Replies

1. 
   starzoe | Feb 05, 2009 01:38am | #1

   Pant fitting is one of the most complicated chores in sewing. I say chores because it takes many fittings (preferably done by another person).

   A twenty-pound difference is a huge amount (and by the way, congratulations) and most likely nothing about your previous pants can be altered to make a good fit. However, it is possible to take in some seams. More information, however, is needed.

1. 
   Carmelita | Feb 05, 2009 03:44am | #2

   Hi, thank you for your response.  I think I will just go ahead and buy a new pattern and do a new fitting.  Your response made me think that would be the better way to go than to try to adjust the old pattern.  Thanks again!!

2. 
   alotofstitches | Feb 05, 2009 06:53pm | #3

   Actually I had a 20 lb. loss a year or so ago and was able to simply take up the side seams thru the waist, hip and upper thigh area, then taper on down to the hem.  There's very little change in pant leg width at the hem when changing 2-3 sizes.  I had lost 3 inches in the hips.  The problem is ripping out the stiches after alterations--I HATE IT!

1. 
   Carmelita | Feb 05, 2009 08:54pm | #4

   Hi, thank you for your response.  Did your pants have slant side pockets?  All of my pants have slant pockets, or pockets in the seam.  I tried taking in the side seams, but something don't look right around the knees. 

   Taking out the old seams were definitely a pain.  I'm very happy about the weight loss, but I don't know which is worse, taking in the pants, or starting from scratch.  Anyway, no matter what, I have to get cracking because I'm holding up my pants with belts. <smile>

    

   Carm

1. 
   alotofstitches | Feb 06, 2009 05:52pm | #5

   Thankfully, no my pants did not have pockets!  Several years ago, I switched to a pant/skirt with no waistband and I preferred a "no side pocket" look because it looked slimmer over the hips.  I thought I'd never get used to not having pockets but I finally did--the no waistband look was SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE AND BETTER LOOKING on my body shape!  I got more comments about weight loss with no loss at all because of the look.  I carry weight in a tummy and in love handles and the waistbands made the bulge above the band look bigger and the tummy to protrude more below the band.  The no waistband pant/skirt looks so much better!  Of course, now I have taken off a little over 20 lbs. and I look better but I still have a smaller tummy and smaller love handles--it's just my shape.

1. 
   Carmelita | Feb 07, 2009 08:02pm | #8

   Thank you for responding back.  Everone has been so helpful, I am so appreciative.

   My shape is a little different because I don't have a tummy.  I did have love handles; which are gone now. =)  I had to make my pants without the front pleats/darts.  I made my pants with slant pockets, but no darts or pleats, just a straight flat front.  I guess the crunches I did over the years (right after a baby) worked for something.

   Evening pants I made the same way, but then without the pockets.  Nice chatting with you.

    

   Carm

3. 
   AAC | Feb 06, 2009 07:05pm | #6

   Hi, Carmelita and congratulations on that endeavor. YOU MADE IT!! and your heart will love for it.

   Just a little "heads up" to you. If you have a Hobby Lobby store within a few miles from where you live, this week, ending Saturday, all McCall patterns are on sale for $1.99. You can upgrade to you new size without spending a lot of money. Put Hobby Lobby in your browser, then they will ask you to enter your zip code, that way you'll know where the nearby store are. It's a good thing.

   Hope you find one.

   Alice

1. 
   Carmelita | Feb 07, 2009 07:53pm | #7

   Hi, I don't have a Hobby Lobby near by, but I can get McCall's patterns from the JoAnn.  Thanks for the heads up. 

    

   Carm