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Member since 4/22/08
Posts: 432
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Posted on: 2/28/11 9:58 PM ET
In the several years I have been sewing, I have never been able to figure out what my "body shape" is. You know hourglass/rectangle/triangle/pear...

Here are my measurements:

5'2" tall
shoulders 34.5"
high bust 30.5"
full bust 35" (I wear a 32B bra)
natural waist 25"
hips 34"
I weigh about 110lbs.

I once did an FFRP body map and found out that I am a "true petite" as opposed to having short legs. I usually sew a Big4 size 8 and don't have to make any major modifications other than shortening. According to my husband I have "no butt" (nobody's perfect)

When I sew, I have noticed that I often have to pinch out an inch or so of width just below my armpit, even if the rest of the garment fits perfectly. Also, I often have a problem with shoulder straps sliding off.

When I do the math, I think I should be an hourglass, but that shape is always described a "curvy" which I am NOT! Any help solving this mystery would be greatly appreciated!
  
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Member since 3/1/06
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Posted on: 2/28/11 10:51 PM ET
You're a petite hourglass. I don't think curvy is necessarily hourglass. I'm more of a rectangle based on my waist to hip ratio but my bust and hips would be considered "curves" despite my lack of bum.
  
Member since 6/3/06
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Posted on: 2/28/11 11:46 PM ET
I hear ya! It's not as easy as I thought! In my middle years, I'm changing shape, and it finally dawned on me that I'm not the hourglass I once was... I found out that I'm a rectangle, and that eye opener has entirely changed my pattern selection, and resulted in finding patterns that look much better on me!

I used a software program, since I've been playing with Wild Ginger PMB (NAYY) and they have this Style Match software. You put your measurements in - these are measured from your horizontal width, not your circumference - and it tells you what shape you are and what kinds of styles look good on you. Style Match from Wild Ginger It was only $25 for me since I have PMB... about what I would have paid for a book, but much more helpful since it's exactly tuned for me...
  
Member since 3/11/03
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Posted on: 3/1/11 12:25 PM ET
You can still be hourglass and not so curvy. The hourglass just means that the ratio of your bust - waist - hip is quite near the ideal, so you're very lucky!

I'm the same height as you, and I am also a "true petite" which I have always known(Actually, I find that most of the pants they sell in the "petite" clothing sections are for women with SHORT legs not necessarily petite, but I digress) My measurements are 34-28-36 and I sew between a 10-12 depending on the pattern. I have wide shoulders and rounded/forward shoulders that I always have to adjust for, but that is it (also the overall shortening)

Do you find that you also need to take an additional tuck above the waist for you bodices?
  
Member since 4/22/08
Posts: 432
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Posted on: 3/1/11 1:03 PM ET
In reply to guillorypr
I haven't had to shorten any bodices yet, but I've only sewn sleeveless dresses/tops so far, nothing particularly tailored. Mostly empire-waist stuff, where the "bodice" is quite tiny and ends below the bust. I've shortened in the places the patterns say to, and so far that has been good enough. I always fit the bust first, and often end up taking in an even 1/2-2" at the sides.
  
Member since 12/6/03
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Posted on: 3/1/11 1:12 PM ET
In reply to idahodogs
Well, I don't mean to get to personal, however after going to Wichita to the Needle Nook with my sewing group, and taking two days of classes with the infamous "Bra Lady" Anne StClaire, I can tell you right off the bat you are wearing the wrong bra size to get a really good fit. 4.5 inches difference between high bust and actual bust is too much for a B cup.

I don't know where you live, but find a REAL place that professionally fits bras. You can't believe the change it makes in how you look in your clothes. It is also a wonderful luxury and something nice to do for yourself.

I used to have a 25" waist, but then I think I was 10---I'm not sure, but I am jealous!!!
------
"Sewing should be fun; make it that way!" Margaret Islander
Flying through life by the seat of my pants and hoping I get my crotch curve right.
"No humiliation is too great for a well fitting pair of pants!" Heidi Cooper
J6500P,
J1600P
J3160DC
J350E
JCP1000

Babylock Enlighten serger
My grandmother's Feather Weight
  
Member since 6/23/06
Posts: 3135
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Posted on: 3/1/11 1:55 PM ET
In reply to Ody
LOL, Ody - I was going to tell her, honey if you have a 25" waist you've got the kind of curves pattern makers are talking about! All mine seem to be curving OUT these days.
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Sewing is my therapy!
  
Member since 12/24/07
Posts: 900
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Posted on: 3/6/11 2:08 PM ET
In reply to Jacqui315
Quote: Jacqui315
You're a petite hourglass.

According to
The science of sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System That Works for Every Shape and Size , your are a short petite hourglass. This book (don't get a wrong impression by its title!) considers not just the circumferences but also height and weight and gives advice what to wear, what NOT to wear, and makes suggestions how to put the 'rules' into play for casual, career, and formal occasions. Fun to measure, analyze,and read together with your gal friends!
------
Happy Sewing!
  
Member since 4/22/08
Posts: 432
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Posted on: 3/6/11 3:42 PM ET
In reply to Ody
Thanks - I know I am wearing the wrong size bra, but its the band that doesn't fit! 32" is too big, but they don't make them any smaller, so I go down a cup size to compensate. The c-cups on a 32" bra are HUGE compared to my ladies
  
Member since 5/18/07
Posts: 520
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Posted on: 3/6/11 3:56 PM ET
In reply to idahodogs
It could be the brand of bra you are wearing. It's a very important foundation garment and you can easily spend up to $80 for a good bra that fits well. I think it's well worth the investment as it does change the total look of clothing on you. It must fit well whether you are large busted or small busted. I was wearing a 34C for years and realized it's a 32 D I need. What a difference. Kinda upsetting as I used to wear a B cup, but age has a way of changing things! The rest of me stayed the same, but my chest sure grew! Oh well, there could be worse things in life!
  
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