Pattern Magic and the V&A
Posted: November 27, 2012 Filed under: Books, Pattern Cutting, Pattern Magic, V&A | Tags: Books, Exhibitions, morley college, Pattern Drafting, V&A 3 CommentsWhat a great weekend I had!
I attended the first part of the Pattern Magic course at Morley College last Saturday. Up until then I had admired, stroked, and generally enjoyed the Pattern Magic books but made no use of them. The pictures of all the garments are beautiful and very inspiring but the instructions were a bit intimidating. The tutor at Morley made the block (sloper) instructions understandable and I now feel that I can now make sense of the instructions to make the adaptions . We used the bamboo shoot adaption as an exercise in class and I was happy to be able to come away with the pattern ready to try at home. When I get the workload back under control I hope to make something to actually wear from this book. I will be back there for the second day of the course next Saturday and am really looking forward to it. One more class next Saturday which I am really looking forward to.
London in November!
I was really happy to be staying with my daughter because we planned to spend Sunday morning at the V&A to see their current ‘Hollywood Costume’ exhibition. We were unusually early and so stopped at a lovely cafe called Greenfields for coffee and pastries. It was amazing weather and although a little bit ‘chill’ we were able to enjoy our coffee outside in the morning sunshine. What a treat in November!
The exhibition was great – I had seen some of the costumes previously at the exhibition held in Worcester Cathedral some time ago. The costumes are beautifully displayed and it is possible to see the backs of most of them (though often from a position further around the display) and I loved it. It would be impossible to choose a favorite costume as so many were just fabulous. Sadly, no photographs allowed so you will just have to go to see them! ( What a great excuse).
I was amazed to find that this was my daughters first visit to the V&A despite living in London – but they have a new convert and she will be there many times more from now! I was able to take her up to the Theater and Performance area where she just loved the ‘Kylie Minogue dressing room’ display. The Lion King costumes were still on display (and I have just bought a ticket to see the show in Birmingham next year – hurrah!) which was lovely.
Wonderful Lion King costumes
And just for those readers down under who I know enjoyed my last Dame Edna offering from the V&A – here is the wonderful ‘Breakfast Dress’!
Dame Edna’s Breakfast dress
G’day!
The Material Lady 
What a fun weekend. Can’t wait to see your creation. V&A is the wonderful museum. I really want to come to London for a visit.
Tell me if you are ever coming – I will be there if I can!
I was on the course, too! I KNEW it was you (but wasn’t sure you were there incognito…)! I came away with my mind on FIRE, I loved it so much! Can’t wait for Saturday for some more magic. As for V&A, I’ve lived in London for 16 years and never been either… Parts were closed for a long time for re-refurbishment, but that doesn’t quite explain my actions. I AM going in December, there, I said it.
Looking forward to see you again! Petra