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Need help learning to alter patterns …

Trudy_Spears | Posted in Patterns on

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I’m ready to sew more than just a top here and a skirt there. I want a whole wardrobe full of jackets, slacks, and tops.

Replies

  1. Trudy_Spears | | #1

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    I would enjoy hearing from all sewers! I also would like information on Sandra Betzina's Web sight.

    1. Jill_Ralston | | #2

      *Dear Trudy, I've been a designer for 15 years--mostly, costuming for television and custom clothes. I think nothing works so well for altering patterns as a dress form! I love fabric as much as I hate getting stuck on numbers and flat patterns, even now, but... give me a dress form and I'm on a roll to create! Just PLAY! Jill

      1. Tere_D'Amato | | #3

        *You might want to try Unique Patterns. Based on about 40 measurements from neck to toe, their computerized services prints patterns customized for you. They have about 200 different patterns to choose from. See them in Clotilde's catalog or in the back of Threads. Several of my sewing friends have tried Unique Patterns and were pleased with the results.

        1. Leigh_Jones | | #4

          *Nancy Zieman has a couple of very good books on altering patterns you should try.1. 'The Busy Woman's Fitting Book'2. 'Slack's Fitting Book' (includes pattern)

          1. lin_hendrix | | #5

            *Hi Trudy, If you're really serious about sewing your own wardrobe I would recommend learning pattern drafting. There are some very good books out there (My favorites are two by Ernestine Kopp, a basic one and a more advanced one, "Designing Apparel thru the Flat Pattern") or take a pattern class or draping class through your local junior college. This doesn't mean that you'll be relegated to tedious pattern drafting every time you want to sew; it does mean that your alterations of commercial patterns will be skillful with minimum errors. With a few custom slopers you'll be able to tackle almost any fitting task and you'll be able to sew fearlessly for other people.--lin

          2. Enid_Shapiro | | #6

            *Nancy Zieman's Fitting Finesse is a miracle. If followed exactly, which is easy, you'll get perfect fit.

          3. brees | | #7

            *I am also interested in making clothes that fit. Wondering if anyone knows of a good fitting pattern. The McCalls pattern has inadequate instructions and too few pieces. I've used books and many back issues of Threads to try to figure it out, but I'm stumped.The Ernestine Kopp books are costly and I'm skeptical of purchasing them sight unseen. However, lesser books seem to be directed at minor pattern alterations. Looking for other options...

          4. Betty_Kershner | | #8

            *To get to Sandra's web page, go to hgtv.com. Go to the schedual and tues and thurs 9:30 am is her program listingclick on and it will take you to her site. There is a lot of information there. Good Luck.

          5. Lorna_Newman | | #9

            *Try Pati Palmer's Fit for Real People book and/or video. Her pattern line is available from McCall's and has all of the adjustment lines on the patterns and all of the instructions written by her. I recently went to a sewing show where she did 3 half day seminars on tissue fitting and then bodice and pants. I then went home and made the first pair of pants that ever fit properly! Her books and videos are available from http://www.palmerpletsch.com. Good luck!

          6. Deborah_Ismail | | #10

            *I just signed up for a tailoring class and the teacher told me to buy a Simplicity pattern for basic fitting. It is # 8974. She told me to measure my bust to decide what size I really needed. I found out I was buying the wrong size pattern all these years. I needed a larger size. We will take that pattern and make a flounce specified to my measurements and then I can make just about anything from that one pattern. I'm really looking forward to learning more about tailoring and will keep in touch. Good Luck! Deborah

          7. Anne_Jolly | | #11

            *Neue Mode Pattern:I would like to buy Neue Mode pattern J 20 953, no longer in the catalogue. Neue Mode patterns are no longer available in Australia anyway. Can anyone help me please?

          8. Elona_Masson | | #12

            *Anne, you might try http://www.thesewingplace.com, which sometimes has older, out-of-print Neue Mode patterns in their stock. I believe that if you look at http://www.sullivans.net, clicking on "Neue Mode," they also give you one other American source for Neue Mode patterns.

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