At about the time I was thinking about sewing a few summer basics for my wardrobe, I ran across Sonya Philip's lovely book, The Act of Sewing. This book a good introduction to garment making and includes patterns for four simple garments: pants, top, skirt, and blouse. It also includes some great information on adjustments one can make to these garments to make them fit better, as well as to add stylistic complexity: different kinds of hems, necklines, etc.
I decided to start with the pants, which are loose-fitting and cropped. With an elastic waist and two pattern pieces, they made up quickly. I didn't realize how much ease is built into the sizing, and next time, I'll make one size smaller.
The cropped top was made from a silk wrap-around skirt I'd been saving for a long time.
I centered the existing button band (more or less) on the front when I cut out the pieces. The top is loose, though I made a smaller size than I made for the pants. I think I'll add some darts so it's a bit more fitted, and like with the pants, I'll make a smaller one next time.
All in all, I scratched my itch to sew something to wear. I don't need more garments right now, but I will turn to this book again when I decide to sew something up for myself.
1 comment:
Once you get the fit right on your garments, you can do all kinds of fun techniques with them.
Using the existing buttons for front opening is clever. I like to do that with as much readymade detail as possible. Why not? The work has already been done!
This top would be a cute patchwork top with a few prints and a readymade button front.
Good work!
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