Do you sketch? I’ve recently started documenting some of the things I like and would try to make and I’ve noticed that sketching not only allows me to better imagine the final garment, but it also helps with the need to make a million things, because sketching somehow counts as a creative process, so I can change my mind about a garment before I sew something that will never be worn outside the house. Like these pj pants, for example : (
Some of these are garment sketches start from something I found on Pinterest, but drawing them gives me the space to add my own ideas and to futher make something mine.
It also serves as a work in progress tool for garments I would love to make but I’m not quite sure how yet, like the cutout embroidery top above. My grandma used to make this with her old Singer machine, so I could try to make this with a dense zigzag. But I might also embroider this by hand.
For other items, like the tiny pleats and embroidery top or the sleeveles turtleneck top above it helps me visualise the final piece and the fit. For the first one I really have to make sure I find a lightweight batiste, or something that both embroiders and pleats well. The second could turn out too boxy and unflattering for my figure if I choose a fabric that’s too stiff.
I think with the multitude of inspiration sources we have nowadays and the many “I want!” we have to deal with, sketching pleasantly slows down the process of creating new garments, making it more rewarding and more meaningul at the same time.
So, do you sketch too? I’d love to see your notebook, or saved, preciously sketched napkins 🙂
I love your sketches. We need to capture our ideas before they disappear. But then there is so little time to make them all up. Good luck!
Thank you Kate, you always have kind encouragement words for me 🙂