Replies

1. 
   lin_hendrix | May 22, 1999 12:34am | #1

   *
   Hi Mary Ann,
   It's going to be difficult to tell exactly why the arm movement is restricted; there are numerous
   reasons you're having problems. I'll list the ones I find most common in my own sewing:

   ))armscye too low-- this is the bottom half of the scoop on the dress bodice. It's a common misconception
   that making this lower adds to wearing ease. Within reason, the higher the armscye the greater the arm
   movement.

   ))armscye too long-- this is the entire length of the arm "hole" where the sleeve sets in. It has the same
   effect as above.

   ))sleeve cap too shallow-- I often have this problem on close/fitted sleeves because I have big, bony shoulders. Try this measurement to see if this is the case. Put a pencil up high in your armpit. Measure over the shoulder the distance from your shoulder bone down to even with the pencil. Add 1"-2" and compare with the sleeve cap
   height.

   On your existing dress: try adding a small shoulder pad if the problem is too deep/long armscye.
   Sleeve cap would be best adjusted by cutting a whole new sleeve with lots of seam allowance on the
   top curvy edge. Baste it in and adjust by letting out that top sleeve seam a bit at a time.

   hope this helps,
   --lin