https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 12:36:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-267709 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:17:25 +0000 Queen Mum 267709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>that sounds fascinating Theresa. I'm tempted to check that out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-267688 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:03:32 +0000 Dusty 267688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job. I can't wait to see your new stuff! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-267676 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:57:35 +0000 Theresa 267676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks again ladies!</p> <p>My fit garment from yesterday was so close to spot on that the support person suggested I make something "real"!! (She also warned not to use best fabric because we are still fine tuning everything!).</p> <p>So I'll post a pic of that soon.</p> <p>But, I'm very excited to be so close to being in a position to make clothes that fit me!! I'm dancing just at the thought of it LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-267253 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:53:02 +0000 yublocka 267253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow I am super impressed Theresa. Never in a million years could I sew a skirt like that. Keep em coming!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-267180 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:11:38 +0000 puffenstuff 267180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow that skirt fits you great T! I havent touched my sewing machine in a while but I desperately need to get some alterations done - thanks for the inspiration </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-267030 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 03:05:44 +0000 Angie 267030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You clever lass. You are fab in so many ways! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266944 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:15:45 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 266944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the great fitting skirt and sloper - the sloper has a bit of excess fabric below the front hip darts which you could take out in the side seams, but it doesn't show in the heavier skirt fabric at all - you don't want to overfit that area, after all you need to be able to sit!</p> <p>I've not yet gotten to the point where I sew most of my clothes but I know people who do, some including underwear and bras. It can be a real challenge but lots of fun, and definitely easier in some ways than trying to find purchased clothes that fit. In the next year I'd like to sew more, and specifically sew more that I end up wearing - I end up making a lot of 'experiments' and 'almost' kinda garments. </p> <p>I've not used pattern drafting software but again know some folks who've had great success with it. I personally have found that the Big 4 pattern co's (Simplicity, Vogue/Butterick/McCalls) do not fit me without much alteration. I've had better luck with Burda and a Dutch pattern magazine, Knipmode. Others really like other independent pattern design lines - there's a style and a figure type variation for everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266879 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 23:36:14 +0000 Theresa 266879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Ladies!</p> <p>Kym I was on a bit of an excitement induced high last night and didn't explain very well did I LOL! </p> <p>Basically what happens is that on the program on my laptop, I can choose necklines, sleeves, collars, skirt styles, lengths etc etc etc - pretty much every single detail of the garment I'm wanting to make. Then, because I've already got my precise measurements and defaults in the system, I hit print and I print out the design I've created, and the program has made it fit me. (It prints on regular paper with matching up points, so you just match the points, tape it together and cut it out like a regular pattern).</p> <p>Does that make more sense?</p> <p>The fitting garment is to fine tune all your measurements - and not just simple things like bust &amp; waist etc - stuff like how far apart your bust "points" are, how low/high they are, how long your rise is, where the hip (or fullest part) actually lies. (Lyn the fitting garment I showed here was so disastrous because I had transferred the measurements from my old computer to my new one and mixed a couple of them up - so it was crazy bad - hence the cranky look on my face LOL!)</p> <p>For example, my bust is higher than the defaults, the points are closer together, my rise is much longer, my hip is lower, I need longer darts than most from the waist down etc. </p> <p>I'm pretty sure you can download a trial of the program for free - you can't actually print any patterns but you can see the different styles you can create and have a play.</p> <p>Una - that skirt has a zip at the back, but I didn't bother lining it - I wanted to be sure the pattern fit before I got too carried away! If you've sewn in the past I'm sure the skills will come back to you if you get back into it!</p> <p>Becky - that's a good point - fabric is scarce in my town, but there are some lovely places you can get good quality fabric online. And to be honest, for me, it will work out better to order in the good fabric and make things that fit me, as opposed to be unable to fit commercial clothes and having millions of alterations done.</p> <p>Kirstie - I think I should make a trip of it and I will teach you to sew!! I've been dreaming of that vintage store at harbour town though LOL So yep, you keep me honest, and I'll plan a trip down to shop!</p> <p>Julie - it would be nice wouldn't it! I just suspect there will be a few things my skills aren't quite up to but its going to be fun!</p> <p>Ellie - my littlest munchkin starts school in 2011, so I'm hoping I will get more time to sew then! It really is something I love to do.</p> <p>Today's plan is to stick the next version of my fitting garment pattern together and make it... but both cherubs have woken up unwell so we'll see how far I get! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266868 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 23:19:44 +0000 anne 266868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is really interesting Theresa. So what do you do to make different designs? Do you use this to modify them, or does this one come with variations?</p> <p>I would be interested to see what you are going to do about fabric too. In my lifetime I have seen such a dropping off in the quality and number of fabric shops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266846 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:48:50 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 266846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HOW exciting. Looking forward to seeing all your new things in 2011. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266781 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:15:01 +0000 Ornella 266781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the skirt and how it fits you. And I am very glad you are so enthusiastic about the skill you have - it's not just about making your clothes, but doing what you love. You definitely need to find time to make more of your own clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266776 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:03:55 +0000 RoseandJoan 266776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The skirt looks amazing and the dress form has such potential. A whole wardrobe of perfectly tailored clothes hmmm now there is a thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266773 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:57:37 +0000 Katiepea 266773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a gorgeous skirt Theresa, I love the way it smooths and flatters! Oh, how I wish I could sew like you. </p> <p>(I tell you what, you can keep your promise and I will keep you on the straight and narrow, however, I'd like you to have a one weekend exemption so that you can come shopping with me! ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266770 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:51:24 +0000 Becky 266770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you able to easily find high quality fabric for your garments? My aunt, who is an experienced (amateur) seamstress, quit sewing garments altogether because she was no longer able to find fabric of a quality to make the labor worth it (here in the US). Even the large German Mennonite population in my area (who make most of their own dresses) buy their fabric in Mexico because the fabric available here isn't up to their standards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266669 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:12:05 +0000 catgirl 266669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is amazing. The skirt! Does it have a zipper? Is it lined? I would love to do more sewing - I used to make polarfleece jackets and bathrobes and skirts and pajama pants. Now I'm not sure I even can read a pattern! i'm going to check out that program, because I'm sure I spend at least that much on getting stuff tailored and return postage. </p> <p>Congratulations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266668 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:09:54 +0000 Queen Mum 266668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>gorgeous skirt Theresa!<br /> So, once you get your fitting garment done, does the company alter all patterns for you? I'm confused... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266646 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:03:16 +0000 lyn* 266646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow ... I agree, that basic fitting garment doesn't fit you very well at all! Good luck </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266644 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:00:56 +0000 chewyspaghetti 266644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very cool! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266555 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:52:59 +0000 Laura 266555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice! You are my inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266546 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:28:15 +0000 rute 266546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats!<br /> I'm so envy!<br /> You did so well! Imagine the possibilities! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-sewing-adventures#post-266544 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:21:15 +0000 Theresa 266544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, most of you know I can sew, but the truth is its something I LOVE to do, but rarely do. Like commercial clothes, commercial sewing patterns just do not work for me, and I don't have the drafting skills to make the right alterations, or draft my own patterns. I became disheartened when I would end up with so many failures that I ended up doing very little sewing.</p> <p>But, about 6 months ago, I found out about a program that allows you to enter your own measurements and it prints out the patterns to fit you perfectly. I thought long and hard about it because it was a $200 program and I didn't want to outlay that for more failure... but after a month of reading reviews I took the plunge and bought it. (I bought the Boutique version and am VERY interested in buying the kids version...)</p> <p><a href="http://www.wildginger.com/products/patternmaster.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.wildginger.com/prod.....master.htm</a></p> <p>Now, I suspect that if you have a fairly proportioned body, it would be a relatively simple exercise to create the fitting garments and perfect them. But proportioned I am NOT!! So, after about 5 months, we (you can get email help from the program people) have *almost* got the basic dress fitting pattern sorted. (Interestingly, this process has really helped me work out exactly why commercial clothes don't fit me and where my biggest fit issues are).</p> <p>Its taken lots of adjustments and I am probably going to have a party when we do get it spot on LOL. Once we get the main fitting garment sorted, I can make pants, jackets, dresses, skirts and all manner of variations - so it wont be a matter of living in the exact same things - I can make everything a bit unique!)</p> <p>But, my last attempt had me quite happy with the lower half of the dress, so tonight I decided to make a simple straight skirt and see how it went... Well I'm VERY impressed!! For the first time, since, well, forever, I have a skirt that fits me well!! (I would hazard a guess that this is the first time in my life I have something that truly fits me!)</p> <p>So I just wanted to share with you my first skirt that fits - you can see how high my waist is in this shot LOL - pity it wasn't all legs - darned long rise LOL!! (It does need a couple of teensy tweaks, but this is fine as it is for every day wear for now).</p> <p>Now, if you've made it through all that rambling, I am now on the verge of making a pledge that in 2011, I will not purchase clothing - I will make it all (with some exceptions - underwear etc LOL) - I'm so sick of nothing ever fitting me as perfectly as I expect it to, and now that I'm so close with this program, I'm feeling brave enough to consider some bold pledge!!</p> <p>So, here's my skirt, and also a pic showing the basic dress fitting garment - this one does NOT fit me well (I have to make one more up that *should* be it!), but you'll get the idea of what I'm talking about anyway!</p> <p>(Please forgive the rambling - I'm having a celebratory wine - oh and that's possibly why the photos are a bit crooked - I couldn't stand the tripod up straight ROFL!!) </p>