Well I’ve got to the end of my pattern drafting class, which has been really fascinating, and got a whole new set of creative juices flowing (yes, I’m nearly drowning in them now ;o) ). Here is Diana modelling what I created. I’ve put the photos up separately, as they weren’t particularly intended to be worn together!
Shirt:
This was an interesting challenge, as my teacher is male, and had never done patterns for the, err, big bosomed amongst us! To start with he was desperately trying to make the front pieces flat cut, while I was equally desperately trying to point out that in order to avoid the maternity-wear look, then I knew it would need a dart somewhere! In the end you can see that the dart actually goes up from the bottom to under the bust line, and it’s also slightly shaped at the sides.
It does look a bit peculiar hanging up on a hanger, because the front pieces are rather wider than the back (accommodating the ample boobage without making me also look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame). I wanted short sleeves with a cuff, and did my first inset sleeves when making this (which turned out to be so much easier than I’d imagined!) Note that only one sleeve has a cuff right now! Unfortunately I didn’t have time to get the facing, button placket and collar finished in class, but I have plans on how to do that worked out, so hopefully they’ll be done soon:
Skirt:
This was simpler, in as much as there was far less fitting required, however getting the darts positioned and the slash pocket included was quite a fiddle! You’ll see there are actually 2 muslins, the first of which has the pocket added on one side, but is missing a dart at the waist and the waistband, and the second of which has all the pieces except the actual pockets included (there are gaps where the pockets would be). This was the pattern that gave me an insight into the amount of scope one could have with a pattern, adding and removing darts and the like, as well as playing with pretty decorative extras, like the flaps on the pockets. The skirt will ultimately be just about knee length on me, but you could easily make it shorter or longer.
great pattern drafting. I've never taken a formal class for that.
Glad you took the challenge and did so very well. I love to sew clothing but only for others. I've never liked anything I have ever made myself….I know odd old bird, but I love to sew for GK and her Mom. Ry told me that I should make more PJ bottoms for him but that if I didn't know how to make T-shirts, I should just buy them for him….well said. Oma Linda
They look great – well done!
Nice going 🙂 Educating teach on bossoms… lol I'd love a shirt made for me – sleeves to the elbow and not too tight for once, fitted enough so its not a tent but not so much that it shows off the back boobs… Let me know when you're taking orders! lol
They look very interesting so far. The clothes don't show up too well on the background mind you =D
Great class, but the teacher – you think he would have figured women have boobs by now. Some bigger than others!
Well done chick! That must have been awkward at times with a male teacher! These look great! Jxo
Well jel. But yea for large chesticled laydees!
I can just hear you laughing in class about people with ample busts, (Which I have). This is knowledge that will be invaluable.
hugs
i so want to do a pattern drafting course – specifically because of my 'not your average' shape – you've done a fabulous job of your toiles and i'm looking forward to seeing the 'real' thing – and reviewing a pattern or 2….
I'm fully expecting you to show us how all that boob fits inside that shirt when you make the final draft, Missy!
oh dear did you make your poor male teacher blush explaining to him about boobage?
It must have been such a useful course. This is probably a daft question – Did you use actual muslin (cheesecloth)? The fabric looks thicker in the photo – like calico or poplin. I have always wondered if actual muslin is used for this purpose.
It's been many years since my pattern drafting classes but things probably haven't changed much. It looks like you came through the classes with some new skills. I expect you'll be making yourself a new fall wardrobe and will be sharing photos of said wardrobe within the next month or so. Great job on the shirt. Hugs
You are doing a great job pattern drafting.
Oh, to be a fly on the wall watching you explain to your male teacher why flat front won't work….
I really like where you're going with the skirt. That's just lovely!
Your busty shirt looks great!!I've had the same thing about explaining to a male friend, who had done costume design about clothes fitting the bigger chest area.
Oh, and I love your skirt with a pocket!!