PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,279 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,279 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
12 
2017 Sewing Bee Manager
Member since 10/22/08
Posts: 2608
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/23/08 5:46 PM ET
I didn't see a forum just for making introductions, so I'm doing it here. Wow!!! this looks like such an awesome forum, so much to read, so much to learn...I can't wait to become a part of it.

I'm so darn sick of trying clothes on in the stores just to see them not fit. My body has changed so much, yet I can't run around naked

In the pattern world my upper body measurements are a size 14-15, waist a size 22, hips a size 18...I mean really, is that even possible to sew with?

But I'm bound and determined to do this.

I grew up sewing clothing, but quit for myself after the kidlets were born and fitting just got more difficult. I loved doing the girls' clothes, costumes, and quilting.

Now it's time for me to do for ME again.

Ah...the "wish me luck part." I attempted to straight sew a sample top, just to see where I am. Obviously the belly didn't work. I bought 3 patterns today (all $1) and am attempting a muslin for a simple collared princess seamed top/blouse.

It took a long time to forge the pattern, but it's done for now. Tomorrow I will cut it out and start on the muslin. I even hope to post photos...maybe even start a blog, as that's a blast, and so much easier than sewing...lol.

Thankfully I have good sewing skills (minus the fitting part) and we'll see where I go with this.

And if you read all this, you get a
------
My Sewing Blog - http://needlesnails.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 12/9/04
Posts: 2015
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/23/08 6:27 PM ET
In reply to Annette Wright
Welcome Idunna!
Thanks for the !!
There are LOTS of us "returning sewers". You have lots of company here!!
MUSLIN is a good, encouraging word!! So is "blog". When you start a blog, be sure to list it on your Profile so we can ALL come visit ya!!
Have FUN!!
Rhonda in Montreal
  
Member since 3/19/05
Posts: 4069
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/23/08 6:28 PM ET
Welcome to PR!! Good luck in your sewing ventures - you seem to have a body shape similar to mine - I simply cannot believe that pattern companies think a size 18 is a 32" waist

I find sewing separates a much easier thing than a full length dress - that having been said I am thinking of making a full length dress from a Connie Chung pattern - she and Sandra Betzina seem to realise the more realistic proportions of women's bodies.

Will look for review of your dress and be sure to ask for help if nedded - lots of talented ladies/men here who will gladly lend a hand

Again - welcome

  
Board Moderator
Member since 7/26/07
Posts: 15334
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/24/08 10:45 AM ET
In reply to Annette Wright
There are lots of us out there who are finally getting back to sewing for ourselves. I'm one and the wadders that are emerging from my sewing room threaten to take over the world there are so many. But I am fairly skilled and have hope that soon I will be able to do for myself what I have sepent years doing for others in my family.

Few of us are one pattern size, especially when we get older and/or have had child(ren).

Patience and perserverance are the keys.
------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin

"Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown

“Be curious, not judgmental.” Ted Lasso
  
Member since 12/28/04
Posts: 13915
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/24/08 11:15 AM ET
In reply to Annette Wright
Welcome to PR.
This is the place to get help on fitting.
------
www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
  
2017 Sewing Bee Manager
Member since 10/22/08
Posts: 2608
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/24/08 4:58 PM ET
In reply to Nancy K
Thanks all. It's nice to be welcomed. I went to the sewing expo today in KC and had a great time. Didn't buy a new machine though...lol. Enjoyed a great fitting discussion, bought a book and some accessories, and am starting to mess around with things.


------
My Sewing Blog - http://needlesnails.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 12/6/03
Posts: 2758
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/24/08 6:39 PM ET
In reply to Annette Wright
I am glad you went yesterday. I have been for two days and will go again tomorrow. I am also glad you decided to post bc I talked to a lot of READERS OF PR in lots of classes! Both OP Gal and I chided them and told them they should post. Where do you think you meet sewing friends?????

Me, personally, I am home a great deal of the time home schooling kids---whom I love immensely!! They are not however, other sewers that share a common love hording fabric, sitting at a machine creating, gabbing about my new and favorite pair of scissors (yes, I did buy some Kyes at the expo!), or get obsessive looking at the back end of people wearing pants to check out their crotch curve fit----and they really just don't understand!

I am glad you are with us. PR is more than information about sewing. It is a place to find like souls that sew in some form or the other, and talk about all kinds of other stuff along the way. Then some of us are lucky enough to meet each other and become sewing buddies, which if you are like Sondra and I and have struggled long and hard to get our pants and sleeves to fit, you realize that is a true blessing.

Now, for all of you that read only and do not post----see---here is a brave soul that did post and has come to the great realization---we don't bite. OK---not hard!

------
"Sewing should be fun; make it that way!" Margaret Islander
Flying through life by the seat of my pants and hoping I get my crotch curve right.
"No humiliation is too great for a well fitting pair of pants!" Heidi Cooper
J6500P,
J1600P
J3160DC
J350E
JCP1000

Babylock Enlighten serger
My grandmother's Feather Weight
  
Member since 3/28/08
Posts: 393
Send Message
Posted on: 10/24/08 8:45 PM ET
In reply to Annette Wright
I am in the exact same situation as you. I grew up sewing, and it was fun when my body was easy to fit. Then came marriage and kids, and I sewed for my little girls, decorated my house and sewed for others. I quilted for years, and still do a little. Now I want to make things for me, but I don't know too much about fitting. PR is such a great site, and I learn lots from reading here, and so will you. If I can just say no to other people's requests, maybe I will get to something for me. I know it will take time to learn the fitting process, but hang in there, you are not alone by any means.
Oh, and welcome to PR! It's addictive, I'm warning you
------
Sheila

God's love is infinite!
  
Member since 7/20/08
Posts: 10762
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/24/08 11:43 PM ET
Welcome to Pattern Review!! It IS an awesome place!!
------
Mary


  
2017 Sewing Bee Manager
Member since 10/22/08
Posts: 2608
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 10/25/08 11:33 PM ET
In reply to marymary86
Thanks again. I keep reading through threads here and there are so many in exactly the same place as I am, having sewn when younger and getting back into when older. I'm so encouraged when reading threads on fitting, looking at photos, etc., and realizing this is exactly why we are here, because clothes are often a joke, yet we want to look nice.

Ody, I did try to PM you back, but I haven't been a member long enough, so I didn't ignore your PM.

I did go buy an L-shaped glass topped desk to use as my new sewing table and an inexpensive office chair too. Shhhh....don't tell my younger daughter, but I'm stealing her bedroom now that she's left for college (she would kill me if she knew.) I promise that I will keep her room clean when I sew.

Okay, so you all know the truth as far as that goes.
------
My Sewing Blog - http://needlesnails.blogspot.com/
  
12 
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Elliott Berman Textiles
High-end Fashion Fabrics
Specials!