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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: njknight
Date: 10-03-2006, 12:20 PM (1 of 6)
Hi my sister wants me to fix the sleeves in her top. She has lost weight and the sleeve drapes down over her shoulder. She has narrow shoulders.......I though I could just sew in a new seam in the sleeve that attaches to the front and back.....I think I will need it take it up at least 1 inch. Do you understand what I am trying to say?:nc: Thanks Nancy
Nancyjean
User: njknight
Member since: 09-28-2003
Total posts: 25
From: paroper
Date: 10-03-2006, 07:38 PM (2 of 6)
In my house Loose weight=New wardrobe and I have it down to a science. I hope that someone who is better with alterations than I comes along to help...sorry.
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: AndreaSews
Date: 10-03-2006, 07:51 PM (3 of 6)
I like Pam's idea. Here's the real reason :) If you picture a sleeve pattern piece, there's that nice almost bell-curve at the top. That's going to be wider on a larger size, and now that your sis has shrunk, there's too much space, right? If you decrease the width of that bell curve, you'll have trouble sewing it back into the armscye, which was cut deeper to match that larger size sleeve. Peggy Sagers (Silhouette Patterns) has a DVD in which she demo's how to alter sleeve heads using a french curve ruler--She'd have you decrease the width and increase the depth of the curve, in order to keep the _length_ of the curve the same to still fit into that same armscye. See? Your head's spinning, right? The trouble is that once the top of the sleeve fits nicely, you'll no longer be distracted by it, and you'll notice that the armscye is really too baggy for her too, since I'm sure her weight loss is distrubuted through this part of her body as well.
Andrea
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007
From: njknight
Date: 10-04-2006, 10:04 AM (4 of 6)
Thanks for the answer to my question. She just liked these tops so much but I can see what you are saying so I will just have her buy some new tops and mybe I can fit into her old ones I will have to try them on lol.Thanks again. Nancy
Nancyjean
User: njknight
Member since: 09-28-2003
Total posts: 25
From: VenusElaine
Date: 10-04-2006, 11:04 PM (5 of 6)
In alterations, this is called "shortening the shoulders". When she is wearing the garment, pinch the shoulder seam until the armscye falls where it should. Measure this amount (remember X 2), Remove the stitching from the top half of the sleeve. Cut away this amount from the armscye, and restitch the sleeve to the new armscye. If you measure from the original seam allowance, you do not need to allow a new one. It may require some easing, but rarely does it require alteration to the sleeve itself. Jackets require repositioning of shoulder pads and sleeve caps, but blouses are fairly simple.

VenusElaine
"Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005
Total posts: 126
From: njknight
Date: 10-05-2006, 01:54 PM (6 of 6)
Hi Elaine Why do I - x 2 when I get the measument at the top of the sleeve? Nancy
Nancyjean
User: njknight
Member since: 09-28-2003
Total posts: 25
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