Date: 10/23/09 10:11 PM

I am having a heck of a time learning about my body. I am making the t shirt in 6735 NL and it is almost falling off. I have made a siz 18 based on my bust measurements.
The shoulders droop and there is lot of "hang" under the arm, tonnes of extra material. I don't even know if this is salvagable. I am feeling very lost.

I have read articles on shoulder slope etc but I don't really get it. I have order "fit for real people" and I have had the vogue fitting book out of the library before. Seems like I need remedial fitting classes

Thanks in advance to those wise and wonderful folks on the board!!

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Date: 10/23/09 10:20 PM

oops. I forgot to add the pics.
and can't seem to figure adding pictures out. i will have to try again in the morning.

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Date: 10/23/09 10:42 PM

New Look 6735 I have this pattern and in fact, waiting for fabric to make the skirt. Check out the reviews on PR on this pattern and you'll find posts about the arm/shoulder being a bit tight. I made a muslin of the top and the upper arm/shoulder is a bit snug. When I make it again, I'll make an adjustment to ease that a bit. Good luck.

ETA - I made my muslin based on my shoulder to shoulder measurement (13'') that comes to a size 12 and adjusted for more room needed in the midriff and waist. Even that was a bit large. That way you don't have it hanging off your shoulder. If you have access to Nancy Zieman's Fitting Finesse, she explains this process.
-- Edited on 10/23/09 10:46 PM --

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All animals, except man, know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it. - Samuel Butler

''A thing of beauty, strength and grace lies behind that whiskered face'' - Anonymous

Rhoda K

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Reply to stretch queen
Date: 10/24/09 0:21 AM

As for shoulder slope, if you tape a large piece of paper to the wall and have somebody trace your shoulder line it helps to be able to see if your shoulders are sloped or square or average. I had a hard time with shoulders too, until I read a threads article and it showed what wrinkles you would get with square or sloped shoulders and I realized that I had square shoulders (and not a high round back, which is what I thought those wrinkles were for). Also, it sounds as if you may have narrower shoulders that what the pattern was drafted for. My other thought is that maybe you should select your size by high bust, instead of full bust (which fit for real people will explain very well)

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Kim

http://girlwithatimemachine.wordpress.com/

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Date: 10/24/09 6:36 AM

Thanks Rhonda for your reply. I have been reading the reviews but my issue is the arm is too big. Not to small. i will post pics as soon as I can figure it out.

Mikkim. Yes I read the same threads article and will get my DH to help me with the shoulder slope. I like your suggestion of using high bust measurement instead. The shoulders are falling off me. I wonder if I can salvage this. Maybe princess seams to bring the shoulders in. If I take much off the shoulder piece will be spagetti straps:)

Ahhhh the learning that happens when sewing for a changed body. I keep telling my self to stick to it. I want the old days back when I fit patterns out of the envelope!!

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Date: 10/24/09 8:00 AM

Trust me, it gets better. I just started back to sewing a year ago, and my fit continues to get better. I learn a little at a time, and apply the things I learn. We can't be expected to know it all right from the start. I was an young seamstress so the technique parts aren't bad (not perfect though either) so at least I can concentrate more on fitting than on the actual sewing.

Don't get discouraged. I love that pattern though, the lines are very attractive to me. Long simple straight lines.

Also, retake your UPPER bust measurements, and this time take them really tightly...then go by that measurement. You probably are still a size or two too large.
-- Edited on 10/24/09 8:00 AM --

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Annette
http://needlesnails.blogspot.com/

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Reply to stretch queen
Date: 10/24/09 8:09 AM

Add tissue fitting to your fitting process so you can catch these types of issues.

Pin the pieces together and try them on. With a sharpie in hand select the size(s) that work best for you while also including a bit for ease.

Good that you have fit for real people.
Always make muslins. I still do after 40 years of sewing.
D

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I finally have a blog!
You can visit it at

www.zigzagthesewingrag.blogspot.com

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Reply to stretch queen
Date: 10/24/09 8:20 AM

You can always cut multiple sizes, too. I recently made this top (review forthcoming) and cut a 14 in the neckline and shoulders, 16 in the armscye and sleeve, and 18 at the bust and hip. I ended up taking some of the width out at the bust and hip because the top was too voluminous.

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There will always be fabric. It is time we must preserve. -Deepika

Dressing is a way of life. It brings you joy. It can give you freedom and liberation, help you to find yourself and to move without restraint. Isn't elegance forgetting what one is wearing? — Yves Saint Laurent

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Reply to stretch queen
Date: 10/24/09 8:35 AM

Oops - never mind, not awake yet.
-- Edited on 10/24/09 8:36 AM --
-- Edited on 10/24/09 8:37 AM --

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All animals, except man, know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it. - Samuel Butler

''A thing of beauty, strength and grace lies behind that whiskered face'' - Anonymous

Rhoda K

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Reply to stretch queen
Date: 10/24/09 8:46 AM

Quote: stretch queen

I have made a siz 18 based on my bust measurements.

If your underlying bone structure is small but it's your bust that is taking up the room (as in full-busted C/D/+ cup), you've chosen a size that is too big and will fall off as you've described. Since you have FFRP on the way, you should look up the alterations for a full bust, and how to pick the correct starting size. It's probably not a shoulder issue at - just a wrong starting size issue.

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"I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch.” ~ Gilda Radner
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http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com

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