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Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952
Posted on: 9/17/06 8:45 AM ET
I took a sewing class many years ago on alterations at the Fabric Place in Framingham, MA. One of the things the instructor tried to get across to us was the fact that it was easier to alter a pattern if you go from: A) smaller to larger or B) larger to smaller. I just can't remember which one it was. Any of you really experienced sewers out there want to help me out?
I just bought a Patty Reed pattern #4183 and didn't notice (okay, I just didn't look
) and am now thinking this pattern will be floating on me. Not wanting to make yet ANOTHER trip to Joann's, I'm thinking I will just alter it - maybe . Thanks for any help.
Cheryl
I just bought a Patty Reed pattern #4183 and didn't notice (okay, I just didn't look
) and am now thinking this pattern will be floating on me. Not wanting to make yet ANOTHER trip to Joann's, I'm thinking I will just alter it - maybe . Thanks for any help.Cheryl
Posted on: 9/17/06 11:27 AM ET
I think the easiest way to alter is to find the size that fits you the best in the neck and shoulders. Many recommend choosing a pattern by the high bust measurement, especially if you are bigger than a B cup. Place the measuring tape snugly under the armpits, above the bust, and straight across the back. Use this measurement as the bust measurement on the pattern sizing chart. You can then add a full bust adjustment (FBA) or any other changes you need, like narrow shoulders, rounded back, forward shoulders, etc.
Check your local library for a good fitting resource book. I happen to like Fast Fit by Sandra Betzina, but there are others you can find reviews for here at PR.
Good luck!
edited to correct the book title, which I always confuse with the Palmer one. Thanks Ladybegood!
-- Edited on 9/17/06 4:59 PM --
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Check your local library for a good fitting resource book. I happen to like Fast Fit by Sandra Betzina, but there are others you can find reviews for here at PR.
Good luck!
edited to correct the book title, which I always confuse with the Palmer one. Thanks Ladybegood!
-- Edited on 9/17/06 4:59 PM --
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Elizabeth
Posted on: 9/17/06 11:27 AM ET
If I had to guess at what she said, it would be that it's easier to alter from smaller to larger, because generally it is.
HTH
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HTH
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
Posted on: 9/17/06 12:28 PM ET
I agree that it is easier to go from smaller to larger in terms of pattern alteration. And to correct elizajo's typo, 'Fit For Real People' is by Palmer and Pletsch; Sandra Betzina's fitting book is called 'Fast Fit'. I prefer the FFRP, and think it would be most helpful for your purposes here, but Fast Fit is also a popular fitting book. In this case, though, you could 'grade' the pattern down. If your library carries back issues of Threads magazine I recommend "Making Sense of Pattern Grading" from June/July 2002, issue #101, and "IT'S EASY TO MAKE A MULTISIZE PATTERN LARGER OR SMALLER THAN ITS PRINTED RANGE" from June/July 2004 #113. If you can't get those articles, I could try to describe the process for you. Just let me know.
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"Cultivate your curves. They may be dangerous, but they won't be avoided."
-Mae West
"I like big butts and I cannot lie."
-Sir Mix-a-lot
-Mae West
"I like big butts and I cannot lie."
-Sir Mix-a-lot
Posted on: 9/17/06 12:42 PM ET
I also agree that you need to return the pattern and get a smaller size. If you think it will be swimming on you, than measure yourself to be sure. And to correct ladybegood, you almost had it right. The book FFRP is by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto.
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Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
Posted on: 9/17/06 2:03 PM ET
In reply to maizeeg
Thanks everyone for your help. I have both books suggested. Even though I've been sewing forever, alterating patterns has been a thorn in my side as my size isn't perfect, never was, never will be, what a surprise, LOL. I think I'll probably just size it down - it's not a fitted piece so I shouldn't have a problem if I consult the books as I attempt it. If I find myself in a corner I'll yell for help again. I get the feeling you've all "been there, done that" in this matter.
Thanks
Cheryl
Thanks

Cheryl
Posted on: 9/17/06 4:13 PM ET
In reply to maizeeg
I was just reading Gale Grigg Hazen's "Fantastic Fit for Every Body" where she states that it is always easier to adjust upward than to try to make a pattern smaller. So, it sounds like the easier-to-make-it-larger crowd is unanimous.
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If I sewed any slower, I wouldn't be sewing at all.
Posted on: 9/18/06 0:06 AM ET
I think one of the reasons it's easier to adjust a pattern upward is because when you're fitting it, you can actually *see* where more fabric is needed vis-a-vis wrinkles, puckers, etc. It's harder to tell where to remove fabric from a too-big pattern because it's difficult to know where to start when something is big everywhere.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
Posted on: 9/18/06 10:01 AM ET
In reply to elizajo
Would you tell me why you like Fast Fit better than FFRP? I have not looked at this book. I have FFRP but get frustrated with it. I don't think tissue fitting is practical for people who are trying to fit themselves.
Thanks --- Pat
Thanks --- Pat
Posted on: 9/18/06 3:12 PM ET
I didn't say that I liked Fast Fit better. It was the first fit book that I bought and so far it has met my needs. If you don't like tissue fitting, Fast Fit will probably not suit you any better than FFRP.
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Elizabeth
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