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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: Sherri
Date: 01-07-2007, 02:23 PM (1 of 62)
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So my baby brother is getting married in Feburary. I would love to look fabulous. But I find I am so lost at how to just look good. I find that I dress basically the same as I dressed in Highschool (I am 30), tshirt jeans, sweatshirt jeans...etc. So any body have any advice for a 30 year old slightly pudgy teenager so she can stop looking mommy frumpy. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-07-2007, 02:56 PM (2 of 62)
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First off buy or make yourself a new outfit that is fabulous and COMFORTABLE. So many women have a hard time getting out of their jeans because they are uncomfortable in dressier clothes. Comfort is the key. Make sure it fits comfortably so you are not pulling and tugging and squirming around. Then you won't feel self conscious dressed up. Then get your hair done, nails, whatever and as much as you can afford. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-07-2007, 03:24 PM (3 of 62)
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Make sure your shoes are comfy too - nothing ruins a wedding like bad feet..
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-07-2007, 04:36 PM (4 of 62)
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Get a friend whose style you admire to come with you shopping. Make sure she is prepared to be straight with you. I really like the British show "What not to Wear". I believe it is also in the US but I haven't seen that version here. The two hosts (Trinni and Susannah) are very unkind and somewhat intrusive on personal space but pretty much on target. Have a look for their website because they write about what styles can disguise particular flabby bits. What Dorothy and Jan said is true - comfort is really important. Unfortunately if you don't have a lot of time to shop we fall into the trap of buying the same sorts of stuff all the time. So when you go shopping leave tons of time and go to a lot of different shops. Try on things you might not usually look at. Last but not least is budget - a sad fact of life is that you get what you pay for - a lot of the time you will get a better fit, look etc. from an outfit that is pricier. If you have the money - go for it! If you don't still try on a lot of gear at the more expensive shops - you will get some good ideas on what does work and be able to take the ideas with you to the more budget concious shops or look at ways to alter/make the same thing yourself. I have my SILs wedding coming up in March so I know where you're coming from (and it is going to be THE wedding of the year - the way everyone is carrying on it could just about be a Royal wedding). Don't you just hate the way that guys can go out and rent a tux or wear a suit - no thought required and pretty much all of them look good. So not fair. 
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: lendube
Date: 01-07-2007, 05:08 PM (5 of 62)
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I like this thread. Thanks Sherri. Been following it. I too wish I could change my look. I live in a small mtn. community so it's very casual. It's a tourist town and close to the big city so we're not exactly "hicks" but we definitely have a laid back attitude to clothing. Think L. L. Bean, Cabela's, Eddie Bauer. For me though it's jeans day in and day out. I like the "What Not to Wear" English program. I don't care for the American version at all. We had a whole thread going on it a while back. You can check "Search". They are a bit caustic and invasive but they do know their stuff. Vitual models are a fun thing too. L.L. Bean has one and there are other sites that offer that too. That might help if you find one associated with less casual clothing. Lennie 
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-07-2007, 08:06 PM (6 of 62)
Sherri, so many of us can relate! That stuck-in-momsville uniform--it's hard to imagine yourself wearing something else after a while, huh? Well, give us some scenery to work with. Maybe we can get you spruced up  Is it in the evening or daytime? Wedding and reception setting? (How many notches above jeans are expected?) Will you be an honored guest--doing a reading, or other special role in the affair? What's your hair/eye color?
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-07-2007, 08:15 PM (7 of 62)
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I totally agree on the shoes thing! Don't try to pour your poor feet into heels. Get some dressy low shoes that are more in the lines of what you normally wear (height wise). There are lovely sandals and shoes out there that are dressy and low. I'd dress comfortably. A nice dress with a jacket, suit, whatever makes you feel dressed up but not trussed like a Thanksgiving turkey. You want to enjoy this...and when it is over, you may want to wear it to something special later, an anniversary party, Christmas party or something. You can make it, no problem. There are some lovely patterns out there in the pattern catalogs for mature women of every size from size 12 to size 32. The right fabric and pattern can make all the difference in the world in the garment. If you have a better fabric shop in town or even if you need to take a little road trip, it would be worth it to go to one where you can get personal service helping you pick out the most stunning fabric for your pattern (not necessariloy the most expensive, but the one that flows right with the pattern). THere are also nice shops around that cater to wedding party members if you want to purchase ready made....I wouldn't necessarily rule these out. They offer the advantage of letting you see the garment on...they also give you the advantage of seeing what type of garment looks nice on you, even if you don't purchase (but make it). If you try going to one of these, wear hose, good undergarments and fix your hair before you go so that you can have an honest look at how the whole picture shapes up. 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: Sherri
Date: 01-07-2007, 08:39 PM (8 of 62)
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Well lets see all I know is that it is a Mormon Wedding (no I am not Mormon). I beleive a daytime wedding. End of Feburary. SO I think I really just need a style Do over. Not just a fancy one time thing. I want to be a grown up. Not a kid. Here is the thing Like I said I am in my Early 30's. I have mousy brown hair that I straighten but is naturally curly(ie Frizzy). I have green/Blue/grey eyes. (They actually change colours to reflect what I wear or mood or whatever.) I am about a size 14 ready to wear. I have to alter a lot of patterns because I have a tummy but not a lot of boobage. I am 5'8. My best feature is my legs. I have skater legs that are holding over from my teenage years. I am long waisted. When people Ask what body shape I am? I have no clue I don't really even understand that. How would I know. Here I am http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/osted/purse/poulsjeans.jpg Did I mention that I live in the middle of nowhere. There is no shopping. Nothing. It takes at least 5 hours north or 12 hours south to get to a mall. We won't actually be going South until just before the wedding. We may go to Yellowknife at the end of January but the shopping is only slightly better there then here. If you don't want to dress like a slutty teen you probably don't have a lot of options. I fabric shop online mostly. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-07-2007, 10:16 PM (9 of 62)
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That was a good reply, Sherri. I bet you'll start getting some useful responses. I say, let the skirts be shorter and let them flutter a little bit or have a nice fit to them--no sense hiding your skater's assets! An empire waistline makes a classy dress, and is easy to fit. It would certainly be flattering to your figure. This body type article (http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/10_105_body_types.pdf) should help either you or your husband place you, and give you good general guidelines to refer to. Here's a great go-to piece (http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=71281&DeptId=8219&producttypeid=1&PurchaseType=0) for evening affairs, even if it's not what you need for this wedding. I think it'd be lovely on you. This one's a little more modest (http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=30217&DeptId=8219&producttypeid=1&PurchaseType=0), but accomplishes the same. For daytime (http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=92602&DeptId=8219&producttypeid=1&PurchaseType=0)(or eves) you could pair this top with an at-or-above-knee flared skirt in black or brown or copper, which you could make yourself. And for everyday attire makeover, I'm going to have to defer to the other experts--I'm still quite in the middle of my tshirt and jeans years, and I'm not certain I'll ever break free! Although I have made a few skirts that are casual enough, and occasionally pair them with a sweater or tank top for those in-between occasions. good luck, Sherri! ...Oh yeah, one more: Tho' I haven't had a chance to test this yet, my whole sewing guild swears that the knit-sweater/shirt style with a sort of pretzel style twist at the center front is flattering to every figure. Nearly --ehem--bust-free, I told them I feared I'd disappear completely in one, but they all said it did wonders. Last year they passed this one shirt around at a retreat and everyone tried it on and looked fabulous. Try Simplicity 4076. (http://simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=4076) Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-07-2007, 11:45 PM (10 of 62)
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Andrea you can shop for me. I like those things and I like the prices. LOL Sherri all these ladies give good advice and don't worry I'm a grandmother and I love my jeans, it's easy to get laid back and out of the click when you're so comfortable in your clothes. good luck and I'm sure whatever you choose you'll look great. I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-07-2007, 11:49 PM (11 of 62)
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I've got a similar top with that scrunchy bit in the bust but the fabric falls from the twist so theres sort of like a gathered (vertically) drape coming from the centre. It does a great job of hiding the tummy bulges. (I'll see if I can get photobucket working - I've been putting it off for ages). Unfortunately I've never found a pattern for it but if I get the photo up I'd love to hear from anyone who has - it's the MOST flattering item of clothing I've ever owned. As for the bust if you feel you don't have enough a good bra can do wonders. Some of them now have a small amount of padding around the bottom and outside edge which pushes the rest up and together so its fairly natural but much more of it. P.S. Don't sell yourself short Sherri - you look pretty good to me. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: lsoutherla
Date: 01-08-2007, 12:01 AM (12 of 62)
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Andrea and I are thinking alike. Go for a nice dress. It is after all your baby brother's wedding. Since you want to draw attention away from your tummy, look for something that has a high waist or an empire waist. Something like Butterick 4849 would probably look very nice on you. Made out of a soft crepe with the long sleeves in a soft solid. I also like Butterick 4914 in a stretch knit. This has rouching and should disguise the tummy. Vogue 2927 also has an empire waist; no tummy worries there. (if you don't like the low back; that's an easy alteration.) All are easy to make, are non-binding and you'll look sexy. Also, they are all dressy but casual. In other words, you're moving up from frumpy-momma jeans to sexy-momma! And if the tummy really bothers you, buy some tummy control panties. I would go with heels tho, maybe a 2-2.5" heel. Not too high, but enough to accent the legs. Also, there's no need to go in with a purse unless you have to have one, and then I'd go with a small clutch. And, throw a lace shawl on and forget the heavy coat. Laura |
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 72 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-08-2007, 12:31 AM (13 of 62)
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As a fellow thick waisted woman (though somewhat shorter) I can agree on the empire waist thing - problem is because it is so out of whack with what you are used to wearing it can feel weird. Wrap over dresses do the tummy hiding thing in the same was as the tops (Simplicity pattern) that Andrea suggested. I see from your photo that you already wear t's with a crossover elelment so it won't feel so far from what you are used to wearing. The key is in getting some fabric with a great drape. It may seem strange that all theat extra ruching arond the belly makes it smaller but it does, and a small heel ( kitten heel?) will help to tilt the hips and show the legs and calves to best advantage. You may find that those small crossover tops/jacket that tie up under the bust in a fabulous lace will add class to an outfit. The key is in finding fabulous fabric. You have time to go to a hairdresser and say "I am in your hands do something" and if it is disasterous go back and have something else done! You have a lovely amount of hair to play with - make it an asset. I bought my outfit for my dughters wedding from Monsson - never paid so much for something in my life but I felt a million dollars and it was comfy! silk linen plum embroidered skirt and simlar jacket - the jacket was short and fitted and tied under the bust - all helpful to give an illusion of a waist! So if you go for jackets - go short and fitted - I too have a long body (but in my case I was undersold on the legs great shape just 4" too short) and you may wonder if this makes your bottom half loook odd - too be honest we all fake it as best as we can - first things first - start at the undergarments and work out - good fitting bra and Magic pants - then go from there! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-08-2007, 12:39 AM (14 of 62)
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If you've got great legs, show them off.... Keep the dress to a mimium, I'd go with a solid top and skirt and a really nice over blouse. (something wowie) make the skirt short, just above your knees...and NICE heels. ( they have those nice chunky ones again that won't kill you like spikes, and they have rounded toes...we love that....) natural hose... For color...I'd go gold/russet/burgandy/winter white.... Put your hair up (in a french knot, with flowers or a sparkly comb...short earrings..pearls or fakes if you have'em...be comfortable and classy...always in fashion... Kath ( the wind bag's 12 cents...) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-08-2007, 12:48 AM (15 of 62)
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http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r234/PaulineG_photo/Picturetop2.jpg I think I may have managed to work it out - with the help of my 11 yo son of course. Hope it works. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-08-2007, 08:57 AM (16 of 62)
Sherri, I agree with everyone about the short, flirty dress. But I have seen Sherri in person. She has lovely skin and a natural look. Draw some attention to your face as well. Maybe a fancy shrug. Burda 8068 is one I just picked up. It has 3 views for a short jacket, tied in front. Maybe a solid colour dress and a dressy shrug. Low shoes to match and nice earrings. Poul will be drooling.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-08-2007, 09:06 AM (17 of 62)
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Now Mary, that is cheating! When do the rest of us get to meet you two?
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: MaryW
Date: 01-08-2007, 09:14 AM (18 of 62)
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With Sherri in the great white north and myself on the east coast, it may be a while.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: material_pakrat
Date: 01-08-2007, 09:17 AM (19 of 62)
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Pauline, I have a top just like that, but mine is made out of a jersey / knit material. Let me know if anyone finds a pattern for it, because I would love to be able to make one. I'm in a size 18, and my girlfriend is an 8, but we both have one, and they look great on both of us. Not often you can say that about one style of top. Cheers, Soph Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: Sherri
Date: 01-08-2007, 10:05 AM (20 of 62)
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Love all the options thank you. Whenever I wear anything Empire waisted everyone asks me if I am pregnant. Drives me nuts. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-08-2007, 12:53 PM (21 of 62)
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Shrug! That is the word I was looking for instead of one of those short little tops things that does up under the bust!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-08-2007, 03:43 PM (22 of 62)
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Maybe not the standard empire waist but something with ruching or gathering (not gathered horizontal - that will look like a maternity top unless you're really skinny) and the fabric should drape nicely (not stiff) and create a vertical line over the tummy. Or ruching in a diagonal maybe. The eye should be drawn away from the tummy to either the waistline (think hourglass - which can still have bulges) or to the cleavage (if you feel a bit lacking here a good bra CAN help) and maybe a spectacular piece of jewellery.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 01-08-2007, 03:47 PM (23 of 62)
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Soph - when and where did you buy it (them). I bought mine over 12 months ago but there was only the one fabric. I saw but missed out a similar one in a Target catalogue about 6 months ago. I've considered taking it apart to draw up a pattern but I just love it too much and aren't confident it would ever go back together just right. Unfortunately too much shape detail is lost in the twist - although one day when I have nothing else to do I'll probably start experimenting.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 01-10-2007, 06:53 PM (24 of 62)
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Sherri when ever I feel myself in Mommy Zone (quite a bit actually) I usually grab a Lou Lou Magazine - it's the canadian shopping mag, my husband was suitably horrified to find there was a magazine about shopping!! but they do list all thier  sources and some stuff can be bought on line etc.Now it is kinda trendy and young looking but lots of the looks are adaptable to the real world. I like the idea of the dress too! Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Sherri
Date: 01-10-2007, 08:58 PM (25 of 62)
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Lou Lou Magazine I never heard of that. Sherri My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-10-2007, 09:18 PM (26 of 62)
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Me neither, but I found the web-site... http://www.louloumagazine.com/english/index.jsp TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-11-2007, 06:11 AM (27 of 62)
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Andrea - following up what you said in another post about being a hunter - have you seen a pattern resembling the top I posted a piccie of earlier in this thread. I would love you forever. I've spent a fair bit of time looking through patternreview.com but this is a fairly time consuming way of searching although I haven't given up yet. P.S. Forgot to mention that I moved onto patternreview after I had already been through current catalogues for Simplicity, Burda, McCall, Butterick, Vogue and Kwik Sew. Yikes. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 01-11-2007, 08:15 AM (28 of 62)
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Pauline, I think I got my top in Kmart. Mine is in black, but doent's have the twist. It does have it all pulled in around the bust, but has a beaded circle. But it stilllooks like the same basic cut. I haven't seen any pattern like it with my browsing either. Cheers, Soph Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: Sherri
Date: 01-11-2007, 10:42 AM (29 of 62)
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butterick 4789 has a twist. http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/butterick/shop.cgi?s.item.B4789=x&TI='4789'&page=1 My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: lendube
Date: 01-11-2007, 12:51 PM (30 of 62)
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Hey, check out Simplicity 4076. Andrea recommended it in her last post. I found it yesterday 1/2 off along with two fabrics also 1/2 off to use for it. The pattern has various tops with twists, side gathers, different sleeves, and Andrea promises all of us that it'll be flattering no matter what our shape. Right, Andrea?? Thanks for the recommendation and I'll let you know how it turns out. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-11-2007, 04:42 PM (31 of 62)
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Pauline, I didn't hunt for it yet--I'm having trouble seeing the seamlines in your picture b/c of the nature of the print. I wonder, since you've hit all the biggies, do you think it would be easier to trace the garment and make your own pattern, or else find a pattern with similar seamlines and adapt it a bit? It's a lovely top.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-11-2007, 08:14 PM (32 of 62)
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I've come to that conclusion myself Andrea - its just difficult as some of the shape details are obscured under the buckle/circle thing at the bust line and it will probably take several attempts/alterations. Also the only way I can see to construct it would entail sewing the top halves of the front down to the bust then putting the circle in and then sewing down the centre seam from there. It's been in the too hard basket for awhile but my confidence increases with each garment I make so I might try a couple of twist tops (the Simplicity one you mentioned) and there was a New Look on pattern review that had a similar shape (without the circle/buckle) so after I've done those I might give it a try. Sheri - I've looked at a few twist tops - the Butterick and Simplicity but the difference is that beneath the twist they are flat fronted (good as long as your stomach is also flat fronted) but this top sort of falls in a vertical drape so a good bit of bulge can hide behind it (without the pregnant look that some horizontal gathers on an empire waist can give). Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Shellymoon
Date: 01-13-2007, 01:08 AM (33 of 62)
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I agree that the TV show What Not To Wear is a great resource for learning about what looks good on your body type. It's on TLC (the Learning Channel) on Friday nights here in the States. Every now and then, there's a TLC marathon, so you can see what they do with several different kinds of people. Mainly it's hard lessons in don't dress like a prostitute, get a few nice, well-made pieces that flatter your figure, learn to do a little something with your hair and put on a little makeup. DD and I are hooked on this show and we've learned a whole bunch about what to wear from it.
Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 01-15-2007, 06:40 PM (34 of 62)
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[QUOTE=AndreaSews;174907]Here's a great go-to piece (http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=71281&DeptId=8219&producttypeid=1&PurchaseType=0) for evening affairs, even if it's not what you need for this wedding. I think it'd be lovely on you. This one's a little more modest (http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=30217&DeptId=8219&producttypeid=1&PurchaseType=0), but accomplishes the same. For daytime (http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=92602&DeptId=8219&producttypeid=1&PurchaseType=0)(or eves) you could pair this top with an at-or-above-knee flared skirt in black or brown or copper, which you could make yourself. QUOTE] Just wondering Andrea if you knew the main manufacturers label for Chadwicks - the stuff is just lovely but we don't have a Chadwicks in OZ - hoping that somebody distributes whoever their manufacturer is. I'm just not brave enough to buy a dress or outfit online - I need to see it, touch it and most of all - try it on - before I buy. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-15-2007, 08:09 PM (35 of 62)
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Smart Q, Pauline. I just ran up and checked my closet. I have a 2 piece formal outfit from them by JS Boutique. I'm sure they carry other labels, though. I remember the last time I sorted my closet to donate to the Lupus Foundation, I let the other pieces go, which were very dated. I haven't done much shopping in a while!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-15-2007, 08:26 PM (36 of 62)
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Sherri I just stumbled across this article, right here on SWN (http://sew-whats-new.com/CMS/content/view/181/46/). I'm going to go back and re-read it at a later time when I'm ready to take it seriously. Good tips in there.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-15-2007, 08:39 PM (37 of 62)
Found JS Boutique (and some affiliated manufacturers) online. Their stuff is gorgeous. But not available in OZ. Sheri if you don't mind online shopping it's definitely worth a look.http://www.jsboutique.com Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Sherri
Date: 01-16-2007, 02:07 PM (38 of 62)
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Sherri I just stumbled across this article, right here on SWN (http://sew-whats-new.com/CMS/content/view/181/46/). I'm going to go back and re-read it at a later time when I'm ready to take it seriously. Good tips in there. Thats a great article. I have the original Australian Stitches article to. So my wardrobe colours are red and black and I am going to use Blue as an accent. I am choosing these colours becasue I already have a lot in my wardrobe. Next step to pick out some patterns. I think I am going to start with Stitch and Save by McCalls M5161. Because I just bought this pattern and tested it. Anybody want to work with me. Maybe we could start a new thread and do a sort of challenge. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 01-16-2007, 05:26 PM (39 of 62)
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Sherri, You don't need to start a new post. Mary is already started on her Sewing With A Plan wardrobe. You can join her here (Sorry, link unavailable.). Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Sherri
Date: 01-16-2007, 07:02 PM (40 of 62)
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Now how did I miss that
My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 01-17-2007, 04:02 PM (41 of 62)
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I've had a look at the swap stuff and it looks pretty interesting - both the article here (with wardrobe planning tips) and the challenge itself. I also poked around on the artisans square website (although I'm not entering the challenge - but will probably do some of it anyway - just for fun) and found the following link. It's in German but you don't need to understand it - just look at the pictures. http://www.basset-mode.de/ Worth a look - I might even take a day or two when the kids go back to school and try to organise what I do have in my wardrobe a bit better. I'm definitely a clothes freak but often buy things just because I like them without any definite idea what they'll go with. If I'm feeling seriously organised (probably won't happen) I might even start a database of my clothes and what goes with what. I currently hang/store according to type of clothing but might be time to revisit that. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 01-18-2007, 07:34 AM (42 of 62)
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Kwik Sew 3467 or New Look 6600 might be a nice shape for you Sherri if you're wanting to camouflage a tummy bulge and could be made as either casual or dressy. BTW - why are New Look patterns so much cheaper than the others - I have a couple and I can't see any particular reason for it. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Sherri
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:14 AM (43 of 62)
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I find that New LOOK patterns aren't always put together well. Like I bought two top patterns from them last summer and they bothhad a seam down the middle of the back. I don't think that looks nice. I removed it. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:55 AM (44 of 62)
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Sometimes that back seam is put there for shape. It takes the place of extra back darts while allowing for a good fit across the shoulders. They also put the seam in the back sometimes so that they can save fabric in the layout. If they put the seam there they can sometimes lay more pieces on a 45 inch piece of fabric with less yardage. Once in a while it is just a design detail.
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: Sherri
Date: 01-18-2007, 02:32 PM (45 of 62)
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I know the purpose of them. I just don't like the look of it and feel that actually putting in the darts etc gives a better looking finished project.
My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:20 PM (46 of 62)
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Sherri I agree with you. I don't like the look of a seam down the back of a dress or blouse and I don't like the feel of a back seam in jackets, tops or dresses. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Sancin
Date: 01-19-2007, 06:47 AM (47 of 62)
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I have just started to read this thread Sherri and I must admit I did wonder where you were going to shop!! I have had problems in PG and it is a lot bigger. I found the best place to get different and pretty clothes are private designer shops often in homes. Some are a little funky and fun. There are also some nice smaller designers on line. A phone call can usually get a pattern in a day or two and you seem used to on line fabric shopping. I like the idea of a flirty skirt. I am much older than you and shorter and heavier, but I still like to look good and I have good legs. Where is the wedding? Feb can be iffy some places. Are you going to be comfortable in a dress or skirt? How long since you worn a dress? I love the look of long vests (forget what they are called) and tunics - which cover a multiple of sins, especially if flowy, are comfortable, and can be worn with skirts or pants. In silk or rayon a 3 piece outfit would be smashing. And very eye catching with a 'a long necklace'. You could make both pants and a skirt. My daughter has hair like yours and about the same length. She dresses it up with different twists or tied in some fashion. After a long labour she pony tailed it on top of her head and looked fantastic!!  Good luck and have fun. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: Sherri
Date: 01-20-2007, 03:10 PM (48 of 62)
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I have just started to read this thread Sherri and I must admit I did wonder where you were going to shop!! Isn't it great to live in the north. Where is the wedding? Feb can be iffy some places. My Bro is getting married in Calgary. So it could either be 30 above or 30 below. It could be snowing or raining or sun tan weather. But the same could be said of Calgary in August. Are you going to be comfortable in a dress or skirt? How long since you worn a dress? I wear skirts quite often if I am dressing up. But don't dress up that much. Dresses are hard. Again I am long waisted so it is very hard to fit a dress. Seperates are great. My daughter has hair like yours and about the same length. She dresses it up with different twists or tied in some fashion. After a long labour she pony tailed it on top of her head and looked fantastic!! Colour me jealous. I can never wear my hair up when it is as long as it is in the picture. It weighs between 7 and 10 lbs by itself. (depending if I have had it thinned lately or not.) So I get headaches if I wear it up or in a pony tail. I often french bread it at that length. I recently cut quite a bit off. But my hair dresser was aiming for young and hip and I am having flashbacks to Fame style 80's hair. What a horrible Era to be coming back in style. These young kids will never get the true horror of it because they did not live through it.  Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Sancin
Date: 01-21-2007, 02:13 AM (49 of 62)
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"It weighs between 7 and 10 lbs by itself. (depending if I have had it thinned lately or not.) So I get headaches if I wear it up or in a pony tail." Weight of hair is interesting. My daughter has lots of hair where I don't but all of us have very fine hair. Her biggest problem is that it is uncontrollable as is my son's. As I have curly hair, but more wavy than curly, I never knew what to do with hers so she was on her own learning. She was nearly bald until about 6 1/2 years then her hair started coming in but still kind of thin. At puberty all hell broke loose. She looks different every time I see her, but it is usually loose and only up when she is hot. I have often wondered how these Asian women and First Nations women (and men for that matter) can stand the pull on their neck with longer than waist length hair. While absolutely gorgeous colours and sheens, it does look heavy!  Calgary - hmmmm - perhaps you should plan your outfit to go with either a parka and boots or a sun dress. I think it may be referred to as layering, but I am not sure as it may not be the same when you go in a building as when you come out, especially if snowing when you come out in a sun dress. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: paroper
Date: 01-21-2007, 09:56 AM (50 of 62)
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Back in the 1970's I had a customer who would come into the department store where I worked whose hair almost reached her ankles. It was absolutely perfect hair...black, perfectly blunt cut, slightlyy wavy, full and georgious! She washed her hair in eggs and wouldn't touch with with a comb or brush until it was totally dry. At one point she had cut it to her shoulders but it only took a couple of years for it to grow back to full length (she was about 5'4"). She had been offered $5000 for her hair for wigs, which back then was a small fortune, but she had turned it down. She wore her hair down straight. I never saw her sit down so I don't know how she could sit when she drove her car or what she did with it when she just sat down to eat. It was truly the most beautiful hair I have ever seen.
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: PaulineG
Date: 02-02-2007, 02:33 PM (51 of 62)
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Hey Sherri, what's the latest on the outfit?
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Sherri
Date: 02-02-2007, 05:59 PM (52 of 62)
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I ordered this fabric it should be in today or Monday. http://www.wazoodle.com/uploads/3012010.jpg I am thinking of making this type of top out of it http://www.simplicity.com/assets/6620/6620.jpg And wearing it with my old stand bye black crepe skirt. sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 02-02-2007, 06:02 PM (53 of 62)
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I love the fabric! And of course, I think that style of top is great. I'm not biased at all. Good luck!
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
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From: Sherri
Date: 02-02-2007, 08:53 PM (54 of 62)
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Its from Wazoodle I also bought this one http://www.wazoodle.com/uploads/2046002.jpg To make this outta http://www.1sewingpatterns.com/images0/5163bmc.jpg My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 02-03-2007, 02:05 AM (55 of 62)
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That should look great. Look forward to seeing it on.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Sherri
Date: 02-04-2007, 05:44 PM (56 of 62)
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I love the fabric! And of course, I think that style of top is great. I'm not biased at all. Good luck! Hey you made thatat pattern right? How do you think it would look on someone with a tummy? As I wait for fabric I am starting to have second thoughts. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 02-04-2007, 06:22 PM (57 of 62)
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I think it would be quite flattering! My tummy isn't as flat as it should be, and it does a pretty could job of hiding bulge. Some people think that empire waists have a tendency to make people look pregnant, but I don't think this top would give that impression since it doesn't have gathers under the waistband like some similar tops and dresses do. I think as long as it's a bit flowy and not too tight around the waist and hips I think it should be good. If you are really worried about it, you might try it with the darker fabric you ordered. The dark background might have a more minimizing effect.
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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From: PaulineG
Date: 02-04-2007, 09:10 PM (58 of 62)
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Whats the cut of the skirt as well - this is probably more of an issue for hips and thighs than tummys but the right shape skirt underneath will help take the eye up and down your sillhouette rather than leaving it in the middle. Also how long do you plan to make it - if you finish the length right (have a play with some clothes you already have) you can help out there as well. It looks like a long cut - which might be good for you with your good legs, but which I would avoid because it would finish right around the saddlebags. It can also make a difference to tummies. Last but not least what sort of fabric - how will it drape (or cling)? Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Sherri
Date: 02-04-2007, 11:26 PM (59 of 62)
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My skirt is knee length aline. The fabric is Poly/Lycra jersey so I am thinking it might not drap so well. The second Georgette. So that might be better drape wise. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 02-05-2007, 03:53 PM (60 of 62)
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Have a play when it arrives - if it hasn't already. If you make an elastic loop to fit under your bustline and make a tube (not a straight tube - try to get it sort of like the shape of the bottom of the top) of the fabric around your body with the elastic on top (taking out any gathers) - it should give you an approximation of what it will look like over your tummy. The elastic is to hold it in place so you don't need to use your hands and maybe some pins to help it take shape. I wouldn't fuss about the extra fabric above the loop but maybe try to get it to fall to the length you want. Check it in profile as well as face on. I'm sure somebody else has a better way but this is just my idea. It might also be worth wearing the skirt while you're doing it as well. If all else fails there are some magic undergarments to help "support" you for the day - I've been thinking about investing myself. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: grandma C
Date: 02-05-2007, 10:35 PM (61 of 62)
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Sheri, I think the first fabric and the first pattern would look great as a dress. If you had enough fabric to lengthen it to just about your knees or even to the ankles. Both Fabrics are very dressy and sound like they will drape nicely. I am following this thread and write down the pattern #'s because I am a bit thick waisted and have a tummy. I don't have your height tho and can't wear heels to show off my legs. Good Luck! Grandma C |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
From: Marlyn
Date: 02-07-2007, 12:35 PM (62 of 62)
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Hi Sherri, Like you I too love being in my jeans. I too am a grandmother who retired four years ago, and lost weight, so out went most of my attire for parties, skirst, blouses, suits, etc. I too am now at a place where I would like to begin to sew for myself once again, and am having a problem deciding on just where to start. I also have a problem with measuring myself, and as I have been away from sewing for myself for some years, making proper fit, so find I look for loose, but well fitted outfits. Good luck with your sewing. |
User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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