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Formal outfit needed for elderly women
lmannard Intermediate MI USA Member since 2/6/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/10/12 11:29 AM My 85 year old mother needs a dress for a wedding this summer of her granddaughter. I need help picking a pattern. She is slimmer on the top and larger around the middle (like a lot of older women). She also would like something with sleeves for coverage. I would be happy with a dress, or a jacket and dress combo, or even a skirt with blouse. I would consider making it out of a dressy knit fabric for comfort and maybe a sheer overlay for added dressiness. All suggestions are very much appreciated.
pkoller Advanced Beginner AR USA Member since 1/25/10 Posts: 37	Login to reply to this post In reply to lmannard Like this post Date: 2/10/12 6:57 PM What kind of wedding will it be? Formal, semi-formal, etc. Will she be standing a lot or sitting? Perhaps a pant suit like this Vogue This pants pattern from Kwik Sew is nice. Kwik Sew A nice shell and a cute jacket would look very nice. Hope this helps. Patricia
lmannard Intermediate MI USA Member since 2/6/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/11/12 9:34 AM The wedding is formal. I really like the casual jacket in the Vogue pattern. This could provide the arm coverage that she wants. The wedding is late June in Chicago, so we could have really warm weather, but not necessarily. The wedding is in the morning and the reception in the evening, so I could do some separate pieces so she could have a wardrobe change. Thanks for your input.
m/m   Intermediate NJ USA Member since 4/4/05 Posts: 324	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/11/12 10:06 AM Have you ever made anything for her that she likes, already fits well and is comfortable? If so you might be able to use the same pattern in dressier fabric. The fit and comfort issues would already be settled, a plus if you're using more expensive fabric. Basic separates with a distinctive jacket could work well too.
kikismama Advanced WA Member since 1/24/10 Posts: 19	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/12/12 3:37 PM I would be looking at patterns with "modern sizing" since the Big 4 don't really account for a more mature figure in their classic sizing. That said, I know that Vogue's Sandra Betzina and Butterick's Connie Crawford patterns have updated sizing and both have a wide variety of patterns available. I also would avoid more fitted styles and lean toward knits. I, myself, was a cinch to size when I was in my 20's, but now at 50, with degenerative changes in my spine as if I was 70, am now very complicated to fit through the torso. We have focused on fitting in my local ASG (American Sewing Guild) and I have learned that it is much more difficult to fit all of us as we age. However, we have terrific results as evidenced in our fashion shows which feature clothing we have made for our wide variety of figures. (One coming up soon at the Puyallup Sew Expo.) I am confident you can make a beautiful outfit for your mother ------ They're not mistakes, they're creative opportunities
kikismama Advanced WA Member since 1/24/10 Posts: 19	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/12/12 3:49 PM Also check this pattern New Look 6270. It is a princess line dress with a sheer overlay jacket which can be very flattering and done in very elegant fabrics. I have this pattern but haven't made it up yet. I suspect that the dress could be made in fabrics with a little stretch. ------ They're not mistakes, they're creative opportunities
KBT Sewer Advanced UNITED KINGDOM Member since 1/4/09 Posts: 54	Login to reply to this post In reply to lmannard Like this post Date: 2/12/12 4:19 PM I sew for my elderly mother-- 92 yrs old--so hope you find my suggestions useful. Longer length panelled skirts, with an elastic waistband, are very flattering and currently fashionable.All of the big 4 pattern companies have these designs Any drapey fabric--silk crepe,silk knits, georgette, chiffon etc look good.Similar versions of the unstructured Vogue jacket, already mentioned, in the same fabric as the skirt, with a toning simple shell top underneath, 3/4 sleeves?---knit or bias cut looks well. A print skirt and jacket with plain top gives more scope for other mix n'match options.However, tones in one plain colour can look stunning.I often use a fitted blouse pattern as a jacket, altering the sleeves or body length to suit the design.Generally, keep the design simple let beautiful fabrics be the stars. It's worth remembering that your mother will probably want to wear these garments again. That might determine which colours, and fabric, you choose (look at her existing wardrobe). Best of luck and I hope it all turns out really well.
elizajo   Intermediate LA USA Member since 4/15/05 Posts: 1176	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/13/12 11:44 AM Before you buy fabric or settle on colors, you might think about shoes. Often times it's hard to find shoes for this age group. I spent several days last summer searching for acceptable shoes for my fashion forward 82 year old mother-- she wanted cute, I didn't want her to fall. You may have to settle for a second choice in color because comfort comes first. ------ Elizabeth
lmannard Intermediate MI USA Member since 2/6/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/14/12 8:45 PM There are some great suggestions here and I thank all of you for your help.

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