Racy Got Back! (rant)

Angie H.

I am so annoyed right now .... After confirming that I am "mostly" a racy rectangle I have been diligently working out what I want to sew for my new improved wardrobe. Lots of time spent researching, purchasing patterns, and even sewing up some test garments ..... Although my shoulders and hips look balanced. I am actually about two sizes smaller on the top. I have a bony chest and smallish rib cage sitting on top of a generous set of thighs and bottom. Oh well ... back to the sewing machine. This sack I just made is definitely not working. LOL

11 years ago

Body Type

6 replies

Latest reply was from Kristin L

Adelfa

Veteran

These things are difficult.... I just plugged my measurements into one of those online body type calculators and it said that I didn't match any of its 8 types!

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Adelfa, tha is hilarious. I have had the same experience.

Raesmom, that's frustrating for you. But even if you are in fact, two sizes bigger on the bottom, the visual appearance could still be of a racy rectangle.So the guidelines about what styles would look good might still apply. As a sewist, you have an advantage because you can cut patterns to fit your actual body -- unlike those who have to take whatever is available from the rack.

11 years ago

Kari

Veteran

I very much sympathize. It's hard when patterns fit generic bodies and proportions, and yet our own bodies differ so greatly! Suz' advice is wise, and I also have to add that I'm in awe that you are capable of sewing your new wardrobe. I wish I had such high skill!

11 years ago

Angie H.

(website)

Active Member

Thanks for reminding me that the visual carries more weight than the numbers. I must admit that sewing for myself was much easier when I started (middle/high school) - There was actually a time when I could sew a straight 8 ..... Now it's really a challenge because my body is not the same and the styles are not the same. 80's styles were a bit more forgiving. In the RTW world I am a 6/8 but in the sewing world I am hovering between a 12-14.

11 years ago

Joan Joplin

Active Member

Hmm, maybe also instead of only following the guidelines, you could use visuals as a guide for how to flatter your body. Say, look in the mirror, think about what you want to highlight, and go with that. Body type stuff can be helpful, but since no one exactly fits one body type, there's a point where you just gotta customize it all for the body you see in the mirror.
Also, I'm with Kari on this one - sewing your wardrobe is super impressive!

11 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

That's one of the problems I've run into with sewing! I'm the same size as you in RTW, but I feel lost when trying to figure out my pattern size. Good luck with your projects!

11 years ago

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