tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post8597794646607810555..comments2024-03-27T20:05:01.726-04:00Comments on Rebecca Grace Quilting: S-L-O-W-L-Y Starting the Skirt Project, Research and Discovery PhaseRebecca Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14801489818836195754noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-30146273410300910962015-07-04T15:18:05.951-04:002015-07-04T15:18:05.951-04:00Hi, Claudia! If you ever have the opportunity, yo...Hi, Claudia! If you ever have the opportunity, you should take a fit class with Lorraine Henry. The best one for you would probably be the one she calls "Fitting the Four B'S: Bust, Back, Belly & Bottom. She would tell you to pick your pattern size based on your high bust measurement so that you get the fit right in through the shoulder area, where it's very difficult to alter, and then have you do your length adjustment and either a Full Bust Adjustment or else a Prominent Bust Adjustment (not the same thing, as I learned). I'm not quite an Amazon, but at 5'8" I still have to make bust and length adjustments (in the opposite direction from you) to get a good fit. But I have decided that it's worth it to me to learn how to do it because while there are great ready-to-wear options and alterations for petite women, there is nothing I can do about ready-to-wear blouses that pull open at the buttons, sleeves are all too short, and tops won't stay tucked in because there isn't enough length in the front. Thanks for your words of encouragement!Rebecca Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14801489818836195754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-41767404707426907182015-07-03T14:13:58.580-04:002015-07-03T14:13:58.580-04:00Rebecca - I applaud your skirt making process. I w...Rebecca - I applaud your skirt making process. I would approach it the same way probably if I were so inclined. <br /><br />Isn't pattern sizing annoying? That is one of my pet peeves about sewing garments and the main reason why I don't sew for myself anymore, I just quilt. Partly because I am plus-sized and the major pattern companies don't seem to understand that plus-sized women do not necessarily have huge shoulders or freakishly long torsos, they just grade every part of the pattern larger so to fit my bust size a shirt is hanging off my shoulders with a huge wide gaping neck opening. <br /><br />There are ways around that if you don't mind buying a smaller size and then making LOTS of alterations but I just can't think why the pattern companies can't make a pattern for shorter plus-sized women as opposed to or in addition to their Amazon-sized women's patterns! I will love to see your progess and the finished project. Claudia W Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16701435281722647441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-38714422392757168022015-06-29T21:50:38.315-04:002015-06-29T21:50:38.315-04:00Holy smokes, quilting is WAY easier!! The skirt lo...Holy smokes, quilting is WAY easier!! The skirt looks like it' gonna be really cute. You are a brave soul reaching out into the garment sewing. I don't think I could do it. But I will be watching to see how this turns out. And I really get the whole, research, read everything, know everything before you start and it is only THEN you can start.Sue Dauriohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13733757459352965059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-60727750851535766122015-06-28T10:58:56.195-04:002015-06-28T10:58:56.195-04:00This is a post I could have written if I had a blo...This is a post I could have written if I had a blog as it sounds like what I've been going through. I am starting with easy projects like a circle skirt, shorts, and t-shirt. I don't know how many youTube videos and Craftsy classes I have watched and sew-alongs I have read through to make sure I understand what I'm doing ... which often leads to more confusion. What would take others 30 minutes to make is taking me hours. :-) As long as I'm having fun, I don't mind. I look forward to following your progress!Diane Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03750341365016559961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-79727801641463988902015-06-27T11:23:30.696-04:002015-06-27T11:23:30.696-04:00Thanks, Janet! I don't remember seeing Shape ...Thanks, Janet! I don't remember seeing Shape Flex 101 at JoAnn's -- but then again, the interfacing rack was a disastrous mess and I could not find a sales associate to help me. I don't like the idea of using a polyester interfacing with my 100% cotton fabrics. I'm going to check for that product online.Rebecca Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14801489818836195754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-91397486254079562632015-06-26T21:44:31.136-04:002015-06-26T21:44:31.136-04:00Have you considered using Pellon Shape Flex 101? I...Have you considered using Pellon Shape Flex 101? It's a light weight cotton woven fusible interfacing. It doesn't change the integrity of your fabric but stabilizes and adds body. Readily available at Joann's - I buy it by the bolt with a coupon. <br /><br />BTW,I love the fabric and pattern you've chosen.Janet Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03563734063055044859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-29938521130216565392015-06-26T17:33:12.245-04:002015-06-26T17:33:12.245-04:00SJSM said almost everything I would have. Joining ...SJSM said almost everything I would have. Joining ASG would be VERY useful! I am a member and I understand fit as a result. Don't worry about size numbers-the pattern size is usually 3 sizes bigger than most stores and 4 sizes bigger than Nordie's. Most of us garment sewers sew garments because ready to wear does not fit our odd bodies. I applaud your efforts. If you do the muslin thing, you will undoubtedly do some alterations so that when it comes to the real thing, it will be a snap. Have fun!Jenny K. Lyonhttp://quiltskipper.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-2168687480082127272015-06-26T14:16:55.819-04:002015-06-26T14:16:55.819-04:00Thanks so much, SJSM! I *THINK* my hip size also ...Thanks so much, SJSM! I *THINK* my hip size also falls under the size 16, but not sure I am measuring in the right spot for hips. I agree that the fit is loose enough in this pattern that I should be okay. Yes, I'm taller than 5'6" so that's another reason I wanted to do the muslin, to check the length. Which online shops do you recommend for interfacings?Rebecca Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14801489818836195754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-57796561190794777712015-06-26T09:04:11.612-04:002015-06-26T09:04:11.612-04:001. Choose your skirt size by your hip size. It is...1. Choose your skirt size by your hip size. It is easier to alter the waist than the hip area. <br />2. Do copy your pattern onto some sort of paper. I use rolls of medical paper (the stuff doctors offices put on the examining room tables) as it is the cheapest I've found that you can see through to trace. <br />3. Definitely make a muslin. If you are taller or shorter than the 5'6" female used for patterns then you may need to lengthen or shorten. To help figure this out you can measure the distance from your waistline to hip line. (If the pattern waistline is below your natural waistline, start with the distance from there. Usually a pattern will state how far the waist sits below the natural waistline). Either lengthen or shorten your pattern by the amount you need. <br />4. This appears to be a forgiving pattern as there is enough ease in the hips. Make the muslin to make sure and I'm sure you will be good to go. <br /><br />Regarding interfacing: in general better interfacing can be purchased in specialty shops or on line. Silk organza is generally found the same way. I use Thai Silks dot com for most of my silk needs. <br /><br />If you decide to get into garment sewing there are many good books on fit and techniques. if there is a fashion design department in a community college near you that is an excellent way to learn. The American Sewing Guild may be in your area. There are members at many different skill levels that belong. They are eager to pass on their knowledge AND they usually sponsor workshops that feature area and national instructors. Finally there is Craftsy dot com that will show you by video how to sew from an absolute beginner to couture sewist. I have many of their classes to reinforce all those clothing construction classes I've taken but don't use the specific skills often. Look at the ratings as well as the description to determine what is in the course. <br /><br /> If you were close by I'd help you with each step. Good luck! SJSMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16370080233134944653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-3368313323737033502015-06-26T03:18:13.100-04:002015-06-26T03:18:13.100-04:00Love the fabric you have chosen, you will have a b...Love the fabric you have chosen, you will have a beautiful skirt. Such a lot of thought you have put into your project. My Mother was a dress maker she never followed patterns but when she did use them to cut out the pieces she would fold them back to the correct size before pinning them to the yardage so the pattern could be reused at a different size. I think a dummy run with the muslin would be a good idea.Pine Valley Quiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284143590440601232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-42435753764330664062015-06-25T23:53:08.129-04:002015-06-25T23:53:08.129-04:00Sewing garments is so expensive! And time consumin...Sewing garments is so expensive! And time consuming too! I know exactly how you feel. Often, when I can't find what I want I will make it myself (such as my range of floral shirts) but its doubly expensive, time consuming and frankly tedious. <br /><br />Still, I completely understand why you are undergoing this test of practice. There's really no way around it - except actually making it. I do think Craftsy has some helpful sewing garment videos over on their site, if you're interested. I personally think watching other create garments is just as helpful (and much less expensive) than making up. But it's a good lesson. My only issue is that patterns are so inconsistent between brands. There used to be many great old fashioned home sewing books that showed every little last detail - but they went out of print and many modern books just don't allow for real beginners to get a grip of the art of home sewing. <br /><br />What an interesting project, can't wait to see how you progress..Esther Aliuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04760874340919976083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-66116917384868270392015-06-25T23:19:26.346-04:002015-06-25T23:19:26.346-04:00I think I'd be more like your mom. I am too ...I think I'd be more like your mom. I am too impatient! Good luck. Sounds like a good start.<br />Barbara Sindlingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05864004276255587051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3816121512164080677.post-52049623128694255162015-06-25T21:29:07.059-04:002015-06-25T21:29:07.059-04:00cute skirt - now is there a top pattern with no bu...cute skirt - now is there a top pattern with no buttons and no zipper - just pull over the head type - that is something simple that maybe I could make - I'm not a skirt person but that one is cute that you show.Karen - Quilts...etc.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07293429657903986492noreply@blogger.com