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Member since 4/21/04
Posts: 1
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Posted on: 7/30/04 7:20 PM ET
I have been sewing for many years, but have never gotten the hang of fitting my torso...I am short, chubby and busty...nice combination (I wear a 36C).

So, when I try to purchase RTW blouses, invariably they either gap or bind in the front.  When I try on a size large enough to cover the front, the armholes bind.  If I take the shoulder seam and lift it up about 2-3 inches above my shoulders, the armhole moves to the correct position and doesn't bind.  But, I don't know what this adjustment is or how to make it on a pattern.

I typically avoid making set in sleeves because I can't get the fit right.

Any suggestions would be most welcome.  My son is gone for two weeks so I am planning to dive into some sewing for myself and see if I can learn to fit my torso.

Thanks!

Tammy
  
Member since 10/5/02
Posts: 2292
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Posted on: 7/30/04 7:31 PM ET
It sounds like you are buying a size way too big for your upper body to accomodate your chest.  Then the armholes are too low, and why you get a better fit when you lift up the shoulders.  It sounds like you need to fit your armhole/shoulder/upper body, and do a full bust adjustment to have room for your chest.
There is a lot of info here on the message boards, and in the Knowledgebase area on the main page regarding full bust adjustments.  Please do some searching to see what you can find already written.
A good reference book that many PR members follow is "Fit For Real People".  You might be able to find it at your library  or order it online.  You can find a review on the main page in the book review section.
Good luck, don't despair, many have tackled your same issue and have found support (no pun intended!;) here.
  
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