make your own sewing patterns!

I received a copy of this new sewing book, Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Pattern making Simplified, by Cal Patch (cool name!) and am really impressed. I often recommend Wendy's sewing books for basic garment sewing know-how, but haven't been able to recommend a sewing book that fully covers pattern making. This is that book. Cal explains thoroughly how to draft, alter, and sew garments that will really fit you. She also how teaches how to grade patterns which is what you need to know if you want to make items in multiple sizes.

There are quite a few designs in the book, complete with sewing directions. But, to clarify, this book contains no actual patterns—because you draft them yourself! This book is full of wonderful tips on creating patterns in many different styles—but the look of all the designs (for the most part) is pretty casual and loose. Not a vintage-tailored look, but more a casual-cool look. This makes the fitting issues easier, but also means the overall style of these pieces are sweeter and simpler than your favorite dress on Mad Men.

I have not actually tried any of these designs yet, have any of you? I bet some people are making some dang cool clothes out of this book.