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Member since 4/9/08
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Posted on: 9/9/09 8:46 AM ET
There are so many styles for pear shapes, but I'm more of an apple shape or "oval shape". Small bust, protruding tummy, flat bottom, small thighs and legs.

I recently bought a pattern that I thought would work, but in the end, it just emphasized my tummy. It was one of the popular peasant tops. I bought a book that listed boxy tunics as an option. I guess I need a visual on the type of boxy styles I should look into. My feminine side wants soft, flowing designs - not boxy tunics.

Any ideas?

  
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Posted on: 9/9/09 9:05 AM ET
In reply to SewSewMary
When I get home from work, I'll takje a peek at Trinney & Susannah's Body Shape Bible to see what they have to say.

You know, the issue of figuring out what shape/style of garment works well with one's body shape plays a big part in successful sewing. If you think about it, you can sew up a lovely item ith great cosntruction techniques but sometimes it just does not work for you even if it fits. The probelm for me is the way it looks on. Since color selection is not my problem, it almost always comes down to the style or lines of the garment.
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“Be curious, not judgmental.” Ted Lasso
  
Member since 12/19/05
Posts: 738
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Re: Pattern Styles for an Oval Shape? (posted on 9/9/09 9:46 AM ET)
Have you tried going shopping? Try on a ton of things and make notes on which shapes work better for you. Try not to look at the colors or prints, just shapes. Try on stuff that you normally wouldn't try on because of minor issues, like color or hem length or design elements that you don't like. Once you get a feel for what shapes look good, then you can buy patterns for similar garments and make them in colors or prints that you look or change things like different sleeves or collars, ect.
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 5095
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Posted on: 9/9/09 10:17 AM ET
In reply to SewSewMary
You might check the Palmer Pletsch website. They put out a fashion forecast with suitable patterns twice a year. The Fall 2009 issue isn't up yet but you might get some pointers from past issues.

Palmer Pletsch
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Member since 4/28/02
Posts: 1107
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Posted on: 9/9/09 9:50 PM ET
In reply to Andreahg
Quote: Andreahg
Have you tried going shopping?

That's a good idea. I learned about what I can wear because my DD went with me and took pix of everything I tried on. Quite the eye-opener, including some surprises.
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Member since 12/7/05
Posts: 2856
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Posted on: 9/9/09 10:47 PM ET
In reply to SewSewMary
Here's what "What Not to Wear" ( aka Trinney & Susannah) recommends as flattering for a not-so-perfect tummy

a shirt tail hem
ruched tops
wrap tops or dresses
empire styles
low slung waist
single breasted jacket that buttons at waist
short waisted fitted jacket

golden rules

no hipsters
no skintight fabric
clothes that skim
empire styles
no tight belts
and a few more





-- Edited on 9/10/09 11:19 AM --
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Member since 7/24/08
Posts: 833
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Posted on: 9/9/09 11:03 PM ET
In reply to mary in FL
Quote: mary in FL
I learned about what I can wear because my DD went with me and took pix of everything I tried on.

Excellent idea!

If you have trouble "detaching" while looking at the photos (from yourself or the colors or whatever) you can photocopy them in black and white (or adjust them in a photo editor). I did this with my croquis photo and it was much easier for me to see myself objectively.
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 9/9/09 11:24 PM ET
In reply to kkkkaty
Never mind.
-- Edited on 9/10/09 2:24 PM --
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Member since 12/7/05
Posts: 2856
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Posted on: 9/10/09 11:07 AM ET
In reply to Sherril Miller
Quote: Sherril Miller
Boy do they have some of that wrong! A wrap dress or top is very flattering, if you allow for the belly room. Also a jacket that buttons at the waist is great if, again, the fit is right. They must be thinking of badly fitted RTW when they make those recommendations.

Sorry, to clarify, those are their recommendations for what they would consider flattering; I didn't list the items they don't recommend.....
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Viking Lily 545
Viking Ruby
Bernina Activa 210
Brother 1034d
  
Member since 2/28/05
Posts: 2181
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Posted on: 9/10/09 12:36 PM ET
In reply to SewSewMary
I carry alot of weight in my middle so I feel your pain in finding styles that flatter and are comfortable. First of all, get a good bra - when the girls are in the right place they act as a hanger for the clothes and will make you look and feel better. I struggled with bras that were too wide, leading to a front porch without much support.

Take a look at Cutting Line Designs Ebb and Flow - it is my new favorite summer shirt......and be sure to read IreneQ's review of this pattern with 7 versions photographed. This pattern is for a woven fabric and it floats away from the tummy but doesn't look like a tent. I normally stay away from knits because I don't like anything that clings or fits closely.

Ebb and Flow
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2012 : starting stash 386, net additions 206, used 164, ending stash 428...I'm never going to get in front of this pile of fabric!
  
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