tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post7998775678681763188..comments2024-02-02T17:30:20.172+00:00Comments on A Stitching Odyssey: Pattern drafting - the skirt blockMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-83334975439857671012013-02-08T09:28:28.294+00:002013-02-08T09:28:28.294+00:00I have the same issue with thighs which makes both...I have the same issue with thighs which makes both bought trousers and skirts quite a problem. In fact it was this that drove me to pattern cutting classes in the first place. Whatever our "figure faults" there is a style and colour that is just right and if it fits rather than pulls or rides up we can draw attention to the more beautiful parts of our bodies. For our figure type I find an A line skirt with the darts closed and the skirt spread, or a neat yoke and very gentle gathers into it (I copied a 1960 Jaeger suit), works out well. I know A line can look fuddy duddy, but for me if it is relatively short (say 4 to six inches above the knee) and worn with dark tights it makes your legs look longer and balances you out. Anyway looking forward to seeing what you choose to make. Good luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-54426739542396744792013-01-27T11:10:58.540+00:002013-01-27T11:10:58.540+00:00Oh no, sorry to hear about the Chanel Jacket cours...Oh no, sorry to hear about the Chanel Jacket course! May I ask why you were disappointed...did it just not live up to your expectations or was there something more specific wrong?<br /><br />I love dresses, so fingers crossed the course will definitely be of use!Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-61878036174857194002013-01-27T11:07:21.834+00:002013-01-27T11:07:21.834+00:00Thank you Becca! I have exactly the same issues as...Thank you Becca! I have exactly the same issues as you...I think dresses are the way forward ;o)Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-72170285172378789322013-01-19T19:50:35.007+00:002013-01-19T19:50:35.007+00:00I have the same issue with skirts being short wais...I have the same issue with skirts being short waisted and having a large bust. I make skirts with no waistband - just a facing and wear them below my waistline so they sit just above my hips. This gives me some length in the body. <br />The skirt pattern will come into play when drafting dress patterns so not a waste unless you don't like wearing dresses either. The course you are doing sounds like a good investment. I was very disappointed with the course I did at the school of sewing - the 2 day Chanel Jacket course.<br />My problem is that having done a pattern drafting course and making my blocks I have put on a stone in weight!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-88668110219051109022013-01-14T19:20:39.079+00:002013-01-14T19:20:39.079+00:00That's so cool that you're taking a drafti...That's so cool that you're taking a drafting class. I can't wait to see your finished product! As much as I try to be, I'm not much of a skirt person either. I've found that a-line skirts look the best on my hippy, pear-shaped figure. Skirts that are more structured, like princess seamed and gored skirts, are ideal. Full skirts are generally a big no-no, and pencil skirts just seem inappropriate with my big tush. Good luck on finding a fit that works for you!Beccahttp://www.beccascreativenotions.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-82110761141356807142013-01-13T23:18:07.826+00:002013-01-13T23:18:07.826+00:00Gosh, I feel a lot of eyes are on me regarding the...Gosh, I feel a lot of eyes are on me regarding the skirt fit...hope it works! Haha! Also, wish I was getting commission for all these book sales ;o) I salute you muffin top lady...wish we could just saw them off...hehe!Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-50455622128892938222013-01-13T23:16:49.781+00:002013-01-13T23:16:49.781+00:00Thanks so much, I think experimenting is definitel...Thanks so much, I think experimenting is definitely the way forward!Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-26142621458184038812013-01-13T23:16:13.849+00:002013-01-13T23:16:13.849+00:00Thanks Hazel, it's great to know that you'...Thanks Hazel, it's great to know that you're now wearing skirts you didn't think you could!Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-47329022939385568452013-01-13T23:07:47.160+00:002013-01-13T23:07:47.160+00:00You are so darned wise! Although I may not go for ...You are so darned wise! Although I may not go for a traditional pencil skirt, I have decided to take your advice and make a style I wouldn't usually! If it all goes wrong, I'm blaming you ;o)Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-77643846429898995982013-01-13T23:06:38.544+00:002013-01-13T23:06:38.544+00:00Good on ya Winnie, I think you'll find it real...Good on ya Winnie, I think you'll find it really useful as an experienced stitcher ;o)Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-21460453174574713932013-01-13T23:06:00.396+00:002013-01-13T23:06:00.396+00:00Hi Erika! You're right, this book I'm usin...Hi Erika! You're right, this book I'm using doesn't come with any printed blocks...you just draft everything from scratch. I'm with you, I think A-line and circle skirts look best on me...but again, the waistline always sits too high due to my body shape...Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-47575643939692676902013-01-13T23:04:37.912+00:002013-01-13T23:04:37.912+00:00Thanks Catherine...time will tell ;o)Thanks Catherine...time will tell ;o)Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-30015385781110828912013-01-13T23:04:20.136+00:002013-01-13T23:04:20.136+00:00Oooh, I hope so Adrienne!!! It's funny you sho...Oooh, I hope so Adrienne!!! It's funny you should say that though, as I've loved you in every one of your skirts you've blogged about!Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-11385283279467451702013-01-13T23:03:31.212+00:002013-01-13T23:03:31.212+00:00Hi, thanks so much for stopping by! Yes, I am fami...Hi, thanks so much for stopping by! Yes, I am familiar with Gertie's wonderful tutorial and have used a variation of it before...it's excellent isn't it?Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12632906323410997355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-51709545581657549752013-01-13T11:41:03.256+00:002013-01-13T11:41:03.256+00:00Yes! Thanks Marie, I have just ordered a copy of t...Yes! Thanks Marie, I have just ordered a copy of this book too. I'd like to experiment a bit more with my own pattern drafting this year. I don't wear skirts for the same reason as you - muffin top! So I'll be really interested to see how you get on with drafting one of your own x Roisin Muldoonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13021809571559879091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-55672139939986273232013-01-12T23:49:45.944+00:002013-01-12T23:49:45.944+00:00I have the same problem drafting room for my "...I have the same problem drafting room for my "pouch" in pants or a skirt. If you just divide the waist circumference by 4 like they tell you, then the amount is the same in the front and the back and doesn't help the front pouchy area and creates bags in the butt. I think I've finally got a solution. I leave the back alone and on the front pattern piece, make a horizontal cut and pivot to make a pie slice it wherever the pouch is (for me, it is 3 inches down from the waist). Only slice down to the sewing seam line, not the cut line. This way, you can keep the integrity of the waistline, but make room for the pouch. I also have a wider waist, so my patterns always look like an upside down bell. It used to bother me because no pattern does this but the clothes fit so well!! Don't be afraid to experiment!!!Lilihmartinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03786706436563726466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-53089098529373142942013-01-11T21:32:20.435+00:002013-01-11T21:32:20.435+00:00Up until I started sewing I never wore skirts, but...Up until I started sewing I never wore skirts, but since they're like the easiest to make I had a change of heart. It started out with looser fitting, circle and pleated skirts up until I drafted my own pencil skirt pattern when I realised I could make a fitted skirt that would actually fit. Hopefully you'll find the same when you make up yours! Also thanks for the heads up on the Winifred Aldrich book, I've been looking to get it for ages but wasn't sure it was worth the investment!Hazelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05312485587012650644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-34508225246148673262013-01-11T20:13:11.862+00:002013-01-11T20:13:11.862+00:00That class sounds great - can't wait to see th...That class sounds great - can't wait to see the skirt you draft for the next lesson!Helen Madehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01762213034044030003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-76811433636175099782013-01-10T21:32:30.046+00:002013-01-10T21:32:30.046+00:00I say... DO IT! And make a skirt like something yo...I say... DO IT! And make a skirt like something you've never made (and might never make again) while you've got an expert on hand to answer questions. When you're a famous designer you'll be so happy you made a pencil skirt! ;) Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06438774909725959371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-69342135512352797342013-01-10T16:10:47.217+00:002013-01-10T16:10:47.217+00:00It's back in stock and one is now on its way t...It's back in stock and one is now on its way to me!! Thanks for the heads-up :)Taniahttp://sewitanyway.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-76935855098509988422013-01-10T12:53:42.836+00:002013-01-10T12:53:42.836+00:00I'm very jealous you're going to pattern d...I'm very jealous you're going to pattern drafting classes! BUT I had bought the 9.99 pattern drafting book, having spied it on amazon. Cool eh?!? <br />I think drafting your own will unlock sooooo many new possibilities !! Scruffybadgerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18298057071412471482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-76097814855064897052013-01-10T08:16:06.123+00:002013-01-10T08:16:06.123+00:00I wish there had been a class like that around her...I wish there had been a class like that around here! I found a similar book in Swedish and learned by reading and just trying. However, that came with both printed blocks + instructions on how to alter them, and with instructions for how to draft from scratch. I take it the book you uses don't come with printed blocks?<br /><br />I love skirts and basically live in them! I also think we have very similar body types - I have quite a lot of hips, generous padding for sitting down ;), small waist and a full bust. I also sport a tiny back, making my hips look huge from behind =)<br />Pencil skirts ride up, even well-fitting one's are uncomfortable to sit down in. Gathered or very pleated skirts looks... very, very fluffy (can work with a tight jersey top, though). A-lines or half-circle (at my natural waist) works the best for me.<br /><br />Good luck, I hope you'll find a skirtstyle you feel comfortable in!Erikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08762815696807107905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-47717696560644394472013-01-10T07:44:15.492+00:002013-01-10T07:44:15.492+00:00I don't really get on with skirts either. Alth...I don't really get on with skirts either. Although I will say I had more success with self-drafted ones so hopefully your skirt will work! The class sounds brilliant.Catherine Dazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14286784668307559391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-34442914973278132152013-01-10T07:08:09.516+00:002013-01-10T07:08:09.516+00:00I also don't own a single skirt that I honestl...I also don't own a single skirt that I honestly feel comfortable in. And God knows I've made countless skirts! I still haven't figured out why it doesn't work for my figure, but, like you, I keep trying in the hope that I will finally find one that I like/feel comfortable in! I'm working on a peplum skirt right now... maybe this one is going to be the one?Adriennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05789835649001447699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593765464158159022.post-52716865491396225112013-01-10T03:09:02.327+00:002013-01-10T03:09:02.327+00:00Hello! Just discovered your blog today so, yay for...Hello! Just discovered your blog today so, yay for that!<br /><br />I'm not sure if you've already seen it but there is instructions for drafting your own gathered skirt on Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing: http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2009/08/sew-full-gathered-skirt-part-one-make.html. I've made this a bunch of time in different fabrics and I think it's awesome.Sarah Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01168639523121303212noreply@blogger.com