Replies

1. 
   Becky-book | Aug 01, 2007 03:56pm | #1

   Fit for Real People by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto gets my vote!

   Look for a spiral bound version, it stays open easily.

   Becky

2. 
   suesew | Aug 05, 2007 06:07am | #2

   Here's a way to start thinking about darts. Take a circle of fabric or even a piece of paper and pinch a dart into it - it will make a cone shape. A little pinch makes a flatter cone and bigger pinch makes a taller cone. Now here's the important part - it doesn't matter where you take that pinch, it can come from the bottom or top or left or right or somewhere in between. It is the same with darts . They do not have to come from the armhole or waistline or the side seam. If you flatten it out in one place you have to take it up in another. If you want to move a dart from the side seam to the waistline, tape the dart shut and than slit the pattern where you want the dart until the pattern lies flat. The new dart will open to the proper size.

3. 
   DonMcCunn | Aug 06, 2007 01:27am | #3

   Hi,

   I describe the concepts of darts on page 10 of my book "How to Make Sewing Patterns." I show how to change the bust dart to a number of different styles on pages 82 to 90. I show not only how to change the position but also how to change a dart into gathers or pleats.

   And you don't even have to buy my book <smile>! Many libraries have it and if your local library doesn't have it, you can request it through Interlibrary Loan. It's been around for 30 years now so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a copy. It's also available on Amazon.

   Best,
   Don McCunn
   http://How-to-Make-Sewing-Patterns.com/