aprilstarchild (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
aprilstarchild) wrote2010-02-17 12:22 pm
aprilstarchild) wrote2010-02-17 12:22 pm
Sewing pattern sizes are effed up
I do not understand the sizing on sewing pattern envelopes. Actually, I don't understand clothing sizes in general, as I run across this when I look at the measurements for ready-made clothes as well.
So I tend to think that I am rather large-busted for my waist size. For example, I recently purchased a bra secondhand, an underwire Chantelle bra. (As an aside--it's a wonderfully made bra, and when I looked it up, it would have been about $80 new. I paid $5 and it's not very worn. Score!) According to the label, I'm a 32DD. Those are not itty bitty titties. According to Victoria's Secret, I'm a 34D, and depending on the brand in general, I'm generally in the range of 32DD to 34C or D.
Although, lordy, this Chantelle bra fits so damn good, I dunno if I'm ever gonna buy Victoria's Secret again. The center bit lies completely flat and there is no gapping or bulging anywhere. It is bra heaven. I haven't been in the habit of wearing underwire bras (other than for fancy outfits) in a while and I've been wearing this one almost every day.
Anyway. My bust and hip measurements are always several sizes smaller than my waist measurement. So either my bust and hips are tiny compared to my waist (well, my hips might be) or my waist is large.
What. The fuck. I do not think I have a big waist. I mean, yeah, when I gain weight it goes to my tummy first, but even then, I'm hardly out of proportion or anything.
I read a sewing blog where the woman said she just went by the bust size for sewing patterns, and even though her waist should be too small, things fit just fine. I know that most patterns give a lot of ease (one reason I haven't sewn much, because I like things like tops to be rather fitted).
Meh. I think I need to just measure the pattern pieces before I cut them and compare them to my actual measurements. I can always futz around with them. Isn't being able to do that, half the point of sewing your own clothes?
Thank goodness that simple lolita skirts are so dang easy to sew. I used an online tutorial with pictures to make that half-elastic waist skirt for the tweed ride, but the tutorial is obviously meant for making a little girl's skirt, and not a very full one at that. I'm thinking of doing one of my own specifically for adult women. They're so damn easy that any lolita with a sewing machine who knew the absolute basics (like how to use your machine and gather) could make them. And you only need a yard and a half of fabric! I want to learn to make detachable waist ties next. I think I might just trace the ties of my bodyline dress + seam allowance for a pattern.
So I tend to think that I am rather large-busted for my waist size. For example, I recently purchased a bra secondhand, an underwire Chantelle bra. (As an aside--it's a wonderfully made bra, and when I looked it up, it would have been about $80 new. I paid $5 and it's not very worn. Score!) According to the label, I'm a 32DD. Those are not itty bitty titties. According to Victoria's Secret, I'm a 34D, and depending on the brand in general, I'm generally in the range of 32DD to 34C or D.
Although, lordy, this Chantelle bra fits so damn good, I dunno if I'm ever gonna buy Victoria's Secret again. The center bit lies completely flat and there is no gapping or bulging anywhere. It is bra heaven. I haven't been in the habit of wearing underwire bras (other than for fancy outfits) in a while and I've been wearing this one almost every day.
Anyway. My bust and hip measurements are always several sizes smaller than my waist measurement. So either my bust and hips are tiny compared to my waist (well, my hips might be) or my waist is large.
What. The fuck. I do not think I have a big waist. I mean, yeah, when I gain weight it goes to my tummy first, but even then, I'm hardly out of proportion or anything.
I read a sewing blog where the woman said she just went by the bust size for sewing patterns, and even though her waist should be too small, things fit just fine. I know that most patterns give a lot of ease (one reason I haven't sewn much, because I like things like tops to be rather fitted).
Meh. I think I need to just measure the pattern pieces before I cut them and compare them to my actual measurements. I can always futz around with them. Isn't being able to do that, half the point of sewing your own clothes?
Thank goodness that simple lolita skirts are so dang easy to sew. I used an online tutorial with pictures to make that half-elastic waist skirt for the tweed ride, but the tutorial is obviously meant for making a little girl's skirt, and not a very full one at that. I'm thinking of doing one of my own specifically for adult women. They're so damn easy that any lolita with a sewing machine who knew the absolute basics (like how to use your machine and gather) could make them. And you only need a yard and a half of fabric! I want to learn to make detachable waist ties next. I think I might just trace the ties of my bodyline dress + seam allowance for a pattern.
Re: I'm with you!
Thing is, the size that Nike's clothes are sewn for? VERY FEW women have those measurements. They wanted, like, 5'6" women who were 34C and had 26 inch waists, or something asinine like that.
Um....the average height in the USA is 5'4". I'm 5'2", and I don't know of many women who are four inches taller than me but are still a 34C with a 26 inch waist.
So in other words: It's just as we suspected: most clothes are made for someone who isn't average in any way!
Re: I'm with you!
*right* when I met Marty,I was 5 foot 7. I had a 34 or 36 C. and a 23-26 waist. I weighed 126 pounds.
Then it all went to hell! :-D
Re: I'm with you!