Sewing Business Blog

Figure Flattery

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We can do much to downplay any figure “faults” we may have and to make our figures appear different than they really are.  The familiar example always used to show this is the following set of lines — which really are identical in length, but look much different.

The colors we wear and the types of clothing we wear can add pounds to our figures, take away pounds, make us seem taller or shorter than we really are.  Examples of these are:

** Bright reds and oranges seem to add pounds, while subtle shades and textures make us appear smaller in size.

** Plaid shirts that are cut on the bias make us appear slimmer, because the plaids don’t encircle the figure.

** Keep the waistband loose on slim cut skirts to hide a tummy.  (Try cinching in the waist in the back and see what happens to the front!)

** To conceal large hips, keep the skirt color darker than the blouse, and add shoulder pads to balance the figure.

** Vertical rows of buttons make us appear taller.

** Light colors and/or ruffles make a small bust appear larger.

** Wearing the same color shoes as your skirt will make you appear taller.

If you’re looking for some attractive sewing patterns that will make you look good and feel good, check out the Men and Women’s sewing patterns at SewWithSarah, (there are misses and plus size/full figure sewing patterns for women and regular size and big/tall sewing patterns for men). and for the plus size boys and girls to look their best, check out the patterns at http://PlusSizeChildren.com (physical printed patterns) and at http://SewWithSarah.com (heading “sewing patterns) for downloadable PDF patterns.

Altering Store Bought Patterns For Overweight Children – Chest

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Overweight children, plus size children and obese children will usually have much larger chests than average size children.  In addition, they will usually have large upper arms that make altering store bought patterns very difficult.  This tutorial will address both areas needing to be altered.

FULL CHEST

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With a large full chest, wrinkles will show on the center part of the bodice, as shown.  To correct, cut across the center pattern front, open as much as necessary and redraw the pattern.

HEAVY ARMS

AlterPSC2

For heavy arms cut the sleeve pattern and spread the two sleeve pieces as shown in the illustration.   Redraw the sleeve cap.  By making this correction you will be enlarging the sleeve cap, so it will be necessary to enlarge the armholes.  Lower the front and back armhole line each 1/2 of the total amount required.

For more in depth information about altering patterns for overweight children, plus size children and obese children, check out our book  “Altering Store Bought Patterns For Hard To Fit Children”.   This book contains 70 pages and covers the alteration process for every garment you’d want to make for boys and girls, including large abdomens, large hips and derriere, larger than normal chest, adjusting the crotch length and much more.  Each alteration process has step by step instructions and diagrams.

If you’d like to try your hand at making your own patterns for overweight children, plus size children and obese children, we have classes available for boys and girls!  Simply take their measurements and follow our step by step instructions to make dozens and dozens of styles.

Look What We Found!!!

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While moving our office, we found some vintage copies of Sarah Doyle’s first book, “Sarah’s Key To Pattern Drafting”.

SKtoPDcover

 

“Sarah’s Key To Pattern Drafting” book includes step by step instructions and diagrams for custom making your entire wardrobe – slacks, shorts, skirts, blouses and dresses.  This is our original book with patterns and designs for women – whether you are tall, short, heavy or thin, this book is for you!  You can check out the table of contents here to see everything that’s in the book.

Our loss is your gain!  We’re marking these books down from the original $24.95 to $14.95.  Supplies are extremely limited and when they’re gone, there will be no more.

No coupon code is necessary – books are marked with the sale price.  Grab your copy soon as these super popular books won’t last long!

NOTE:  Because of the high cost of international shipping, this book is available only to customers within the U.S.

50% Off All Plus Size Kids Patterns

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We have GREAT news!!  We’re in the process of making all of our Plus Size Children patterns downloadable – to make them instantly available to everyone, whether you’re in the U.S., or around the world!!

During this transition period, we’re selling the remaining few of our Plus Size Children physical patterns at a huge 50% discounted price.  The price is normally $14.95, and while these last, we’re marking them down to $7.50 (no coupon code required).  When you get to SewWithSarah, just hover over “sewing patterns” to see all the Plus Size Children pattern categories.

Check out the following pattern categories:

Girls Blouses   Girls Skirts/Dresses    Girls Shorts/Slacks

Boys Patterns

Compare YOUR overweight / plus size boy/girl measurements to our size chart (below).  Our plus size kids patterns are all made according to REAL plus size children measurements, so in most cases the measurements of your 10 year old (example) would be right on, or very close to our size 10 size.  These patterns come in 3 size ranges:  4-5-6, 8-10-12 and 14-16.

PSCsizeChart

The above size chart came from a blouse pattern, thereby stating the amount of fabric needed — each pattern has the same sizes, with corresponding fabric requirements for that particular pattern style.

These patterns are going fast — and once the physical patterns are gone, you will have to wait for the downloadable patterns to be put online.  Remember, we’re giving you a 50% discount — no coupon code required while they last — no backorders.

NOTE:  Because of shipping costs, the  physical patterns are only available to customers within the U.S.