Making a softie pattern
I began a new project yesterday, a commissioned soft plush toy. I can’t disclose exactly what at the moment, but can show some indistinct making shots. A clay maquette is probably a weird way to start a softie, but I find drawing a 2D dressmaking style pattern with darts and tucks difficult. It’s much quicker for me to start with a 3D shape and make a pattern from that.
Here’s the rough wire armature intended to hold the clay up,
followed by chicken wire and some crumpled newspaper to fill out the space.
Then the clay is sculpted on top, embedding in the wire.
It is fascinating to see your process! I make the 3D models as well, in order to create the patterns, actually borrowed this idea from fashion school where we learned that modeling muslin on the mannequin may lead to the most creative designs.
Hi Neta! I’m happy to hear you do this too! Interesting that it’s done with muslin in fashion school. We get 2 types of muslin here, one with a very open loose weave which can be pulled around a lot; the other more closely woven. I guess it’s the second one that is good for patterns.
This is quite interesting H. You are very clever – as I have long since been made aware. ; )
I’ll show this to a friend who’s done a few mini patterns. She’s rather far from acknowledging the fact that she’s artistically gifted, but can’t deny that she’s interested in shapes, patterns and colour.
Hugs from afar
Hey Ann! Thanks, and I hope it is of interest to your friend. Hugs back at you!