https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:11:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40559 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 09:36:10 +0000 Anonymous 40559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christine, do you use a dress form to make your clothing on? I have been thinking about trying to get back into some clothing sewing. It's been many years since I've done that. I would think having a dress form to pin and fit to would be the ticket.<br /> What is the website for free patterns? Do you mind sharing?<br /> Also have you heard of the software that helps you to make clothing patterns to fit your body, such as Wild Ginger. I have info on it but haven't purchased it. I have plenty of software as it is that I am trying to learn. I think if you google Wild Ginger you can learn more about them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40533 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:40:30 +0000 yublocka 40533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes sense about sewing not being a cheaper option anymore. I hadn't really thought about it, but you're quite right, kids clothes is still pretty cheap. Somehow clothes seem to be thought of as disposable items much more than they used to be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40489 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:37:05 +0000 ChristineB 40489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the compliments, guys. I'm far from a master sewer, but I keep practicing, and having well fitting clothes is very motivating. I've really been interested in getting patterns to fit just lately. I mostly sew simple items like skirts, some tops, some dresses, and I want to start trying pants. </p> <p>I don't sew too much for my boys, but if I had girls I'd probably make most of their dresses. My mom did when I was growing up. I don't know how to sew strechy fabric, like jersey, and I'd like to learn. Maybe then I'll make more simple clothes for my boys like t-shirts &#38; sweats (which my oldest would live in).</p> <p>Anne - you're right that sewing isn't the big money saver it used to be. Patterns can run $15-$20 each (although I found a great site that has lots of free patterns, which I've been using alot lately), and nice fabric is expensive as well. Also, all the details that set some clothing items apart are very difficult to do for the average sewer (including me). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40486 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:29:31 +0000 shiny 40486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, yes I do remember that previous discussion - just wasn't sure if it was with you or someone else! Glad to hear you're taking swimming back up again!</p> <p>My DD also has very mild scoliosis... nothing that needs correcting either. Interesting! Anyway, she just made regionals and the coach says she's the most promising Freshman on the swim team, so there's something to be said about your build and hers! </p> <p>Keep me posted on the swimming.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40470 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:26:07 +0000 anne 40470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I meant to also say, I keep mucking things up on Mum's sewing machine too! Jammed in the bobbin case, got thread stuck etc. Haven't broken it but I have thought I got close! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40469 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:24:03 +0000 anne 40469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christine - wow your sewing skills impress me! I used to sew more when I lived at home but never really got beyond checking each stage with my Mum</p> <p>Tam my Mum made most of our clothes when we were little. I can only think of about 3 bought dresses I hadup to the age of 10. We were often given fabric as a present.<br /> I think it is just not as economically viable these days as clothing prices have not gone up much in the last 15 or so years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40438 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 01:40:22 +0000 anne 40438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I didn't swim at a high level. but between the ages of 14 and 21 I swam about 2-3 hrs a week throughout the year and it was my main sport at that time.</p> <p>I do have a mild level of scoliosis as well. Not picked up in the normal checks when I was 12 and not really a problem - just have to keep my back strong.</p> <p>Do you remember discussing swimming another time ? You encouraged me to take it up again and just last week I started training for a local swimming event that (over 3 km)! My brother said he'd by me a special swimming suit if I went in for it and I am the sort of person who is motivated by events ( I did a 5km fun run recently, though was underprepared) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40434 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 01:29:16 +0000 yublocka 40434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ChristineB you sound like a master sewer - I am envious of your talents!! I recently asked my Mum if I could borrow her machine and try to learn to sew but she was very dubious about whether that would work. I think she remembers some of my disastrous home economics attempts at sewing in year 8!! I think she is scared I will wreck her machine.</p> <p>Do you think its interesting how few people do sew these days? My Mum used to make most of our clothes when we were little (ahhh the days of my brothers and I wearing matching shorts made out of curtains!!) but I don't hear of anyone lately sewing clothes for their kids, do you??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40415 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:13:32 +0000 shiny 40415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Having a bit of curve to your back is actually preferable. I learned that in physical therapy! This was a few years ago with my last bout of back trouble: the PT was astonished to discover I had NO curve at all. Ever since, I do exercises designed to restore a curve. </p> <p>Anne, are/were you a swimmer by any chance? You seem built similar to my DD14, who's a swimmer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40411 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:32:41 +0000 ChristineB 40411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It doesn't necessarily mean you have a sway back in the medical sense, but it does mean that there is that lower back curve (probably because of your bottom and not because of poor posture). I like to think I have fairly good posture, but I do have a curvy backside, so I'm blaming the bunching on my backside!</p> <p>On my own I can't do all the alterations &#38; adjustments that I'd like to. maybe I need to teach dh how to pin. Or, wait until next summer when my mom is moving 5 hours closer &#38; go sew at her house a few weekends a month. Actually, once you make the adjustment once and mark it on the pattern, you don't have to worry about it next time. I recenly altered a pattern for a button up, collared, tailored blouse that I plan to make over &#38; over in different fabrics, sleeve lengths, hem shapes &#38; possibly different collars as well.</p> <p>Next up - a well fitting pants pattern. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40270 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:25:30 +0000 anne 40270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes Christine, My sister in law, who makes wedding dresses as a job, has used the word swayback. Does it mean you actually have a swayback?</p> <p>We are going a bit slowly with the alterations. I don't know how I'd manage by myself like you do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40200 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:46:19 +0000 ChristineB 40200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a sewer as well, and this is a fairly common pattern alteration that sewers call the swayback alteration. I have to do this somewhat because of my small waist &#38; rounded bottom. I'm not longwaisted, and my bottom isn't terribly low slung, but i definitely have a concave lower back.</p> <p>You are very lucky to have someone to help you with your alterations! When I alter my clothes I have to try &#38; pin on myself. It's rather difficult at times, but so far it's worked out.</p> <p>Enjoy your visit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40118 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:15:08 +0000 Angie 40118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like a good idea to me. Happy sewing session </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/altering-the-back#post-40102 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:34:10 +0000 anne 40102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone,<br /> I am at my Mum's place in the middle of a big alteration session (she pins, I sew) I have about 6 items waiting! Once this is done I should have lots to wear.</p> <p>Anyway I was just wondering if anyone shares my need to take in clothes at the back.<br /> This dress<br /> <a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm234/anneinoz/sd3014.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....sd3014.jpg</a><br /> (and with belt, which I don't think people liked much)<br /> <a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm234/anneinoz/9dec08113.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....c08113.jpg</a></p> <p>was a size bigger than I often wear (smaller size not available) but looks okay from the front<br /> The back though, is really loose - hangs straight down from my shoulders. So I hope to take the back seams in.<br /> I have had this problem before, think it is because I am longwaisted with a low slung bottom. Anyone else the same? </p>