13 Jan Folk to Fashion – Zero Waste

Looking a lot like an origami bat, this weeks self-drafted #PatternPuzzle comes from some of the greatest minds of the 1960's - the inventors filing patents for the next best thing in clothing production. July 2019 - this pattern is now available as a PDF download on this website - The Patent Blouse Sizes XS-XXL
There are so many different kinds of twists in pattern making and I have dealt with a few in this blog, like the Pattern Magic Twist - 'nejiri'& Pattern Magic Twist - 'nejiri' II, Off-the-shoulder Twist Top, and Triple Twist Jersey Dress
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to our #PatternPuzzle conversation on Saturday.
Here is the anonymous shape that was posted on our Facebook Page. A self-drafted rectangle with three notches - that's all they got! And they were very creative with the information. Have a look at the comments!
The inspiration behind Saturday's Pattern Puzzle has been doing the rounds of a few designers over the past 12 months. I have cut it at least twice for different clients in the past year. In the world of drape, it's definitely the new kid on the block. Simple and uncomplicated this style has a casual and formal application. I personally like the casual application and plan to make it as a tunic top to go over jeans or a long slim skirt.
Wandering around in Pinterest I repinned the images below from Red Point Tailor! to my #cuttthatfrock album. I was fascinated with the strange little pattern diagram on the back of the envelope. The images claim that this simple shape would make that wrap top and that you can wear it wrapped from the front or the back. Mmmm... big claims for a simple shape and such sophisticated drawings! Convinced I could scale this up to make sense of it, I imported the image into illustrator.
In this second stage, the 'nejiri' Twist evolves into something new. Continuing on from the earlier photo tutorial post about my investigations into yet more twist patterns. It's important to remember that the success of these twists depends on using two-way stretch knit. Both the existing toiles in this test are merino and merino blends with elastane.
Alterations to the first sample included reducing the upper body length to refine the drape and tightening the hip fit so the twist will stay in place.
At last I have a chance to test out some of the ideas in this wonderful book, 'Pattern Magic" by Tomoko Nakamichi. Originally ordered from Tessuiti Fabrics in Surry Hills Sydney, this book, and the many like it, are full of challenging ideas.