Bert62
 
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Date: 9/11/11 2:41 AM I bought the Singer plus-size book (hoping to find something for my size 20, 5'2 wife). Boy, I sure thought everything in that book looked hopelessly dowdy. I mean school-teacher-in-the-1930's-ugly. Then I went on "Petite-Plus Patterns" site and saw that they were pushing the same book. Where are the fresh, fun clothes for short pears ? Please help. Thanks, Bert |
Vintage Joan
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In reply to Bert62
Date: 9/11/11 9:02 AM Well, for one thing, if she's pattern size 20, you don't need to use a plus pattern at all in most cases -- many "regular" patterns go up to size 20 or 22. Secondly, look through the reviews here -- I'm sure you'll find lots of inspirations. Burda and Ottobre Woman have a lot of classy stuff, for example, including many classics with an interesting twist.
I'm sorry that book has that approach -- I don't know why so many manufacturers and pattern companies think being heavier means your style genes are defective.  ------
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PhyllisC
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Date: 9/11/11 11:15 AM Burda plus sizes styles are really great; I'm not a plus size but often I wish they graded them down. If tracing off isn't in the cards (can't blame you there!) here is a link to Burda's downloadable plus size patterns:
http://www.burdastyle.com/search/patterns?key=plus+size ------
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dresscode
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Date: 9/11/11 11:49 AM Is she a size 20 in ready-to-wear or in patterns? There is a difference.
Connie Crawford has a great new coat pattern out that I just bought. Her other patterns are pretty basic and can be made either dowdy or high end....depends on the quality of fabric used.
I think many of the books just age in photos....the home sewing industry rarely features runway clothes anyway...that is the beauty of sewing for ourselves. |
Bert62
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In reply to dresscode
Date: 9/11/11 12:29 PM Okay, I may have been a little generous with my wife's size. She has been up to a 24 but we've both been on diets (and losing) so, I am assuming she is down a dress size. I didn't know that the change from 20 to 22 was a benchmark.
My wife actually liked the Singer book, but none of the clothes looked like they fit the models. Some of the pants shots were just terrible ! Yes, I agree that any clothes can be dressed up depending on which fabrics are used. I also know that taste is subjective. Thanks for the suggestions. Bert
P.S. I checked out Ottobre site, but it was hard to navigate. Are the plus-sized patterns available for purchase at a fabric store? Or, do I have to subscribe to the magazine?
I'm off to Burda next. Thanks.
-- Edited on 9/11/11 12:41 PM -- |
Coconuts
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Date: 9/11/11 12:52 PM Burdas are on sale for $2.50 at Hancock next weekend, BTW. I hate the books, but it really is the easiest way to look at them. |
dresscode
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Date: 9/11/11 1:38 PM Check the measurement chart at HotPatterns. They may more to your liking.
I agree with the earlier post about Burda....they are very well -drafted patterns. The photos never appeal to me but if you just focus on the schematic drawing, it helps.
You might want to subscribe to Burda magazine. They have a good section on modern plus styles in each issue. |
Irene Q
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Date: 9/11/11 2:06 PM I second the recommendations for Burda and Hot Patterns. The Burda website is hopeless, but you can browse the pattern selection here on PatternReview or at your local JoAnns or Hancock. Hot Patterns are sold here. You might also look at Vogue's Today's Fit line, although they're drafted for a "mature" figure, which may or may not be good for you. I'm not sure which Simplicity patterns you were looking at, but their Khalia Ali line is popular around here.
Whichever pattern you choose, you MUST take accurate measurements and use those to select the size. The size she takes in a store has absolutely no relation to pattern sizes! The pattern size will most likely be a larger number, but it's just a number. Burda's plus patterns tend to be more fitted than some of the other companies, so you really need to pay attention to measurements with them.
And whatever pattern you choose, it probably won't fit right out of the package. Be prepared to combine a couple of sizes and make other adjustments as needed. It doesn't take much to make something that fits as well as RTW (ready-to-wear); before long your wife will be wearing custom-fitted clothes that make her look and feel much better about herself!
-- Edited on 9/11/11 2:08 PM -- |
Julia C
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In reply to Bert62
Date: 9/11/11 2:14 PM You can buy single issues from several sources --Sewzannes, SewBaby, The Wooley Thread as well as Ottobre design. You don't have to subscribe unless you want to. |
cairncrew
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In reply to Irene Q
Date: 9/11/11 2:25 PM I've never been able to get on the Burda website, just doesn't like my computer for some reason. Hot Patterns do a nice job of sizing and some of the Sewing Workshop patterns are being drafted for plus sizes. ------
Theresa |
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