Sunday, December 28, 2008

Threads inspiration

Yesterday I received Threads magazine no. 141, which is quite early, as I received no. 140 only two weaks ago. From the website I read that this issue will be available in the US in January. Strange, but I'm not complaining.

I like this magazine and was very much inspired by the white blouse variations shown in the previous issue, and there are two more inspiring in this issue too.

There is no magazine here in the Netherlands with this kind of information. This morning I took some time browsing and reading. I like articles about the making of dressforms, or the two sided coat, though I won't ever make one I guess, enough trouble getting a one sided coat done I think ;) .

This is a pants pattern that was made in the "Pattern review" section of the magazine:

A Marfy pattern that is only available through the Marfy website on request, not shown on their site anywhere. I did some internet searching, but couldn't find more information. It doesn't help that the Marfy site doesn't have a search system.

As I won't fit in any pants pattern without serious alterations, it's no use ordering this pattern anyway. It might be a project for one of my next pair of pants. I'm intrigued by the waistband and the pocket details in it. I would omit the slit in the front and probably the buttons on the left leg. I guess it would be fine to make it with a invisible zipper in the side. Something to think about.

There is one article which I'm curious about. It's called The Golden Rule of Proportions. I'm familiar with the "golden ratio" concept, and how it's used in art. But in garment making? The Fibonacci series (a mathematical series of numbers) as a starting point for designs????

Tell me, is there anyone among you who uses a "calipher" or a "phi ruler" in your sewing adventures? I didn't know the existence of these tools, and don't feel a need to have them.

In the article itself I don't read any new things, "look at a skirt's width in proportion to its length", "Compare style features adjacent to each other, such as the size of embellishments next to one another". Ok, not all articles can have everyones interest, but this one highly surprised me.

12 comments:

  1. That pant design is amazing. Can you believe I still don't have a Threads subscription? I should be ashamed of myself.

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  2. I haven't seen the new threads issue yet, I think I just found the last one! (with the white shirt) Lucky you! I have heard of the "golden rule" though, The Lutterloh system uses it. ( www.lutterloh.com )The video demonstration they had looked interesting, now I can't wait to see the next Threads issue!

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  3. The pant design is intriguing, but like you I would have to have extensive changes to make it fit. The details, on the other hand, can certainly be easily drafted onto your tnt pant pattern.
    I have had a subscription to Threads for many years and unfortunately it's the old issues that I go to for their great articles. I think that they are dumbed down these days, with more photographs and fewer words than they used to have. I don't get rid of the subscription because when I do glean something interesting, it makes it worth it. That, and its an annual renewal gift from my dh.

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  4. Sigrid .- is true, the website of MARFY is too short, but if you're interested in getting the pattern of the trousers can apply by phone or e-mail. My sister, three years ago, visited their offices in Ferrara (Italy), they are very kind.

    MARFY phone: 0532750286

    MARFY fax: 0532752390

    ON-LINE: www.marfy.it

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  5. The pattern has really an interesting design. And I agree that it is probably easier to incorporate the interesting things to a already fitting pant pattern.

    And even though Threads has become... well, more "beginner friendly" over the years I'm envious that I don't have my copy yet. Usually there is at least one interesting article in it thats worth the subscription.

    (And Happy New Year to you! I will be offline until january.)

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  6. You could definitely draft those pants on your own. The yoke is really interesting.

    I'm looking forward to reading that article, it sounds like maybe it's about 'common sense' rules, just put into words and numbers.

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  7. Sigrid - you have wonderful taste! I too love that design but I would have to do so much redrafting I might as well draft the trousers from the beginning! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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  8. That pants design is quite interesting and makes me hunger for the next issue. I also re read my old Threads time and again, gleaning new info with every read. I agree, they have dumbed down but once in a while there is a sparkler. That recent issue featuring Ralph Chado was the best in a very long time, from cover to cover, IMHO.

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  9. Actually, I don't think the design is too difficult, but that is just my brief analysis. I'm thinking the two front and back waist darts were rotated to the side seams at different angles connected to a style line running from the CF and CB back to the dart point.

    Hmm...on further inspection though, I see the little dart in the back and the pocket on the front. Maybe a combo of dart transfering? A duct tape waist-to-hip mold would give the perfect proportions and pattern for this one...I think ;) .

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  10. I have made up a Marfy trouser pattern (not that one!), but it needed the same alterations that many trousers do for me: making the waist two sizes smaller and making the front/sides of the thighs larger, plus a sway back adjustment. I have a very small waist compared to the hips and yes, the pattern will take quite a bit of altering. I don't think it would be that hard to transfer those ideas to a trouser pattern that you already know fits properly.

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  11. This is a unique pants design. I'm reluctant to try a Marfy, but this is an interesting pair of pants and I would enjoy/appreciate seeing them made up.

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  12. My mother has her Threads, you have your Threads (overseas to boot) but I still do not have MY Threads! Infuriating!

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