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Posted on: 4/2/13 5:55 PM ET
I'm an experienced sewer. The last few years I've altered off the rack clothes rather than make them. I'm tall and can't find skirts or dresses long enough so I'm back to sewing. I've never a sample garmet from muslin or other cheap material to get the fit correct before I cut the garmet material. I sometimes have to make adjustments. How many of you make a sample first ?
Posted on: 4/2/13 6:14 PM ET
This topic has been discussed a number of times before on patternreview! you will find advocates on both ends of the spectrum. What works for some people would be a complete no no for others.
I think it partly depends on your level of experience (are you confident at altering a pattern if needed before sewing it?), and also how many fitting challenges you generally encounter.
By this I mean some people are really lucky and can cut, and sew a pattern "right out of the pattern envelope". I dont think there are lots of people who can do that. Alternatively, some people have more challenging issues, say rounded shoulders, tilted pelvis etc (not trying to pick on anyone here!).
The adjustments I have to make (width and length) havent posed too many challenges once I've altered the pattern pieces. Apart from two "failures" in terms of I wont wear the garments in question I've been able to tweak projects to get something I am happy with for everything else I have made.
Some people dont want to risk the fabric they've bought. Fair enough. I live a little more dangerously (and impatiently) and would rather risk it and have more time for another project.
So I would say, what are you willing to invest? more time = certainty you iron out any tweaks on the muslin. Less time = potentially more money spent buying new fabric because it didn't work out. Happy sewing whatever you do.
I think it partly depends on your level of experience (are you confident at altering a pattern if needed before sewing it?), and also how many fitting challenges you generally encounter.
By this I mean some people are really lucky and can cut, and sew a pattern "right out of the pattern envelope". I dont think there are lots of people who can do that. Alternatively, some people have more challenging issues, say rounded shoulders, tilted pelvis etc (not trying to pick on anyone here!).
The adjustments I have to make (width and length) havent posed too many challenges once I've altered the pattern pieces. Apart from two "failures" in terms of I wont wear the garments in question I've been able to tweak projects to get something I am happy with for everything else I have made.
Some people dont want to risk the fabric they've bought. Fair enough. I live a little more dangerously (and impatiently) and would rather risk it and have more time for another project.
So I would say, what are you willing to invest? more time = certainty you iron out any tweaks on the muslin. Less time = potentially more money spent buying new fabric because it didn't work out. Happy sewing whatever you do.
Posted on: 4/2/13 6:49 PM ET
In reply to suehaverstock
When I started sewing for myself again after a break of many years, I was reluctant to sew "test" garments. When I was 18 I could just make something out of the pattern envelope and wear it. Now I have fitting issues. I sew alot of "muslins" not always out of muslin of course but out of cheap material in a weight and type that I want the finished product to be. I can sew the muslin up quick as I don't need the finishing touches (top stitching zippers buttons etc).
Posted on: 4/2/13 7:10 PM ET
You probably already know what changes need to be made to the pattern.
For you, adding length and for me subtracting length.
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For you, adding length and for me subtracting length.
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 4/2/13 9:00 PM ET
I don't normally sew a muslin but if I am making a fitted dress or a jacket, I will. I often use a pattern 2 or more times, so I think my first attempts might be labeled as "wearable muslins" (a term many PR folks would say is an abomination).
I am petite, so my alterations are to length throughout the pattern, and also through the shoulders and neckline. I can do that at the tissue stage.
I am petite, so my alterations are to length throughout the pattern, and also through the shoulders and neckline. I can do that at the tissue stage.
Posted on: 4/3/13 0:48 AM ET
I will sew a muslin if the fashion fabric is particularly valuable (expensive or irreplaceable). If the pattern is especially challenging for my LBA adjustment I may make a muslin down to the hip line. Or I may test drive a pattern which I suppose is also a wearable muslin but I don't put as much loving attention in it and use all the short cuts I know. It's essentially a single season fling.
Posted on: 4/3/13 3:47 AM ET
I'm in the 'wearable muslin' camp with Marec. I do use the old sheet muslin method when either I'm going to make up very precious fabric from an unknown pattern, or I have a detail I want to check on one of my own drafts, (say, do I like this collar? where should this pocket go?). I can't remember ever having made multiple toiles, that would drive me nuts.
Trying a pattern first in a cheap, but reasonably ok fabric works for me. I can get a better idea of how the garment will look than using a cotton calico the traditional way, and I usually get something I can wear.
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Trying a pattern first in a cheap, but reasonably ok fabric works for me. I can get a better idea of how the garment will look than using a cotton calico the traditional way, and I usually get something I can wear.
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