In Fitting Fashion

  • A Charming Sewing Video

    Here is a short educational film sponsored by the Simplicity Pattern Company.  I adore these vintage sewing films, they so clearly demonstrate the social norms of a certain time in history.  This one is from 1948 Do Home Economics classes exist any more?   I know many schools eliminated it with budget cuts.  I believe it is a huge loss.  What are your thoughts?

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  • Garment Ease

    Do you remember my Guest Post at A Good Wardrobe?  Well, it was all about "The First Fitting".  If you haven't had an opportunity to read it, swing over there for a bit and take a look because I will be doing a series of posts on the pattern corrections needed to make Vogue 8664 a better fitting garment.  Hopefully as the series progresses you will see how the fitting process works, what to look for, and how to correct the problems we see. To start off the series I want to talk about ease.  There are two types of...

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  • The EFG Bust Adjustment - Cowl Neck

    Once again, I can't leave you voluptuous gals out of the fitting tutorials!  Here is the quick post version of the EFG Bust Adjustment for The Cool Cowl Tank.  Please review The ABC Bust Adjustment - Cowl Neck post because all of the fitting issues that are presented for the small bust are exactly the opposite for a full bust. To summarize, if you need to make the EFG Bust Adjustment you will find that: The side seams will be slanting toward the front at bust level and/or The cowl neck will be pulling open and giving the appearance of...

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  • The ABC Bust Adjustment - Cowl Neck

     Today, I want to show you the ABC Bust Adjustment for The Cool Cowl Tank.  As you know, In-House Patterns are developed specifically for a D cup size.  This means if you are an A, B, or C cup size, this correction may apply to you when using this pattern.  This adjustment will also be applicable on any similar style. I will start with how to recognize when this pattern correction is needed.  Whether you know your actual cup size or not, your test muslin will show specific fitting issues when you need this pattern correction.  Please consider the photo...

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  • Sewing with Knits

    Although I have often experimented with knits, I started to avoid working with them because I could never seem to get that professional finish or prevent that "home made" look.   But lately I've been seeing so many beautiful knit fabrics in the fabric store; the colors, prints, and quality of the fabrics are stunning, and there is no way to beat the comfort or the wash and wear ease of a knit garment.  So this season, I set out to design a pattern that would work with my regular home sewing equipment and result in a professional looking finished...

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