Drafting a Men's Shirt Pattern From Scratch

Readers, it is time I drafted a shirt for myself entirely from scratch.

Self-drafted Pants for My FIT Menswear Patternmaking Class

Not much of a sketch, I know, and it's on the back of an envelope (above), but this is the design I came up with as one of my final projects for the menswear patternmaking class I've been taking at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology).  It's due next week.

Draping and Patternmaking Class Updates

I think you know that this semester I've been taking two classes at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT):  Draping IV (I skipped III but will probably take it the next time it's offered) and menswear patternmaking.

Draping and Tailoring Class UPDATES

This fall I'm taking two classes at Fashion Institute of Technology: Ladies Tailoring III and Draping II.

My Final Class Project (and a few others)

Yesterday was my last day of patternmaking class: we presented our final projects and received our reviews.

You can see my jacket in motion here.

Drafting My First Notched Collar

You probably know what a notched collar is, but if you don't, the illustration above should make it clear.

What I'm Sewing Now + Sketching My Final Patternmaking Project!

I've been sewing up a storm, readers.

Patternmaking Class Project #2: Shawl-Collar Jacket

Friends, this week I drafted my own pattern for a double-breasted, shawl-collared, raglan-sleeved, princess-seamed ladies jacket.

Say that ten times fast!

First Patternmaking Class Project: Hit or Miss?

Readers, my first formal flat patternmaking class project was to create a (structured) drop shoulder hip-length top.

A Second Summer FIT Class: Flat Patternmaking II

Last week I decided to take another summer class at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

Back to School -- First Patternmaking Class!

I went back to school yesterday!

Susan Models Summer Separates!

Susan's back and looking sensational!

Susan Tries on the Blouse Muslin

Friends, no doubt you're wondering why I'm leading with a photo of designer Carolyn Herrera in her signature white shirt.

Susan's New Wrap Skirt Muslin + Back to the Bodice!

Susan came over for a fitting this evening; the dogs were so excited!

Another Fitting with Susan: Wrap Skirt + Altered Bodice!

Susan had a fitting yesterday at that little French café that doesn't seem to mind us using their bathroom or seating area.  (We do usually eat there too of course!)

Fitting Susan's Bodice Muslin

And now onto Susan's bodice muslin.

Susan Models the Pencil Skirt Muslin

Yesterday I drafted a straight skirt pattern using Susan's measurements, prepared a muslin, and was able to have Susan try it on -- a busy sewing day!

Sewing for Susan: Self-drafted vs. Commercial Patterns

Meet my client, effervescent New Yorker Susan D!

MPB Book Review! DRAPING: THE COMPLETE COURSE

Readers, do you believe in synchronicity?

If not, how do you explain how it is that the very summer I purchase not one, but two body forms so I can learn draping, Laurence King Publishing releases a brand new, 320-page book entitled "Draping: The Complete Course" authored by Karolyn Kiisel?

Sexy, Sexy Pattern Grading

A quick apology, readers: I misspoke.  There is nothing sexy about pattern grading.  You could do it in the nude, and there would still be nothing sexy about pattern grading.  Have you ever tried it -- either way?