And lately, I've been brushing up on those skills.... BIG TIME....
.... and wishing I had a wide-format printer (or that my favourite printers were a few suburbs closer).I've been patternmaking and devising class notes for my Draped Top workshop in March.
Using the Japanese Drape Drape and Pattern Magic books as inspiration, I'm working on notes to show class participants how to adapt their own favourite t-shirt to add twists and drapes.
It's lots of fun, experimenting with different drape placements and styles -and with three or four overlocker (serger) seams, they're a piece of cake to whip up. Instant gratification galore! 
These are yesterday's photos. After a trip to GJ's bargain back-room today (to re-fuel with knit fabrics), I refined these styles and I think I have a few patterns I can grade to multi-size and make available to those of you who can't make it to class.
Secret talent #33.... cracking the code on tricksy patternmaking techniques.
Secret talent #35.... hairdressing (it's a bit like sculpture with scissors).
Yes, I cut away most of the 20-odd-years-of-colour and found out that I look remarkably like an elderly pixie.
Still not sure where this hair thing is going.... I'll wait and see.
Using the Japanese Drape Drape and Pattern Magic books as inspiration, I'm working on notes to show class participants how to adapt their own favourite t-shirt to add twists and drapes.It's lots of fun, experimenting with different drape placements and styles -and with three or four overlocker (serger) seams, they're a piece of cake to whip up. Instant gratification galore! These are yesterday's photos. After a trip to GJ's bargain back-room today (to re-fuel with knit fabrics), I refined these styles and I think I have a few patterns I can grade to multi-size and make available to those of you who can't make it to class.(Feedback required here..... Do I make cheap, simple patterns with basic instructions, or do I put in my usual umpty-five thousand hours into developing the pattern as a sewing class? Are we more interested in the pattern or the instructions here, folks...?)
Secret talent #33.... cracking the code on tricksy patternmaking techniques.Secret talent #34.... posing like a git on the stairs.
Secret talent #35.... hairdressing (it's a bit like sculpture with scissors). Yes, I cut away most of the 20-odd-years-of-colour and found out that I look remarkably like an elderly pixie. Still not sure where this hair thing is going.... I'll wait and see. Secret talent #36 - the ability to sustain a state of indecision indefinitely.
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Apparently, it's no secret that I'm quite a dab hand at bag-making. Did you know that I'm giving away one of my Laptop Bag samples? Yep.... head on over here to enter the giveaway (but go via here or here first!).
32 comments:
I'm extremely indecisive too!
And those draped Tshirts look awesome :D I'd definately be interested in some of those patterns.
Those Tshirt are so pretty! I always love draped things... and they are not easy to find!
And your new look is great Nikki!
I just love white hair in a young girl!You'll find white hair is much easier "to deal with" stronger and healthier :)
You've made the right option, I think. Go ahead!
I'm in L.O.V.E. with your draped designs! I'm wondering if it will be an "easy to modify pattern"... say for short people. Yep I'm a shortie! Regardless, I can't wait to make one in every style and colour. I also want to thank you for making me giggle today. Such a fun post to read.
Melissa x
Melissa - don't worry - I'm a shortie too. Patterns are drafted in shortie-size and graded up from there.
Love the hair and love that shirts! I'd love a pattern... but need to get over my fear of sewing stretchy stuff first...
I'd say stick with the pattern only until you've had your class and then think about adding instruction depending on which bits people found the most challenging to do.
And you look about as elderly as Tinkerbell!
Cheers,
AJ
Love your list of secret talents! ;o) lol
Great draped designs for knits. You have such a flair for spicy things up. I'm voting for patterns as I can't make it to one of your classes (although I'd very much love to). Are you sure you couldn't bring your lovely pixie self to Canada???? Pretty please?
Beautiful tee-shirts, especially the last one, in all its simplicity. You make me dreamy with your "3 or 4 overlocker seams" (one day I'll have a serger, one day I will).
Aaand, from what can be seen on the pictures, short hair + gray hair seems to be a perfect combo on you, you look lovely! Actually my first reaction was even to find that you looked younger on those pictures (not that you generally look old on pictures, mind you! :)).
Oh WOW (I mean BIG WOW) those tops looks beautiful!!! (and so do you, love the hair!!!!)
Israel is way too far for me to join to one of your classes but I am sure this is going to be amazing one!!
I want the patterns more than the instructions (will happily test sew in the large haul of op shop jersey I got over Christmas!)
i am loving those t's. i have a bunch of jersey i want to use and these would be great. i think the basic patterns would be the way to ge hereh ( quicker for you to write too!!)
Hi Nikki
Love the bling hair in your new spunky do. They sparkle so nicely!
I too, am terrified of stretch fabric and I know that it makes no sense as everyone tells me it is so quick and easy.
Love your shirts - a few tips in your pattern re working with stretch would be awesome!!!
Ta
Jenny
Wow you HAVE been prolific with those patterns! Shall hopefully call by this morning some time and take some off your hands for test-sewing? Maybe I need a GJs trip too (just in case I don't have enough in stash ...)
A damn sexy looking elderly pixie I might add.
I'd say start with simple and send them out to some newbie testers and wait for feedback.
Great lookin' git - I love it! So many talents - go girl!
My you are a talented girl! Love the draped tops and love the hair. Grey power! Woohoo!
aw!! you look adorable! Love the new do!
I love your hair, oh and the tshirts too but I hate sewing in tshirt fabric so I'd be too scared to try then
Can certainly identify with Secret Talent # 36! T-shirt class sounds great.....off to look up your class lists
Simple is good for lazy people like me who sort of know what they are doing but just someone to boot them up the bum and point them in the right direction. The tops you've done so far look fab and pixie yes, eldery no not at all.
Would love a pattern and instructions, Nikki, looking forward to when they are done.
Loving those t-shirts! I'm in favour of the cheap, simple pattern but I suppose it's because I've been making clothes most of my life and don't need a lot in the way of directions these days. :)
Loving the new 'do' too! The touches of grey give you a nice air of distinction! ♥
Love the short and natural hair, it's surprising what's hiding under years of habit isn't it??
The T's look very stylish and comfortable, great work there!
I love those tops Nikki - I can't wait to attend the workshop!!
Love your new hair-do too. You have done something I have been contemplating (though I clearly have more #36).
Hi there...I would be happy with the patterns more so than the instructions!! Love your work xx
Love your new do !
Love it!!
What rot. You do excellent SPRITELY pixie (even posing on stairs).
Okay, not only do I want these patterns, I need them. I recently bought my first piece of knit (new sewer here - self teaching) and I have no idea what to use it on. These shirts would make an excellent start into knit, I think. PLEASE! I'm desperately in love with the fabric and need something to do with it.
You look lovely!! Can not wait for patterns!!
I'd be pretty keen on some quick/simple/basic instructions for those tees! Especially if it meant I could make all the tshirts I have here that are 20 sizes too big for me into something wearable?!
Cute hair! Glad I'm not the only one who does their own hair dressing!
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