Your personal block
Often I get asked what you can actually use the block pattern for. The answer is simple: EVERYTHING!
But from this simple answer, we come to a more complicated execution. To develop on your basic form, you need to know how to do it, you need to have lots of patience, and then you need to think it's fun to work with patterns.
Many people think that you can put your block on top of a purchased pattern and, in that way, get your adjustments to the buying pattern - you can not.
On the other hand, if you have a personal block, you can develop your own patterns, called pattern design or pattern development.
But because you have a block, you can not just draw a few lines and then have a new pattern. It requires you to sew up tests or samples models still, and it requires you to follow a recipe - just like when you have to make a new complicated dish in the kitchen.
As with all craftsmanship, practice makes perfect, and one must remember that the essential tool for making one's well-fitting clothes is patience. If you hurry through the adjustment and the test models, the result will be the same.
I usually compare a block with a basic sauce or gravy in the kitchen. It can turn into a hollandaise or a bearnaise, but if you hurry and do not have the patience and love for the project, it separates, and it can be challenging to repair and then there is just one option - to start over.
Now I've talked a lot about how important it is to have patience if you want to work with a block - and I think if you're still reading, it's because you probably have the patience to do it. Make your patterns from scratch. And that's the COOLEST I think. It's challenging, fun and you can have it any way you want.
I have two personal blocks - a block for trousers and a block for a dress.
I use my block dress for anything other than trousers. You need to know that a block dress I use for dresses, shirts, blouses, skirts, jackets, and coats as a starting point.
The more complicated your design is, the more test models you have to sew up when making something new. But when making one new thing from your block, you know one thing; you do have the proper incline and fit from the start. That work you did when you made your block, so those steps you can skip when making a block.
Everything I develop comes from the blocks I have. I make both simple pieces of clothing from these, which only require one sample model, and I make more complicated things that need 3 sample models.
This pink set comes from the trousers block and the dress block. The trousers have only had one test sewing and the jacket three samples, as it is more complicated with both pockets, two-stitch sleeves and a collar.
I can't recommend having a block form enough. But, if you sew a lot and dream of making your own wardrobe, the time spent creating a block is worth it!
I hope you find the courage to throw yourself into the new project!
Nanna
