Have you seen the new summer clothing patterns?!

[Betty J.]

I love really good fitting clothing.
I'm not as curvy and thin as I used to be so, altering my patterns to fit right is challenging.
For that reason I'm giving the computer software path a try.
MY LABEL from Bernina may be the answer to our dilema!
I'll let you know after I try it.

I'll be really interested in knowing how this goes for you. It's an option I had not considered. But if there is an alternative since drawing patterns from scratch myself takes a lot of time I'd rather use actually sewing, I think it might be the way to go. Let us know how it goes.

[Anne B.]

I used to love sewing my own clothes, because I was 5 foot 4, 103 pounds, and shaped like an hourglass. Today I'm 5 foot 4, 138 pounds, and shaped like my mother and grandmother, so it's no fun anymore. I miss the lovely, flowing, drapey styles of the early to mid-1990s, when everything was comfortable and long and lean and flattering. And pants actually came up to your waist. (*sigh*)

[Pat L.]

I don't sew as many clothes as I used to - but like most commenting here, I'm a bit on the "plus" side too and want clothes to fit right and flatter - plus sometimes it's just having more colour options then ready-to-wear-offers! I started out sewing clothes - even partly majored in that in university so I'm no stranger to altering patterns ot fit.

Lately I've been intrigued by Sandra Betzina's patterns offered in Vogue and have bought a couple (only when on sale tho as they are so $$$!) - I like her style and the patterns are described as "Today's Fit" - so am trying out a coat and blouse - will let you know how they turn out! Usually though, I fall back on patterns I've sewn before and like the fit of - or have adjusted to fit (I just hate those so-called "easy" jackets or tops that are for non-knits but also have NO darts - definitely NOT made for an ample busted woman!). I usually like to use knits with lycra or spandex - for comfort and packability for travel. Needless to say my serger is also my "best friend" when I make clothes for myself.

Most of all, I don't follow fashion trends that seem to be dictated to us, but go with what I like or looks best on me - and I think too, if you look around, you can almost wear anything these days and get away with it - lol - just have some confidence and do it!

[Lynn K.]

What to add but AMEN! ?????????

[Lynn K.]

Another problem with clothes especially for the top half is that they are all cut for a 'B' cup bust :evil: (leastwise they are in UK) and the same goes for patterns (which come from USA), unless they actually specify on the label that they are for larger cup sizes - and these are very few and far between!

[Margo C.]

Another problem with clothes especially for the top half is that they are all cut for a 'B' cup bust :evil: (leastwise they are in UK) and the same goes for patterns (which come from USA), unless they actually specify on the label that they are for larger cup sizes - and these are very few and far between!

As if "one size fits all"! :roll:

[fiona j.]

Rosemary, as you are in the UK you may be interested to know that Bravissimo have launched a clothes site too - http://www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/
Looks interesting, especially for something special.

Fiona.