Welcome to the Center for Pattern Design!

 Join our crowd, sign in or create an account!

Zero-Waste!

   "Clearly, this is an idea whose time has come."  How many times have we casually said that?  Except my quote in the NY Times, Fashion Tries on Zero-Waste, by Stephanie Rosenbloom, wasn't meant casually -- more from the standpoint of now or never! 

In these first decades, as we lay out the foundation for our new century, we have the opportunity of making strong commitments to new learning curves, experimenting with new directions.  Becoming a zero-waste world is now a realistic goal.

We feature programs and products that help patterm designers learn and practice new clothing design methods, methods that are both ecologically ethical and beautiful. The dress at the left was done by Timo Rissanen during a Master Class at Kent State New York Studio last spring conducted by Julian Roberts for our 2010 Subtraction Cutting Tour.  While it may be made up with less fabric if desired, it is a stunning example of the aesthetic possibilities of zero-waste design, Timo's specialty.  Timo will be teaching zero-waste this fall at Parsons New York where there is a strong emphasis on sustainable fashion of all forms. 

Thank you, Stephanie Rosenbloom, for writing a very special and very important article.

Also, please see my article, No Waste Allowed, for Threads Magazine, June/July 2010 for more details about zero waste.

Sandra Ericson

BOOK LAUNCH!  MODERN PATTERN DESIGN IS HERE!

~  Modern Pattern Design by Harriet Pepin is the second in her series for pattern designers with over 1,000 illustrations of complex designs.  It was originally published in 1942 when Paris was occupied; it helped fill the couture gap and became key to beginning of the American fashion industry. 265 pages!  See sample pages and a full description.

Next up:  Dress Design, by Mansfield and Hillhouse! 

~  We have discovered wonderful pattern design tools, supplies, DVD's and books from the UK. New UK tools and supplies.

~  We have a new 'department', Half Scale!  All the tools and the reasons why, for changing over to half scale draping. Half Scale Heaven here.

~  Then, take a look at our Draping Series, a set of regularly scheduled draping weekends that focus on famous designs by haute couture designers.  See the Draping Series Schedule.

~  We have a new Julian Roberts pattern, an easy download, available now! The SubCut DNA Pattern -- the generic basis for all his Subtraction Cutting Designs, including 3 new design layouts exclusive to the Tour. And more photos,  ENJOY!