tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post7220486612500986161..comments2024-03-28T09:14:59.192-04:00Comments on La Sewista!: The dumbing down of FITBunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-38994197177403427182014-06-05T23:14:07.931-04:002014-06-05T23:14:07.931-04:00There used to be (maybe still is) a video on youtu...There used to be (maybe still is) a video on youtube of a woman crashing a party. She is wearing only a tiny 'butt floss' thong, and paint. I remember watching this video with a friend who insisted that tightly fitted clothing was the style. I insisted she was naked, except possibly for a strategic triangle at the front. My friend wouldn't believe me, till the narrator actually said it was paint. Paint and a thong. Thinking back, I probably noticed the lack of draglines.... <br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09182598274988750258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-80588331429666240952014-06-05T10:09:47.448-04:002014-06-05T10:09:47.448-04:00I do have a full length mirror, and that helps a l...I do have a full length mirror, and that helps a lot!<br />I have a fit question. If i need to lengthen the torso on a dress bodice with darts going from the bottom up...do i extend the darts and widen them a bit so they still end at the same place? Anna Dorothyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15652637024992240538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-92080695330537844162014-06-04T12:26:22.343-04:002014-06-04T12:26:22.343-04:00Sorry for the typos!Sorry for the typos!Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-34931080134652026522014-06-04T12:23:48.374-04:002014-06-04T12:23:48.374-04:00I think for someone just getting going with fit aw...I think for someone just getting going with fit awareness, Nancy Ziemans' book "Pattern Fitting with Confidence". She starts with teaching you how to buy the proper size pattern and that sometimes is the hardest part. I am not a fan of Palmer Pletch methods as they use tissue fitting and in my opinion and experience, because I did try it a few times, tissue rips. It doesn't drape like fabric. It requires some extra fussy work taping pivot points and seams. And you can't get a really good fit from half a tissue paper garment, IMO. Remember I told you I had one lower shoulder and hip? Others swear by PP, just not me. I also firmly believe in muslins. I don't do overkill on the muslin thing as I feel the eventual good fabric will always need tweaking. Another fabulous resource is PatternReview. They have a board for fitting issues where some real experts will generously walk you through getting you garment to fit. It's fun to read just for inspiration. And the last thing I recommend is a digital camera. Talk pictures standing normally facing front, then back, then directly sideways and all full length. No need to stretch arms, twist, or any other strange gyrations. I only say this because lately I have seen a plethora of pics showing just the smallest bit of the garment or the strangest poses when requesting help on PR. Even if you don't use PR, upload those pics and dissect them on your computer to know what is actually happening. Oh, and another great book on fit is Sarah Veblen's. Great info in there as well. Good luck. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-78534494165610984012014-06-04T04:10:12.056-04:002014-06-04T04:10:12.056-04:00Hi there Bunny and all your followers too,
What a ...Hi there Bunny and all your followers too,<br />What a wonderful discussion!<br />I so agree with all that you are saying. I used to follow a particular blogger but have just got to the point where I just can't anymore..............need I say more.<br />DH and I went out as we were a little stir crazy and hit the shops as I need summer tops etc. Oh dear, it was depressing beyond belief. I have to admit, I just couldn't part with the money...............the poor fabric, shoddy workmanship; it just made me want to cry.<br />The shop assistants, I am sure thought me too fussy. My husband explained that I enjoyed sewing and I realized that I was standing apologising for wanting something better than they could offer. Many labels that were respected years ago have gone over to the dark side - by that I mean cheap horrible fabric, but incredible price tags..............No way.<br /><br />I have a beautiful linen dress I made a few years back and I still cringe that I eventually posted a picture of it on a forum, explaining that I had not regained my figure since surgery. It is made well, but sadly my shape has changed and I am trying hard to get my former waist and hips back; until then, certain tailored clothes will remain in my wardrobe. <br /><br />Yes ladies, I don't want to look like a "skin on a sausage" from the waist down! LOL. So, the remainder of my beautiful pure linen is coming out of my stash and I am making sure that I forget about my former self and cut the size that I currently am...................its annoying though isn't it that size changes mean that I am still XS in some makes, 4 or 6 in others and heck, 8, 10 or 12!As you say bunny what size am I?????<br /><br />Oh, I am of a certain age, 57 and agree about the full length mirror; a tip from my lovely Mother and sewing teacher who I adored beyond belief. These ladies taught me well, since returning back to the U.K. the one thing I don't have at the moment is a full length mirror, so you have reminded me that it has to be replaced!!<br /><br />Fabulous blog as always, welcome home...............we have missed you.Marysiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17959080591821794196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-14574996477641336632014-06-04T00:48:35.264-04:002014-06-04T00:48:35.264-04:00Ah yes! I picked up some wedding work at a local s...Ah yes! I picked up some wedding work at a local shop. They hired out the trimming down, the 'sizing up' went to the woman who ran the shop. She does do amazing work, I'll give her that. But such incredibly cheap fabric! Just icky to the touch! The swankier shop around the corner, with trendier styles and better fabric, is owned by the same people. They get you coming and going! <br /><br />I don't shop anymore either, but my sons still do. Didn't pick up the flyer at the Nordstrom Rack this evening, but they "gift you" alteration coupon books for signing up for their store card.SJ Kurtzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871599515352715171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-79676119954167866722014-06-03T22:05:32.925-04:002014-06-03T22:05:32.925-04:00You have been an inspiration to me! I started sew...You have been an inspiration to me! I started sewing about 50 years ago. I made most of my clothing throughout high school. Either my clothes fit my junior body or I didn't know much about fit. After I had children, I made most of their clothing. They wore classic heirloom and smocked dresses (I have 3 daughters). I quilted between children graduating and grandchildren. Now I have 6 grandchildren and mostly sew heirloom clothes for them. Now I cannot buy clothes to fit. So I am starting to sew for myself again. I consider myself a good seamstress but know so little about fitting. I have bought 2 books on fitting. I was going to sign up for a Craftsy class on fitting, but when I saw a students dress and the darts were so off and she was so proud, I thought this is not the class for me. So do you recommend any books on fitting patterns?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15679709274120715735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-90619916578653467102014-06-03T19:10:53.369-04:002014-06-03T19:10:53.369-04:00I've heard Peggy Sagers comment several times,...I've heard Peggy Sagers comment several times, something like, "more sewers have turned to quilting because they never learned to fit." I agree. And even if one knows how to fit, one needs to know what a good fit looks like.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08345674465845908156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-64352604779574152532014-06-03T19:07:44.298-04:002014-06-03T19:07:44.298-04:00When I see these tight garments on people posing i...When I see these tight garments on people posing in pictures on blogs as well as out in the public, all I can think of is "sausage casing." Can't help it!Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08345674465845908156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-55738882078754013382014-06-03T17:42:45.890-04:002014-06-03T17:42:45.890-04:00I totally agree and have had those same conversati...I totally agree and have had those same conversations with my formerly sewing friends. I hate the idea that because they have a normal body for their time in life that they give up. That's another whole blogpost, too!Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-7014905711026565222014-06-03T17:40:27.295-04:002014-06-03T17:40:27.295-04:00I agree. There is much today that is being worn t...I agree. There is much today that is being worn too tight. I don't mean too tight as in I'm a prude but too tight as it just doesn't look good or flattering. Sometimes you wonder if people really care. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-72425437022840580962014-06-03T16:51:09.185-04:002014-06-03T16:51:09.185-04:00A good fitting bra is critical to how your clothes...A good fitting bra is critical to how your clothes fit. I don't fall on the busty side, but my clothes wouldn't look flattering on me if I bought some alpha sized bra. Gah, what is this world coming to? I haven't shopped for clothes in years. I'm tall and the only way I can get the length I need is to buy a size bigger. No way I'm doing that. Another plus to sewing is that it keeps my sanity and I have the joy of saying, yeah, I made that.CTpathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06578761836954740915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-24411088035112321822014-06-03T16:47:24.566-04:002014-06-03T16:47:24.566-04:00What I've noticed with some of my quilting bud...What I've noticed with some of my quilting buddies is that when they got older they had fitting problems with the ageing body changes and didn't know how to deal with it so stopped sewing clothes!!! To my way of thinking, this is exactly why you want to be sewing your own clothes, to make them fit. <br />Am just green with envy with your sewing workshop.Laceflowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00548454249811205992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-58851876198970416412014-06-03T15:30:48.550-04:002014-06-03T15:30:48.550-04:00I always like to see discussions on fit and what m...I always like to see discussions on fit and what makes a good fit. My personal pet peeve is that most women are wearing their clothes too tight - which is just as bad as the too big you describe above. Body conscious is good but body encasing is not. I think a lot of people mistake very tight as something that shows off their shape, which it does but also creates all kinds of pulling, drag lines etc that I can't ignore. But it is difficult to learn the skills to create a very fitted garment that does not pull or strain. I wish more new sewers would learn more fit basics. Beth (SunnyGal Studio)https://www.blogger.com/profile/08891740887743925587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-30460894845228400142014-06-03T15:19:26.683-04:002014-06-03T15:19:26.683-04:00What a great post, Bunny! I have been perplexed l...What a great post, Bunny! I have been perplexed lately by the S-M-L sizing. It's hard enough with regular sizing, which really doesn't exist, does it? What with vanity sizing (size 00? Really?) But I didn't realize that there was an economic side to this new "alphasizing". Making my own clothes has really made me picky. I am appalled at the fit of RTW, not to mention the techniques. Sometimes friends will ask me what is wrong with a new garment of theirs. After a little hesitation, I usually say, "Well, it doesn't fit you!" Another thing about sizing/fit and sewing for oneself is that our bodies change with time. A size that fit just fine a few years ago will need adjusting. It's a gravity thing!Cissiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08464868677429256017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-9261486533543381062014-06-03T13:39:25.094-04:002014-06-03T13:39:25.094-04:00I hate shopping anymore, because it's so hard ...I hate shopping anymore, because it's so hard to find age appropriate clothes that are affordable and well made. Nor have I gotten to a level of sewing for myself that looks good either. I'm guessing there are far more like me too. So for me, if it's going to fit improperly and be of low quality, I think I'll take my chances and just sew it myself. At least if it doesn't fit, I can tell people I'm new at it, and they'll be far more forgiving. Plus at least I know the quality fabric is there. LOLAngela Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08288387417097722899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-7568814599072830132014-06-03T12:33:38.137-04:002014-06-03T12:33:38.137-04:00I just keep thinking there is a joke in there some...I just keep thinking there is a joke in there somewhere about alphaboobs. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-55207782118410162182014-06-03T12:32:38.769-04:002014-06-03T12:32:38.769-04:00She sure is!
She sure is!<br />Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-49786633974790904832014-06-03T12:32:00.053-04:002014-06-03T12:32:00.053-04:00It does take time, so be patient, Anna. There are ...It does take time, so be patient, Anna. There are many who will help you along the road. Like I said , until I got that full length mirror, I thought I looked fine. Another big help is a digital camera with a remote. You take pics of yourself, upload them, and then self critique. I never knew I had a lower shoulder and hip until I started doing this. Stick with it, woman. You will do fine. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-58598951603195113922014-06-03T12:27:51.429-04:002014-06-03T12:27:51.429-04:00Alvanon is the custom dress form company that talk...Alvanon is the custom dress form company that talks about accommodating the actual body and providing options for a good fit. I can't imagine their CEO is advocating this change in direction, probably making an observation. I could be wrong though.<br /><br />Anyway, you are absolutely right - knowing how to sew makes shopping easier - I basically don't because I am hyperaware of construction, fabric, etc. I went to buy a bridesmaid dress - to date it's my most expensive one - and the ladies tried to get me to size up just in case. I felt confident choosing the size that fit my measurements with the right amount of ease and when I picked it up, I was happy. Except I know I could have made it myself :)<br /><br />And the bra sizing??? Don't get me started. Alpha sizing is a horrible ideaUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05255622992604495493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-27208004349957711952014-06-03T12:27:28.653-04:002014-06-03T12:27:28.653-04:00Amen, sister! I almost got on that track but decid...Amen, sister! I almost got on that track but decided to save it for another day. I am glad you brought it up, Ann. I am so tired of seeing bloggers with large followings have no sense of responsibility to their readers. They publish their garments with nary a mention of nippleitis or gaping armholes. Just, "Look at how wonderful I am," when really they are leading their flock into the belief that poor fit is OK fit. On some blogs the authors really don't know better and the tip off is often the ill fitting garments on their toddlers. Other times it is experienced bloggers/sewists who really really should no better. They need to learn it's OK to say they had a hard time with the fit. It's OK to ask if any followers would know of a solution. It's alright to tell it like it is and not be seen as inadequate. It sure as heck would make me respect their abilities a lot more. This is another post coming on! You are all going to wish my camera were working again!Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-80764446989689447762014-06-03T12:21:56.059-04:002014-06-03T12:21:56.059-04:00To quote my Mom, "you have earned your crown ...To quote my Mom, "you have earned your crown in heaven." What an undertaking!Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-46558490315689134162014-06-03T11:36:06.294-04:002014-06-03T11:36:06.294-04:00Jeez, just when we thought it couldn't get any...Jeez, just when we thought it couldn't get any worse...<br /><br />I think the most helpful thing experienced sewists can do is talk about this issue, openly and calmly, with helpful examples. Claire Kennedy is good at this, IMHO.Jean Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17377919316524941535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-8545513712253545372014-06-03T11:23:46.662-04:002014-06-03T11:23:46.662-04:00Sorry for typos..on my phone :)Sorry for typos..on my phone :)Anna Dorothyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15652637024992240538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-83861842383841835042014-06-03T11:22:34.937-04:002014-06-03T11:22:34.937-04:00As a new sewer..i totally agree with everything yo...As a new sewer..i totally agree with everything you and commenters said. It seems hard for me to get the information that i need for fit. I don't know where a dart is supposed to end! I've only sewed 4 garments..but i already have a hard time buying RTW because of fit or quality fabric. But i am not good enough yet to deck myself out in hande made well fitted garments. At least with each one i have made i learn something about the fit i want to achieve the next time. Keep passing on yor knowledge to my generation!Anna Dorothyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15652637024992240538noreply@blogger.com