Making Things that Fit. What a Concept.

This post is genius! I grabbed it from Craft Magazine's Blog.

I've been thinking lately of a way I could make LaFwonda (my dressform, above) my size. This is a great idea.

I finished up the white top -- Simplicity 2936 -- with dissappointing results. I didn't really fit it to myself, and at this point in my life and body -- just have to do it. I hate the hassle of fitting, especially when it's a relatively unfitted blouse. But it's gotta be done. Fortunately, I used fabric from my stash that's really kinda like a muslin. So now I have the pattern idea down, and can make a really fitted sloper and actually fit the pattern to myself when I make it again.

I borrowed this book from the library. It's "Fast Fit" by Sandra Betzina (in case the letters are too small for you to read). It's got some good information -- but I'd also like to check out the "Real Fit for Real People" by Pati Palmer. I'm a bookhound -- so I probably should have both books in my library.



I generally use something I got about 20 years ago that has worked every time. It's called "Designing with Dusan." It's two boxes of stuff, mostly just a basic sloper and instructions on taking your measurements and creating your own sloper. But it works! I read the latest issue of Threads yesterday, and realised that I don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on patternmaking software. Although it would make it easier, I don't sew at that level of production to necessitate that kind of investment. Just going back to my sloper is easier and definitely cheaper!




"Fast Fit" gives you several options for adjusting fit, based on your problem area -- broad shoulders, wide hips, etc. The instructions for adapting the pattern are excellent and would work for the moderately experienced sewer who can take a measurement accurately, and read a pattern. Even a beginner would profit from reading this book.




That's it, and today I'll spend getting ready to teach my class on Once A Month Cooking. No sewing -- but I'm hoping to fit in a visit to The Scrap Exchange in Durham on Monday. I'll keep you posted!



xoxox