Fit to Flatter Fit-Along!
You stylish sewers are amazing. We now have over 200 people joining in our ‘Fit to Flatter’ Fit-Along.
I am so excited. We are going to have so much fun.
As you can imagine, it’s challenging to choose one pattern that covers all our needs and suits all. But I do believe I have found one that will work.
So here it goes...Simplicity 1277
WHY THIS PATTERN?
1. The main purpose of this tutorial is to understand fitting. This pattern has all the necessary pattern pieces that need to fit properly and teach us the most. Anything too detailed or elaborate will confuse this exercise.
2. I wanted a pattern that suits all, with a sleeve.
3. The size range of this pattern is 10-28
4. I think this dress will suit all occasions
5. Easily adapted from a simple classic dress to something full of fabulosity!
6. The pattern is widely available
7. Simplicity patterns are reasonably priced.
8. Yaaaaaaaay it has pockets!
I have made a few samples of the pattern to show you how the dress looks made up. So you can be thinking of your fabric choice.
You will also need some light coloured calico or cotton to make up your toile.
So get ready to hit the selfie button! Fabulosity dresses are coming your way!
WE START THE FIT TO FLATTER FIT-ALONG
On Friday the 17th January with an introductory video from Terry demonstrating how to take your own measurements.
You will need the following to start:
• Simplicity Pattern 1277
• calico to make toile
• measurement chart - The measurement chart can be printed off using this link https://www.terryfox.co.uk/measurement-chart
Stage 2: You will need your fashion fabric by January 24th
Fabric choice recommendations on the pattern are Brocade, Crepe, Leather-Like, Lightweight Denim, Linen Types, Pique, Poplin, Sateen, Satin!
I have also used Scuba. Although it has stretch, it is firm. Take a look in your stash. Most fabrics will work as long as it’s not too thin, too thick, too stretchy or drapey!!
You will also need a small amount of interfacing for the facings only! - No More than 20cms
We are going to need some fusible interfacing. Not a lot. Just for the front and neck facings. Really no more than 20 cms in depth.
I suggested ’Fine Sheer Fusible’. This is an absolute fabulous interfacing. I really recommend it for most things. It is used by most top end designers in the industry. Especially high level manufacturing. I buy mine from https://englishcouture.co.uk/…/fine-sheer-fusible-ecc21-fu…/
For those who may be too far away or already have a great big stash. Let me explain it. Then you know what you are looking for.😊
It’s quite sheer and light. But actually when fused it’s firm and not too fine as it’s name suggests. There are a range of beautiful even finer, delicate interfacings for sheers and silks. So it’s not the finest.
It is woven but it’s big secret is it has a stretch. So when fused it moves beautifully with the fabric. Very natural looking. Not stiff.
06/02/2020
In the first video below, I start by demonstrating taking measurements. The Where, How and Why. Then you can add to your measurement chart found HERE before starting your toile.
Please take your Bust, Waist and Hip ( 9” below your waist) measurements. What size pattern do you think you are?
Check the measurements on the pattern in those same places. Now, what size pattern do you think you are?
I want you thinking about this. Don’t panic. Don’t cut anything out. Just look and try and imagine what would you do next regarding the size.
Now you have checked your measurements, how do you feel about the size you have chosen?
Here’s an extra check, measure across your shoulders and mid-back. Can you see the connection with the pattern size you have chosen?
Now for the first video!
So here’s what I am working on now. I decided to make two calicos. One I am wearing and the other to show you how I tweaked it to fit me. It is a basic size 10. As discussed, I am going to pin it around my uniquenesses 😂😂. Small shoulders, hollow neckline etc.The other one I will put on the mannequin to demonstrate how I would fit a client that has other alterations that I don’t have, such as a large bust or tummy adjustment. Then I can chop into it so you can see 👀
I have taken a couple of quick pics to show some of the details and then the next video!
Can you see the horizontal lines drawn on for bust waist and hips? If you haven’t got these, it’s not the end of the world. It’s just a visual aid.
Note. Your calico must be larger than you in the bust, waist and hips by at least 2” or it’s not going to fit.
Tip. If you work with a mannequin of any type, put a bra on it!!
Then adjust the size to take the bra into consideration. Keep the bra on the mannequin...always. It will give your mannequin definition and your garments a better shape
Right, I am off back to the machine. Enjoy the video!
HAPPY FIT TO FLATTER Video 3! 💕
😬🤩
Ok, so what I am discussing:
*Understanding the various amounts of ease for different sizes.
*Moving bust darts down.
*Neck darts briefly touching on dart manipulation.
*adjusting the bodice top, neck and shoulders without interfering with the armhole.
*why dresses move up when you lift your arms up!
Hope you enjoy gorgeousnesses, and your dress is coming along with endless amounts of fabulosity.