I tried something new this week. Actually make that two things. First was deciding that I would "have a go" at making my own clothing pattern from scratch based on two very old Monsoon summer tops that I'm very fond of. Second, and slightly more straightforward, was making my own bias binding for edging armholes on said summer top.
Given that my clothes-making-for-me track record is pretty lame (last count 3 tops, 2 pairs of lounge pants, 1 skirt and 1 dress), new thing number one was quite adventurous. The biggest challenge I find about making clothes is getting the fit I want and I rarely end up wearing anything I've made as a result. Sound familiar?
Anyhow, I just focused on the process and worked using freezer paper to trace and draft pattern pieces and sewed myself a muslin. It took 3 attempts and a lot of seam ripping to get something half decent looking. Then my patience (or lack thereof) got the better of me and I abadoned the muslin in favour of using my chosen fabric (a thrifted Ikea Rosalie pillowcase). More seam ripping ensued before things slowly started to improve and it suddenly dawned on me that seam ripping is perhaps not, as I had previously thought, an admission of failure, but simply a sometimes necessary part of the process of getting a piece of clothing to fit. As soon as I got my head around this idea, instead of feeling scary and frustrating, seam ripping suddenly felt good, like it was one step closer to a potential fit.
Could this be my "aha" clothes sewing moment I wonder?
The end result? Well it's still far from perfect (as you can see both from the gaping and the fact that I look a few months pregnant) and I will most likely never wear it, but I feel like drafting something from scratch was a valuable lesson in enjoying the process. Above all, its encouraged me not to give up on clothes sewing...
PS This post's title is taken from Oceanic's Insanity (Dream Tripping) - a dire song of which I was once very fond in my first year at Uni about 100 years ago. Please tell me I'm not the only one that remembers this one?!
Ehm, not familiar with the song but VERY familiar with the seam ripping ...
Posted by: dottycookie | July 14, 2010 at 05:11 PM
Must have been before you time, I suspect ;)
Posted by: Lina | July 14, 2010 at 05:35 PM
It's a shame you're not happy with the fit as it looks very pretty!
Posted by: lucy locket | July 15, 2010 at 02:40 AM
It is very beautiful fabric and I admire your processes and determination. I'm sure it's a combination that will lead you to a result that makes you happy.
Posted by: tracey petersen | July 15, 2010 at 09:00 AM
Nice work, and the fabric is so pretty! When I'm working with muslin "practice" pieces, I pin (and repin a lot) & then mark seam lines with tailor's chalk. No seam ripping required!
Posted by: perches | July 17, 2010 at 09:28 AM
Wow - that song title is a blast from the past! I'm sure I remember raving to this one at Wigan Pier many, many years ago! I must admit I'm not sure where I'd start if I decided to make clothes. My last dismal attempt was a waistcoat at school which I think I hid in shame at the bottom of my wardrobe thus marking the end of my very short lived sewing machine career!
Pen x
Posted by: Pen at Oliver Boliver | July 26, 2010 at 07:45 AM
I never tried to make my own clothing patterns (I always kinda cheated). Just for trying I think that you are incredible :) The fabric and the results are wonderful! You rock!!!
Posted by: Claudia | August 07, 2010 at 06:12 PM
I always want to develop my own pattern for my party. But never tried. But this post inspire me to make at least one basic pattern. But I must say this dress is looking very pretty and cool!!!
Posted by: FloraDress | August 25, 2010 at 08:31 AM