Fashion Design

Pattern by Measurement is an interesting class. We are making our body drafts (I can't say we are drafting patterns because Signe tells us many times each week that these are not patterns—they are body drafts. I understand why. But to most people "drafting patterns" makes more sense.) The work is fun and interesting—I like it; but almost every week Signe makes me feel fat. Whenever I have a question about how to draw something, or how much seam allowance to put in, Signe will pat me, feeling the place in question (my sides, my hips, my belly . . .), and say something like, "You're a little heavy there, so . . ." It's a little disheartening. But, in spite of the little sting, she doesn't offend me because she really doesn't think a little weight here or there, or a little bit of "extra floating about the middle" is bad. "We are all different," she says, "and that's why we are not boring. If we were all the same we would look like sacks of potatoes."

Well, my body drafts are finished. I need to sew them up in muslin and see if any changes are necessary. When it's sewn it will pretty much be skin-tight (body-draft, not a clothing pattern) and, hopefully—if I've done it right—will fit perfectly. Then I can start making patterns from it. I have to make a dress or a blouse and a skirt, and I have to make a pair of pants. So I've been thinking about dresses. I love full skirts—very classic, and you can actually move in them. I'm not planning to do tour jetés in my dresses, but I do like to feel like my legs aren't tied together; and climbing into our van on Sunday in a straight skirt is nearly impossible.

Friday I googled "1950's dresses" and found some that I really like. I don't have the classic, tiny waist—far from it. But I did a "shop your body type" search and here's how it describes my figure: "Womanly. Ultra-feminine. You have a fullness through your core, arms and legs."

Right on! And much kinder than I would have been to myself. It says: "Look for clothing that draws attention to your face and elongates your silhouette. Vertical, stripes, collars and details at the neck, dark colors, flared skirts and well-fitted clothing are best for you."

So maybe the fitted bodice, full-skirt thing would be OK for me. Anyway, some of the fabulous dresses I found are scattered throughout this post. Some are vintage, some are new, retro designs. What do you think?