Sunday 2 June 2013

My Bodice Block

I did the City & Guilds in Pattern Cutting quite a few years ago.  Since doing it, I've had a baby (who is now 9 :-O ), lost a shed load of weight (related to food allergies of said baby) and put most of it back on, you know the cycle! So my blocks don't really work, although I have to admit that I've not really used them since I've had them, life has kind of got in the way.  (I have used my pattern cutting though so it wasn't all in vain!)   I have a massive stash of fabric, all earmarked for projects but need my blocks to make them so have got on with making new ones.

The first time round, I did my blocks via the flat pattern cutting version, using the Helen Stanley book.  This way is very mathematics-based and necessitates you having measured yourself accurately at various body points.  However, this time round my bodice block was done using the modelling style: no maths involved, you just need to be able to stand still for a while, whilst someone else fits  fabric to your body to create a basic shell.  Both require you making a toile of your blocks to check the fit (which means you need to have someone available to help with fitting).

Despite the speed and ease with which the modelling was done (the speed probably due to my fitter knowing what she was doing, it does help!), I prefer the flat pattern cutting version.  Now I have never really thought of myself being much of a mathematician.  Don't get me wrong, I got a good grade at "O" level (yes I am a relic of the old education system, soon to be old-old education system if Mr Gove has his way) but that was with extra tuition.  Maths and I had an uneasy relationship;  I never really got it, nor the point of it.  However the older I get, I realise that I'm good at the Maths I know and remember (most of it has been forgotten) and I enjoy it.  I am obviously way more mathematical than I ever cared to admit (and yes, I am now admitting it:  My name is Melissa and I DO like Maths).  I like this way of creating blocks; I like the process, the accuracy and the neatness of the flat pattern cutting version.

So, whilst I am waiting for my toiled modelled block to be tweaked, I find myself wondering if you have a block, which method you used or prefer and why?



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