colormefun
Intermediate
FL USA
Member since 11/30/06
Posts: 132 |
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Date: 8/4/12 11:55 PM Good Evening!
I would like to sew something up for my Aunt-in-law this Christmas. She is an awesome lady, and I'd like to make her something special. She has hinted that she'd like me to sew her something before, so I know she'll let me take her measurements, but I've never sewn plus-sized before. The idea of looking through countless reviews is a bit daunting. I was hoping you guys could offer your favorite tried and true patterns on this thread. She is more comfortable in separates, so no dresses, but tunics that go over pants would be fine.
There are just so many patterns, I'm at a loss for which ones to go for. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! ------
http://sewcolormefun.blogspot.com/ |
marymary86
Intermediate
GA USA
Member since 7/20/08
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In reply to colormefun <<
Date: 8/4/12 11:59 PM The Sunshine Top by Hot Patterns has gotten many rave reviews. I'm assuming she's in Florida too so it may be just the ticket. ------
Mary
http://checkmatesystem.com
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Date: 8/5/12 0:08 AM My mom is fluffy and swears by Butterick's Connie Crawford's designs, so much so she doesn't hardly make anything else unless I draft it. And they go up to a 6X, so it fits a variety of sizes that other patterns do not (I don't know what size your aunt is, but they do go large enough that alterations are easy if she is fluffier).
5300 and 5222 are her two she uses the most. |
brissie71
 
Intermediate
AUSTRALIA
Member since 11/6/07
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In reply to colormefun <<
Date: 8/5/12 2:43 AM Massive vote for the Hot Patterns Sunshine top. It's very forgiving with fit, too. ------
Kelley (Brisbane, QLD)
http://simplesewist.blogspot.com.au/ |
Elcue
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WA USA
Member since 6/13/12
Posts: 193 |
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Date: 8/5/12 11:32 AM The Jalie 2919 pleated cardigan or vest looks lovely with many fabrics.
http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/jalie/2919/2919.jpg
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colormefun
Intermediate
FL USA
Member since 11/30/06
Posts: 132 |
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Date: 8/5/12 12:56 PM Thanks for your replies! It helps to have these specific suggestions to go off of. I will go now and look at member versions of the sunshine top and the butterick patterns mentioned. ------
http://sewcolormefun.blogspot.com/ |
JTink
Intermediate
VA USA
Member since 4/20/08
Posts: 4831 |
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Date: 8/5/12 1:52 PM I don't do plus size sewing but have both of the Connie C. patterns mentioned. They do have a generous cut and are easy to work with. |
Cuffs
Intermediate
OH USA
Member since 9/21/07
Posts: 10 |
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In reply to colormefun <<
Date: 8/8/12 12:27 PM If you're not used to sewing for a plus-sized, mature figure, do be prepared for our own set of problems. I'm in that category and almost always have to make pattern alterations for narrow, forward shoulders, larger biceps, bust, and hips. It was really frustrating at first, but I'm used to it now and enjoy the challenge.
The other thing is the amount of ease. Older women generally prefer more loose garments than younger ones. We walk a fine line there. Too loose can look sloppy. Too tight, and we might not feel comfortable sitting down. It might be beneficial to check the measurements on a garment that your Aunt likes wearing the most. Don't be fooled by easy fit, roomy patterns pulled together with a belt if your aunt doesn't wear belts.
That said, my favorite tops, although these are summer ones, have been Simplicity 2594, and a similar one Simplicity 3506. These always work for me. Another one is the Simplicity 2191, which has a longer sleeved version and cup sizing. All of these patterns are easy fitting without looking sloppy. With regular darts you have to get the point of the dart at just the right place, and I very often have to make adjustments after I've sewn them in because of the hang of the fabric pulling the dart point down.
I do second the Connie Crawford patterns. She sizes hers so you can choose by your regular RTW size. I use the 2X, which is what I buy at the store. I sometimes have trouble with the sleeve being too large, and I still have to do minor tweaking, but the fit generally is good. In RTW, the neck and shoulders are massive on me in that size, and I end up looking sloppy.
For a lot of us, most of the work is in the preparations. People who don't sew don't realize how much work might be involved in, for instance, a simple tank top. And they never want to be bothered with the fittings involved. Sounds like you and your aunt have a really good relationship, how lucky for both of you! |
4u2cme
Intermediate
NC USA
Member since 1/12/05
Posts: 113 |
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Date: 8/10/12 1:26 AM The dress from S3506 is one of my favorites. It is flattering to most figures. I also like the jacket from CC B5053. I added darts to the back of the jacket to counter the boxy loose fit of the jacket. The jacket from B5225 is also a quick and great little jacket that requires a small amount of fabric. |
Sherril Miller
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CA USA
Member since 8/24/02
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Date: 8/10/12 2:33 AM It would help to know what size she may be in RTW. ------
Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL |
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