altering the back

anne

Hi everyone,
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.

Anyway I was just wondering if anyone shares my need to take in clothes at the back.
This dress
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....sd3014.jpg
(and with belt, which I don't think people liked much)
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....c08113.jpg

was a size bigger than I often wear (smaller size not available) but looks okay from the front
The back though, is really loose - hangs straight down from my shoulders. So I hope to take the back seams in.
I have had this problem before, think it is because I am longwaisted with a low slung bottom. Anyone else the same?

17 years ago

Body Type

13 replies

Latest reply was from

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It sounds like a good idea to me. Happy sewing session

17 years ago

ChristineB

Active Member

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 & rounded bottom. I'm not longwaisted, and my bottom isn't terribly low slung, but i definitely have a concave lower back.

You are very lucky to have someone to help you with your alterations! When I alter my clothes I have to try & pin on myself. It's rather difficult at times, but so far it's worked out.

Enjoy your visit!

17 years ago

anne

Veteran

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?

We are going a bit slowly with the alterations. I don't know how I'd manage by myself like you do!

17 years ago

ChristineB

Active Member

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!

On my own I can't do all the alterations & 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 & 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 & over in different fabrics, sleeve lengths, hem shapes & possibly different collars as well.

Next up - a well fitting pants pattern.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

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.

Anne, are/were you a swimmer by any chance? You seem built similar to my DD14, who's a swimmer.

17 years ago

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

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.

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???

17 years ago

anne

Veteran

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.

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.

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)

17 years ago

anne

Veteran

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

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.
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.

17 years ago

anne

Veteran

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!

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

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!

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!

Keep me posted on the swimming....

17 years ago

ChristineB

Active Member

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.

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 & sweats (which my oldest would live in).

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).

17 years ago

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

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.

17 years ago

Anonymous

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.
What is the website for free patterns? Do you mind sharing?
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.

17 years ago

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