So I have been working on the chest piece for my kyoshi warrior costume. Again, I awas convinced that I had everyting planned out perfectly but for some reason I just cant get the damn thing to work right. Here is what I have so far.
I wanted to make a pattern to use so that everything came out neat and proffesional looking. Being completely self taught I of course have never taken a pattern making course but I figured like most things if you pretend you know how to do something really hard you usually do ok.
I started with a small paper version to work out the concepts.
The pattern seemed to be working out so I made a bigger version out of paper and sewed it all together to test it out.
It worked great! Exactly what I wanted. At this point I was getting pretty cocky and had allready decided that I was probably the best at sewing ever.
So I wrote down my measurements and proceded to make a full size version of the pattern (out of wrapping paper btw). Everything seemed to be goin so well.
So I cut out all the peiced and sewed them all together, fully expecting everything to work out beautifully. I mean a measured! and made a patter. That is WAY more planning than I normaly do. Usually I just wing it. And then what do you know?
THE DAMN THING DOESNT FIT PROPPERLY! And I measured and added a couple extra inches just to be on the safe side! Thank god Im not a completed dumbass and decided to start with the lining fabric and not the expensive vinal that I bought for the outside.
It is supposed to overlap 1 inch on the back so that a zipper can be sewed in. I just can understand how I can make something that is the same cericomferance as me plus few inches and then it dosent close in the back! it doesnt make any sense.
I guess that I learned that you cant get good at everyting by pretending. So instead of wasting any more lining fabric I think Im going to head to my work this afternoon and see If I can find a shirt that is constructed similarly that I can take apart and use to make a pattern. Then Im going to go buy some cheap muslin to practice on until I get it right. I am confident that my origional idea is sound. I just have to work out the pattern making. Wish me luck!
[this is good] yay! this is really all pattern making is drawing the shape you want trying it on and adding all seam allowance in all the correct areas and knowing where to adjust for fitting. you know you can text me whenever you have questions, I'm always happy to help!
Posted by: Amy | 07/27/2010 at 04:26 PM
What I need help on is the skirt. I've never made one befor. Though Paige has been working on a dress for a Queen of all Cosmos costume so maybe I can get some ideas by watching her do that.
Posted by: Allison | 07/27/2010 at 11:37 PM
skirts are super easy, they are essentially two trapezoids, one front and one back. the back piece will usually be a little bigger because it has more to cover. the top of the trapezoid is the waist measurement and the bottom is the hem and will vary depending on the desired fullness. I would scrounge around your work for some old generic skirt patterns and use them as your base and modify them from there. plus the patterns from the 70's have instructions that are so much simpler and more clear and have better pictures on how to do things like put in a waist band.
Posted by: Amy | 07/30/2010 at 01:18 AM
great tip! and sooo much cheaper than buying new patterns at the fabric store. I'll check it out.
Posted by: Allison | 07/30/2010 at 10:17 PM