Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
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: blackie
Date: 06-22-2007, 07:37 PM (1 of 13)
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My husband bought me this book - it had been on my "wish list" for some time. I am reading it now. I really enjoy the reading and am impressed with the authors' experience, tone, and their matter-of-fact approach to so many body styles. I find the concept of making a body map and a sample fitted dress daunting. I have no stash fabric. I have no dressmaker's doll. I feel too shy to have anyone measure me. However I know I want to learn to sew for myself, and learn to break out of my jeans / t-shirt cycle! It's high time some of my fit skills (nonexistant) approached my sewing skills, which are intermediate. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 06-23-2007, 09:18 PM (2 of 13)
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couple of ideas... as for using fabric get some $1 per yard stuff at walmart etc or use and old sheet, that's all you need for fitting, and get your husband to measure you but using the centimetre side of your tape, much less intimidating, fit is important, it's a good way to start.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: blackie
Date: 06-27-2007, 06:21 PM (3 of 13)
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Wow! Those are great suggestions. Thank you.
see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: jwright
Date: 06-28-2007, 09:23 AM (4 of 13)
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I hate to admit how cheap I am--but it has really helped me out. If you really want a form--sign up for the JoAnne's coupons. They send you 50% off one regular priced item (and I get them 1-2 times a month). I go in and buy one thing with it and boy does it save money! 
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User: jwright
Member since: 12-28-2006 Total posts: 96 
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From: MartySews2
Date: 06-28-2007, 03:33 PM (5 of 13)
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Using old sheets is a great idea for muslins. I seldom make a muslin as I prefer to tissue fit to save time. Right now, I am learning to hand draft clothing blocks that I can use for fitting. Check out Patti Palmer's DVD's that go with the books. They are wonderful. Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: LegalDealer
Date: 07-21-2007, 10:28 PM (6 of 13)
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Blackie: I have heard of this book, but got the impression it is for large people. Is it directed only for that group? I am interested in making my own sloper, can't seem to find info online on how to do it. Perhaps I need that book! Marty: What is hand draft clothing blocks ? |
User: LegalDealer
Member since: 10-19-2006 Total posts: 27 
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From: MartySews2
Date: 07-22-2007, 02:39 PM (7 of 13)
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The book, Fit for Real People, is for all sizes and shapes of women. It addresses some of the more common problems in fitting oneself. I had a close friend in my ASG group map out my body and then I returned the favor. It was not so intimidating that way. We had a fun morning together. This is my favorite fitting book. Drafting clothing blocks means that I'm learning to draft patterns for the basics - bodice, skirt, pants, sleeves, etc. I'm using Rene Bergh's book and the one by Donald McCunn on pattern-making. Once I master this, then it will be easy to fit myself. Has anyone tried the pattern making software? How does it compare to hand drafted patterns? I know there is a learning curve involved but is it easier to use? Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293
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From: skiNsew
Date: 07-23-2007, 08:20 AM (8 of 13)
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Here is one additional idea---Pattern companies make a basic pattern that is usually called something like a "fitting pattern" The Vogue one is #V1004. It is a very basic sheath dress that comes with instructions on how to perfect the fit to your body. When you have completed the whole thing you have your own basic sloper and/or pattern fitting blocks. I use the Wild Ginger Pattern Master Boutique software for pattern making. I have used it for about 5 years and like it very much. HOWEVER, getting the basic sloper to fit (you need one for a dress and one for pants) was a very trickly affair and took about 5-6 tries for each. Then you have to keep fooling around with the ease factor until you finally get exactly what you want. You will have to choose separate ease amounts for each part of your body. (bust, waist, hips, crotch). Once you master this you can then print out patterns having a variety of styles. Even after 5 years I almost always make a muslin of whatever style I am using for the first time. Variations in material drape also change the way the article will look on your body. One more thing---a new version of this software is in the works and should be released late this year. I would hold off on any purchase until after the new release. HTH, Mary |
User: skiNsew
Member since: 06-09-2005 Total posts: 33 |
From: grandma C
Date: 07-24-2007, 12:50 AM (9 of 13)
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Hi, I use the Childsplay software by Wild Ginger. It is as it sounds, for children. I am still tryinbg to make the patterns fit my grandchildren the first try but after a couple of months of using it I still have to fit and refit the patterns till I get them correct. I suspect I need to perfect my measuring skills. I do love picking and choosing the different elements of an outfit design and then printing out the pattern for it. I made my DGD a swimsuit and it was beautiful on her. The pattern was from Childsplay. Belinda |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
From: skiNsew
Date: 07-24-2007, 02:35 PM (10 of 13)
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Hi Belinda, I also use Child's Play and have been using it just as long as I have been using the PMB. I think getting the Child's Play patterns to fit is even more trying. My granddaughters live about 1 mile from me. I have resorted to always making a muslin and then marking any alterations on the muslin while it is on their squirming bodies. I then transfer the changes to the paper pattern and am able to use that to make things the way I want them to fit. I think the biggest problem with the Child's Play is that every time you get the fit you want, the child grows and you have to start again. (sigh!) Mary |
User: skiNsew
Member since: 06-09-2005 Total posts: 33 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-24-2007, 07:21 PM (11 of 13)
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None of the commercial sloper patterns come close to fitting my shape. I have no shoulders, large biceps, small bust, a large waist and hips. I have tried 3 of the sloper patterns from Vogue, Butterick and Simplicity with no luck. That's when I decided to learn to draft my own patterns. I'm still struggling and one day may master it. In the meantime, I'm only out paper and pencils. Have thought about pattern drafting software but I think I need to master the basics of drafting first. Marty
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293
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From: LegalDealer
Date: 07-26-2007, 08:16 AM (12 of 13)
| It seems that this sloper thing is hard to master. Should I even bother to try? I really enjoy making clothing for myself, but not overly pleased with the results. I was hoping that making a sloper would solve a lot of my problems, yet making one sounds really time and effort consuming. |
User: LegalDealer
Member since: 10-19-2006 Total posts: 27
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From: grandma C
Date: 07-27-2007, 12:57 AM (13 of 13)
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Mary, thanks for the comments concerning Childsplay software. It makes me feel better about my fitting struggles. LeagleDealer, I wonder if just a muslin of the particular outfit you wish to make is a better choice. Belinda |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
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