Whilst living in Port Dickson (early 80's) in Malaysia, I had a few clothes
custom made. This was not unusual as
almost everyone did the same. They would
shop for fabrics, of which there was plenty of choice, and then take them to a
tailor with photo in hand, to have creations made to fit.
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| Globe Silk Store in KL. Levels of glorious fabrics. |
I was fascinated by the process which was
quite different to using our “off-the-rack” patterns at home. Later, I discovered that my neighbourhood tailor also
offered pattern making classes, so I jumped at the chance. She had two other pupils so we had lots of
attention and quickly managed to grasp the idea of drafting basic patterns to
our own measurements. The trick came
later when we had to learn how to create more complex patterns. I began to imagine myself costumier for Diaghilev’s
Ballet Troupe. (Only dreaming!)
My course did not progress beyond the basics however,
but I did have fun. Many years later, I
watched a pattern maker in Kathmandu, Nepal at the famous Mr Om's. He drafted directly onto the
fabric with chalk. Rarely did I ever
have to have alterations made to the garments I had sewn up. Pure magic; always awaited and appreciated!
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| Colour on every street corner, Kathmandu |
