Replies

1. 
   JunkQueen | May 06, 2010 02:11pm | #1

   garment sizing

   Patterns for sewing and RTW clothing are not the same.   When buying patterns, you have to go by measurements and get the one closest to what you need and make adjustments from there.  For your current dilema, if you've already cut out the smaller size, it appears to me that you need to start over by purchasing new material.  you might want to make a muslin first so you can be sure about the fit. 

   Sorry this happened to you and good luck.  you know we want to see your finished product.  it inspires me to see what other people are sewing.

1. 
   KrisA | May 06, 2010 05:53pm | #2

   Common Sense Stepped In

   Thanks for the support.

   I spoke with Simplicity and true enough Ready to  Wear is not sized the same as home patterns. Frustrating but knowing this helps a great deal.

   She also gave me some suggestions.

   As its a skirt that I'm trying to make and there are 3 panels (2 front with a front pleat, 1 back panel) I can do the following;

   - Move the waist band down until it fits correctly

   - cut a new back panel to size

   - cut the back panel in half adding a middle panel so that there are then 3 panels on the back

   I think I'm going to cut a new back panel. Thank god I bought extra fabric.

   Kris

   Oh, and I'll post the skirt photo when its complete.

1. 
   KharminJ | May 08, 2010 01:15am | #3

   Good for you, for being willing and able to fix it!

   And Great, for Simplicity's Customer Service, for being so helpful! Looking forward to seeing the results, too!

   Kharmin

2. 
   KrisA | May 11, 2010 11:47am | #4

   Finished Skirt

   Hi, I finished the skirt.

   So, what I ended up doing was:

   - adding 2 extra 3" panels (depth of the pleat) within the pleat to make sure I had enough width for the front of the skirt.

   - recutting the back panel

   I was lucky that I purchased extra fabric and was able to salvage the skirt.

   Now I need to review the last dress I was cutting to be sure I can do the same.

   
1. 
   VKStitcher | May 12, 2010 08:05pm | #5

   Finished skirt

   Cute skirt!  And kudos to you for finding a creative solution to your problem.

   Vickie

2. 
   ThreadKoe | May 15, 2010 02:48pm | #6

   Finished Skirt

   Bravo for a job well done!  You did marvellous with the "alterations" to the pattern.  When sewing, a mistake is not a mistake, but an opportunity for personalization and embellishment!  Best advice I can give you, for the future, is to have a friend take a Complete Set of Measurements with you!  Company to company, the fit and sizes are slightly different...and you may be able to pick your size needed more closely, depending on the garment and the fit you want.    Have fun, :)  Cathy

3. 
   JunkQueen | Jun 14, 2010 02:38pm | #8

   Great Job

   I've been gone from home a lot recently and just noticed your posting.  You really did a marvelous job on the skirt.  So happy the alterations and challenges worked out for you.  Thank you so much for posting the picture of your work, too.

3. 
   boghill | Jun 01, 2010 04:27pm | #7

   I know how you feel.  I wear the same RTW size i wore 35 years ago and i certainly don't weigh that much(little) anymore.  The pattern industry is still using the same sizing since at least the early seventies.  If you can get your hands on a copy of simplicity fuss-free fit published in 1978 (ISBN# 0-91-8178-11-8)  there are some great tips and a lot more measurements than on the pattern envelope.  The alteration techniques are a little more extensive than some other books.  The drawings are great too. Brings back memories of outfits long gone!

   good  luck and your skirt looks brilliant. Creative solutions rule.

4. 
   SandeeLS | Jun 23, 2010 01:12am | #9

   Newbie!

   Hello,

   I am new to this site so I am responding to see just where my message appears. I to have problems with fit. I am ill-shaped and have tried for years to get patterns that will fit. I recently purchased a pattern from the 70's and tried to grade the pattern according to instructions in a past issue of Threads. I sliced the pattern up like I was suppose to them proceeded to move the pattern pieces apart to the required amount to equal my measurements. It fit well in some areas but was way too big in others. I made a muslin so it was not a waste of anything but time. I am going to look at it all again as soon a my frustrations subs. I know there must be areas that you don't increase as much as others...like the legs...they turned out really, really big. What to do!

   I know I can only improve by the info I find here if I can navigate the site. Your comments are so helpful...please keep them coming.

   Sandee