Unusual pattern search – need help
Catherine_Guarducci | Posted in The Archives on
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My daughter rows in crew/sculling competition for her school. I am trying to locate a source for a pattern for the unisuits which is what they wear. It is basically a loose fitting bathing suit which extends to a mid thigh shorts and is also similar to what you see high school wrestlers wear. She has “volunteered” me to make new unisuits for her team for next year and I hope to do it. So, does anyone know of a place to obtain such a thing? Also, any ideas for good sources for lycras?
You may e-mail me privately as well.
Many thanks.
Catherine
Replies
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This company sells outdoor fabrics by mailorder. They also have a selection of patterns, one which may be what you want. You may also try emailing them, since they are located in an area with lots of rowing (kayaks AND shells): http://www.seattlefabrics.com
*Try http://www.spandexhouse.com for fabrics. As for patterns, Kwik Sew http://www.kwiksew.com) or Stretch and Sew http://www.Strech-and-sew.com) might work. S&S is great for fitting tips. I have a swimsuit pattern from 17 years ago and I can still alter the pattern to fit the "bod
*Hi-I've been searching for a place where I can buy a complete set of standard sized children's wear slopers (aka blocks) for pattern making. So far, I have only found sites that offer custom made blocks. Does anyone have an idea where I can get the complete size range?You can email me directly if you wish. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!Emily
*Your unisuit sounds like a very easy style to make your own pattern from. Borrow one from a schoolmate and trace it. you could probably find an article searching the online archives here for pattern copying. Where there's elastic, just stretch it to the max and pin in place to a piece of cardboard, foamcore, or plywood (use pushpins/ tacks) to find the original shape of the fabric. I've copied a few favorite garments and it's worth the time saved and money spent trying out patterns that i don't already know will fit right
*Kwik Sew Pattern #2109 is probably what you want. It has sizes XS to L. It is cut all in one piece, but you could cut it up for colour blocking or stripes, or whatever you need. Kwik Sew's Swimwear book shows you how to do this. Use swimwear fabric with two-way stretch, and sew seams with a serger if you can. Also make sure you get the right kind of elastic. Ask for swimwear elastic or elastic that you can sew through. Use a needle(s) designed for stretch fabric. When trying to get a good fit in this type of garment, you may need to make adjustments for length. Check the length above the waist and below the waist (crotch depth). The worst thing is a garment that is too long! Good luck!
*Water Fountain Software, publishers of Personal Patterns patternmaking software, has a software package called "Child's Play". I use this software and think it is great. I paid $125 for it. It contains files for standard sizes for girls and boys. It contains a sloper for fitting and enough basic styles so, with a bit of patternmaking knowledge, anybody can make almost anything for kids. It may meet your needs. http://www.wfsw.com (I think).
*I have used Butterick 6541 for many of my workout unitards. If that is still in print, I found it to be an excellent one.
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