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The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Mrs Rabbit
Date: 07-15-2004, 07:40 PM (1 of 6)
A few months ago, I bought a pair of trousers that fit well, and look fine. Yesterday, I made a pattern from them, and sewed them up. Only a little tweeking - needed to add more in the side-seams, and adjust the hem length, but they're great. My husband was impressed!!

However, wish I'd done it right in the first place, instead of stay stitching the waist before putting the band on, I cheated, as a result, had to take the band off and put it on, off, on, off, on ... 3 times in the end. Would have been much easier to do it right in the first place!!

They fit very smoothly and minimize my tummy, however, I didn't realise that my thighs had such a bulge on them (just below the knicker line - like jodphers)!! Just have to stand carefully!! One thing I learnt from reading my library books on pattern making is that if you have larger thighs, to add a small amount to the front leg inner seam - this gives you the right amount of ease.

Since December I have lost a dress size, and have started dressing to fit, rather than to hide - this has been an interesting journey!

Cheers

Jennifer
User: Mrs Rabbit
Member since: 07-12-2004
Total posts: 10
From: MaryW
Date: 09-05-2004, 01:32 PM (2 of 6)
Jennifer, I'm impressed. Good for you. It must feel good to make something that fits so well. :wink:
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: bbd
Date: 09-12-2004, 11:37 PM (3 of 6)
Thanks for the tip!!I am just beginning to try to understand how to make/or alter a pattern to fit me as I am a 3x. Any help is greatly appreciated...oh, also I have a dressmaking form with no idea how to use it. barbara bbd
User: bbd
Member since: 09-12-2004
Total posts: 4
From: Melanie T
Date: 09-22-2004, 09:11 AM (4 of 6)
I enjoy my dressmaking form - it is a great luxury that greatly helps with fitting yourself and others who are not present to serve as their own fitting form. Set your dummy to your measurements and test fit your garments, especially the pin fit pattern before you cut, at each stage of sewing to prevent suprises. I also leave works in progress on the form (as long as I am not at a stage where the material will stretch unfinished neckline, waistline etc.) to prevent them from getting all wrinkled up in a pile.

I also use the form to get a straight hem if no one is around to pin up the hem while I am wearing the garment.
Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14)
Ontario Canada
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004
Total posts: 155
From: mamagoose
Date: 10-01-2004, 06:22 PM (5 of 6)
Hi Melanie, another Melanie here!
I love using my custom "dummie". Can't use it for hems, though as it isn't level to the floor. Nice to meet you!
mamagoose
User: mamagoose
Member since: 01-26-2002
Total posts: 168
From: elegante
Date: 11-05-2004, 06:37 AM (6 of 6)
how did you 'copy' the pattern from pre-sewn ones? trousers lie flatter than a bodice,so did you just take measurements? i struggle for hours trying to fit things i dont have patterns for, as i rarely do 'standard' designs..i'm too mean anyway to buy lots of patterns and use my ancient size 14's for an idea of the different shapes and cuts involved (i like floppy drapy things)and its a long time since i was a 14(36"bust). my dummy is just not my shape altho its the correct size..
User: elegante
Member since: 11-03-2004
Total posts: 5
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