Replies

1. 
   lin_hendrix | Aug 12, 1999 08:19pm | #1

   *
   Hi Marie,

   Look at the thread "what's the best hand stitching method for a seam?"

   http://www.taunton.com:8090/WebX?13@@.ee7e34f/10

   We started out with an underarm gusset and moved on to men's shirts...

   Also look at Thimble's reply to my question about men's pants alterations in the thread "Custom Pattern Drafting"

   http://www.taunton.com:8090/WebX?230@@.ee7ecf4

   In general if he has a garment that fits him well copy it to make a starter pattern. There's lots of info on copying garments in some of the old issues of Threads and I believe there's a book published by Taunton Press about the same subject.

   --lin

1. 
   Bill_Stewart | Sep 10, 1999 10:45am | #2

   *Marie, there were several good articles in Threads you could consult. Several were on making shirts - the techniques involved for good results - by David P Coffin (sp?), and a really good one on jeans. Consult Threads on-line bookstore to see what's available. Also , contact Threads by e-mail to see about reprints on those articles. Also consult your reference librarian at local library. They can borrow from other libraries if they don't have them on their shelves. Also, have her(him) look up the address of Fairchild Publications - they have an excellent book on tailoring a man's suit - the trouser directions would be helpful. The simple answer to your question on measurments and fit for men is they are no harder than women's clothes until you come to suit coats and jackets that need severe tailoring. That is a lifetime of study in itself. I am a tailor or 45 years exp and still learning with each new problem. Don't get discouraged. Find a friend who sews to help you and start small and slowly, building on each success. Read,do, read, do, and read some more. Bill

1. 
   Elona_Masson | Sep 11, 1999 12:09pm | #3

   *Marie, in the backs of all the pattern books, there are charts to help you choose the correct pattern size. They show you what measurements you must take. It's important to know that ready-to-wear sizing and sewing sizes have nothing--nada, zip, zilch--in common.If you haven't already done so, sit down at your local fabric store and go through a pattern book, starting with the aforementioned chart (by the way, Burda's measurement chart is a bit more complete and detailed than most). Then go through the men's section of each pattern company to see what's available for you to sew.Finally, adult ed classes can be a terrific resource for people wanting to learn about sewing--or any other