Date: March 21, 2026
I can’t sew on my own yet; I still need someone to ask questions to. But that didn’t stop me from starting to jot down my own clothing ideas. Late at night, when the noise of the machine would be too loud, I turned to sketching on my iPad. Obviously I’m going to need a lot more projects under my belt before I attempt any pattern drafting, but I think developing my taste and identity is important while I’m learning. I pulled inspiration from everywhere I looked. From product packaging to historical museums, I saw potential in everything.
The top on the left was the first fashion sketch I had ever made. These were made before I ever touched a sewing machine. For the base, I used an old character drawing. Obviously, there are some problems with the underlying sketch, such as the hand covering some of the piece, and the strange angle of the torso. I was too excited to start drawing clothes to sit down and make a new base, though, so I just went with it.
I think it’s pretty cute for something I started with no ideas or references. After sitting with it for a while, though, I realize that I really don’t like the sleeves. They change the vibe of the top into something more romantic and relaxed than I wanted. I would replace these with a cap sleeve or simple spaghetti strap.
The second sketch was inspired by a fabric pattern I saw on a Calvin Klein top. I really liked how the purple gradient over the black and white pattern gave the illusion of a separate transparent fabric draping over the neckline. I don’t think the idea really came through in my sketch. I would change it so that the black gradient is coming from the top if I came back to this idea. I do like the cowl neck idea and the color combination of this sketch, though.
I found this vintage elastic packaging in my house and was inspired to draw some tops based on it.
My first draft of these tops did not include the winding thread detail, 29c applique, or hole punch accent. Before I added these, the sketches were very boring. I was kind of afraid to add them because I thought they might be too much or too on the nose, but I actually think they add some story and personality to the clothes. They suggest a message about clothing as advertising or packaging, but it isn't fully developed. In the future, I would like to make some clothes that actually have a thought out message behind them. But truthfully, these were just fun experiments with color, shape, and detail.
I started with a kind of steampunk inspired shirt. I am a big fan of the Netflix show Arcane and its art direction, and I think these two sketches are obviously Piltover adjacent. I didn’t have any specific image for these besides the fleur de lis shape. I really liked the way that I added the fleur de lis as negative space shown only by the stripes stopping, instead of using a different color.
I liked the first shirt, but I wanted to make a separate version where I pushed the silhouette out of my comfort zone. I utilized a lot of triangles and V-shapes to make the dress look strange, and even a little threatening instead of simple and elegant like the shirt was. The bottom of the peplum was shaped to look like fangs and echo the triangle of the sleeves. I also pushed the stripes into a more curved shape to distort the shape of the body and add interest. I didn’t feel like the fleur de lis would translate well to the new dress, so I left it out. If I came back to this idea, I would like to try one that kept the negative space fleur de lis.
I would also maybe add a soft or draping fabric to contrast the structure of the sleeves and the peplum. I could add a train made of a thin fabric that would trail behind. I also feel like the proportions are a bit awkward. The peplum either needs to be smaller or fully committed into a skirt.
For this sketch, I referenced an Austrian dress made by Christoph Drecoll. It is in the public domain, and it is displayed in the Met Museum. I really liked the V plunge neckline that turned into silky draping sleeves, so I included it in my sketch. I also added some fang-like straps that are disconnected from the bust and grasp the shoulders from the back. I know I’ve seen this kind of strap somewhere before, but after furiously googling for half an hour I still can’t find where. Anyway, I also included a godet style flare at the bottom, which I like the value contrast of. I think the neckline could actually be exaggerated even more in this one.
I still have a long way to go, but I think these are a good starting point. I look forward to revisiting them in a year and dying of embarrassment. Expect more sketches soon!