This year, I want to work my way through Cal Patch’s book, Design-it-Yourself Clothes. I got it for Christmas, and it is everything I hoped it would be! Seriously. If you want to learn how to draft your own patterns for your own designs, she breaks it all down for you.
So far, I’ve taken all my measurements, traced the design template, drawn some designs using said template, and drafted a skirt pattern based on my measurements.
I feel so empowered!
First off, Cal teaches us how to construct a skirt based on our very own measurements.
Now. I cannot lie here. I had to pull out quite a few stitches on this to get it right. But I learned how important darts are and how they absolutely must be right. Every 1/8″ matters, my friends!!!
I also learned that I need to school myself in hidden zipper insertion. I thought I had that skill, but I apparently do not. More ripped seams ensued, and I opted for the button flap instead.
And am so glad I did.
The result is a pretty cute lightweight denim skirt with five buttons up the left side. It sits lower on my waist than I happen to like. Cal tells us that the lower waist measurement is all the rage these days, but I found (through trial and error!) that I prefer the almost-natural waist.
So I redrafted my pattern…
January 18th, 2010 at 11:18 am
The button detail is perfect - way to turn a negative into a cute fashion feature! The skirt fits you so nicely and redrafting the waistline is the whole point in the first place - to get the fit you want.That book intrigues me, maybe after I finish my home dec phase…
January 18th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
That book has been on my wish-list since hearing the Craftsanity podcast interview with Cal Patch. I would love to be able to make well-fitting clothes for myself. It’s nice to hear a first-hand account of the book and the skirt looks great!
January 18th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
the skirt is so great. i can’t wait to see more.
for me, this is the year of oliver + s patterns for my girl. but maybe next year will be a cal patch year for me.
January 18th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
i got that book for myself for christmas, too, and i’ve been really scared to jump in. but that skirt is adorable - thanks for the motivation.
January 18th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Your skirt looks wonderful! That book is on my wish list, but it intimidates me, too. I have to get better at sewing before I tackle it, but seeing others’ work gives me hope!
January 18th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
that turned out sooo cute! I just might have to get that book for myself! great job.
January 18th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I’ve been wondering about this book myself - it’s so nice to hear what it’s actually like. The skirt looks fantastic and even better for the button flap.
Best wishes,
Florence x
January 18th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
How exciting to be able to draft all your own designs and turn them into clothes. The skirt is lovely and I can’t wait to see what you make next. I am love buttons, so I think you made the right choice too. :)
January 18th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
i love that skirt! the buttons are too cute.
January 19th, 2010 at 4:31 am
Gorgeous skirt! I really need a lightweight denim skirt.. I like skirts sitting on my waist too. I feels more feminine and skirts that sit lower just twist round.
January 19th, 2010 at 7:57 am
It’s great! I’ve been making a pattern lately from a Japanese book and realized yesterday that my very non-Japanese body means that I would’ve been far better off drafting the pattern myself, or that I at least should have measured the tissue a little bit. A few fixes will make it wearable, I think. I’ve made changes to skirt patterns before to get them to fit how I want, but I really should try starting from scratch. I have this book from the library, but I think it’s one I’ll have to buy.
January 19th, 2010 at 9:20 am
I love it! I am desperate to learn to pattern draft too. I may have to pick up this book. Can’t wai to see what you draft up next!
January 19th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Cute skirt! I love the button details. I’ve been eyeing that book for a while now but haven’t made the jump. Thanks for giving your take on it–sounds like I might have to go ahead and get it!
January 20th, 2010 at 11:58 am
[…] skirt, using my new-and-improved higher-waisted pattern based on my measurements (first skirt here). I say almost because I cut my pieces, sewed my darts, sewed up one side seam (with a French […]
January 20th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
It’s adorable! I love it.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
the skirt looks great, I especially love the buttons!
I’m so with you on the higher waistline. it just feels more comfortable and it looks better to my eyes
January 21st, 2010 at 6:01 pm
I got this book for Christmas too.I am not good at making clothes in general but hope that I will learn from the book :)
Your skirt looks great
January 28th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
oh my lord! you do such a great job with all of these clothes. they look so professional! love this skirt.
January 30th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I love this skirt and the button details. This book arrived with me yesterday and I read it in one sitting and can’t wait to get started…but I’m now feeling a little daunted reading about your later problem with the buttons…what a shame - it looks so beautifully finished on the inside…and I still don’t understand quite what you did wrong with them! x
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:23 am
This looks just perfect! I just read this book yesterday and searched the web for anyone who’d actually used the book and posted a finished project from it. I will need to find the time to get started — very excited about the pants!
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I am in love with your skirt!!! Great Job! My husband bought me a dress form and I tried piecing/draping on my own..and ended up making two summer tops! I love it! I think I will look into your book suggestion, however, to learn even more! I’ve sewn for about 20years and I am still not a pro yet at the invisible zipper! Great job! I look forward to more!
April 22nd, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I love the skirt and the waistline finishes especially. I am also waiting for the book to arrive… can’t wait to start working on some patterns. Thanks for your suggestion on the book.