A Pattern Fundamentals Design Project: Ava Part I

The start of a new decade always feels pivotal. It seemingly offers an opportunity to start on a new path, break old habits, and get clarity or new insight on the things we may have taken for granted.

And So We Begin Anew

January kicks off a new Pattern Fundamentals series that I hope you'll enjoy. If you follow along, I think you'll discover that you'll awake your inner designer and get your creative juices flowing. I'm offering you that new path and new insight starting today.

In the first tutorial series of 2020 we're going to tackle a little design project together.

While simple in nature, this little woven t-shirt that I've named Ava, is the perfect skill building pattern making project. You'll learn how to rotate and design with darts, use contour darts, alter silhouette, create a neckline facing and much more. Over the next few weeks I'm going to walk you through the pattern development of this very simple sewing pattern from sketch to completed pattern. 

For those of you who already have a personal bodice block, I encourage you to try following along with me using your block. You'll gain the most experience and knowledge by doing so.

If you don't have a personal bodice block and want to create one, I have a very comprehensive online course that will walk you through the entire process from drafting through fitting.

Here's what a recent student said about the Designed to Fit: The Bodice Block course:

"Best Christmas present ever! I finished my block and I am super happy! It isn't perfect yet, but you are right, I learned so much about pattern drafting during the process. I will make the last tweaks when I've used it a couple of times and know where to make the last improvements. I made a dress with a fitted bodice, my first step in designing my own clothes without worrying about fit! What excites me even more, is how comfortable a proper fitting bodice is. With my DD-cup I never got blouses and dresses to fit. This will change immediately since I have several beautiful blouse fabrics in my stash."

Sabine

You can learn all about that online course HERE. This video series will be ready and waiting for you when you've successfully completed your block.

For those of you who just want to have a bit of fun and put pattern fitting aside for the moment, I've created some scaled block patterns that you can download and print so you can still benefit from learning these valuable pattern manipulation techniques.

Download the Scaled Torso Block Pattern Set

No matter how you choose to participate, I hope you'll join me in this fun and simple design project that I know will become a staple in your handmade wardrobe.

Watch this weeks video for your first steps!

Once you've watched, I hope you'll share your thoughts and insights in the comments below. If you’re working on the Ava pattern work along with me, show me your work! You can tag me @inhousepatterns on Instagram and Facebook and use the hashtags #Ava, #inhousepatterns and #inhousepatternsstudio.

Resources Mentioned in this Video

Designed to Fit: The Bodice Block

The Bust Circle and Contour Darts:

The Bust Circle Defined
Neckline Contour Darts
Armhole Contour Darts
Strapless Contour Darts

 For more information and practice with rotating darts see this video:

Two Essential Skills for Successful Pattern Manipulation

Happy New Year!

All My Best,
Alexandra