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List of patterns for specific body types Helping those with certain body types find flattering patterns
landstromd   Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 2/18/12 Posts: 69	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/20/12 8:37 PM I know that the "Plus size" and "petite size" areas in pattern books helps those with those issues, but I think it would be great to have actual "testimonies" written about patterns for specific body types in one location here on PR. For instance, I am (I think) an apple, all my weight is in my abdomen. When seeking patterns I try to stay away from those with pleats or isolated fullness in that front tummy area to avoid a pregnant looking 59 year old! Wouldn't it be nice to have a PR section that reviews patterns for the ... larger bodied-girl (me) or small busted, or short-waisted, etc. I wonder if some area in the review could include a drop down whereby the reviewer could, if they thought it appropriate, indicate one, or perhaps 2 but that might be greedy, "body style" recommendations -- for or against. I know we can use the tags for this, but having one place to go to and find specific body-style patterns would be awesome with whipped cream on top! Please weigh in on my suggestion, thanks!
Kemish   Intermediate CA USA Member since 4/24/06 Posts: 231	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/20/12 8:44 PM I think this is a good idea. Vogue patterns always includes the symbols for different body types on the back of the pattern envelope (and in the pattern books, etc). So that if you know what your body type is than you know if the pattern will work for you. And, if the symbol for your body type is not listed, and you still want to make the pattern then you've got A LOT of pattern modification to do! ------ Kemish
babbling brook   Intermediate Member since 12/27/07 Posts: 23	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/20/12 11:33 PM Excellent idea!!! Any additional help in choosing figure-flattering patterns would be most welcome.
hazelnut   Beginner USA Member since 1/7/09 Posts: 2286	Login to reply to this post In reply to landstromd Like this post Date: 2/21/12 0:10 AM Yes, I think this would be great too. I look at most pattern reviews and try to picture the pattern on my shape or try to find a reviewer who has a similar shape. Sometimes it's hard to tell in a photo. I think big differences in height comes into play on how a pattern may look on us too. A 6 ft shape will look different than a 5 ft shape, etc.. I'd only be comfortable making a thumbs up or down recommendation of how a pattern looks with regards to my shape and size. It could also help in identifying how much difficulty one might encounter with making their necessary alterations. I'm staying away from New Look tops, a well-reviewed one I tried was too tight in all the wrong places on me - too many fixes needed. I'm assuming Jalie might have the same problem from some of the reviews I've read, but I'm not sure. It sure would be helpful to know.
petro   Intermediate FRANCE Member since 6/24/07 Posts: 2204	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/21/12 2:14 AM Great idea! Its hard to guess from photos what size and shape the reviewer is. Especially if the garment is flattering. ------ so many patterns, clamouring to be sewn http://patternpandemonium.wordpress.com/
JTink Intermediate VA USA Member since 4/20/08 Posts: 4815	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/21/12 11:48 AM I remember this topic coming up on a couple of occasions. Everyone is for it, but it hasn't gotten off the ground. Some were concerned that "labeling" such as Apple, Pear, triangle etc., might step on some toes I do believe the Vogue symbols were mentioned and everyone seemed to be on board with that. I hope your suggestion takes wings and becomes a reality.
landstromd   Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 2/18/12 Posts: 69	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/21/12 2:39 PM Thanks, so do I. I do not in any way mean to "label" or offend anyone regarding a shape style for a pattern. It's just that I read a review that said the pattern would not be good for someone with a ______ shape. That made me think how great it would be to have a dedicated spot for certain types of flattering pats for certain styles. Again, never thought to step on toes. Unfortunately, I haven't made a Vogue pattern in about 30 years as the cost and (at that time) felt they were too "fiddly." Cost is still a factor sometimes, and some of their construction bogs me down. Well, I guess we wait and see. Thanks to all for input.
Cuffs Intermediate OH USA Member since 9/21/07 Posts: 10	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/21/12 4:03 PM Great idea, but I'd settle for a "Plus Size" category. Being an apple shape myself, I feel like I have more in common with a large pear shape reviewer than a size 14 apple shape. I search out the reviews from larger sized women. The patterns look completely different on us, no matter how well it fits. It's so frustrating to see a cute pattern and then try to figure out what it'd look like on an older apple shape.
hazelnut   Beginner USA Member since 1/7/09 Posts: 2286	Login to reply to this post In reply to Cuffs Like this post Date: 2/21/12 5:22 PM Quote: Being an apple shape myself, I feel like I have more in common with a large pear shape reviewer than a size 14 apple shape Wow, now I feel exactly the opposite! Plus size pears are the complete opposite of me. I'm definitely an apple, large bust and abdomen. Nothing a pear would wear, top or bottom, would work for me. They are larger in the hips, smaller in the bust and waist. I'm larger in the bust, waist and upper and lower stomach, smaller in the hips. Most patterns seem to have a bust 8 inches larger than the waist and the hips 10 inches larger than the waist. If I went by full bust measurement (which would put me in plus sizes) and not the high bust that I'd need for my frame (which puts me in misses), the hips would be 12 inches larger than mine, the waist would still be TOO SMALL plus I need to make a large FBA. Fitting a new pattern has been nothing short of a nightmare so far. I guess there are apples and there are APPLES. I fall into the large-busted, pregnant-looking, over 60 apple category - if there ever will be one.
landstromd   Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 2/18/12 Posts: 69	Login to reply to this post In reply to hazelnut Like this post Date: 2/22/12 10:19 AM Hazelnut you said it exactly, although I do not need the FBA, the pregnant 59 year old APPLE is me!

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