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Stitching & Crafting Room:  My Measurements/Pattern Size...Help!  |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 30 2008 : 9:12:29 PM
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My grandma just gave me a beautiful new singer sewing machine for Christmas and taught me how to use it. I have really been wanting to sew and now I really want to be able to sew clothes for myself, like dresses and such. I have no idea whatsoever what my pattern size would be. I took my measurements and tried to compare them to some pattern charts I found online, but I am soooooo lost. I really want to start sewing clothes and buying pretty patterns for myself. Please help me figure out my pattern size if you know how. Here are my measurements:
Bust: 39 ½ inches
High Bust: 35 inches
Waist: 33 inches
Hip: 38 inches
Inseam: 29 inches
Arm Length (Neck to Wrist): 27 inches
Arm Length (Shoulder to Wrist): 21 inches
I am 5 foot, 4 inches tall. Thanks so much for any help you can give me! 
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2008 : 9:17:32 PM
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I would guess 12 to 14 in that range but get a pattern that is S to L (small to Large) then hold the pattern up to your top, hips and waist....you will need to know where seams are to get the idea how it will fit. You can also compare a pattern....start very simple...compare to something you wear now that you like and fits right. It's fun to sew but like anything else it takes practice, practice and more practice.
good luck and keep us posted!
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71
Have a wonderful Farmgirl New Year!! |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2008 : 9:19:43 PM
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patterns have printed on the back the measurments...that helps. Remember to go ask anyone working there about patterns...go to a store like JoAnn's fabrics specializing in sewing and just asking questions will help. There are also many books about beginning sewing...library would be free to loan.
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71
Have a wonderful Farmgirl New Year!! |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2008 : 11:26:12 PM
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Hi Chelsey. Youre measurements are pretty close to mine and I almost always make a large. Some patterns run bigger like simplicity. Those I make the large and then just take it in with darts or make the seams wider. :) Hope youll post your first project!
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work You don't give up.
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2008 : 08:14:36 AM
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Chelsey, just keep in mind that pattern sizing and store-bought sizing are 2 different things so as it was suggested, check out the back of the pattern and correlate your measurements to a size. Here's the main thing - on anything you purchase that will cover your hips (dress, pants, pj's, etc.) go with the largest measurement which is usually our hips (unless you're Dolly Parton, LOL), and then you can adjust the pattern for any smaller measurements that deviate from the size you chose, like for a smaller bust, etc.
Have fun. You can make some real simple things and graduate up as you get to know the pattern companies better and which ones fit you nicer, etc. How fun!
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 7:06:02 PM
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oh yes do! :) I am so excited for you getting started in sewing your own clothes. I have made lots of things over the years, and Ive found my favorites to make (simple, flowy dressed) and things that I could live without being underneath my needle (shorts, pajamas). Its so much fun looking at a project and thinking..hmm..I can do this!
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work You don't give up.
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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Laura Marie
True Blue Farmgirl
419 Posts
Laura
Rancho Cordova
California
USA
419 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 8:17:24 PM
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Hi Chelsey!
Another suggestion is to buy some muslin and make a sample of the pattern you want to sew out of the muslin. Cut it out and then sew up the seams and darts. It will take a little longer to get the garment made but it will help you learn what size you are and once you get that figured out you can go with that. Also it's a good way to understand the pattern before you dive into a new project. But remember that muslin is mostly cotton, it won't be the same if you plan to use a knit or jersey. This is also a good way to know where you need to take the pattern in or let it out. Good Luck!
Laura Marie #369
lauramariedesign.com
"It's not the size of the farm but the size of your heart!" |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 9:45:57 PM
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Laura, Thank you soooo much! That is a fabulous idea!!! I am so happy you mentioned it because I would never have thought of doing that. I feel like it would be worth the extra effort to play around with the muslin and not the "real" fabric. Thanks for the advice! That is exactly what I will do :)
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2009 : 1:48:16 PM
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Hey Chelsey,
how did you make out with your pattern finding? Find what you wanted and all?
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn  hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work You don't give up.
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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JenniferJuniper
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Jennifer
New Hampshire
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2009 : 2:33:56 PM
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Chelsea, don't let those sizes on the pattern evelopes bum you out...just go by your measurements. If you are starting out I recommend See-N-Sew or VeryEasy VeryVogue patterns. They are geared towards newer sewers. Be sure to buy patterns on sale! Check the fabric store website to see when the different pattern brands are on sale.
One of the best tips I got for sizing tops came from a knitting magazine, which I have also applied to sewing, is to use different sizes for front and back if you are busty. For example, your measurements up front may be a size 14 but your back size (generally shoulder-to-shoulder) may be a 10. Use the different size pattern pieces as needed. You just have to ease the fabric when sewing at the side seams.
Had I come across this tip years ago I would have saved countless hours sewing/knitting tops that fit like a tent when done....as a "store" size 6 who is also a DD cup (yes, all natural) woven fabric shirts are the bane of my existence.
Farmgirl Sister #204 |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2009 : 10:16:58 PM
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Thank you so much for all you help! I went to the fabric store and found a nice lady looking at sewing patterns. She was another customer and I asked her if she had been sewing long. She said yes and I asked her to help me find my pattern size (I brought my measurements to the store). She helped me out and we figured that my pattern size is a 16 or 18.
I found some simple patterns in those sizes. I also bought around 4+ yards of muslin fabric. I will make a muslin version out of the patterns I purchased to make sure that I picked the right size. All of your tips helped very much!
I think I may take a beginning sewing class this week at Joann's. I think it would be beneficial to learn the basics correctly.
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 9:45:45 PM
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Chelsey - if you want to save money when making muslins instead of buying muslin, go to good will and buy sheets. I am making a wedding dress for my future daughter-in-law plus the bridesmaid dresses and I find that the sheets work out for pattern adjustments just fine and are usually cheaper in the long run. I hope you find much pleasure from your sewing.
Sheri |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: My Measurements/Pattern Size...Help! |
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My Measurements/Pattern Size...Help!
