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Sizing down vintage princess seam dress
Sunshine12242 Member since 6/7/11 Posts: 154	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/9/12 7:01 PM Found this great pattern on Etsy and now have to size it down as it's known as a size 42 (circa 1960) with a bust of 46 and I am size 12-14, bust 40. Since it's a princess seam pattern if I downsize it would I do the same on all the pieces. Have made a muslin with the pattern as is and it definitely needs alot of adjustment. Really wanted to find this pattern closer to my size, but no luck, especially in current pattern catalogues. I guess I'm stuck in the 60's style and like it. Don't know if pattern could be referenced, but it is a Simplicity 7962. Thank you all again.
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7110	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sunshine12242 << Like this post Date: 8/9/12 7:16 PM The biggest problem that you will encounter will be the neck; it will be too large for you more than likely. You can get by with making a fold in the pattern down CF to the hem, which will incorporate the neckline as well as remove some of the fullness. You're talking about 6" to grade down, and divided between the seam lines, that wouldn't be too much for each. But the first thing I would do is measure your neck, and compare it to the pattern. If the neck is 2" larger on the pattern, I'd make a 1/2"" fold (x2=1") at CF and CB and go from there. Make a muslin at this point to see how it's all going to fit, then reduce your princess seams. I know this sounds unconventional, but a woman who was a student of mine gave me several pages from a great book on grading and this was in there. Can't remember the name of the book, though. ------ "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
Lindy Ann   Advanced KS USA Member since 1/26/12 Posts: 57	Login to reply to this post In reply to Miss Fairchild << Like this post Date: 8/9/12 8:51 PM Echoing Miss Fairchild on taking out some in CF and CB -- this adjustment is needed for making the neckline the right size. After adjusting CF and CB, next I would check the upper/chest width (from armhole to armhole. It might be much too wide. That might or might not be completely correctable by taking in the princess seams. I recently reviewed KS 3291, a child's princess seam dress. I made it for my very thin grandaughter, who needed the height of size 7, which is the smallest size in the pattern. But the circumference needed to be like a size 4 or 5, so I needed to narrow everything from the neck to the hemline. The CF and CB pinching out did most of the job for me. It fits her well in the neck, chest, shoulders and lower down as well.

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