So, I’ll be starting another blog for the Draft-A-Long. But, I haven’t come up with a great name yet. Suggestions welcome!!
My basic plan is this. Above is what the Mrs. Stylebook drafting instructions look like. Yeah. Japanese. But, the Bunka textbooks have translated *all* of this.
In addition, they have the directions in English. I think, just the sloper draft in English with my summary / retelling of the directions constitutes as ‘Fair Use’. After all, when we’re done, we’ll be able to use their patterns. So, really, it’s a win-win for everyone. If you’re feeling guilty about this, buy a MSB on Etsy or order the 1st of the Bunka textbooks. Well, I might actually order the 2nd. The first is really more about ‘how to sew’ than anything else.
Below is a list of supplies you’ll need (or will make your life easier) for drafting the sloper or drafting our basic garment from the sloper– at least the Bunka sloper.
1. A C-thru ruler. Kathleen Fasanella recommends the B-95 and I agree with that as it’s metric and imperial measurements. I’d have a photo of mine if I could find it….
2. A ‘D’ curve. I have totally forgotten the ‘American’ name of this drafting ruler. I want to say a #6? I have both. One from Japan and one that my drafting teacher sold us. This is great for drafting your armscyce. I’m hoping someone will jump in here and tell me the name of this curve. My Japanese one was $11 from Bunka. Below is a photo of them on top of each other so you can see that the curve is about the same.
3. A Protractor. Here is the Bunka version for reference. I think a regular protractor will do just fine. But, to draft the sloper I do have directions that don’t use the protractor. So, not necessary. But, they are like $2.50
4. A L square. I suspect a T- Square will also work. Mine with the numbers was purchased in Panama. But, I found several metal ones at an art supply store in town.
5. A set of curves. I got these in plastic. They work fine 
And, I think this will be just fine. This is the one Bunka mentions in the textbook.
Oh, and you don’t *really* need to order online. I’ve seen all of these things at art supply stores locally. But, to be fair there’s an art / design school in Baltimore.
And, I just want to reiterate one more time, I’m not a fit expert. The goal here will be to draft this sloper since so many people seem to be interested in the Japanese magazines that come out. It’ll be a good motivator for us to work together to make one!
I’m registered for a Computer Aided Pattern Drafting and Draping I class this fall. So, I’m super motivated right now!
Again, drafting blog name suggestions welcome!
