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Hi, Glenda the Good Stitch here. Please take just 3 minutes of your time to answer this short survey.  I appreciate your input on how Sure-Fit Designs can serve you better.

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SFD with a New Look

You know I always encourage you to use your commercial patterns as a stimulus for your own creations.  And that's exactly what one SFD customer did.  Enter Nadine who used New Look 6243 for her basic dress inspiration.  She had an upcoming wedding and wanted a special dress for the event.  Here she is.  Doesn't she just look lovely in it?

I'd worked with Nadine over the previous months to make sure her bodice was fitting her to perfection.  And now the wedding was getting closer.  It was time to choose the fabric and go for it.  Here's what she did to her SFD bodice pattern.
For the sheer neck/shoulder piece, she simply sliced off her SFD bodice in mid-armscye on both front and back.

Then with the remaining lower bodice, the bust dart got transferred into a princess line style.  The bodice back was also shaped with a princess line.

She drafted a half-circle skirt and made sure the waist lines on bodice and skirt matched.

All these beads...yes, she lovingly stitched each one on individually.  Nadine used 3 different kinds of glass bugle beads...dark plum, abalone and amethyst.  They added just the right amount of  'bling' without being too showy.

Her fabric choice was the Casa line (from Jo Ann) in poly crepe with a poly chiffon for the sheer yoke all in a beautiful eggplant color which looks so lovely on Nadine.  Of course she made the matching wrap in Casa satin.

She's gained so much confidence in following through with this entire project.  And in her words, 'I am sooooo happy!  I've been smocking and sewing formal dresses for all my daughters, but now to add in the ability to fit myself...my dream come true!

I'm sure Nadine would love to hear your comments.  You truly have done a lovely ensemble that you should be so proud of!

Thanks so much for sharing with all our SFD sewists.

Glenda...the Good Stitch!

Fun & Easy Color Blocked T-Shirt

Color blocking is super simple and easy to design into your sewing patterns.  Of course, you all likely know that color blocking is definitely back in fashion.  But do you know where it all began?

It all dates back to a Dutch artist - Pieter Cornelis Mondrian (1872-1944) - nicknamed 'Piet'.  He was one of the principal members of the Neoplasticism art movement.  In 1919 he began producing grid-based paintings for which he became renowned for the rectangular shapes, solid black lines and random placement of primary colors.

In the 1960's, Yves St. Laurent popularized his 'Mondrian' dresses using Piet as his inspiration.

Color blocking has become popular again and of course, you can do this with your SFD patterns.  Creating areas to color block on your patterns is creative and easy to do.  Just start off with Sally Silhouette as your croquis and experiment with where you'd like to draw your style lines for color blocking.

If you don't yet have your copy of Sally Silhouette, you can download her from the Free Stuff page in the SFD Learning Center.  Click Here.

And now there is also a new downloadable Fashion Leaflet for color blocking your new SFD T-Shirt that I introduced to you last week.  There is a nominal cost for this leaflet, but if you read the SFD newsletter from January 12th, you will be able to download this leaflet completely free for a limited time if you use the link that is provided in that newsletter.  It's my 'get busy sewing gift' for you to jump start your 2015 sewing projects.  In addition to this...it could easily be 'Made in a Day'...just another quick, easy and rewarding project.

Have fun and don't forget to send photos when you get yours done!  I'll put together a T-Shirt collage and show off all your work.  Send to info@surefitdesigns.com.

Thanks so much,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!

T-Shirt Tactics

Everybody loves to wear T-shirts.  For some they are a wardrobe staple - for others they are only occasional wear.  Whatever their place is in your clothing needs, you have choices within the Sure-Fit Designs fitting and designing system as to how you approach this style of garment.

Typically, the T-shirt is relatively close fitting and does not have a bust dart and is sewn from a knit fabric.  The no-bust dart feature does present a problem for you full-busted women.  You all know you will always achieve a superior fit when your pattern has a bust dart.

The Sure-Fit Designs pattern kits provide either the darted bodice pattern from the Dress Kit, or the undarted pattern from the Shirt Kit.  Most of you already know that the Dress Kit bodice has 2 1/2" (6.4 cm) ease in the bust circumference, whereas the Shirt Kit has 5-6" (12.7 - 15.2 cm) ease in the chest circumference.

Which kit to use for your T-shirt?   Since the T-Shirt is usually undarted with a closer fit to the body, you'd use the Dress Kit bodice (with the bust dart).  If you use the Shirt Kit, you'll have a looser fit and a much deeper armscye.

Ah Ha!  In comes my new article, T-Shirt Tactics, where I offer an alternative which uses the Dress Kit bodice and I show you how to remove the dart!  The result offers a fit that is closer to your body, the armscye is not as deep as with the Shirt Kit, and this process generally provides an excellent T-shirt alternative.

Yes I know it doesn't have a bust dart anymore, so you full-busted ladies will inevitably end up with some folding in the armscye that points toward your bust.  And no doubt, the shirt will likely hike up somewhat in the front because your don't have that bust dart shaping your bustline.  But since you are going to be sewing with a forgiving knit fabric, usually these issues are minimized.  But at least, you have 3 great choices now to design your favorite T-shirt with the Sure-Fit Designs patterns.

• Dress Kit bodice with dart

• Shirt Kit pattern - no dart - deeper armscye

• Dress Kit bodice without dart

To download your copy of the T-Shirt Tactics article with instructions to remove the dart, please Click Here, then simply scroll toward the middle of the page where you'll see the link for the .pdf file.

Just for fun and for interest, I finished my T-shirt with a self-fabric 2 1/2" wide band at the hem level, scooped the neck edge 2" all the way around and then filled in with a 1 1/2" self-fabric band.  A small tab was inserted at CF while applying the neck band and finished with a decorative button.

And another great benefit is that it can be 'Made in a Day'!  It's just one more quick project for you.

Give it a try and send me your comments and photos.  When you send your photos, I'll put together a T-Shirt collage...and show off all of your work.  Please send photos to info@surefitdesigns.com.
Enjoy,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!

Think Beyond Size

Do you realize how irrelevant the term 'size' is when it comes to women's clothing?  In one store you might wear a 'size 8' and in the next store you might need a 'size 12'.  It all depends on the manufacturer and and the standards that they use for the expression of their clothing.  And if you have to choose the larger 'size', psychologically this could have a negative impact because you've had to choose the larger size.

It's a very provocative question isn't it when someone asks 'What size are you?'  This can mean many different things to different people.  So chuck those labels out the door and just be who you are!

Isn't it great that with the Sure-Fit Designs fitting system, size is totally a non-issue.  I've had many ladies email to tell me how wonderful it is to finally be liberated from even thinking about what size they might be.

Think 'measurement' not 'size'!  Many of you know that the Sure-Fit Designs master patterns offer measurement ranging from 28" (71 cm) to 62" (157.5 cm).  I know that in this photo you can't see all the measurement dots, but in every strategic location, there are a series of dots with the measurement numbers (both in imperial and metric) beside the dot.  All you do is mark in your unique measurement dots, then connect your dots together with the SFD Designing Stylus.  It's a great tool to use for drawing your personalized body blueprint with all the SFD master patterns.

Women have such unique shapes and Sure-Fit Designs provides such a great alternative to achieving the absolutely best fit for your body the way it is now.  Enjoy being who you are and the way you are right now.  Sewing well-fitting garments can only enhance how feel about yourself.  When your clothing fits...you simply feel better.  Enjoy this new-found freedom.

If you're new to Sure-Fit Designs and this blog, I'd encourage you to click on over to the SFD Learning Center Video Library to see the actual process of how to blueprint your body shape.

So as we say goodbye to 2014 and welcome in 2015 let's simply say 'adios' to all those stigmatizing labels and just be who we are.

Happy New Year,

Glenda...the Good Stitch!
(PS) Color blocking is coming!

An Australian Wedding

I just love it when you send me photos of your SFD creations and now I have an Australian wedding to share with you.  And for a little history...many of you know (particularly our Aussy customers) that way back when, we traveled extensively in Australia introducing the Sure-Fit Designs fitting system to our friends and fellow seamstresses Down Under.  In one of those Queensland seminars, mum and daughter (Gayle) attended the event.  Gayle was then a teenager.  Mum and daughter loved using SFD.  As can happen, throughout the years their sewing activity ebbed and flowed.

Fast forward to 2014, with Gayle now being a mother whose daughter was getting married in November 2014.  Gayle decided she was going to sew her daughter's wedding gown as well as the dresses for the bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids.  As you all can guess, these young ladies were all different shapes and measurements.  Then she remembered the flexibility of sewing with Sure-Fit Designs.  Throughout the months preceding the wedding, I periodically gave advice to Gayle as she designed, tested and sewed the finished bridal party dresses.

Gayle has done a wonderful job and has so kindly shared her creations with me.  It's truly a delight to see the results of her efforts.  Here's the bridal photo story:

 

 

Even the men's ties where custom-sewn.

And here is Gayle - the Mother of the Bride.  Here dress was also custom sewn, actually by her neighbor who also uses Sure-Fit Designs.

Gayle, you must be extremely proud of yourself.  Many months of effort paid off handsomely in your custom creations.  What a beautiful wedding party!

Thanks so much for sharing!  I know everyone reading will appreciate seeing your stunning results.

Kindly,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!

All my patterns...

During my Fit & Sew Retreats, we always discuss how and where to store all your SFD patterns that you end up drawing.  Over a year ago, I did write a blog on this very topic, but since we have a number of new members, it's a good idea to share this information once again.

From one of my recent Retreat attendees, this suggestion was offered.  Barbara (from Utah) sent this idea and these photos.  First, get a couple packages of Velcro cord ties and Key Tag labels.

And you'll need on over-the-door fabric stabilizer organizer - which she thinks she purchased from Nancy's Notions.

Each pocket holds a different group, ie. personal body blueprint, bodice patterns, pants patterns, shirt patterns.  Just roll your patterns, use the colorful Velcro ties with a key tag (write on the tag what the pattern is) and into its home over the door it goes.  Since this organizer bag is designed for storing stabilizer, it's wide enough for the widest roll of SFD 24" wide tracing vellum.

This is a great idea if you don't have shelf space for your patterns.  And the tags make it easy to read what each pattern is.  The vellum doesn't get creased - your patterns are easy to grab and re-use.  Personally, I'd likely also roll the patterns on an empty paper towel tube - just to make sure there are no unnecessary folds or creases.

To see the other pattern storage ideas, Click Here.

Barbara...thanks so much for sharing!

If you have other techniques for pattern storage, please comment and or send a photo.

Kindly,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!

Sally's Back

Remember Sally Silhouette?  She's your convenient croquis to use when drawing the garment designs you'd like to sew.

After I gave you Sally Silhouette's front view back on April 8, 2014,  I had a number of you ladies ask for the back view.  And doesn't it just make sense.  Often times there will be design details that carry through to the back of the garment as well as the back may just simply have unique design features you won't want to forget.

As a Christmas gift to all of you, here is Sally's Back.

As I mentioned before, the great part is that you don't have to have artistic abilities.  Just sketch the style lines you're seeing in the garment directly on Sally's silhouette.  Plus there's space at the bottom to jot down those special design notes.

Why sketch when you can simply take a photo with your phone?  You can do that too, but with the process of actually sketching the lines you're seeing, you help to reinforce the process of what you will need to draw on your actual pattern.  Go ahead...take the photo...but don't rely on it completely. 

Sally's Back come in a full size of 8.5"x11" (or A4 for our international customers) and a Purse size Sally, which is great to tuck in your handbag when out browsing ready-to-wear.  Just go to this website page - Sure-Fit Designs Learning Center Free Stuff - to download both sizes.  They are in PDF file format.

Enjoy this complimentary gift...and Merry Christmas to all of you!
I hope you all have a joyous holiday season with your family and friends.

Kindly,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!
(PS - You're welcome to make as many copies of Sally for your own personal use.  But if you want to share 'Sally's front or back' on your own sewing sites or blog, please acknowledge the source by giving a link back to Sure-Fit Designs Learning Center Free Stuff).

Small Waist to Full High Hip

I know I covered this topic a few months ago, but I just had to show you another example of how adding a second dart at the waist line of your pants pattern can really improve the fit.

If you go from a relatively small waist to quite full high hips, I highly recommend adding a second dart to the waist edge of your pants pattern.

This lady attended one of my recent Fit & Sew Retreats.  She has a pretty dominant swayed, dipped center back (at the waist edge), and a small waist in relation to high hips that become quite full about 2 1/2" (6.4 cm) down from her waist level.  She is so curvy from waist to high hip, that I recommended she add a second dart at the waist edge of her pants patterns.

Here's the result:

She's always had difficulty getting any pants (or skirt for that matter) to fit in the high hip without being excessively big in the waist.

Keeping in mind these are test pants that are pinned closed, you're seeing a near to perfect crotch, perfect fit at the waist and in the hips and a beautiful hang on the leg.  From a side view you're seeing a perfectly straight side seam.

In the above close-up, you're seeing the position of the 2 waist-fitting darts.  They shape her hip shape beautifully.

She did a great job of drafting her pattern and the results as so worth her effort.  Well done...and great fit!

To see how to add this second waist-fitting dart, please watch this short video tutorial.

For any of you ladies who might fall into this category, you'll want to give this a try.

Kindly,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!

Can you believe this??

Can you believe this...jumpsuits are back again!?!?

This news article is from a recent Wall Street Journal newspaper (10-16-14).  I could hardly believe my eyes.  I realize the WSJ isn't exactly the hippest fashion authority, but for the last 2 - 3 years they have been expanding their reach to women readers and now regularly have fashion articles in their Style & Travel section.

As Elizabeth Holmes says, 'The jumpsuit, the former territory of toddlers, auto mechanics and clowns, is becoming what was once unthinkable - and item women will buy.  Bloomingdale's has a "jumpsuits and rompers" category on its website.  Neiman Marcus and Net-a-Porter give the style similar play.  Contemporary online retailer Shopbop offers more than 350 choices, from rompers for less than $75 to designer jumpsuits selling for several thousand dollars.  Retailers and designers are heralding the "all in one" as the jumpsuit/romper is also know, as an alternative to the perennially popular dress.  Many Spring 2015 collections, which wrapped up earlier this month, were an ode to the 1970's, the jumpsuit heyday.'

Says a NY-based designer, Rebecca Taylor, "I thought it was a trend but I actually think it is a staple now".  She has added more jumpsuits to her recent collections.

If you're leaning in this direction, it is so easy to design your own well-fitting jumpsuit with Sure-Fit Designs.  Years ago, I added this design and how to directions into the SFD Children's Kit.

The basic premise is that you will be joining your pants pattern, from your SFD Pants Kit, together with either your bodice (from the SFD Dress Kit) or your SFD Shirt pattern.  What you need to remember is that you must leave at least 1" of ease at the waist line.  This is your lengthwise ease.  Otherwise, you won't be able to sit while wearing it.  Depending on your frame and figure, you might want to increase this amount to 2 to 3 inches.

The only thing we need now is a trap door.  Taking a trip to the ladies room becomes a little inconvenient when you need to almost disrobe to use the facilities.

Mine is sewn with a crinkled polyester.  The shirt (kit) top, from the SFD Shirt Kit, has a double-breasted front opening with a contrasting fabric facing.   You'll notice that the cuffs are piped with the red contrasting fabric.  PS - this fabric travels so well.  It literally never shows a wrinkle.

These next 2 jumpsuits were designed by Kiya Tomlin - a Pittsburg, PA designer.  These romper/jumpsuits were 2 of her first SFD projects.

Comments welcome!  I'm sure some of you will love 'em and others would never dream of going back!  All is good.

Kindly,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!