Exploring Patternmaking: Three Strap Tops from the Same Base

A piece I wear constantly in the summer is a strap top, so now that I’m learning patternmaking, I decided to experiment and create a few designs from my basic blocks — and this process resulted in three different versions.

First version: testing the darted base 

A coat that became a winter hat and leg warmers

Transforming a Forgotten Coat into Unique Pieces

I was given this unused coat to repurpose in my sewing projects. I must confess it stayed in my wardrobe for several months because I had no idea what to do with it. The main fabric was wool, with details in an extremely heavy material and metal buttons, and the coat had lots of seams and panels. 

Small pouches reusing jeans zippers

 

My latest project started from the idea of using zippers from denim jeans—I decided to make zippered pouches. 

 

Doing appliqué flowers to embellish a kimono style jacket

My last project is a kimono style jacket, I drafted the pattern using my bodice block and made a pilot piece using a duvet cover. The end result was nice enough I felt I could where it.