First off: What is BASTE + GATHER?! It’s an idea. I’m playing with it. And I’m playing with my site design, too (obvs). How do you like the single column? And don’t judge – I will get everything lined up and sized properly soon. 
Onward…
I’ve been working on a project for a few weeks now that I’m excited to share with you guys – downloadable, EDITABLE (for those of you who want this functionality) pattern blocks! The first set will be for children’s (unisex) knitwear tops/tunic/dresses in sizes 2-7 (including 6X).
The fit is looking great, but I’m working on the shoulders a little bit. As you can see in these short-sleeve photos, they’re a bit wide on Harper (who is a perfect size 2) for my taste. I made one for Ezra (who is almost the same size as Harper), and they look fine on him. I think it might be a gender-specific thing. The narrower shoulders just look a little more feminine.
So, I’m working on that… Perhaps separate blocks for girls and boys?
Believe it or not, this triangles dress (all fabrics in this post by Jo-ann Fabric & Craft Stores) is not a SOLEIL. It’s very similar, but I simply grabbed the size 2 block and cut away. I brought in the shoulders, created a slight racer back and obviously added a gathered skirt to the bottom. Harper hasn’t taken this dress off since I first put it on her yesterday.
I absolutely love that using pattern blocks gives me the ability to quickly take an idea from a sketch to a finished garment. With accurate pattern blocks, there’s not much guesswork in whether or not my idea will fit properly. A couple inches here, a little gathering there…and voila! A whole new look from the same pattern.
And that’s another benefit of using pattern blocks in your sewing – saving money!! If you’re anything like I am, you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on PDF sewing patterns over the years. While there are certainly a ton of great designs out there that are worth purchasing, having some good pattern blocks on hand allows you the freedom to create when the finances are a bit tight.
Last thing – these blocks include permission to use them however you like (minus reselling them, of course). If you’re an aspiring designer, you can absolutely use these to create your own designs to sell. So, stay tuned! I plan to have these ready for sale in the next week or two. The PDF-only versions will be available in the Selvage Designs shop, and the designer packs (.AI, .EPS, .SVG) will go into Pattern Workshop.
Are you as excited about these pattern blocks as I am?!
P.S. – Denim shorts above were self-drafted.
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