I'm not trained in dressmaking, but have always wanted to learn!
I can do a few simple garments (e.g. skirts and pyjama bottoms) and have loads of patterns waiting to be tried out!
The Great British Sewing Bee (currently showing on BBC2) is inspiring me to have a go at something I haven't tried before.
So I downloaded a pattern for a simple top for my youngest daughter, made a muslin version to adjust the pattern & fit, and then went for it!
We have darts, a back zipper and facing on the inside of the collar. I recycled the blue trim from a charity shop skirt!
Not a complicated make, but enough to give me the confidence to try another one, this time with short sleeves and perhaps a peter pan collar!
As a pattern writer, I take issue with the lack of detail and clear instructions in dressmaking patterns. This is what has put me off dressmaking in the past. But I accept that the only way to get better at understanding the patterns is to build up my experience & techniques in dressmaking, so I just need to keep practising!
I know one happy customer who won't be complaining!
Jude xo