Riffs on a Trusted Pattern: The Beach Cover-up
I am off on another sewing adventure. In 2021, I challenged myself to make a white shirt each month. In 2022, I have started each monthly project with the same pattern. Never underestimate the power of a TNT (tried-and-true) pattern. In this challenge, I am exploring that idea and testing my creativity to see how many variations I can come up with. It sounds great right now, but it’s early. Let’s hope it still sounds fun later in the year.
Selected TNT pattern
I will be using the Fit for Art Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern (which I am calling TRJ) as my starting point. I have been making this pattern for a while, and it is definitely one of my trusted patterns.
I hadn’t made the Tabula Rasa Jacket “straight up” in a long time, so for this first version, I thought I would make it right out of the envelope—with a few minor fitting adjustments.
After tracing the basic pattern pieces onto tissue paper, I made a bedsheet mock-up, also called a muslin or toile, to check the fit. Here is what I discovered:
•. I needed more room for my broad shoulders.
•. I didn’t need a bust dart.
•. I wanted a bit of flare in the side panel but not as much as the flared side panel that comes with the pattern.
These changes got transferred to a new brown paper pattern, and I was ready to make my TRJ for this month.
If you continue to follow this challenge, you will see lots of wrinkly pattern paper. New pattern paper is easy to buy. However, I have been saving the packaging that comes to my house and recycling it into patterns. They are not pretty, but they work just fine.
Beach cover-up
For the…
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"and small dogs"😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. I understand pattern making. I am no expert at all, lacking confidence.. but this was a delight to watch.. just like magic and with such confidence.. I am off to 'hack' a pattern.. to hack without hacking..😂😂😂😂 Thank you
Absolutely wonderful. Looking forward to your #2!
Hack with abandon! Isn't that why we sew in the first place...to be able to make whatever we want, the way we want it?! Go for it!
😂😂
I just bought this pattern at the recent sewing expo in Atlanta. I am looking forward to getting creative with it and will follow your progress here. Love the use of the towels with the fringe!
I thought I might have to get rid of the 'wrist' fringe...I thought it might be annoying to wear. But so far so good. I think you will like working with the pattern...I am of coursed biased on this one.
Very cute!!
Thank you. It was fun to make as well.
What a fun idea. Your finished garment is beautifully made. The stripe matching is so impressive. I also cannot wait for number two!
Thank you for noticing my stripes. Only another sewist would understand the fussing around that takes!