Week Six- Starting on the patterns.

 

This was the look chosen by the panel to create.  I had wanted to do look #2 but they suggested i do this one because it meets the sunsafe brief a bit better.  This leaves me to do the patterns of three pieces a leotard, tights and vest.  All have mesh panels and I want to add panels with my print to inject a bit of colour.

Finding a Starting Point.....

I felt that using the swimsuit block QUT had provided as a starting point would require a fair amount of work to get the armhole, sleeve and neckline fit correct (and that's before even thinking about stlylines, panels and finishings!).  So I decided to start with a long sleeved leotard block by Kwik Sew:

 

While  I was at Spotlight picking up the leotard pattern I also saw this little gem (see below).  Picked it up in case it proves helpful for the leggings: 

 

 

This week I decided to make the toile for the leggings.  My plan of action was in three easy steps:

STEP ONE: Cut out block in toile fabric and sew together.

STEP TWO: Mark style lines where thin mesh panels will go.

STEP THREE: Cut along those style lines to create the basis for the paper pattern pieces.  Tranfer pattern shapes to paper and allow room for the width of the mesh panels and seam allowances (0.6cm)

What I came up with was this:

I experimented with top stitching along the borders of the mesh panels but the curves and the fact the machine foot can't be raised without cutting the thread off makes doing that neatly very difficult.  Will talk to Gillian about this at design review.