Pattern Puzzle - The Patent Blouse

Looking a lot like an origami batman, this weeks self-drafted #PatternPuzzle comes from some of the greatest minds of the 1960's - the inventors filing patents for the next best thing in clothing.   Extracting the detail from the funny little patent sketches was probably one of the most frustrating self-drafted puzzles I have ever put together.  It took me ages to make sense of the garment and the suggested shape for the pattern.  July 2019 - this pattern is now available on the website - The Patent Blouse Sizes XS-XXL.

For all the pattern making instructions go to my blog post - The Patent Blouse.

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Puzzle - Cowl Tee with Drape

I began the puzzle development with the idea that this jersey style would have a raglan sleeve cut in a stretch mesh.  That is, to add a textural contrast and lighten the design.  But the day was a bit of a scorcher and somehow the design morphed into a top with cutaway armholes.  Too many thoughts of warm breezy days on the beach I think.  Anyway I didn't notice and then posted the pattern shape as a one-piece pattern.  It is important to note that the armholes would be very different for raglan and sleeveless, but all will be explained.

You'll find all the pattern making detail on the website blog.

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Puzzle - TWIST JUMPER

There are so many different kinds of twists in pattern making and I have dealt with a few in this blog.  These single twist styles have one major drawback and that is the fabric you use needs to look as good from the right and the wrong side.  I think this really limits your choices.  If you could get your hands on an extremely light weight double knit that would be fantastic.  You also have to choose your edge finishes (hems) to look good from the front and the back, as both sides are viewed.

You'll find all the pattern making instructions on the website blog.

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Puzzle - RETRO SHRUG

Here is the anonymous shape that was posted on our Facebook Page.  A self-drafted rectangle with three notches - that's all they got!  And they were very creative with the information.  Have a look at the comments!  And this is the Vintage Pattern (now reissued as Simplicity 8452) that started me off on a quest to make and understand how a simple, self-drafted rectangle shape becomes this elegant top?!?  

You'll find all the pattern making detail on the website blog.

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Puzzle - TUCKED TEE

The inspiration behind Saturday's Pattern Puzzle has been doing the rounds of a few designers over the past 12 months.  I have cut it at least twice for different clients in the past year.  In the world of drape, it's definitely the new kid on the block.  Simple and uncomplicated this style has a casual and formal application.  I personally like the casual application and plan to make it as a tunic top to go over jeans or a long slim skirt.

Find all the pattern making instructions on the website blog.

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Puzzle from CarmencitaB

This week's Pattern Puzzle Story:
Last week I received an email from CarmencitaB regarding a slightly tricky pattern she has been puzzling with for a little while.  So I love a challenge and the results are in this post.

Firstly some picture references (from CarmencitaB) for the direction we are going in:

You'll find all the pattern making instructions for the front of this dress on the website blog.

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Magic Twist - 'nejiri' II

In this second stage the 'nejiri' Twist evolves into something new.   Continuing on from the earlier photo tutorial post about my investigations into yet more twist patterns.  It's important to remember that the success of these twists depends on using two-way stretch knit.  Both the existing toils in this test are merino and merino blends with elastane.

You'll find all the pattern making instructions for this new take on the Nejiri Twist. 

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Puzzle - Empire Cowl Knit II

Following on from the earlier post for the Pattern Puzzle - Empire cowl Knit I have the chance here to detail the manipulation of the pattern pieces to achieve the new design.   Below is the production sketch of the style.  I hope to eventually develop all these styles into pattern making worksheets for the website.

You'll find all the pattern making instructions on the website blog.

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Puzzle - Empire Cowl Knit

In making this pattern puzzle I'd use a knit kimono block.  If you don't yet have one you will find the relevant worksheet in the coming months.  The pattern plan in the post is for the front and the back of this garment and over the next two days I will be posting the 'bones' of the pattern making.  That is, all pattern pieces so you can see the manipulations to achieve all the detail in the style.

You'll find all the pattern making instructions on the website blog.

www.studiofaro.com

Pattern Magic Twist - 'nejiri'

At last I have a chance to test out some of the ideas in this wonderful book, 'Pattern Magic" by Tomoko Nakamichi.  Originally ordered from Tessuiti Fabrics in Surry Hills Sydney, this book, and the many like it, are full of challenging ideas.  In particular I am interested in the Twist, or 'nejiri', featured on pages 71-73.  You may remember we did a twist style in one of the recent pattern puzzles.  That was a half body twist and quite tight in fit. 

You'll find all the pattern making instructions on the website blog.

www.studiofaro.com