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"New" way to choose pattern size New to me, anyway!
schmammy   Intermediate TX USA Member since 12/5/06 Posts: 468	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/1/13 7:42 PM Two different pros suggested that we should be choosing our pattern size according to shoulder width measurement at ETA Dallas last weekend. Have you ever heard of this? Have you tried it? Their reasoning made sense enough that I'm going to give it a shot. ------ Indecision may or may not be my problem. -Jimmy Buffet http://chihuahuaonmylap.blogspot.com/
KathySews   Advanced Beginner MI USA Member since 10/1/06 Posts: 2897	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/1/13 7:52 PM I think I heard this from Nancy Zieman but have not tried it. How do you know what size corresponds to your shoulders?
Amy-may Intermediate IL USA Member since 6/7/05 Posts: 1138	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: New way to choose pattern size Date: 3/1/13 7:54 PM How? What are the landmarks for measuring? I'm never quite sure how to measure shoulders, from bone to bone across the back? I have measured the circumference of my daughter's shoulders and compared it to mine. Most of our measurements are very close, but her shoulders are much wider. With nearly identical bust, waist and hip, I sew a 12 for her while reducing the bust and waist. I make an 8 for myself. Some sort of "frame" measurement should be as important as where your fat is or isn't deposited! I think it should make all the difference - being a variation on the high bust concept. So tell us how to measure and how that translates into a size.
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7402	Login to reply to this post In reply to schmammy << 2 members like this. Date: 3/1/13 8:08 PM The thing is that almost none of us is one pattern 'size.' We have larger or smaller than average chests, busts, waists, hips, and so on. How could one pattern size address all that? Burda tackles this problem so very nicely with their intense measurement chart, which very few people use, thinking it takes too much time. If you follow the Burda measurement sequence, you will measure your neck (which generally takes care of the shoulders, chest, and upper bust), your full bust (which measurement is used for Burda's bust size--and it works if your cups are not much bigger than a C), your waist, your hip, your outer leg length, and so on. You circle all these numbers as you enter them, and the result will be a mixture of various sizes. In tracing off your pattern, you will gradually move from one size line to another, and the result will be a fairly customized pattern, just for you. This is the most sensible method I know of to determine your personal pattern, which will of course not be one size, unless you are what's called a 'fit model' for a particular company.
mary in FL   Intermediate FL USA Member since 4/28/02 Posts: 971	Login to reply to this post In reply to schmammy << Like this post Date: 3/1/13 8:47 PM For Big 4 patterns, I use the size based on my front width, a la Nancy Zieman. I put a thick magazine high under each arm scye and have someone measure across the top with a yardstick. Stretch & Sew patterns include the back shoulder width measurement on the size charts for tops, dresses, and jackets. I find their sizing very accurate when used this way. ------ from Daytona Beach, FL http://mary-sews.blogspot.com/
solveg   Beginner MN USA Member since 2/16/12 Posts: 366	Login to reply to this post In reply to mary in FL << Like this post Date: 3/1/13 9:50 PM Once you've measured your front width, then what do you do? What does that correspond to?
meleliza   Intermediate PA Member since 5/4/11 Posts: 493	Login to reply to this post In reply to Elona << Like this post Date: 3/1/13 10:01 PM What does Burda suggest you do if you are much bigger than a C? ------ Melanie
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post In reply to solveg << 1 member likes this. Date: 3/1/13 10:06 PM Quote: solveg Once you've measured your front width, then what do you do? What does that correspond to? 14-inches = size 14 Each 1/2-inch larger or smaller, go up or down a size: 13 1/2-inchs = size 12 14 1/2=inches = size 16 etc. This is an attempt to measure your skeletal frame (armpit crease to armpit crease), which isn't going to change no matter how much "fluff" you might add to your frame. There's a chart in the Pattern Fitting with Confidence book (Nancy Zieman) (the pivot and slide method). Measuring your upper bust/chest and measuring your shoulders are all methods that try to determine your actual frame size. CMC
GlButterfly Intermediate CA USA Member since 8/28/08 Posts: 2391	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/2/13 0:35 AM Ditto to what CM_Sews said. Your upper chest measures your skelton. I am curious about the shoulder measurement because a person could have wide shoulders or narrow shoulders for their size. Maybe they are using the shoulder measurement just so they won't repeat what Nancy Zieman and the Sew/Fit system say. Interesting. ------ I have not yet begun to procrastinate
sewpelican   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 8/18/11 Posts: 148	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Subject: New way to choose pattern size Date: 3/2/13 1:16 AM Reading this has made me get out my NZ Fitting w Confidence again, have photocopied charts to take my measurements which have changed over the decades! Yuk. Never mind, I shall go back to her method as it has worked previously for me. Have been a fan of hers for some 15 years while I lived in N America. Now I get to see her shows on computer which is great. Miss not being able to take advantage of some of her sales specials, postage is so prohibitive. ------ Joan Sunshine Coast QLD

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