Date: 10/27/09 10:05 AM

I have to admit that despite taking classes and being exposed and despite the number of years. I am a sewing fitting newbie. I am comfortable cutting the pattern out etc. But totally not with the fitting piece.

I am in a pickle. I do not sew because the results do not fit.
Which does not lead to practicing the sewing techniques etc.

I want to buy a fitting dvd from either Marcy Tilton-Where Did You Get that Jacket/Tshirt etc or Cynthia Guffey--Any of the Fitting DVD's- or even Kenneth Kings--moulage, basic sleeve, etc. Or anyone else's product?

I would like to start just getting something to fit and then move up to tailoring (a better fit). I just do not want get overwhelmed and then stop out of frustration.

I believe all the products listed are good but want to spend $ wisely.

Any suggestions or comments for helping me pick at this time.

Thank you for your help. If this is in the wrong place. Let me know.

Subject: fitting dvds Date: 10/27/09 10:45 AM

Check your local library, maybe even inter-library loan process if you come up empty handed at your local branch.

I would VERY HIGHLY recommended the Palmer & Pletsch DVD's for fitting a) full bust, b) pants and c) fit for real people.

Cynthia Guffey is excellent but I think P&P is a better starting place for newbies. Her DVD's are rather fragmented in subject areas. Perhaps more of use when someone has identified a very specific problem area. Perhaps others will chime in here soon.

The P&P companion books are also very useful. When you find a DVD that addresses your fitting issues... buy it and review it periodically to help you keep on track.

Silhouette Patterns offers several DVD's that address fit and adjustments too. Audition them. You might also want to post a want to buy on the classifieds here on PR.com

The Threads mag fitting DVD series is fairly general and although I own the set I think the P&P DVD's I mentioned are much more complete & thorough in both content & presentation.

(No affiliation with either CG or P&P Threads Sil.. etc etc...)

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... cleverly disguised as a responsible adult!

Subject: fitting dvds Date: 10/27/09 10:47 AM

If you want to start at the beginning, I would suggest the FFRP (Fit of Real People, same as P&P) dvds and the book. There are several reviews of them here.

-- Edited on 10/27/09 10:49 AM --

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My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.

Reply to StephanieA
Date: 10/27/09 11:05 AM

You're not alone in finding fit to be a challenge. Most of us do. I've found books to be more helpful than DVDs - JMHO. The Marcy Tilton DVDs are fun but not a tremendous source of fitting information. I can't comment on Cynthia Guffey's DVDs (perhaps someone else can), because I had some difficulty getting information a couple of years ago when I emailed her. I wondered if she had taken a break or had been ill. As for Kenneth King's great work, it might seem a little advanced for a beginner. But if you're really looking to do a moulage, you might want to do a search on the PR boards to read specific experiences and suggestions. There are many helpful posts here.

I am a avid sewing book reader and collector. I usually borrow the books from the library first and then buy what I know I will use again. I now admit to having far more sewing books than I should, and I love having them to refer to as I'm working on something. You don't mention what type of garments you're looking to fit, so I'll make some general suggestions that might be good places to start:

Fit for Real People
The Perfect Fit: The Classic Guide to Altering Patterns
Customize Your Sewing Pattern for a Perfect Fit
Fitting & Pattern Alteration: A Multimethod Approach
Fast Fit

Each of these has also been praised by others here on PR. But the key is to look at as many sources of information as you can, and then test out the ones that appeal to you most.

ETA that others responded while I was writing this, so sorry if there is some redundancy!

-- Edited on 11/4/09 5:54 PM --

Reply to StephanieA
Date: 10/27/09 11:30 AM

All the book sources listed by others here are excellent sources with very helpful photos. I have found that if you have rather unusual fitting challenges, as I do, that Fitting & Pattern Alteration: A Multimethod Approach has line illustrations that no other book includes and which solved a couple of really weird problems for me.

Reply to StephanieA
Date: 10/27/09 12:13 PM

Thanks to everyone. I will start researching now.

Subject: fitting dvds Date: 11/3/09 8:24 AM

You can rent some of the fitting DVD's from smartflix.com. It cost $10.00 a week to rent. It is a great way to see before you buy. They do not have the Threads Fitting DVD's yet. Maybe if enough people request them they will.

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mhk3boys

Reply to StephanieA
Date: 11/3/09 8:54 AM

Just to add another recommendation.

there is no lack of fitting information, here on PR and in books & DVDs
to instantly make one to become easily overwhelmed and confused, the beauty of the internet!

fitting a mature body can be understood by realizing,,,different body parts can be different sizes. for example, your front can be a different size than your back, your neck & shoulders can be a different size than your bust, your waist and hips a different size, your top half is a different size than your bottom half. by looking at these components one at a time, can help you with fitting.

the first place to start, in my opinion is with one place and go from there. for example, neck and shoulders for tops, hipline for bottoms. then fix length issues. then work on the "bulges"..

i highly recommend nancy zieman DVDs.

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DW: I'm going to cut out my patterns tonight.
DH: Oh Really?! I've wanted you to cut out your patterns for years!
(actual conversation)

We are all stardust.
There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all the beaches in our world.

Reply to StephanieA
Date: 11/3/09 9:01 AM

I also think the Palmer Pletsch books and videos are an excellent starting point.

My only other suggestion would be to go slow and expect it to take several tries to get the fit right. Then once you have gone through that first process, you will have some TNT patterns that you can compare to any new patterns you want to try. It will save a lot of time.

Good Luck!

Mary

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"Why be difficult?.....with just a little more effort, you can be completely impossible."



2009 out: 25.5 yds
2009 in: 15 yds.

Subject: fitting dvds Date: 11/4/09 5:06 PM

Comment on Cynthia Guffeys videos-- buy the book by Singer, "The Perfect Fit" instead. The book contains much of the same information as her videos and costs less than one video. It is a very basic book with great illustrations. I found Cynthia's videos to be expensive, but bought them anyway. They contain good information for a visual learner or a beginner, but I was disappointed with the quality. The best video Cynthia has in my opinion, is the one on Shoulder Slope. It contains information I have not seen elsewhere. I only bought her fit videos, not her sewing technique ones.

However, if you have the opportunity to take her workshops in person, do so, they are great!