After knitting my first pair of Victorian lace collars (a left collar and right collar), I started riffing on the theme, ie using the construction method for collars with other lace patterns that I like. So one pair of collars became three.
I also ordered fabrics to make three blouses, and set about finding a blouse pattern to use. Alas, it was an unsuccessful hunt as I didn’t find one that was entirely to my liking. And this is how I ended up learning how to draft my own pattern. After all, I design sweaters and cardigans, so designing a blouse wouldn’t be that much of a leap, would it?
In fact, it has turned into a rabbit hole. I’ve spent weeks watching pattern drafting tutorials and sewing tutorials, and many many hours taking my measurements and producing heavy card pattern “blocks” (baseline flat garment templates) using those measurements. I’ve now produced paper pattern pieces and am in the process of making a “toile” (British term for a garment made in cheap fabric to check the fit).
If all goes to plan I will at some point end up with three blouses that have contrast bias binding at the cuffs and at the inside neck. All will be sewn on my 1897 Jones Family CS with hand finishing details. Then I hope to go on to draft jacket and skirt patterns too. In fact, I’d like to build a capsule wardrobe of clothes that I have designed and made in natural fabrics (wool, linen, cotton and silk) using traditional methods.
My grandmother was a professional dressmaker, and I know from Mum that Grandma used to draft her own patterns, so I feel that I am somehow channelling my Grandma doing this. It feels good!