Adjusting the Horizontal and vertical axis and wire size within a cup pattern
It was such a pleasure to “work’ with Jennifer Fairbanks to please the Grace Bra pattern in August. I am now beginning to learn computer patternmaking and grading following Jennifers courses with the Polypattern software. The Grace bra allows for the possibility to choose your own wire size within a cup size, however this was something I had previously done by hand drafting for my bespoke clients.
I thought I may share my processes for adapting the horizontal and vertical dimensions and wire lengths within a cup size for bespoke clients. This was previously a method I had achieved by hand drafting , having adapted a method from the book “Bare Essentials” by Jennifer Fairbanks-Mattthews. I had found this an easier method than re-drafting a pattern completely again from a clients measurements.
I have shared a video to my YouTube on how I had done this ….see the video on the AnnieandMyras YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/HppVTVi8BBg
Lets get together “sewcially”in this time of “Sewcial Distancing”
Mens shirt in progress…..
Previous face to face workshop set up…
Sewing has always been my ”happy place”, something to escape into, especially after a challenging day in my previous career.
Within this time of uncertainty that is March 2020, I have enjoyed escaping into a world of colour and design here in my home-based set up.
I wonder if others might appreciate this time to develop a new skill that helps them “distance” from the uncertainty of the future, and immerse themselves in the world of colour and design.
If you would like to explore a new skill please feel free to contact me here by email, or by Instagram messaging and we can arrange to “get together sewcially” online.. Men and children too are most welcome.
We could explore lingerie making, mens shirt making, silk flower making or millinery. I am able to walk you through where to source online supplies, which patterns may suit your particular size/shape/skill level, and organise a flow of how to programme your new amazing makes!
I am currently “writing” formal workshops, but am also very happy to offer this one on one individual service for $40(AUD) per hour.
Sewing lingerie with Sequins
Sewing lingerie with sequins was actually not as challenging as I had thought. I had purchased the fabric to practice with, and then had a client who was a performer, and had thought it might be quite wonderful as a set for her.
I didn’t remove the sequins from the seams, as they were quite small, but sewed the seams as I normally would. I used a sharp, strong (Smetz Chrome) needle. In spite of this I still used three for the set, in view of breakages. I also tried to minimise sequins (especially against the body) as these would be quite “scratchy”. For this reason, I used Fold Over elastic at the edges. I also lined some of the bralette with Powernet to allow support, yet movement for her performance.
Overall, I was delighted that the process was easier than I had anticipated, however it was very messy!!…sequins everywhere!!
Why this blog?
It all begins with an idea.
I have mused for ages as to why I have been procrastinating about an Ecommerce site…I think its because I like dealing with people, and the thought of making something for a computer didn’t appeal. I am primarily a maker, making things is what I love to do. If I am making for a computer I don’t think I will do a good job, whereas if I am making for some-one I have connected with I am more likely to do a job I am happy with, as I can connect with their energy as I sew.
That is how the idea for a blog came into being. That way I hope to connect with real people and share my making…my tips, my mistakes/learning curves, design ideas, and where I found this amazing piece of fabric, or that fabulous pattern.
Whilst I love pattern making, I am “old school”…I like a pencil and paper and my french curves. So the concept of a CAD software system to put my patterns online does also not appeal…I am slowly working up to this. Meanwhile I will continue making …it is who I am and what I do. After all, it is why I left my previous career…to immerse myself in making and all the joy it brings me.
I am Jennie, a fabric addict, and I love to make anything with a needle and thread. Whilst I have lately become obsessed with lingerie, that may change ( I am easily bored!). I have recently also forayed into learning shoemaking on the side, and have a fascination for drawing manga. But then I did also do millinery for five years until recently, and love making mens shirts…so it all may change.
I love to mentor other sewing enthusiasts and also sewing newbies, so if you want to offer an idea, or ask a question or have an idea, please feel free to drop me a line…just be mindful that I am new to the whole blogging scene..I could only cope with a little positive criticism…
Well…here we go!!…
Jennie xo
(and Toby…who is the master of dog hair embellishments!)
Virtual Workshops
Are coming…Whilst I was running face to face workshops from my purpose built studio, it seems most would prefer online…so I’m working on changing them to a virtual form…
Lets make it social
Lunch!