What was I thinking.....

So I enthusiastically bought the Japanese "Stylish Dress Book" - so many lovely, comfy, summery clothes.

Then decided I would make this pattern - pretty, relaxed, quick to make perhaps - first mistake.

Next I selected a poly fabric that I bought cheaply to test the pattern. The fabric was my second mistake.

satin binding as self binding to hard to handle

After working with help from Gay to decipher the Japanese pattern, I found the fabric challenging to handle and the construction not as straight forward as hoped. Then, I finished it! Not good!

bat wing sleeves - never a good look on me - why don't I learn!!!

Nope - not pregnant

back and front are the same

Ok, what did I learn?
1. Choose a soft cotton like a voile. The poly did not drape as I expected despite being slippery to handle giving the final maternity top effect. I think the fabric choice would make most of the difference to the finished garment.
2. Don't add any seam allowance. I did and it's not needed.
3. If you're full busted, this pattern may not be for you (or me for that matter).

This will now be quietly filed in the "live and learn" category. Now time for a cuppa and a rethink....

Drape Drape 2 No. 4 top Version 2

It's not often I make a pattern multiple times but this Japanese pattern has been one. It's so simple to make, it's also easy and flattering to wear.

This time I made it out of a pink and white stripe with a slight seersucker effect it in one of the stripes from my favourite fabric store. It was a 2 way stretch but a heavier weight than I previously has used and this did alter the final effect (notably the softness of the drapes).

This top also gave me the opportunity of trying to improve my technique using self bias. I also used this handy gadget to help make the self bias. This was a 12mm size but there are others. Simply cut the bias to size (across the fabric grain), push the fabric through the device (having a point of the fabric and a pair of tweezers to pull through the first part of the fabric helped me) and then  iron into bias binding.

As this fabric was not so soft a stretch as the previous version,  I eased out the side seam and made sure the bottom hem was well stretched while sewing.

Front view (in soft focus:) )

back view

The stripe may or may not have worked but I'm still happy to wear the final result.

Drape Drape 2 No. 4 top

My weekend project - the No.4 pattern from the Japanese pattern book Drape Drape 2. I made it from a poly/elastine remnant from Tessuti. The construction was very straight forward. The only problem I had was handling the fabric and the self-binding is something I need to improve on.

I love the asymmetry of this - it makes it a really interesting and flattering top. I'll definitely be making it again.

Front view

Back view

Drape Drape 2 dress - Missoni fabric update

You may remember my earlier post on the Drape Drape 2 dress....well here's the final result of the dress on my sister. I think it looks fantastic and she's happy with it too.

First Japanese pattern effort

When I became interested in the Japanese pattern books, my first attempt was to make a "simple" top from the book Drape Drape. I chose a relative inexpensive knit in plain black to keep cost down and hide any potential mistakes. Once I got my head around not having a pattern with every step explained to me in English and having to trace a pattern, I finished the top with one minor mistake. This size was a Large from the pattern and it is very loose fitting, easily fitting a Aus size 14-16.

Things I've learned from this and my Missoni dress of Japanese pattern book patterns:-
1. Always check the sizing against you're own measurements. A "L" does not necessarily correspond to AUS size 14.
2. If you're able make a quick version in a cheap stretch fabric, it will help with the final outcome.
3. Don't be afraid to adjust some aspects of the pattern to suit you better.
4. The patterns are very pictorial and have are pretty logical, so don't be afraid to try.
5. The dresses are fantastic and can be sewn in an afternoon. The longest part of the process is tracing the pattern. This does require patience.
So have a go!

Drape drape 2 dress

Having recently become a little obsessed with Japanese pattern books, I've made a dress from the Drape Drape 2 book. It's made in a fabulous Missoni stripe sourced from my favourite fabric store Tessuti.

As I've found with many of these patterns, it's best to check fit etc before cutting fabric. Often the sizing can be quite small for us non-Japanese girls. This dress was made for my sister who is on average a size 8-10 (AUS) and I cut the large size. The shoulder straps were extended 5cm as the pattern neckline was quite small and we also wanted added length. Two cm were added to the length also.

As this dress relies on the stretch it's important that the hem is allowed to stretch as much as much as the fabric allows otherwise you have difficulty getting it over your head!.