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From: cera
Date: 10-11-2006, 04:00 PM (1 of 13)
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Hello, I am wondering if anyone has and uses Karen Howland's book "Cut to Fit". A few years ago, I read somewhere something about it, but for the life of me, can't seem to remember what sort of review it got. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks Toronto, Canada :)
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User: cera
Member since: 09-27-2000 Total posts: 34 |
From: habanerohutch
Date: 11-10-2006, 06:18 PM (2 of 13)
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I am an avid fan of anything written by karen Howland. Her Cut to the Fit was my first intro to drafting, slopers, etc. several years ago. The bodice sloper I made using her draft was the first well fitting item I had in many years. Later I also made one using Armstrong. The results were so nearly identical I'd have to call them equal. but the Howland one was so much easier, one could do it from memory after a couple times. I never quite mastered her sleeve draft. For sleeves I use the one from Bodymapping by Kathy Ilian. With the Ilian draft I can make a sleeve that fits any armscye I might be using. Lala Chile Pepper from Texas
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User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000 Total posts: 49 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-11-2006, 05:31 AM (3 of 13)
That is the name of the book, Cut to Fit? Sounds like something I could use. I am currently fitting (otherwise called cursing) a pair of pants. I have the full thighs. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 11-12-2006, 12:35 AM (4 of 13)
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Mary have you ever tried Louise Cutting's pants pattern? I have her pattern and love it. I will never go back to making pants from the conventional patterns. Also the Burda pants patterns are nice to work with and fit. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-12-2006, 02:07 PM (5 of 13)
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The one pce. pants, yes I have a few pr. of them. Very comfy and I can whip a pr. up in about an hour if I don't put in the pockets.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: karen v
Date: 11-17-2006, 09:15 AM (6 of 13)
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Hi Mary, It's called "Cut To The Fit". I have heard that Karen Howland has retired from the public sewing arena, but perhaps her book is still available. I have it and it is a self-published softcover. It is mostly diagrams and instructions on drafting skirt, bodice, and sleeve blocks to custom fit. I bought it as my last act of (fitting) desperation before I took the plunge and bought WG Patternmaster Boutique. Her e-mail used to be <email address removed for privacy>--but that was a while ago. KV all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-17-2006, 09:17 AM (7 of 13)
Thanks Karen, I will see if I can find a copy somewhere. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: karen v
Date: 11-19-2006, 02:33 PM (8 of 13)
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Lala, Could you elaborate on the sleeve issue? I don't want to drape on my own body, but the one weak point in the software (for ME) is how complicated the sleeve drafting is. There are just too many variables w/ the software and it seems it might be easier to just draft a sleeve to fit the armscye that I get with the program. Any info you could give would be appreciated. Karen V PS Mary, her address is on the book--give me a few days to hunt it down or dig it up, whatever--the chaos level in my house is, well, chaotic. We still have not completely unpacked from our move 2 years ago and we are renovating several rooms so many, many books are in boxes all over the house. all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: habanerohutch
Date: 11-20-2006, 02:31 PM (9 of 13)
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Karen V, I'm not sure what more I could add. The Illian book Bodymapping has a draft for a sleeve. I have used it several times and it always fits the armscye perfectly. But any sleeve draft is too complex to describe in words alone. Have you tried Howland's sleeve draft? You might like it just fine. I just thought Illian's was easier, although I really think everything else in Howland's book is the tops! And I actually have not done any hand drafting since I bought Wild Ginger's software. (I have 5 of them.) I've been thinking recently that I kind of miss working directly with pencil and paper. I might try Leanna's pants draft just for the fun of it. We are all on a quest for *The Perfect Pants draft* aren't we?  Lala Chile Pepper from Texas
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User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000 Total posts: 49 |
From: Cindy Lou
Date: 11-20-2006, 10:19 PM (10 of 13)
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I love reading all the great tips & techniques that are posted.I've learned so much from this group newsletter.Just want to say Thanks and have a blessed Day.....Cindy Lou"Life Is Like A Coin....You Can Spend It Anyway You Wish,But You Can Only Spend It Once."
"Life Is A Coin,You Can Spend It Anyway You Like,But You Can Only Spend It Once."
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User: Cindy Lou
Member since: 10-13-2006 Total posts: 16 
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From: cera
Date: 11-21-2006, 11:00 AM (11 of 13)
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Thanks Lala, I would like Karen's info as well, please. This book is impossible to find! Cera Toronto, Canada :)
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User: cera
Member since: 09-27-2000 Total posts: 34 |
From: karen v
Date: 11-25-2006, 10:16 PM (12 of 13)
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Hi here is the info on Cut to the Fit. Copyright 1995,1998 Kensinger Press 1316 W. Pine Street Chillicothe, IL 61523 USA Library of Congress Catalogue Card # 97-093454 ISBN 0-9648964-3-5 I hope this helps. Karen V. all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: Cathie.Tombs
Date: 11-29-2006, 04:43 PM (13 of 13)
| Hi ladies. Like some of you suggested, I think an ecclectic approach is best. I have a ton of fitting challenges, and am a great fan of this, and two other sewing sites. I also really look for second-hand books, often at amazing prices, and they can be very helpful. Older books too. It seems in years past people had more sewing knowledge, which included fitting, and alteration of patterns. In case you can't find the above, here are 2 I have found: Anna Romaniuk and Ellen Knight's book "Tops" (really how to draft a bodice, with sleeves). Also, Coupe et Couture Chez Soi (Hatier), 1957, has a clear section on basic pattern drafting. As I am new to this, it is helpful to see how different people approach this. Happy sewing, and happy WEARING!!!!!!! |
User: Cathie.Tombs
Member since: 08-27-2006 Total posts: 44 |
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