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From: njknight
Date: 05-17-2004, 11:06 AM (1 of 12)
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Hi-----------I seemed have problems with the fitting of patterns and I seem to go to a lot trouble working with the pattern and my measurments. I have been thinking of getting a dress form so that I may try it on that and get a better fit. I hope that I am explaning myself so you can understand!!!! Should I purchase a form to help me out.......need advise thank in advance Nancy Nancyjean
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User: njknight
Member since: 09-28-2003 Total posts: 25 
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From: MaryW
Date: 05-17-2004, 12:19 PM (2 of 12)
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Fitting is not easy. There is a lot to know. Don't feel bad if you are having problems. I still have problems sometimes and I have been sewing a very long time. If you feel a dressform would help, then try it. However, you must have a dressform that is your exact size for it to be of any help. There are books that can help you. Palmer/Pletsch have fitting books that are very good. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: paroper
Date: 05-17-2004, 04:57 PM (3 of 12)
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If you are having a lot of problems, it may be that you are using the wrong size pattern. You might like to get a basic book on sewing that shows how much ease a pattern takes. (Just in case you don't know, that is the amount of extra space one should allow for reaching, twisting, sitting, everyday living.) A good book should give measurments for "fitted" and loose garments...min. and max. measurments. You need to be sure and buy by your measurments and the pattern measurments, not the "store bought" measurments which are all over the place. I've had more people than I care to count who have come to me with a size 6 pattern telling me that in the stores they buy a size 3 or 0 and when I take their measurments, they measure a size 12 or 14. Some of the pattern companies are having problems with this I think because they are making the ease in their pattern greater...which just aggrevates the problem in my opinion. At any rate, if you buy a multi-sized pattern and then have a gauge for fitting, a lot of your problems can be solved without changing patterns. As far as fitting, where there are fitting and sizing problems, I generally buy to fit the shoulders and bust...and make the majority of my alterations in the rest of the pattern. For me, that is the easiest. Unless you have an unusual build, (dowager hump, high hip, back curvature, etc, you will soon be making dresses to fit in nothing flat. One thing that my customers have to overcome is vanity. Remember, if you are sewing for yourself, you are the only one who knows what size is on that pattern...and if YOU tell, it is your fault...think of your seamstress like your doctor. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Tea4Me
Date: 05-17-2004, 09:56 PM (4 of 12)
Hi, Nancy. A cheaper alternative is to make your own form. I've done that using packing tape (the kind you wet with water to activate the paste). It's really easy, and it's exactly your own size, so you don't have to fool around with trying to adjust a dress form! My husband mounted mine on a wooden stand, and measured so that it was my own height, so hems, etc., are easier.  : I think I've seen instructions on how to make one using duct tape as well. A word of advice - make sure you get a friend to help you, or you may be wearing the form for a while (they are cut up the back so that you can get out of them). Cheers! Bev
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User: Tea4Me
Member since: 05-20-2003 Total posts: 21 
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From: Saydee
Date: 05-17-2004, 10:29 PM (5 of 12)
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I read about making your own form somewhere and decided a couple of weeks ago to make one. Hubby reckoned he had it all sussed so he taped me up. And all looked fine. He took the form out into the shed and filled it with this stuff you spray into it and it expands, plumbers and builders use it for filling up holes. He must have put to much in because as it dryed it expanded more and the form started to look like it would be better used for him. I thought it was so funny as he was so sure he had it all set for a perfect form. Had to share that with you. While on the subject of making forms which I think would be a great idea but what did you fill yours with Tea4me. |
User: Saydee
Member since: 05-07-2004 Total posts: 68 
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From: Tea4Me
Date: 05-18-2004, 04:25 PM (6 of 12)
Saydee, mine isn't filled, although I was told that it could be filled with that expanding foam stuff. I'm kind of glad I didn't use it now!!  I made mine with the packing tape (the kind you have to wet to make it stick), and when it dries, it hardens. It's actually quite durable, and pins go through it easily. I have "grown", though, since I made it  so I'm thinking of making another one, or adding quilt batting in the required areas to make it bigger. 
Bev
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User: Tea4Me
Member since: 05-20-2003 Total posts: 21
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From: Saydee
Date: 05-18-2004, 05:42 PM (7 of 12)
| Tea4me, can you remember what the tape was called? http://saydee.orcon.net.nz/u_thinking02y.gifI can't think of any tape you wet first but that would be an excellent way to do it. More so as it sets hard. |
User: Saydee
Member since: 05-07-2004 Total posts: 68
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From: MaryW
Date: 05-18-2004, 06:02 PM (8 of 12)
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I think it is some kind of drywall tape that you use for the double. Here are some directions for making one with duct tape. http://sew-whats-new.com/marty/body_double.shtml MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MartySews
Date: 05-18-2004, 07:59 PM (9 of 12)
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It's paper tape that is used for sealing packages. Can be found at most office supply stores, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, etc. It's about $3.99 a roll. Some people I know have bought it at a home decor shop. Anyway, the site about.com has instructions for making a paper tape double. It will come out a bit bigger than your actual body size because one is wrapped from the neck to the crotch line at least 3 times. It is helpful to cut the tape in smaller strips, wet and apply over a form fitting T-shirt with regular undergarments. Just be careful when using the expanding foam because it can ruin the double (ask me how mine exploded). LOL!!! Happy Stitching! Marty PS: The new Threads magazine has a chart for taking measurements on the outer cover. Have a sewing buddy help with the measurements. 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: njknight
Date: 05-20-2004, 04:19 PM (10 of 12)
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Hi All, I can not begin to say thank you enough for the reassurance that I am not the only one having trouble with fitting. I do have a book that I will start to read again and follow what they say. I sometimes think that I am always in too much of a hurry. I will be in Florida for the Winter and will have more time to go slow will let you know how I do. Thank again. Nancy Nancyjean
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User: njknight
Member since: 09-28-2003 Total posts: 25
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From: paroper
Date: 05-20-2004, 04:25 PM (11 of 12)
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Don't think for a minute that you are the only one having trouble...if you don't have a sloper, it is a never ending endevor. If you have a body that is one size at 5 AM and another at 5PM...you always have problems even with a sloper.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MartySews
Date: 05-20-2004, 07:00 PM (12 of 12)
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My 2 favorite fitting books are "Fit for Real People" and "Pants for Real People" by the Palmer-Pletsch group. The photos and explanations make it easy to understand the concepts being taught. When I joined the ASG (3 years ago) a sewing buddy and I made paper tape doubles. Had a large increase in weight so I needed a new one. When moving my sewing cabinet into the living room, I tossed it. LOL!!! I wouldn't want it sitting by the front door. I just use my purchased dress form that is well padded and keep it at the top of the attic stairs. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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