Introduction Last Spring I began development of a walking skirt and short dolman sleeve blouse based on two vintage pattern illustrations. I studied the wardrobe basics of 1940s everyday women’s wear. Clothing in the early to mid-1940s had to be functional. Fabrics, threads and notions were not easily available due to rationing. All resources, includingContinue reading “The Linda Walking Skirt and Short Dolman Sleeve Blouse, 1940s style”
Category Archives: Draping
New Precision Draping Project: Pencil skirt and blouse with ruffled collar
More practice in Precision Draping. Half-toile of pattern made from tissue paper drape. First fitting. Sleeve made through flat patternmaking. Ruffled collar made off of the drape through flat patternmaking. Facing and buttonhole extension to be added. To be paired with a pencil skirt drafted from a pattern created with instructions from the 60s. Style influences areContinue reading “New Precision Draping Project: Pencil skirt and blouse with ruffled collar”
Draping in tissue paper, part 1
New work in progress…I am taking up the challenge to drape in tissue paper. During WWII there was rationing of consumer goods including fabrics like cotton and silk. To conserve resources for the war effort, fashion schools and books about patternmaking taught students how to drape in tissue paper instead of muslin. The technique was usedContinue reading “Draping in tissue paper, part 1”
How to refine a Denim Sheath Skirt look
Introduction In this posting I share some of the fitting and sewing techniques I used to refine my favorite denim sheath skirt. The skirt is made with a bottom weight 100% cotton denim by Kauffman. The fabric was laundered and dried prior to marking, cutting and sewing. The pattern was developed entirely through draping inContinue reading “How to refine a Denim Sheath Skirt look”
New Dress “Alice”: Progress Photos 2-6-21
Introduction In this posting I share progress photos of a new dress developed through a combo of flat patternmaking and draping. The photos featured are of the half-toile to test the fit. Combination Technique: Draping and flat patternmaking 95% of this toile was made using a flat pattern. I used the Misses Size 8 sloperContinue reading “New Dress “Alice”: Progress Photos 2-6-21″
Standard Misses 8 and my Altered Customized Sloper
Introduction The basic fitting shell for the Misses Size 8 was draped. A toile was made twice each time refining the fit. When the basic Size 8 was turned into a sloper I then went on to customize it for myself. Why not draft a custom made pattern? I have been drafting patterns to myContinue reading “Standard Misses 8 and my Altered Customized Sloper”
Spring!: My recreation of a Vintage Blouse
Introduction I purchased an early 1960s blouse by the Tropicana company during the furlough from my job due to COVID-19 this past Spring. The blouse provided a fun challenge to me during those days at home. I decided to renew my skills in draping and recreate as much as possible the blouse. As happens, theContinue reading “Spring!: My recreation of a Vintage Blouse”
Draping: Pin fitting the First Pattern
Introduction I use the modern draping system created by Hilda Jaffe and Nurie Relis in their book “Draping for Fashion Design”. It is one of the better books on the subject for me. I am always satisfied with the fit that results from their technique. I also add in some vintage fitting and sewing techniquesContinue reading “Draping: Pin fitting the First Pattern”
Pour Moi 