The Magic Pattern Book: Sew 6 Patterns Into 36 Different Styles! - Softcover

Amy Barickman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0761171622 ISBN 13: 9780761171621

Publisher: Workman, 2014

Synopsis

Use six patterns to sew an entire one-of-a-kind wardrobe with ease, thrift-and style. Amy Barickman has, over the years, been immensely inspired by the work of first lady of fashion, Mary Brooks Picken (1886-1981). Mary was the author of nearly 100 books on sewing and fashion, founder of the Women's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences in Pennsylvania (which, at its height, had nearly 300,000 students enrolled both onsite and via correspondence course) a teacher at Columbia University, and a founding member of the Costume Institute. In studying Mary's work, Amy came across a series that were labelled, Magic Patterns-patterns that were simple, accessible, and could be re-imagined any number of ways. This book is Amy's ode to Mary Brooks Picken and her reinterpretation of the concept of the magic pattern-a design that holds the promise of accessible high fashion to those who can not afford it; a design that offers a basic framework to those creative enough to construct their own variations; a design that reminds the reader to be practical, and keep herself in mind when creating clothes. Like most magic, it can be explained through simple mathematics: There are 6 patterns in the book that represent 6 basic wardrobe elements (tank top, skirt, dress, cardigan, coat, accessory) from which you can make 6 different looks each (maxi skirt, mini skirt, pocketed A-line skirt, ruffled skirt, bias skirt, full skirt-for example) for 36 different designs (6 of which can be made from repurposed fabric that you may already have on hand). Each design includes 6 fabric suggestions for 216 total creative options to sew yourself! The pages are illustrated with pattern layouts, cutting charts, and step-by-step instructions. The patterns are collected on a CD located in an envelope in the back of the book. Each pattern may be downloaded, printed onto standard 8½ x 11 sheets of paper, and assembled with tape. Mary Brooks Picken believed pattern designs were like women, each with a different personality; in that spirit, Amy has named each pattern, and given it a distinct personality-that is, until the reader makes a particular pattern and stitches her own personality into it!

About this title

About the Author

Amy Barickman is the founder and designer of the pattern company Indygo Junction. She is also the author of Vintage Notions and director of AmyBarickman.com. Ms. Barickman lives in Prairie Village, Kansas.

Edition details

• Publisher: Workman
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0761171622
• ISBN 13: 9780761171621
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288