I like paper patterns. I know that lots of people make their own, but to tell the truth, I have not had much luck with tracing existing clothing…..I find that along the way I am making weird and crazy adjustments that I could have avoided in the first place. So, I use mostly paper patterns….and for the most part…I hardly make any adjustments. They are tested and usually very well-done and I just love them. Don’t get me wrong, I still pull a bodice from here and a skirt from here and a sleeve from here. But my point……DON’T BE AFRAID OF PAPER PATTERNS. Really. No, really. They are your friend.
And so my latest project comes from this pattern from 1975…..love it. Can I give you one more hint? Children’s basic patterns (or adults for that matter) don’t change much. Pants are pants, capris are capris, and a-line dresses are a-line dresses no matter what the generation. Yes, frills and ruffles change a bit (and bell bottoms)….but that’s mostly it. The embellishments. Not the patterns themselves.
Ok. So really don’t be afraid of paper patterns.
One more thing, I promise that I haven’t forgotten about our sew along. I had the perfect-most-perfect pattern for it….and then found out it’s out of print. Darn. It really was the perfect basic dress….so I am adjusting another pattern to make it work for us. A-Girls-Dress-Sew-Along. (I promise to come up with a better name.) I am thinking March. Is there still interest?
And later this week? How to cut a paper pattern 101. See I told you not to be afraid. And…the finale of this hint of the dress. It’s the dress on the right of the pattern.
Paper patterns are the best, they are what taught me how to sew – one stitch at a time.
Oh heavenly cuteness…
I need to find this pattern.
-Missy-
misstenn1978@gmail.com
http://3beautifulkiddos.blogspot.com/
where did you find that adorable red and turquoise plaid?
Julie…I got it about a month ago at Hobby Lobby. I love it….I actually love anything that has turquoise in it.
I’m always jealous for you that can find paper pattern easily. Wish I can find shop that sell paper patterns here. Buying online doesn’t help, you know.. sometimes they charge delivery cost that is even higher that the pattern itself
ps : I’m your follower now
Citra
http://childhood-obsessions.blogspot.com/
I am down for a sew along. =] I have been intimidated by patterns since I haven’t used one in years and when I did my grandmother was helping me the whole time. Your post on patterns was very helpful. =]
I love seeing this pattern, my great grandmother made me an apron from it and my grandmother made my sister and me several dresses.