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From: Pudge99
Date: 04-10-2007, 10:19 AM (1 of 30)
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I need help. I want to make this pattern (http://simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=3805). The shirt and skirt. I have some plaid fabric and some solid purple. I don't know if I should go plaid on top or plaid on the bottom. I was thinking it would be easier to put the plaid on the bottom as I won't have to worry as much about matching but then I was wondering if that would draw to much attention to my rather ample bottom. Suggestions please. 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: DorothyL
Date: 04-10-2007, 10:48 AM (2 of 30)
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Gina -- The shirt looks big enough to cover your bottom, especially with a skirt. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 04-10-2007, 11:00 AM (3 of 30)
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Well Dorothy I know it will cover my bum, but I just wonder if I should make the shirt plaid or the skirt.
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: plrlegal
Date: 04-10-2007, 11:03 AM (4 of 30)
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Gina I would go with the solid on the bottom and the plaid for the shirt. For me personally, plaids on my bottom half not only make me feel wider but they also make me look wider and that I don't need! Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: lendube
Date: 04-10-2007, 11:49 AM (5 of 30)
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My vote: plaid on top, solid on bottom. Especially if the solid is a darker color it will be more flattering. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 04-10-2007, 11:55 AM (6 of 30)
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My problem would be...if I made a plaid skirt I wouldn't have much by way of tops to go with it because most of my tops are print and bottoms solid. But I'm not much of one for plaid anyway. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: smessier
Date: 04-10-2007, 01:39 PM (7 of 30)
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I vote for plaid on top, solid on bottom. My daughter and I were watching a program on fashion and the expert said if you should try to balance out your body with your clothes. So if you're bigger on top, you'd wear a solid there and a print on the bottom. If bigger on bottom, vice versa. That's a really cute pattern. I might have to look for that one! Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 04-10-2007, 01:55 PM (8 of 30)
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Looks like the concensus is plaid on top. I just wonder what those experts would say about a girl like me who is big on the bottom and the top. Probably "Put your arms up and step away from the plaid." or something very similar. Ah well. The proof will be in the outfit. 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: lendube
Date: 04-10-2007, 03:19 PM (9 of 30)
You will post a pic, won't you? If you're shy like me you don't even have to be in it.  Lennie (Not really shy ~ just mysterious!) |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 04-10-2007, 03:32 PM (10 of 30)
I'm not really sure why, but I picture the plaid on the bottom and the solid color on the top. Maybe I'm just feeling nostalgic about the many plaid skirts of the 90's. Don't mind me... do do do...  Anyway, I'm sure whatever you decide will be lovely. I'd love to see pictures too! 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: 04-10-2007, 05:23 PM (11 of 30)
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I'm having trouble visualising the top in a plaid but I have a tendency to think of plaids only in heavier fabrics. I agree though that the skirt might draw attention to the lower half if you did it in a plaid. Can't help - I need to see and feel the drape and texture to tell for sure. I do like the pattern though - interested to see and hear how it turns out. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: blackie
Date: 04-10-2007, 11:55 PM (12 of 30)
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"Experts"? The experts tell us we're all fat or too thin or swaybacked or lacking in some way - that we should use "tricks" to optically disguise our shapes into some more desirable shape. I'm tired of hearing all the self-criticism from ladies - esp. my mother's generation and up. I sew what I like and always get compliments. Enough of my tangent.  Why not sew what you want and decide you love it and look fabulous? Surely you have found (or will find) some perfect fabric that will tell YOU how to sew it?I confess I like the idea of plaid on the bias for the skirt, solid for the top (I think I also miss those seventies plaid skirts). By the way, I think ladies look great with big bums. Mine is wide and oddly flat. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Brenisback
Date: 04-11-2007, 06:13 AM (13 of 30)
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I would put plaid on top...but you do what you like ...I like the pattern very much.
Brenda
People come into your life ...for a Reason a Season or a Lifetime. |
User: Brenisback
Member since: 09-20-2004 Total posts: 228 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 04-11-2007, 08:42 AM (14 of 30)
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I confess I like the idea of plaid on the bias for the skirt, solid for the top (I think I also miss those seventies plaid skirts). By the way, I think ladies look great with big bums. Mine is wide and oddly flat. Plaid on the bias might look nice - but wouldn't it be quite a bit harder to match up? And Blackie if you PM me your address I have some "spare derriere" you can have for padding if you like. 
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: blackie
Date: 04-11-2007, 10:27 AM (15 of 30)
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Hmm, now that you mention it... it would probably be near impossible to match up. I didn't really check out the design lines to see where seams are etc... I just like stripes and plaids on the bias so I spoke up.
see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 04-11-2007, 12:58 PM (16 of 30)
OK ladies my camera is MIA and my cell phone is kaput, so I can't show you any pictures of the fabric right now. The purple can be seen in a skirt on my lovely daughter if you click on the link in my signature. I bought the whole bolt at $1 a yard. So far I have made something for both of my girls from it and now it is my turn. It is a heavier weight fabric than the plaid. Blackie these two fabrics did call to me. They have hung next to each other looking quite beautiful in my sewing room waiting for the perfect pattern. I was browsing Simplicity's site when up popped this pattern and my eyes went dirrectly from the pattern to the fabric and voila. Inspiration. I wish there was enough fabric to make it both ways. Then I could have four different looks. 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: Pudge99
Date: 04-18-2007, 07:07 PM (17 of 30)
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Finally the fabric (http://new.photos.yahoo.com/<email address removed for privacy>/album/576460762326791040/photo/294928804338272594/34)! The solid will be the shirt as that is the only thing I have enough fabric for. The larger of the two plaids will be the skirt. The smaller plaid looks nice with the solid too so I might make somehting with that too. But trust me I promise not to wear the two plaids together.
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: blackie
Date: 04-18-2007, 08:16 PM (18 of 30)
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Be sure to post your FOs too...
see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 04-23-2007, 03:10 PM (19 of 30)
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The garments are all assembled. Just need the hems and elastic. Pictures should be up by tomorrow.
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: Pudge99
Date: 05-09-2007, 04:38 PM (20 of 30)
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Well I finished them . The top does not fit. I always forget when sewing for myself that I am a size 2 trapped in a size 22 body. It fits beautifully around my bust and waist, but the neckline and armholes gape. So yet again I have a beautiful skirt with nothing to wear with it . I have a whole closet full of these!!!!! The biggest problem is that I was in such a hurry to finish it that I didn't try it on before I did all the decorative top stitching. So now I have to do major ripping out if I want to even attempt to make the item fit. I don't want to put it into the UFO/OPP pile but that is probably where it will end up. 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: pucktricks
Date: 05-09-2007, 05:16 PM (21 of 30)
Awwww......... How frustrating!!!! I can't even think right now of an encouraging statement, so instead I'll send imaginary hugs. And pretend to throw my computer in sympathy.  Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: blackie
Date: 05-09-2007, 05:22 PM (22 of 30)
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Gina, I have trouble fitting to my body too - because of my large chest, mostly. But of course EVERYONE has a different body type and it's not likely we fit the standard pattern model. For now, because of this, I mostly sew for my children. I don't think I'm going to sew for myself until I've taken a few fit and / or alterations classes. There are none in my area, so I may do another patternreview course - worth every penny (I took Couture Handsewing and it was great). I didn't see your skirt posted to your Yahoo album. I'd love to see it? see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 05-09-2007, 06:25 PM (23 of 30)
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Well even though it gaps in places I decided I wanted to have a bit of fun, so I put the outfit on, went out into the backyard, and put the camera in the hands of one of my kids. Then we proceeded to do a photo shoot. Here are the results (http://new.photos.yahoo.com/<email address removed for privacy>/album/576460762326791040/photo/294928804373129670/40). There are several pics of me goofing off (if you want to look) in front of the camera but this one shows the skirt and shirt best.
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: blackie
Date: 05-09-2007, 07:04 PM (24 of 30)
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What a lovely purple on you! I like the "goofing off" pics too!
see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 05-09-2007, 07:15 PM (25 of 30)
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Thanks Blackie! I love the color purple. I will have to get all of us in our purple outfits for a pic. I am proud that the plaid lined up. I was worried a little about that. I have good luck with plaids though. I remember being on highschool and my mom freaking out about how hard it is to match plaids. I made a straight skirt and a shell and didn't even think about lining it up and it matched perfectly. 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: MartySews2
Date: 05-09-2007, 07:28 PM (26 of 30)
Gina, you did a beautiful job in matching the plaids. I think if you raised the armholes a bit by taking off some of the excess from the top of the shoulders and add bust darts, your top will fit much better. I too have gaposis problems as I have little or no bust to fit my size 18w frame. I spend more time altering patterns than I do sewing. One of these days I'm going to master drafting my own patterns. Hope this helps. Marty |
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: Brenisback
Date: 05-10-2007, 04:33 AM (27 of 30)
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Very nice Gina...the colour is real nice on you ...you did a great job!!
Brenda
People come into your life ...for a Reason a Season or a Lifetime. |
User: Brenisback
Member since: 09-20-2004 Total posts: 228 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-10-2007, 07:10 AM (28 of 30)
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I was thinking the same thing Marty said. Could you take care of the neckline with some tiny darts placed evenly apart so they look like a design element? Maybe little pin tucks or something? It really does look salvageable. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 05-10-2007, 09:17 AM (29 of 30)
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Salvageble Yes. But then it becomes an alteration and boy do I hate those. Eventually I will get to it.
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: EmaCon
Date: 05-11-2007, 08:01 AM (30 of 30)
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I think you're very brave to post the picture of something you're not 100% pleased with. It gives the rest of us the courage to do the same. I think the colour is great on you and the plaid skirt is very successful. I agree with MartySews2. Pull it up at the top of the shoulders and pin it. I think if you feel better in it you may be more motivated to fix it. |
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
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