Comments on: the Rub-Off

By: maddie

maddie — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:12:10 +0000

This is so great that you posted about the subject of rub-offs. You have no idea how many designers came to me (a tech designer) and asked to rub-off existing garments. And they called themselves a designer? Ha!

By: Corinne

Corinne — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:39:04 +0000

I tried this recently with a knit tank top that I love the fit of, and it didn’t work! I made the pattern, added seam allowances, and sewed up a new one – that didn’t fit! It was too tight, and there was a puddle of fabric across the small of my back. Have none of these problems with the original. Any ideas where I might have gone wrong??

By: Faye Lewis

Faye Lewis — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:22:08 +0000

I’ve been interested in the rub off techniques every since I first heard about it. I’ve just been afraid to give it a try. You did a marvelous job on the cardigan. I’ll really have to get that book!

By: Sunni

Sunni — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:30:55 +0000

Yes, I think so. Coming from a sewing pattern background, I find myself thinking in terms of “suggested fabrics” and wandering through my local fabric stores touching and feeling fabrics that are similar to garments I already own and have thought about rubbing-off. It’s really fun, have to admit!

By: Sunni

Sunni — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:28:55 +0000

Me too! Its something of a revelation! Yay!

By: Sunni

Sunni — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:27:51 +0000

Definitely do! Its really fun and rather liberating! Yay! A break from traditional sewing patterns and fit-fighting!

By: Sunni

Sunni — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:27:17 +0000

I’m going to as well. Sometimes this fit-fighting with patterns just gets to me and to be frank – I’m really tired of it! There are things that actually fit me that are RTW and if I make a pattern from those goodies in my closet and start drafting in different ideas for them, I can have perfect fit without the fight and a closet full of great clothes. Who would’ve thunk?

By: Sunni

Sunni — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:25:40 +0000

I do hope so! Its such a great method and something that really didn’t occur to me that you could actually do unless you took apart the entire original garment! I know several people who have done that – unpicked an entire garment to get a pattern! I love that she shows you ways to do it without harming the garment you’re rubbing off. Also, its such a creative confidence building book with all the different options she comes up with from one rub-off. Really makes you feel like you could create an entire wardrobe from a shirt and skirt that you already have in your closet! LOVE THAT!

By: Sunni

Sunni — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:22:12 +0000

A great idea! Ms. Lincecum’s book also mentions ceiling tiles – which apparently are very affordable from a home improvement store. I just had a look at Ali’s blog too and its the same exact method I use. I love it and I love seeing someone else giving this book some props for how awesome it is! One of the best investments in a book I ever made.

By: Sunni

Sunni — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:19:45 +0000

Give it some time and maybe come back to it. I think even two or three years ago, I wouldn’t have been at the point where I understood how to do this yet either. I could sew yes, but the idea of creating a pattern really had me bewildered. I think once you get more garments under your belt, you’ll be fine!