Ngaio Pattern and Class

Last year, I took the 1930's inspired Ngaio Pattern class in Made Marion in Wellington.


The pattern is designed for woven and the class instructions stated that silk could be used.

“Based on a vintage ’30s original, the blouse is best sewn in soft draping fabrics such as satins, crepes and georgettes in silks, rayons or synthetics, or very light cotton voiles, making this the perfect opportunity to learn how to work with those trickier delicate fabrics.”

When I started sewing I bought a few pieces of beautiful silk and this was my favourite.  I hadn't built up the courage to actually make anything with it but I figured a class was a good way of getting my confidence up and learning how to work with this slippy/tricky fabric.


The fit is a bit of a disaster.  The arms are too small and the bust pulled uncomfortably - I think it placed too high.  But I'm not great at figuring out the fit issues! I've already donated the finished garment.

The pattern is based on a vintage vogue pattern.  Unfortunately, the class didn't allow enough time to grade the pattern to fit before we had to cut.  The tutor suggested going with the bust measurement size - but as I have a large bust and not so a large torso (and even smaller shoulders) this was never going to work so I had to rush through grading in the first class.


The pattern is provided after the class as a pdf for large format printing and a printed version is included in the class costs. As we cut directly into the pattern, I'll need to print it again if I want to make fitting changes.  I doubt I'll bother to get it printed to make it up in future (I much prefer A4 printing as its pretty much free even though I have to tape it together).


The hem is very uneven but I knew at that stage I wasn't going to get it to fit properly so just hemmed quickly to get it out of my sewing room and into the world!

On the plus side, Made Marion is a lovely venue for classes and the numbers are nice and intimate.  You can bring your own machine or borrow the class ones there.  And as a particular bonus, if you forget any supplies you can purchase them on the night!  

The class focused more on making this particular pattern rather than skills improvement - my prime reason for going to a class.  At this stage in my sewing journey, the construction process is less of a problem for me and the fit is the biggest issue.  However, I learnt how to do a rolled hem on the neck facing (though doing this as in the instructions it also meant the notches didn't line up with the other pattern pieces).  For the next class, I'm going to have to inquire more up front to make sure it lives up to expectations!

Though the class helped me realise what I wanted in future sewing classes and as a result, I did another class later in the year with Maryanne who runs Made Marion and was very pleasantly entertained and learnt loads.  I have photos somewhere and will post a review soon!

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2016 at 4:35 PM

    It's a shame about the sleeves giving you trouble, because the front with bow looks nice!

    (I'm signed up for 'mad skills', and am looking forward to it; I slip up on advanced construction and pattern matching rather than on fitting.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SewmancerFebruary 7, 2016 at 12:54 PM

      The mad skills class was great and I think Maryanne has even reduced the max number so could be even better.

      Delete

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