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The System
Hundreds of patterns in The System. Mix and match patterns to create your
own new designs.
Mastering the system is easy with the Illustrated Manual.
Master the system, or learn to create custom patterns and more.
Need to create that special dress, something that stands out?
You can do it, Specialty Sportwear's Manual can help!

The illustrated Manual has eleven chapters filled with techniques, answers and tips. The Manual will help you extend your design possibilities using The System, and even help you create your own designs. The hundreds of Specialty Sportswear patterns is The System, the starting point. The Manual takes you further. Learn how to take proper measurements, and use reference points for fitting a pattern. You will never again rely on "the size". You will find that knowing the measurement and where to apply it is going to be the answer to all of your fitting endeavors. Yes, you will learn the basics, sewing 101 for LYCRA. You will also learn advanced sewing techniques for LYCRA. Learn about bead design, the icing on the cake. We here at Specialty Sportswear find beading therapeutic and fun, you will too! These are just some of the things you will learn using The Manual. Don't worry, there is more information about The Manual below. If you have questions please contact us for more info.

    ILLUSTRATED MANUAL

    The illustrated manual has eleven chapters filled with techniques, answers, and tips.

  • Do you already use
    the SSW System?
    Take it further,
    with the Manual!
    More Manual details below!
    Get the Manual +1 +1 Special, and receive the Manual, choose a Mini Pro Pattern of your choice, choose a $14.95 Pattern of your choice. Save on the bundle, a $19.95 value!

    ILLUSTRATED instructional manual version 4

    The Illustrated Manual is an expanded, v4.0, instructional manual for beginners, as well as, advanced sew'ers. It is a lengthly discussion on the development of the Specialty Sportswear Pattern System. We have included in this version of the Manual a discussion on many of the design patterns in the SSW System. Details on our thoughts about designing for a body that is in motion. The Manual starts with an explanation of the idea behind the system…the need for a LYCRA costume and the necessity of a workable pattern to accomplish the project. You can start with a set of measurements and make your pattern from scratch or use the Fitted Bodice pattern and master it to fit your performer! Either way we have you covered!

    No more guessing about size. No more inconsistencies from pattern to pattern. No confusing multiple size lines that just get in the way...

    MORE

    instructional manual version 4

    Start with a Fitted Bodice pattern in the closest height and weight group. You will apply measurements to the SSW pattern and master the pattern form to fit your skater, dancer, gymnast, twirler, swimmer or cheer leader…make your performer a stand out!

    There are discussions in the basics regarding: equipment, supplies and fabric. The chapter, Specialty Sportswear, is detailed explanation about mastering the Illustrated Pattern. We have included in this version of the Manual a discussion on many of the design patterns in the SSW System. Details on our thoughts about designing for a body that is in motion. There is a chapter on alterations,things you can do to allow a dress to grow along with your performer or to just make changes as needed. The chapter on Custom Pattern explains how to measure and then layout a pattern from scratch. This chapter on also discusses how to go about using the basic pattern to make the changes that create a new pattern. It has several design illustrations and instructions for different types of sewing.

    We introduced the DressTard with great success. A great way to expand you ideas using the design bodices you my all ready have. This design idea is a great way to go in costuming for performance. The Manual continues the discussion on the Men/Boys patterns, color theory, bead design as before. We have had awesome feedback on the new Manual, v4.0. It is a great sewing lesson in a book. It's a great explanation on how to sew stretch and it is a great way to approach other types of sewing…you can learn to master any pattern!

    Chapter One
    THE MANUAL: READ ME FIRST
    This chapter is an introduction to the costume making process. The history, reasoning, and necessity for the development of the Specialty Sportswear System. Here is where we introduce you to the many different directions from which you may choose. There are discussions in the basics regarding: equipment, supplies and fabric. And, things to think about when you start a design project.

    Chapter Two
    THE PATTERN: A STARTING POINT
    This gives a detailed explanation about mastering the Illustrated Pattern. No more guessing about size. No more inconsistencies from pattern to pattern. No confusing multiple size lines that just get in the way. Start with a Fitted Bodice pattern in the closest height and weight group. You will apply measurements to the SSW pattern and master the pattern form to fit your skater, dancer, gymnast, twirler, swimmer or cheer leader…make your performer a stand out! You will learn to measure and start to become familiar with making your reference points, body to pattern. Here is where you are first introduced to fitting tips and techniques.

    Chapter Three
    CUSTOM PATTERN: MAKING YOUR OWN
    The chapter on Custom Pattern explains how to measure and then layout a pattern from scratch. Take your measurements, make an antenna and then connect the dots. These are the same procedures we used when we started. Understanding how this all comes together will put you on the road to make great LYCRA® costumes.

    Chapter Four
    THE SKIRT: SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM
    This chapter is all about skirts. Here is a discussion of so many. How the skirts were developed so you may too, develop your own special skirt. Great discussion about all of the circle skirts we offer in the catalog, the panel skirts, the Angel, and the tunic too.

    Chapter Five
    SKATEWEAR DESIGN: DOING YOUR OWN THING
    Here's where we start talking about the basics for good design. We discuss necklines and what to think about when analyzing the body. From the simple to the intricate and how to of completing your design idea. From there we take the discussion to the type of sewing you might have to do to achieve a tight angle or an arc of a circle. Overlay sewing is the answer and here is a good lesson on how to lay out your design, execute the stitching and then cutting out the fabric not needed to complete you creation.

    Chapter Six
    SLEEVE DESIGN
    Sleeve design is as important as the bodice design. A sleeve can cover-up or accent depending on what you want to show off. Many of our patterns are designed with a sleeve that compliments the bodice. Other designs, the sleeve design is the total focal point. The two major sleeves we design with is the "inset sleeve" and the "raglan sleeve". The set of the sleeve can enhance your design. All the sleeves you see in the catalog started with the Fitted sleeve… from there it's a matter of moving those lines and we show you how!.

    Chapter Seven
    MEN AND BOYS: READ ME FIRST
    We started with a Fitted Pant and Fitted Leotard pattern for our men and boys that need costume that fit their artistry in motion. There are instructions on how to take the pant pattern and fit the leg for a leg gins look. The leotard construction is very much like the dress construction.There are some neckline differences and some things that are the same.

    Chapter Eight
    THE UNITARD-DRESSTARD:MAKING A BODY COVER
    In this chapter we discuss the Unitard construction, taking and applying measurements, make adjustments or starting with measurements and using the antenna to connect the dots…your total custom pattern. Also, this is the first time we get to talk about the new Dresstard. This design pattern has the look of the Unitard from the waist down but on the top you may use any design bodice for the the 200, 400 or 500 bodice inset lines. This gives you so many more ways to express your own design creations.

    Chapter Nine
    CELEBRATION OF COLOR: IN THE WORLD OF STRETCH
    There are millions of colors in our world but in the world of stretch, color can be limited. Using color to design with is very exciting and surprisingly gratifying! We recommend some good reading materials, classes at your local college. With the book or in a class you will study color harmony, how to lay one color next to another for a desired effect. We offer many patterns that can be used to create great multi color effects.

    Chapter Ten
    OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
    This is a chapter on alterations, things you can do to allow a dress to grow along with your performer or to just make changes as needed. This chapter on also discusses how to manipulate various pieces of a pattern to make alteration changes.

    Chapter Eleven
    BEAD DESIGN: MORE FUN STUFF TO DO. A GREAT WAY TO STAND OUT.
    The icing on the cake, the beads! This chapter discusses bead design. Where you might look for appliqué ideas. How you attach easily one of these points of light...with thread or glue, it's up to you. Types of beading, scatter, fill, outline, etc. This is really the fun stuff to do. Very therapeutic!

    ILLUSTRATED instructional manual version 4

    We have had awesome feedback on the new Manual, v4.0. It is a great sewing lesson in a book. It's a great explanation on how to sew stretch and it is a great way to approach other types of sewing…with the Specialty Sportswear System you can learn to master any pattern!

    ILLUSTRATED PATTERNS

    Step by step.

  • ILLUSTRATED PATTERNS

    All illustrated pattern instruction sets cover the following,

    Changing the inset line.

    Placing the pattern.

    Pinning the pattern.

    Gathering or soft pleats.

    Lycra® Bands.

    Construction of the panty.

    Construction of the skirt.

    Construction of the bodice.

    Attaching any inset skirt.

    Attaching the collar or collar band.

    Attaching the sleeve.

    Attaching the zipper.

    Finishing up the pattern with elastic.

    And hemming the skirt.

    Each pattern comes with an Illustrated Pattern instruction set. These instructions are for the individual design you have chosen, as well as, the basic instructions for your dress or any other dress you may want to make. There are three sections to each instruction set giving step by step illustrated instructions.

    The first section gives information that could be considered to be a mini sewing lesson. This section discusses cutting layout, thread recommendations and why the pattern pieces should be traced before cutting. Also, there are directions on how to change your bodice inset line..how to pin the LYCRA pattern piece and stitch for great seams…how to make soft pleats or gather fabric…how to make bands with a quick heads-up on elastic security of the garment…making straps, any width. Great things to know, things that will come in handy for any LYCRA costume you make.

    The second section is about the construction of the dress, always the same. The beginning of this section covers the collar, zipper layout, and insetting of the sleeve. Elastic application for the panty (always the same) and elastic waistline (always the same). Elastic for the neckline, armhole elastic or banding are also discussed. To hem or not hem the skirt, a quick instruction…all of the skirts, including the C-1, C-2, C-3 circle skirts, the flat panel Tulip and A-line skirts. The step by step bodice-panty-skirt construction is well illustrated and a mini sewing lesson in itself. No matter what skirt and panty you are using they all inset to the bodice the same way! None of this instruction changes costume to costume.

    The third and final section is all about the individual bodice and sleeve design. This section gives step by step directions on how to put the design back together to reflect the Fitted bodice, after all that's where it all started!

MASTERING YOUR PATTERN CONCLUSION

Mastering a pattern is the way to make your design ideas into successful performance costumes for skating, dancing, gymnastics, twirling, cheer, swimming… any performance activewear! Create professional looking costumes in a few easy steps!

 

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