tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411781376891158701.post3699023134878683076..comments2024-02-24T21:32:24.044-06:00Comments on Sincerely Yours, Kate: A dress form that looks like me.... uh-oh, does THAT really look like me?!?!?!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513379876617697615noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411781376891158701.post-67917046861833396262008-07-11T16:48:00.000-05:002008-07-11T16:48:00.000-05:00Laura M, Nancy Zieman's suggestion is not a bad on...<B>Laura M,</B> Nancy Zieman's suggestion is not a bad one, but doesn't apply across the board. For instance, I measure <B>17 1/2 inches</B> from crease to crease in the front. My back measures <B>13 inches,</B> and my back neck length (length-to-waist) is <B>15 inches.</B> My recollection from one of the fitting books (Nancy's, I believe!) is that my measure from scye-to-scye in the front is very nearly one of the largest (standard) pattern sizes offered; my back measurement is sprawling somewhere around a size 6 or 8 <B>pattern.</B> Am I a freak of nature? Well, without necessarily committing to that, it is one of the reasons that factors such as <B>posture,</B> so often overlooked in "how to make things fit" sections, can be absolutely vital. My dear mother always had me stand up straight- shoulders back - and this, in fact, is the result: a perfect shape. Perfect for 1903. And it results in many, many (many, many, MANY) pattern alterations for me, too. Just something to keep in mind if what seems like a perfect solution doesn't quite work the way you hope!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411781376891158701.post-79971851620467769992008-07-09T11:04:00.000-05:002008-07-09T11:04:00.000-05:00Katie! I love you. You are so funny:) and beautifu...Katie! I love you. You are so funny:) and beautiful:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411781376891158701.post-1062297317194871692008-07-09T08:45:00.000-05:002008-07-09T08:45:00.000-05:00How is this not the banner photo for your blog? It...How is this not the banner photo for your blog? It should be, it's awesome.Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00538295131865197864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411781376891158701.post-64366277282357674872008-07-09T07:31:00.000-05:002008-07-09T07:31:00.000-05:00WOW! Kate - you are an awesome writer! This piece...WOW! Kate - you are an awesome writer! This piece is worthy of items I've seen in sewing magazines! I've been thinking of making my own dress form, but the twinkle in my husband's eye when I mention wrapping me in tape has been a bit forboding... I tease that he might not let me out!<BR/><BR/>I am so glad to find you, your blogs are inspiring and your friends comments are noteworthy. I think the best seamstresses learn by trial and error and from their friends. Because every body is different, there is no one way to fit everyone. You are on the right track. I would recommend a collection of books, because sometimes you need more than one idea of how to solve a problem. The older the books, the better - my experience is they have more detail.<BR/><BR/>There is also a theory on sizing by Nancy Zieman. She says to base your bodice size on your front width, the distance across your chest between your shoulder sockets. If you measure 14", then you would purchase a size 14. The sizes go up and down by 1/2" increments. The theory is that a large bust might be out of proportion to neck and shoulders. Refer to her book, "The Busy Woman's Fitting Book".<BR/><BR/>For example, I fitted a bodice for a lady whose bust measurement said she needed a size 22-24, but front width was 15" or a size 18. By using the multi-sized pattern, I cut the neck and shoulders on a size 18 and the bust on a 22 plus. The result was an off the shoulder collar that didn't droop or sag, and a well-fitted mock-wrap bodice that didn't bunch or pull. <BR/><BR/>I realize this doesn't apply to your current project, but it might be helpful in the future. I do agree that multi-piece cups for your sundress might work better than one single piece. <BR/><BR/>I can't wait to read how it all turns out!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com