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Member since 8/26/05
Posts: 1249
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Posted on: 6/8/09 10:25 AM ET
Even though I'm not really a plus size, I take a size 10-12 in RTW, I'm not getting enough ease in my regular size 16-18 sewing patterns. I checked the Petite Plus website, and my measurments pretty much correspond to a 12-14 in these patterns. Iam quite petite (5 feet) and narrow shoulders. I did order her book with the four patterns in it, but I was wondering what other ladies experience was with these patterns. It would be great if I could get enough ease and just use these as a base and add all the great details from the Big 4 that I love!
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Deb: www.thinkingcouture.blogspot.com
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 6/8/09 10:56 AM ET
In reply to Deb Fox
I hope this will help you....her patterns seem to be designed for the person with the larger top half - larger bust, larger tummy etc. They are not a good fit for me with a smaller bust in contrast to large waist and hips. I have used both a pants and a top pattern and think they would be terrific on a person who is more of a triangle shape than a pear. If I were you I would order one and see. They are wonderfully made, instructions are great.You may be a bit small for them, but go ahead and see! It will be worth it. I did make a skirt muslin which turned out very well, but not the pants I made. I needed a much different cut of pants for my longer length waist to knee. I am very short waist ed and then have a regular waist to thigh and short legs...sigh...I do like her patterns and I really wanted them to like me, but it was not to be. TRY THEM! :)
-- Edited on 6/8/09 10:57 AM --
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
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Member since 4/4/07
Posts: 58
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Posted on: 6/8/09 1:34 PM ET
I have used her patterns and really like them. I am 5'4", so I usually have to add some length and I have to add quite a bit to the hip area.
I like the fact that they are drafted for a D cup.
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http://rejoyceblog.wordpress.com/
  
Member since 12/19/05
Posts: 738
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Posted on: 6/8/09 3:28 PM ET
I am a RTW size 16 hourglass. I LOVE her patterns. They fit me straight out of the envelope.
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 5095
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Posted on: 6/8/09 3:47 PM ET
In reply to Deb Fox
Good question, Deb. I have the Shapely Shirt pattern I bought for my DD a couple of years ago. No way will that fit my very broad shouldered DD!! I was looking at it last week and decided to try it for myself. I have the narrow shoulders and the D cup so hope it will fit (I wear a 12 RTW but shirts won't button). I just need to find some shirting with lycra. I guess I could go up a size for regular shirting.
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www.thereisjoyadventures.blogspot.com
  
Member since 5/25/07
Posts: 393
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Posted on: 6/11/09 4:14 PM ET
I just got this message from Kathleen:

If you haven't tried our patterns because you're a little too small, you'll be happy to know that we are introducing size 12 to our new and re-released styles.

Our new size 12 has been created for petites with a 38 inch full bust, 30 inch waist and 40 inch hip.
For more information on our sizes, take a look at the measurement chart on our Website.


-- Edited on 6/11/09 4:15 PM --
  
Member since 8/26/05
Posts: 1249
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Posted on: 6/17/09 7:53 AM ET
Well, they do fit! And boy do they fit. The shoulders and neck are perfect, the front upper chest is smooth with no wrinkles, pulls or buckles. There is enough ease across the bust, waist and hips, and the lengths are just wonderful.

I got the book with patterns in the mail yesterday and did a quick muslin of the jacket and blouse as soon as I got home from work. I was so thrilled I just could not believe it. I am going to order a few more patterns today. The styles are simple, but my thought is that I could use them as a basis for other styles, as well as a guide for all those hundreds of patterns I have that I can't get to fit.

If you are having any difficulties fitting because of a narrow shoulder/full bust try these patterns. The book is also great, and gives pretty good directions for adding length if you are not so petite. You'll have to get past that most of the styles that are made up in the book are kind of dowdy, but if you concentrate on the line drawings and fitting yourself, I think you'll be pleased.
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Deb: www.thinkingcouture.blogspot.com
  
Member since 4/4/07
Posts: 58
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Posted on: 6/17/09 2:25 PM ET
In reply to Deb Fox
I am so glad these patterns work for you! I like them too, even though I do have to make a few alterations. I just made the blouse out of the book. I need to post my review of it.
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http://rejoyceblog.wordpress.com/
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 6/17/09 3:09 PM ET
In reply to Deb Fox
Great news!

In fact, your glowing report just made me finally place the order I've been procrastinating about for a long time.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
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Member since 8/26/05
Posts: 1249
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Posted on: 6/17/09 4:08 PM ET
In reply to Debbie Cook
Debbie, if I remember correctly, you have a square shoulder, so you may have to still alter a bit for that. But for me, with my short little self that has slowly reached the beginning edge of being a plus size ( I am still dealing with that realization) I am elated. The thought that I don't have to spend hours trying to figure out how to make something fit, rather now, I can spend my time actually sewing, it is like I've discovered sewing all over again. I had tried every method out there (FFRP, Pivot and Slide, Fast Fit, you name it) and just could not get it right. I was always left with too much width, or not enough width in the front upper chest. The length is great too. The armseye is cut higher, giving a very neat, trim appearance. I have a feeling I will eventually own most of the basic patterns, since I can morph them into practically anything I want.


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Deb: www.thinkingcouture.blogspot.com
  
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