and cutting the fabric on the dress form. Solving puzzles and making shapes, constantly putting together and pulling apart. Unpicking and resewing, thinking through all the steps that make it easier, quicker and better the next time I do it. Neat, steady and hours of work. I look at fashion but that is not what drives me, what motivates me is to find a solution to my own and my daughters wardrobe needs, I guess to serve the community of women who appreciate quality, fit and function.