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another question about flat pattern clas

blingy | Posted in General Discussion on

Thank you to all who replied to my 1st question about the flat pattern drafting class, your info was very helpful and I don’t want to seem as thick as two short planks but I think I may be missing something so here goes…If I know my measurements, why can’t I take a pattern and measure it against my measurements?  What would I gain from taking this class?  Like I said before I don’t want to make my own designs, I just want stuff to fit.  Sorry if I am dwelling on this point but I fail to see the benefit.  Am I missing something?  Thanks again.

Replies

  1. DONNAKAYE | | #1

    Because if it was as simple as taking measurements and then laying them onto a flat pattern, we'd all have terrific-fitting garments.  Good measurements do not equal good fit.  Flat-pattern drafting teaches the fundamentals of making a one-dimensional object (the flat pattern) form into a three-dimensional object (the final garment).  A solid education in flat pattern drafting can help eliminate the frustration of turning that flat object into something that will sculpt around the human body, and it also eliminates many steps in between the measuring and cutting process and the final fit -- what Bishop Method has always called "cut to fit."  Is this as clear as mud?

    1. GailAnn | | #3

      Read the book "The Bishop Method" as a teen-ager, about a hundred years ago.  Loved it, learned SO MUCH!  Are Bishop Method classes still being taught?  In or near Kansas City?  Is there a new or revised Bishop Method book now in print?  One would definitely be worth the $$$$.  Gail

      1. DONNAKAYE | | #4

        There are probably still a few being taught around the country, but very few indeed.  Some modern teachers are using Bishop Method in their classes.  Check in your area for sewing classes and talk to the individual teacher to see if he or she incorporates some Bishop Method into their teaching.

        I'm thinking about doing some videos of Bishop classes.  Maybe I'll post a general message to everyone in the forum and inquire as to whether they're interested....d.

        1. Alipye | | #5

          DonnaKaye, you sound so knowledgeable that if you keep this up you will have a whole new business enterprise going on!  Which of course, would be great for all of us who would devour anything you put together.  I for one, will buy anything you produce....patterns, boards etc.  We cannot get enough good help. Thank you again from your input.

          1. DONNAKAYE | | #6

            Thanks, Alipye!  I'm in the process of working with copy editors, reproduction graphics artists, etc., and will let everyone know when it's ready to ship.

            I'll get with my husband about the pants board and get him to work up a price.

            The pants boards come covered with one layer of muslin, then two layers of army blanket wool, then a top cover of canvas.

            Thanks for your interest.  Just so I can keep all the requests straight, please send me a simple request to my private email.  That's where I'm keeping my records of requests.

            Happy Sewing Day!

          2. jatman | | #7

            Hi DonnaKaye! 

            Do you have a website?  Just curious!

            JT

          3. DONNAKAYE | | #8

            No, but do you think I should?  My husband is getting ready to produce pants boards, and I'm looking into the production of the pants pattern and accompanying instruction booklet.

          4. jatman | | #9

            Yes, definitely!  The internet has become the first place I go for most things, especially anything I don't think I'll be able to find easily in a store near me.  I looked up Bishop Method on Amazon (and I found it!  and ordered it!) so I find it extremely helpful to be able to see some of the items before ordering them.  Let us know if you set one up, ok? 

            JT

        2. sewfunn | | #12

          Hi, I'm new to this forum, but I love it already. My friend and I would be very interested in learning the Bishop Method, so I will keep checking in. Thanks!

          1. DONNAKAYE | | #13

            Welcome to our forum!  I'll try to keep posting Bishop learnings as I can.....D.

          2. DONNAKAYE | | #14

            sewfunn, I'm starting a series on Bishop Method, so keep an eye on the postings...d.

          3. sewfunn | | #15

            Hi, thanks for the update, I really appreciate it!

  2. tmorris1 | | #2

    Blingy, It is as easy as fitting your measurements to the overall measurements on the pattern. You do have to remember to remove the seam allowances, interior of darts, pleats, and tucks from the pattern's measurements, and you should be left with the size of the finished garment at that point. Any further difference between your measurements and the measurement of the pattern at this is either wearing ease, or a point where an alteration is required.The difficulty in the whole process is in trying to see a flat piece of paper as a 3 dimensional piece of paper.I, personally, would forgo the class in favor of spending some time at your local library looking for some books on fitting and alteration. There are many books out there with beautifully illustrated step by step instructions on fitting and alterations. Once you have poured over all of the information that the books offer, and learned more about how to fit a pattern better, you may reconsider the pattern drafting class. It is all a part of the learning curve :-)T.

  3. jjgg | | #10

    Blingy,
    I think you should take the class, you will learn so much from it. Understanding the pattern making process is half the battle to getting a fit, you will learn what you can and can't do in adjusting patterns etc.

  4. stitchintime | | #11

    Do take a pattern drafting class or but not with that teacher. I accidently took a pattern drafting class 15 years ago and it completely changed the way I see and understand a pattern and how I go about fitting.

    Don McCunn has a pattern drafting book out and he has a Yahoo group for questions. There may be other courses available on line or DVD's available. Start researching and keep asking questions.

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