To date, I've only used one commercial pattern to make something for myself and I wasn't altogether happy with the results. I've been put off doing more commercial patterns because I'm a non-standard shape and full-bust adjustments scare the bejesus out of me. But with this book, you take twenty four body measurements, like so:
And with all your measurements, you can draft a pattern specifically for you. In principle it sounds very exciting. Quite technical, but I like technical. 
There are fifteen designs included and I think I'm going to start with a skirt. Because not only are these skirts lovely (and they use less measurements) but I'm pretty sure I'm going to look as cute as this model. After I've had my legs broken, lengthened and re-set, dyed my grey hair away, lost six hundred pounds and had a breast reduction.So anyway... I've been thinkng for a time about organising some sort of group activity through my blog. A swap is out because I can't think of a theme. But does anyone fancy a sew-along?
I am TOTALLY in for a sew-along especially because I'm so inept at sewing ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is probably a stupid question but what exactly is a sew along?? Sounds good whatever it is tho so count me in!
ReplyDeleteI am ALWAYS up for a sewalong! Especially when it involves something as cute as a skirt!!
ReplyDeleteLove the look of that book!
ReplyDeleteI might be up for a sew-along...
I like the idea, but as I am shaped like a freak with B-A-D legs- 'Mum! Even your knees are fat'- courtesy of Will in the Tesco changing cubicle- I'm all class. I think I will have to pass for fear of measuring my own body! xx
ReplyDeleteSign me up! I bought that big girl book and have yet to do anything with it.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to tell us what to do, or do we have to go out and buy the fab book?
ReplyDeleteit does look lovely! i'd be too terrified to sew actual real clothes though, i'll stick to bags.
ReplyDeletesounds good. how long do we have to buy the book and get it delivered or we going to have cheats and you tell us what we need to measure? i'd love a skirt made to measure. make sure its a simple one to begin with though. lol
ReplyDeleteYay, this is exciting! I'll post with details tomorrow :)
ReplyDelete@jennyflower: You can do long skirts too... Because you're drafting it you can do what you want! No knee excuses ;)
@fluorogoddess: I don't think I'd be allowed to say what to do, you have to buy it. But it's only £10 on Amazon!
@Heather: A skirt is basically a bag but the bottom isn't sewn shut. Now you have to join.
love the sound of it but dont have spare £10 for the book, but will be watching with interest.
ReplyDeleteYehuh - been waiting for an 'excuse' to buy that book for yonks. Can you write a doctor's note to my husband telling him that it is imperative that I buy it please?
ReplyDeleteI bought it too a few months ago and haven't gotten into it yet. I'd love to join in the fun!!! Going on vacation and that sounds like a good book to bring along! By the way, I sewed one of your coats from your pattern and am bringing it along on vacation for a friend's daughter. So excited for her to see it!
ReplyDeleteSounds good - and I can make it long too (big fan of long skirts, I think they're nicer).
ReplyDeleteHave to get the book first though.
Maybe a pattern-along first? This is the part that scares the bejeebers out of me. Numbers and angles and curves on paper meant to actually produce a wearable garment...
ReplyDeleteI think I need a drink. Will there be drinking in this sew-along? Maybe some chocolate too?
Love the idea, but know I'll wimp out way too soon. And have you seen the socks that model is wearing? No way!
ReplyDeleteOooooOoOoooh! I'd love to, but I don't have any spare money for books :( I'll see if I can borrow it from the library.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think a drinking sew along is a genius idea. Are there zips involved? Because if there's zips I'll need gin.
Hi, I got a sewing machine for Christmas and it's desperate to be used. Whatever a sew along is I'd like to try as it will give me motivation to get started.
ReplyDeleteperfect! i've been wanting to learn how to make myself some clothes..I'm in! off to order the book...
ReplyDeleteummmm...what exactly is a sew along?
OOOH im in!......Off to check out Amazon right now, before they all go!......You should get commission now for all their extra sales!
ReplyDeletex K
right now I'm totally in love with recycling, wrap skirts and layering, but I'd love to learn more about it.
ReplyDeletebook ordered, don;t start with out me! i'm a bit nervous of measuring myself and fainting with shock at how huge my waistband will be. perhaps should just buy a tent instead. :-(
ReplyDeleteOk, posting a comment twice in one day. I'm officially a stalker. ;)
ReplyDeleteI drafted my pants pattern and other than my usual high hip wrinkles, that sucker fits like a glove! I'm going to adjust for the wrinkles and try another muslin. I'm really, really excited!! Now I'm going to draft the top! Like I said before, I already have the Sew What Skirts book and that pattern draft is pretty much the same, so I might not actually redraft. I might just take my other skirt & do the adjustments to make the cute versions in the book.
I'm such a sewing geek.
Oh man!!! I have decided that this year would be the year for me to learn to sew -- to sew clothes from patterns! (Darn it, February's almost ending. 10 more months to go.)
ReplyDeleteSomeone care to buy me this book?!?!