From 3D Drape to 2D Pattern: Finalizing Our Creative Fold Dress

In this very technical and detailed session, we completed the final and most crucial step in bringing our creative fold dress to life: translating all of our draped pieces into precise, flat paper patterns. We took everything off the form and worked through the puzzle of marking, tracing, and trueing each piece—the front top, back top, front skirt, and back skirt. This process is all about ensuring every curve, seam, and notch matches perfectly so that when we get to sewing, everything comes together beautifully.

Completing Our Vivienne Westwood-Inspired Drape & Preparing for the Pattern

This week, we picked up right where we left off with our beautiful, Vivienne Westwood-inspired draped dress. The goal for today's session was to move from a conceptual front drape to a complete garment by draping the back pieces and marking everything meticulously so we are ready to create the flat pattern next week. This is a crucial step where we translate all the soft, three-dimensional shapes into precise lines and notches that will guide us on the cutting table.

Doodling on the Drape: From a Simple Fold to a Full Design Concept

In today's session, we continued our exploration of the "Creative Folds" technique, but this time, we focused on how a single, small-scale folded detail can inspire a complete and complex garment design. I wanted to show you my personal process for moving from an abstract drape on the form to a fully realized design concept. We worked with softer, flowier fabrics and saw how a simple fold can become the starting point for a stunning, Vivienne Westwood-esque evening dress.

Introducing a New Draping Series: Creative Folds

This week, I was so excited to introduce a brand new series of creative draping techniques that are a bit more advanced and hybrid in nature, which I call "Creative Folds." Unlike zero-waste or geometric methods, this technique is about creating unique, architectural shapes and details by folding the fabric in specific ways before you even put it on the form. It’s a method you see in the work of masters like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, and it's perfect for developing intricate details for corsets, gowns, and structured garments.

The Pillowcase Challenge: Creating Unconventional Designs from a Simple Tube

I decided to try something completely spontaneous and fun today, which I’m calling the "Pillowcase Challenge." The idea came to me while I was decluttering and found a bunch of king-size jersey pillowcases I no longer needed. Instead of throwing them out, I challenged myself to use their simple tubular shape as a base for creating unique, unconventional tops and dresses.