Pattern making

So for my birthday I also got Make your own dress patterns by Adele P. Margolis. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at pattern making for a while and been searching for course. While I found a few in London (at Central Saint Martins but I can’t find out when it runs or how much), I haven’t been able to find any in Amsterdam. AMFI has what looks like a lovely degree on the topic, but alas doesn’t do evening courses.

So I’ve been humming and hawing and wondering what to do. Then along came my birthday and – what do you know? – G. had been doing his research on more than just duck tape. I’ve started to read it and I’ll admit I’m a little intimidated. I mean, I didn’t even know that all flat patterns start with a good sloper. When I mentioned this to G. he responded with ‘really, you didn’t?’ – as if this was the most common knowledge going. I suspect he reviewed a few too many pattern-making books, using Amazon’s sneaky ‘look inside’ button. I’m a little perturbed that he now knows more about pattern making than me!

Anyway I digress, I am actually quite excited while at the same time filled with trepidation. We went searching around the centre for an art shop. When said shop was found I came out carrying what I hope will be tough enough paper for the construction of patterns (is that too optimistic?) and actual patroontekenpapier (ie pattern drawing paper). The latter makes me feel like this is serious business, I got the proper paper, so I guess I’m really gonna make some patterns?

I also got three lovely pencils. Actually  G. chose them because by then I was in sensory overload (have I mentioned that I have a stationary fetish and being in an art shop was just too much?). These pencils are different weight – noticeably different, and oh so nice (I’m a little scared to use them). And an eraser.G. suggested we get a bigger one. I thought this one was big enough. Cheeky sod.

So I’m … errr … ready to start … err … making my own patterns. Or trying at least. Or maybe I’ll start by just altering my current patterns (which I do already but with some actual idea of what I’m doing this time?).

I’ve also decided to start practicing how to draw the designs in my head. It’s time now perhaps to be a bit honest. I like being creative, I get a kick out of making things and even more of a kick of people going ooh you made that? But I can’t draw. At all. But I REALLY want to. So I have decided to practice. I’m gonna draw (with my lovely new pencils) one design a week. Eek, even just saying it has me thinking of procrastinating activities I could get myself entwined in. But I’ve promised myself if I actually do this, then I’ll be allowed back to the art shop to get some pens and pencils – oh the idea of a new package of coloured markers has me giddy, and a little sketch book (oh a shiver just ran down my spine)!

But I guess I better get started huh?

Do you make your own patterns? Would love some suggestions on books, courses or blogs on pattern making!