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Unusual belly issue How do I pick pattern size?
determined Beginner FL Member since 12/29/12 Posts: 45	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/7/13 9:07 PM I have pretty bad diastasis from my pregnancies. Basically until I get it surgically corrected I will look slightly pregnant. But I am very thin. So my problem is my waist is one size which does not correspond with the hip or other sizes (unless I draw in my belly which I am supposed to do but let's be real). So as I get ready to make pants for the first time using new look 6160 (basic elastic waist pant) what size do I cut? Probably not a huge issue with this pattern but I want to do a bunch of shorts with zipper fronts and it will be an issue then. Thanks!
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7588	Login to reply to this post In reply to determined << 3 members like this. Date: 3/7/13 9:22 PM Use your hip measurement and add for the waist. It's easier to adjust the waist than the hip. In pants with darts you can also leave the darts unsewn, at least in the front; you may still need them in the back depending on your figure. You can also try straightening our the front crotch seam. It's usually angled. This will give you extra room for your waist. Then divide the amount you need to add by 4 for the side seams and add at the waist blending into the hip. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Marilly Advanced Beginner OR USA Member since 7/9/06 Posts: 609	Login to reply to this post In reply to determined << 1 member likes this. Date: 3/7/13 10:56 PM Good descriptions by Nancy and the last part is almost a perfect match for an alteration for low protruding abdomen I found recently in Kirsten Martensson's "Professional Pattern Alterations Made Easy"..but get this, it's in the men's alteration section. They handle the women's in a different way< : ) I'm going to try it out since I have the 'permanently preg' kind of tummy too ( I look fine except in profile). dannykatter@yahoo.com I'd pm you, but don't have a paid account.
simplystitches Intermediate NY USA Member since 2/12/06 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post In reply to determined << 1 member likes this. Date: 3/8/13 0:34 AM Nancy's got most of it covered. The other thing you may need is a bit more front length to go over the belly-depending on where you want the waist line to hit. Debbie
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6999	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/8/13 1:54 AM The other thing about buying the pattern for your hip size and then improving it at the waist has to do with the pantlegs (if you're buying pants). Pant leg widths are based on hip measurements. So if you bought a pattern based on your waist measurement, your hips would be much larger and you'd have trouble getting the legs to fit. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
SandiMacD   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/8/09 Posts: 1055	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/8/13 3:38 PM Years ago I was in Germany and found a high waisted style that was most comfortable. Basically this is bringing the top of the pant above your natural waist and putting in a 2-4 inch high waistband with closure. It is a common occurrance after childbirth. I had a diastisis repair after my childbearing years ended and was pleased with the results. I wish you the best. ------ re-living my youth through sewing...
Rosalaya   Beginner Member since 11/20/12 Posts: 28	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 3/24/13 4:13 AM On another tack entirely. Let's be real....if they told you to do to tum exercises....DO THEM! You need to for down the track. Also do your pelvic floor exercises....lots and lots. It's not OK down the track to be wearing depend and thinking it's alright to do so 'cause the advertisement says so. So live up to your call sign, determined
determined Beginner FL Member since 12/29/12 Posts: 45	Login to reply to this post In reply to Rosalaya << Like this post Date: 3/26/13 1:09 PM Hi Rosalaya, Thank you for the motivation :-). I do try to do the abdominal exercises but with two pre-schoolers and a baby, I don't have much time or energy. I did enough exercises so that I don't have bad back pain anymore and can lift my kids without pain in my belly, but it will not be possible for me to completely close the muscles on my own. As for the other muscles you mention- I do Kegels all the time. I still can't jump on the trampoline at my boys' little gym, but I am optimistic about avoiding Depends It is unfortunate that Ob/Gyns don't care more about this and discuss this with women as a part of women's health. The Ob who delivered my twins told me I didn't have diastasis and could resume pilates- but he didn't even do a physical exam to check first. After some very painful pilates classes I saw a PT and learned that I had all kinds of muscular and alignment issues post-pregnancy. I won't get started... In any case- I will try to get back to doing something daily- even if it is just 'sucking in' :-).
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7402	Login to reply to this post In reply to determined << 1 member likes this. Date: 3/26/13 5:51 PM Based on the talk among a few friends who have have had rectus repair, I believe you will find yourself feeling and looking much better in the mid-section after you have your operation done. However, in the meantime, even though the condition cannot be cured by exercise alone, exercises do help preserve the remaining muscle tone. We get the idea that because we have many exhausting things going on that involve our kids and families (all too true!), that we do not have time for a series of simple exercises at night when we are getting ready for bed. Not true. We can do an easy and effective set in under ten minutes when we are watching the late news. After a disk injury to the neck, my PT told me that doing a basic set of exercises each night would greatly relieve my discomfort. I took a bet with myself, andhave continued them EACH night for more than twenty years, even on international travel, and that wrecked neckbone works just fine now. When this all started up, our son was an incredibly difficult preadolescent, and I would have sworn I could not have spared the time, but it has paid off well.
DonnaH Intermediate TX Member since 10/1/03 Posts: 475	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/26/13 5:58 PM I agree that they should fit the hip and alter the waist. For the elastic waist (pants or skirts or shorts), you could also try a simple slash and spread alteration. Might be less complicated. You could even do that a bit if you want to keep some darts for style.

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