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Getting back into sewing (Moderated by Deepika)
Posted on: 11/4/14 10:56 PM ET
Hi everyone, Looking for other tall/plus FBA members that have pattern suggestions. Sewed for years previously but have not for 15 years or so. Used to be tall & skinny and now tall /plus and RTW shopping is a nightmare. Need suggestions for fitted shirt patterns, need logo shirts for work and nothing at land's end for me, go figure. Bought a new Brother machine and excited for it to arrive!
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Ready to take on the challenge
Posted on: 11/5/14 1:32 AM ET
Welcome! I can relate to the FBA and while I'm average height (5'7") I wear a 34" inseam. Lots of good people and good ideas here.
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It's just fabric; we can out-think it.
Posted on: 11/5/14 4:49 AM ET
I can only extend a welcome since I am 5ft "Tall" and a B-cup, LOL! But you should find some great help here.
Also, it's really convenient and smart that you put that info into your profile, it will help people find you.
Do you know about the A/B, C, D cup size patterns the Big 4 (Vogue, Butterick, McCall's, Simplicity/New Look) put out ? You might want to check that out. Other brands that start at a bigger cup are Burda, Colette, Ginger Doll, IIRC.
Not sure about the Tall patterns but EU magazines like KnipMode and Burda do offer patterns for the taller seamstresses. And they had downloads now, too!
Good luck!
Also, it's really convenient and smart that you put that info into your profile, it will help people find you.
Do you know about the A/B, C, D cup size patterns the Big 4 (Vogue, Butterick, McCall's, Simplicity/New Look) put out ? You might want to check that out. Other brands that start at a bigger cup are Burda, Colette, Ginger Doll, IIRC.
Not sure about the Tall patterns but EU magazines like KnipMode and Burda do offer patterns for the taller seamstresses. And they had downloads now, too!
Good luck!
Posted on: 11/5/14 7:48 AM ET
In reply to JanObright
Welcome, I am sure that you will get a lot of help here.
I am tall and used to be thin, now a plus. Altering patterns is the way to get the fit that we all want.

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I am tall and used to be thin, now a plus. Altering patterns is the way to get the fit that we all want.

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If it can be done with a needle and thread, I can do it!
Posted on: 11/5/14 7:55 AM ET
I, too, have changed from tall (5'9") and slim to a RTW size 16 on a good day, XL in some brands of tops. I use a pattern software program to draft patterns, but I have purchased recently some of the Fit patterns with different cup sizes.
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Absolutely loving my Janome 500e embroidery machine, very creative. Problem with all my stash for clothing!

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Absolutely loving my Janome 500e embroidery machine, very creative. Problem with all my stash for clothing!
Posted on: 11/5/14 7:58 AM ET
Hi there and welcome to PR!
I'm moderately tall (5'10"), wear an 18 in RTW, and am full busted. I'm not sure of where you have your height, or if it's evenly distributed. I usually have to add three inches to patterns in the torso and then three inches to pants (evenly distributed above and below the knee, usually). I've had good luck with Vogue/Butterick/McCall and Simplicity patterns - the extra ease in those lines usually means I'm comfortably within the size ranges. I also have had good luck with Colette Patterns - I usually make a 16 in her patterns and there's been no need for an FBA on any of those for me. I really like BurdaStyle Magazine, as well - though if I want something that is only available in the regular sizes I will have to grade up a size or two. They do have a plus range of patterns, as well. Another option is Lekala patterns. With Lekala, you plug in your measurements during order entry and you get a pattern that's been customized to your measurements. I've had pretty good luck with my Lekala patterns and there are some freebies you can download if you haven't tried PDF patterns before. Oh, and I forgot Ottobre magazine. I just recently started getting that publication. It comes out twice a year and has a wide range of sizes available - and you can order back issues directly from Ottobre. Good luck!
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I'm moderately tall (5'10"), wear an 18 in RTW, and am full busted. I'm not sure of where you have your height, or if it's evenly distributed. I usually have to add three inches to patterns in the torso and then three inches to pants (evenly distributed above and below the knee, usually). I've had good luck with Vogue/Butterick/McCall and Simplicity patterns - the extra ease in those lines usually means I'm comfortably within the size ranges. I also have had good luck with Colette Patterns - I usually make a 16 in her patterns and there's been no need for an FBA on any of those for me. I really like BurdaStyle Magazine, as well - though if I want something that is only available in the regular sizes I will have to grade up a size or two. They do have a plus range of patterns, as well. Another option is Lekala patterns. With Lekala, you plug in your measurements during order entry and you get a pattern that's been customized to your measurements. I've had pretty good luck with my Lekala patterns and there are some freebies you can download if you haven't tried PDF patterns before. Oh, and I forgot Ottobre magazine. I just recently started getting that publication. It comes out twice a year and has a wide range of sizes available - and you can order back issues directly from Ottobre. Good luck!
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Michelle
Posted on: 11/5/14 8:10 AM ET
Welcome. You will find some great people and great help here. I am short but plus and FBA so came back to sewing because nothing is flattering in the stores.
My advice: don't give up. There are no patterns that sew up right out of the envelope. Learning to make your adjustments on the pattern is critical. There are lots of less known pattern companies out there that I was not aware of when I returned to sewing. This is a great place to learn about these also. Then, don't be afraid of your curves. Those oversized boxy styles are not flattering to plus sized women.
I could go on and on, but lastly, for now
, consider the book Fit For Real People. It opened my eyes to lots of fit issues I had and how to fix them.
My advice: don't give up. There are no patterns that sew up right out of the envelope. Learning to make your adjustments on the pattern is critical. There are lots of less known pattern companies out there that I was not aware of when I returned to sewing. This is a great place to learn about these also. Then, don't be afraid of your curves. Those oversized boxy styles are not flattering to plus sized women.
I could go on and on, but lastly, for now
, consider the book Fit For Real People. It opened my eyes to lots of fit issues I had and how to fix them.
Posted on: 11/5/14 9:09 AM ET
In reply to JanObright
As another returnee to sewing after a longish break with a body that no longer fits easily into ready to wear clothing, I've had good luck with Louise Cutting's patterns and instructions. The pants in her My Swing Set pattern are my go-to pants pattern. Her detailed fitting instructions are a huge help and if you follow them exactly as she tells you to, they work well with just a bit of tweaking. Her patterns also helped me update my sewing skills and have helped me turn out more polished clothing too.
Returning to sewing can be a bit frustrating in the beginning but if you stick to it, the rewards are worth it.
Returning to sewing can be a bit frustrating in the beginning but if you stick to it, the rewards are worth it.
Posted on: 11/5/14 9:45 AM ET
Welcome, Jan...the one suggestion I'd make for someone just returning to sewing is to check the pattern size measurements carefully. Depending on how long its been since you've sewn, you might not be aware that pattern sizes are not the same as RTW. If you are an 18 in RTW, you could be a 20 or 22 in pattern sizes. The indie patterns are different than the big pattern companies, so no matter what brand pattern you are using, check the measurements carefully!
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- Libby with a "y" not an "ie"
(People who know Richmond will get this!)
Visit my blog - http://www.creativecurvychic.com
"Sewing is not a hobby, it's a journey."
(People who know Richmond will get this!)
Visit my blog - http://www.creativecurvychic.com
"Sewing is not a hobby, it's a journey."
Posted on: 11/6/14 1:09 AM ET
Thank you for the great welcome, and all the wonderful feedback! Yes used to be able to sewing from patterns in the past by adding length to body arms and legs, but I know that will not be the case now. Thanks for all the tips on measuring/patterns/fits. The machine arrived today and I have resisted ripping the box open and running to fabric store, will do some research on this site and all of your wonderful suggestions.
I used to make all my own career wear, suits, dresses, pants etc, so I am excited to get going. My height is evenly top and bottom with a 34" inseam. Workwear now is pretty much dress slacks and company logo shirts on customer visits and my favorite pants living in texas are capri's no worries about length there!
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I used to make all my own career wear, suits, dresses, pants etc, so I am excited to get going. My height is evenly top and bottom with a 34" inseam. Workwear now is pretty much dress slacks and company logo shirts on customer visits and my favorite pants living in texas are capri's no worries about length there!
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Ready to take on the challenge
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