The Trouble with Fitting Trousers

fitting trousers

The Trouble with Fitting Trousers Picture this…you finally find that perfect fair of trousers that you’ve been dreaming of for weeks!You’re over the moon, you’re giddy, you’re ecstatic! You go to try them on, expecting to look like a total boss in perfectly fitting trousers.But oh no…shock, horror! Instead of a J-lo peachy booty look […]

Knickers Pattern draft

knickers pattern

A couple of weeks ago I had this mad idea that I’m going to draft all my own bras and knickers patterns from now on. I know, I know…bold intentions! I decided to start with a basic knickers block to ease myself into the world of drafting lingerie. Everybody needs a guide… The book I chose […]

5 quick and easy bust dart rotations

bust dart rotation

You’ve got you head around this whole slash and spread thing as well as how to pivot a dart…Welldone! That’s the hard part done! Now it’s time to start playing around with your new skills. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind while you’re having fun rotating those darts all around… make […]

What is a bias cut?

Understanding Bias Cut Are you dreaming of gorgeous slinky gowns or beautiful soft drapes? Well then, you’re probably dreaming a bias cut dream! In short, cutting fabric on the bias means cutting the fabric on a 45 degree angle to the natural grain…still confused? Here’s an example…The grain line on a pattern normally runs from […]

Pattern Cutting Books – My Top 5

Pattern cutting books are just about one of my favourite things in the world. I have spent many hours lost in the sheer beauty of Tomoko Nakamichi’s “Pattern Magic” and continue to be inspired by Helen Joseph-Armstrong’s designs. Here are my top 5 (and essential) pattern cutting books, from learning the basics to exploring the […]

When Life gives you Oranges…My first lesson

On my first day of pattern cutting classes at uni we were told to bring in an orange and a piece of calico…you can imagine our confusion, surely a pencil, paper and pattern master would be of more use? Turns out our tutor knew better (something that we quickly learned was always true) and she […]