Hopefully after yesterday’s survey you’re not sick of answering questions, but I have more for you. This set is Susan’s fault too (yes, Cindy has her Name Game, this week I’m playing the Blame Game ;o) ). Really though, after I posted about my first pattern drafting class, she went planting seeds in my head about possible directions to take things with these…
Anywho, the first question is this:
Do you consider yourself:
a) Pear shaped – ample posterior, smaller waist and bust
b) Apple shaped – ample waist line, smaller hips and bust
c) Triangle shaped – ample bust, smaller waist and hips
d) Hour glass shaped – ample bust, smaller waist, ample hips
e) None of the above – beanpoles or brick latrines? ;o)
I know I’m a triangle – on clothing patterns the largest pattern size area is my bust, followed by my waist and then my hips – yep, I have no booty to shake (apologies for that mental image…) Diana, above, is actually a teeny bit big on my hips, but very annoyingly I was right on the border between the small and large models, and in order to accommodate aforementioned big boobs, I had to get the large model.
Second question (now that I’ve delved into the most personal parts of your appearance)
When you see clothing patterns available by indie designers (and even the big companies), what sorts of things would you like to see more of when it comes to women’s clothing?
I’m leaving the answer section to this one as free text, because I’m really curious as to where you might see gaps in the market. A lot of what I see online is for little girls – I mean let’s face it, on wee girls you can get away with heaps of frills, ruffles and bows that really, as an adult, you can’t, unless you’re chanelling Lady Gaga. Whilst little girl patterns can seem more fun to sew because of that, are there things you’d like to see more of for you?
Finally, when it comes to obtaining your patterns, do you prefer:
a) Instant gratification PDFs where you have to stick 50 odd pieces of paper together
b) A longer wait for tissue patterns that are actually all in one piece, and you can see all the other sizes graded around it?
Please note that I have absolutely no ability to provide you with the above right now, I’m just thinking a few things through.
BTW, tomorrow will be Danny’s fault, as it’s her turn to be ASS Guru ;o)
i'm defo pear shaped – and i like a longer length in just about everything (I have to add at least 4cms to all patterns because i'm long waisted too) – i don't think clothes manufacturers make items long enough for us 'fully figured' women – i prefer to wait for a decent tissue patterns, rather than download – i find cutting tissue paper much easier than my printer paper (and a lot less annoying :)) classic styles with a modern twist (whether that's the fabric used or a design feature that brings the style into the 21st century) is my idea of pattern making-up heaven….oh, and being a quilter for so long, i love 1/4" seams and would prefer my paper patterns to have the same width (it's really weird doing the 5/8" thing)- ooh, sorry to rabbit on so – it's about 2am in oz and i think i'm wired….
#1: i'm very hourglass-shaped.
#2: i'm a sucker for any kind of simple, empire-waist dress that involves shirring. i just downloaded made by rae's washi dress yesterday, even though i probably can't wear it for a year with all the breastfeeding i'll be doing…
i love the instant gratification of instantly owning a pattern, and would choose an instant download but i hate taping all the pieces together… i also hate cutting of any kind, so using patterns is not my favorite.
I am definitely pear shaped 🙁 and hence like long-lined tunics to hide my ample bottom! I don't like tight cuffs or collars – prefer bell / flaring 3/4 length sleeves. I have bought a Sewaholic trouser pattern recently specifically for ladies with narrow waists and big bottoms which sounds very much like me! It is very helpful when designers point out what sort of body shape their pattern will suit.
I love the instant gratification of a pdf even with the sticking bits together. When using a paper pattern I always trace my size onto tracing paper anyway rather than cutting out the paper, so it doesn't really take any longer.
1) I'm an hourglass (d).
3). I like PDFs. Instant gratification, yes, but also I can print exactly what I need – no more, and no less. So if I get carried away with my rotary cutter and slice through one of the pieces by accident, I can always print that page again, without having to trace a tissue pattern onto another piece of paper. And if I want to make the same pattern again later, I can print a pristine copy without scribbles or tears if I want to. The only PDF patterns I've seen and used so far have had all sizes graded together, like a paper pattern.
2) I don't know! I'm new to sewing, so don't have a vast experience to draw on. I'm mostly interested in sewing things that fit me, so clothing I can easily adjust appeals strongly. I don't do frills or ruffles; I tend to prefer clean lines. I see fewer 'fitted' patterns for woven fabrics than non-fitted styles, but that might just be where I've been looking.
I am pear shaped and High waisted, so I would like patterns with a shorter waist (like in the petite section) but I am not of petite height. Dresses never fit me because the waist lands at my hip line.
I prefer tissue patterns because all the cutting and taping of patterns drives me crazy.
Hello you,
It's so nice to be back and catching up…you'll have to fill me in though, cos I've missed so many posts of everyones – are you starting to design patterns? awesome!
Anyway..I'm an hourglass I think, and I do love instant gratification of a download, because normally I have an idea and what to start on it straight away. However, I've only done this for kids stuff and I can imagine adult patterns would require quite a lot of A4 sheets!
As for what's out there..simple, quick but stylish makes are what I like – that might be the holy grail of homemade garments!
x
I am just plain fat, no use covering it up with fruity excuses.
After 8yrs in the fabric shop I also gave up on a return to dressmaking – altho I learned that some makes e.g. Simplicity, make up small.
I would in a perfect world love a good, trouser pattern.
I'm probably best described as pear shaped. I am also petite. I need patterns with petite options and like a little styling so it doesn't look to sack like. I think a lot of the indie patterns are a little too unstyled–like bags, and aren't all that attractive.
I'm an hour glass with a sadly ever expanding waistline that I really must batter into shape again through resuming my jogging routine asap.
Patterns – its PDFs for me {if I really have to have a pattern at all} I would prefer neither at all costs.
I used to be a bean pole but would now be considered more of a brick latrine. I prefer long clean lines for hopefully adding a slimmer overall look. No ruffles or flounces or anything puffed, please.
I am a beanpole … flat chested (pretty much a good thing in a bloke) and shorter than average which seems to be a battle finding short legs with narrow waiste …
I would love to make clothing … it really depresses me how dull men's clothing is …. don't get me started on shoes and haircuts and accessorizing! … I would love to see some men's styles that even came close to the variety and stylishness of women's clothes …
As for patterns …. I am yet to try out whether i can actually use patterns without being able to see what I'm doing … but I would love to make my own clothing if somebody would like to design some good patterns 🙂
I don't even have the brain power to answer questions this evening, but not pdf or tissue but I do like the proper paper ones that you trace on to tissue, there is no fear of tearing them as you unfold and they feel like they will last forever. The Sewing for Boys book has them and the Hazel Hipster pattern I recently reviewed was one of those and I like!
definitely a pear…if not an upside down triangle with a teeny wee pin head to boot…
Cant really answer your other questions cos I dont think I'll ever get round to doing clothes. If I did tho I wouldnt be getting pdf tho, all that sellotape.. no way!
Good luck xxx
My fault?!?!?! Just because I have big boobs?? 😉
Ha ha I'm an hourglass pear shape! Or is that just ample all over! It's been nearly 20 years since I last made clothes for me but it's been on my mind a lot more lately. I love a good tissue pattern I can adjust and then make a toile just to be sure. I'm looking for stylish, uncomplicated simplicity :).
Pear and although I have an O level in dressmaking I really cannot be doing with all the faf!
I've always had trouble working out what I am……think it's mostly pear with reasonable shoulders.
I like pdf patterns, apart from the sellotaping (but I've started using washi as its easier to move things around if I get them lined-up wrong). The patterns I have used have the other sizes graded on too in the same print-out. I like that I can cut out the pattern size I think I need need without having to trace it as I would with a tissue pattern – and then just print off again if I need to make adjustments.
I like simple stuff, but like to see some shaping and details. I'm enjoying sewaholic patterns and think the new blouse looks great. Lots of ways of adapting it. I also like the tutorials and tips Tasia has for many of her patterns – they help for people like me who are teaching themselves to sew clothing as they go along. Lots of examples of the pattern made-up with different types of fabric and different styles.
Hope this waffle helps! Juliex
well I guess I'm a short hourglass.
I've become disillusioned with making clothes (other than kids clothes)as I end up having to make so many adjustments that it took all the joy out of it. Having said that I did buy the Tova top ages ago which I'd still like to make sometime. Tops that are more fitted at the top and flatter a multitude of sins on the lower half get my vote.
I do like pdf downloads but I still trace the pattern so i don't have to print off loads of copies.
I'm an hourglass shape with a bit of extra padding all over 😉 I'm also a lot taller than average and really appreciate markings on a pattern showing you where to adjust it to lengthen (or shorten) it.
I MUCH prefer to wait longer for a real paper pattern, and will pay extra for a paper pattern too. I would be less likely to buy a pattern if it was PDF only.
I like clean lines and styles that are easy to tailor to fit you more closely
Think I'm hour glass, but a narrow one! Perhaps that's a bean pole with boobs!! I'm new to looking for nice patterns, so not experienced yet in which types I prefer, but haven't found a skirt pattern yet that I'd like to try! Jxo
I guess I have a boyish frame with the shoulders to prove it! When buying clothes I have to get a larger top then the right size trousers. I think they should have some inbetween sizes like the odd numbers!
I hate having to try on many t-shirts to find a size that fits my shoulders and I can get over my head as neck holes tend to be very small.
Children always get the nicer looking clothes! When sizes go up the style goes down!
Most tops only fit until I wash them….then they ridiculously shrink and the abdomen part becomes much too small.
I'd prefer a tissue pattern. Having to print and stick together all those pieces would bug me! =D
I'm a stick – I have hips (like 38" hips) but virtually no bust or tummy. I prefer my patterns to be cut from the tissue paper, I can't stand cutting out and retaping everything together – pain in the booty if you ask me.
Hourglass is nearest to what I am. I'm petite too. I'd love to make my own clothes but the stressiest part of me is having to alter the pattern to fit my body shape. People tried to talk me into trying the wilksten sp? top but the though to of having to try and fit my boobs into the pattern put me off. So I don't care if the pattern is tissue or PDF I think there is a gap in the market for simple, basic clothes that can be easily made by the beginner and you'd actually want to wear them. If they fit great easily you can make any pattern stand out by the use of fabric and detailing.
I'm an hourglass and I look for simplicity in a pattern as I have really beginner sewing skills.
A lot of indie patterns are too unstructured and boxy. I'd love something flattering without having to adjust the heck out of it.
Never tried a PDF pattern before…
I'm an hourglass :o) I like hippy style stuff – tunic tops, that are fitted rather than tentish. I should probably have been born in the 60s or 70s I think! I like tissue patterns – I've made quite a few big name patterns without too much trouble :o)
I have no idea what I am, not very curvy I am pretty straight.
I like PDF best. I am a big fan of Wiksten patterns, she has the stylish thing down, the patterns are really well drafted and they fit without alterations which is as close as you can get to a miracle in my book!
My indie pattern pet peeves are bust darts and sleeves.I have bought too many patterns with sleeves that are to be cut on the fold, they never e v e r fit well. How could they, a shoulder is going to need more space at the back than at the front…I don't get it why draft a sleeve like that!!
I am hour glass shaped. I've got 36DDs up top, size 12 pants, but I can wear tiny belts around my waist. Honestly, though, with the big knockers, I look 10-20 pounds heavier in ANYTHING I wear. Can't button a cardigan. Can't button a shirt. Can't wear a camisole with a "built in bra". It sucks. So I'm usually looking for clothes that will hide by chest. I personally like baggy, of the shoulder shirts. I don't know if it's because I can show off the fact that I have collar bones and I'm not as fat as my chest makes me look, or if I'm just lazy and I like comfy shirts and sports bras. I also wear a lot of maxi skirts, and right now, I'm really into colored denim. I don't know if this is the kind of answer you're looking for, but I'm hoping it is! As for patterns, it depends on what I'm making. If it's something complicated, I'd rather wait for the tissue paper. If it's fairly simple, like a Wilksten, I'm presuming, I would probably do PDF. Hope that helps your cause!
Well, since you asked…Post menopausal grapefruit would describe my shape. I am 5'4", but big boned, my upper arms and calfs are larger than most, and these are the places store bought clothes don't fit. Usually, to get something to fit around my bust (two grapefruits worth) the shoulders are to big-and my shoulders are rather broad. I like getting a tissue pattern. I really feel like I get more for my money when I have to wait for it and then, after it comes, spend two weeks wondering where I put it.
Hmmm…I am pear shaped but with wide shoulders and long arms. I don't sew clothes much anymore due to the frustration of fitting but hear that having a dress form really helps…maybe, someday. Not sure what type of patterns would make me jump for it, perhaps a flattering top to go with casual pants, since that is what I wear to work most. For smaller things, bags and maybe blouses and children's clothing the pdfs are good, but for most women's clothing I would prefer tissue.
I'm hour glass, if a little chunky all over. When I see paterns I like to see modern fabrics. Personally I have a problem with my arms so I'd like more patterns with short sleeves rather than tanks or vest tops. I'd be interested in trousers (a sew-along?)
I find patterns a little confusing when you are trying to follow the line for one size and they all converge together and you end up following the wrong line… or maybe that's just me. So colour coded sizes on patterns would help me out tremendously
I'm hoping to start sewing clothes for myself soon. I have a few patterns and some great fabric but am too nervous to start yet.
I am a pear shape for sure, with a long waist. My size can vary about 2-3 dress sizes from top to bottom which means I have embraced separates. 😉 I would love to see more patterns that are geared towards personalized grading for better fit (like the Built by Wendy patterns and books). With the limited amount of pattern sewing that I have done, I like PDFs best when the patterns has a smaller amount of pieces (it's easier to work with heavier paper for me) and paper patterns for patterns with lots of pieces.
I am a former hourglass, but age takes its toll. I am now just plain fluffy and lumpy. Although I was fairly well proportioned, my midsection has expanded (I am over 50) so that I dont ever consider waisted dresses. Empire for me. Tunics are great.
For clothing patterns, I prefer printed tissue. Bag and quilt patterns are OK for PDF, but I would rather work with tissue than printer paper and tape for clothing.
I'm an hourglass shape, I think kids patterns are so popular because 1)they are a quicker make than adult sizes 2) they use less fabric so keep the cost down and 3) who doesn't love making something for someone with pudgier knees than they have?
I'm in the paper pattern camp, my idea of hell is sticking 50 A4 sheets of paper together before I can sew anything!
And lastly what would I like to see more of…well on the pattern it's self a back shot of the item I'm making would go far and fabric requirements (I get narked when they aren't there) patterns that work with jersey fabrics, wrap dresses, trousers (don't really come across them much in blog land) I'll stop rambling on in your comments now 🙂 hope some of that was useful for you!