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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: mommydionne
Date: 03-04-2007, 01:04 PM (1 of 7)
OK , this is my favourite alteration for fit of ALL from Sandra Betzina's fast fit, I use it for jackets and blouses, I'm very thin and have a small frame (think scrawny :bluesmile ) and I have small square shoulders.

Her quick solution is to find your measurement for your shoulder width from the neck to where you want your sleeve to start (mine is 4 inches for blouses and 4 1/4 for jackets), Mark your new seamline and seam allowance, trace the arm scye onto another paper, match the seam line on your pattern with your measurement and the seamline on the ars scye you trace off (I stab a pin through both points) now pivot the traced arm scye to match with the side seam, blend that line, tape it down to your pattern and you are all set, this take about 5 minutes (the longest part is tracing the arm scye) and works great b/c it does not change the arm scye (ie arm hole seam) at all so therefore your sleeve will fit!

She has lots of other great ideas but for those you'll have to buy her book!! I just made a new blouse and it worked out great using this method, so I'm so happy I had to share!
Jeanette
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004
Total posts: 838
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-05-2007, 12:30 AM (2 of 7)
Hurray Jeanette!! This has been the bane (?) of my sewing. I hate doing blouses or jackets, cause the top of the shoulder is always always way too long. I was trying to cut out a size or two smaller at the shoulder and then adjust the armscye and was finding then it was too tight across the bust or across the back. I will definitely try this on my next project! What a great idea. Thanks!! Sounds like I'll be purchasing another sewing book pretty soon! I am hoping to try her Vogue jeans pattern this spring too.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 03-05-2007, 12:49 AM (3 of 7)
Laura I have three of her books and they are great. The one I like the best is More Sewing Saavy. It tells you what needles to use on what fabrics. Also the presser foot to use, how to's on layouts, cutting, interfacing types of thread pressing and closures to us. It's a great book.

Then there is the Fast Fit and the Power sewing book. The books I use the most is the Fast Fit and More Sewing Saavy. :up:
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.
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005
Total posts: 1118
From: sewmuchfun
Date: 03-05-2007, 09:27 AM (4 of 7)
what a great tip!! I have the opposite problem. I'm very broad at the shoulders but not around the bust. So anything that fits my shoulders is way to big from my underarms down.. I'll have to give this a try.. Again that you!

MM
Marilyn

Sewforme

Stashaway
User: sewmuchfun
Member since: 07-22-2005
Total posts: 67
From: mmhoule
Date: 03-05-2007, 07:38 PM (5 of 7)
Does anyone use dress forms for clothing construction? Are they worth the cost?

Thank you!
User: mmhoule
Member since: 02-18-2006
Total posts: 4
From: morningrose
Date: 03-06-2007, 01:29 PM (6 of 7)
Does anyone use dress forms for clothing construction? Are they worth the cost?

Thank you!

I wouldn't know how to NOT use one! I make custom clothing and even create temporary forms (duct tape) for special occasion outfits (esp wedding dresses), so the customer does not have to be there for major construction changes.
They really come in handy and are well worth the cost, even if you only sew for yourself - you can not stand in something and accuratley pin it.:bang:
Raven
User: morningrose
Member since: 12-16-2004
Total posts: 15
From: Susy
Date: 05-07-2007, 03:32 PM (7 of 7)
I am going to try to make one of those duct tape dress forms, was wondering if I can just stuff it with plastic bags or do I need to use proper batting/stuffing? Anybody done one?, any hints? Thanks, Susy
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005
Total posts: 39
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