I believe I have discovered a few problems with the pattern I used for the pictures in “What’s Wrong With This Skirt?” For this venture I split the back pattern piece and added 3/8″ and added just a tad to the sides. This is still far from fitting properly but at least the hem is even. What I found out about this pattern is that it wasn’t so much the size that was off but the shape! This pattern is for someone who has thunder-thighs, that’s where the bulge is. As I have stated in other posts, I am a rectangular block with big boobs on bird legs, I have no thighs so I needed the bulge a little higher up on what I call my “shelf” (hips). Now I need to get this skirt to hang straight. I was thinking of making the sides flare out, this pattern drops straight down and my pot belly pulls the sides in. Maybe by flaring the sides they will actually hang straight. have a peek…if you dare!!!
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You certainly are persistent - and I compliment you on that! Adjust the pattern to your body: measure from the waist to your hips, check it with the pattern. You need the widest part at your hips, and from there drop a straight line to the hem. It will never hang straight unless you let the skirt "hang" from your hips. It is possible to re-draw the pattern for this, just remember to have some ease in the hips (about 4" for your body type, I would say.)I wouldn't suggest that you widen the skirt at the hem. The skirt is too short for that and in any case it is not just a case of adding to the sides - you will need to slash and spread the front and the back.I am surprised that the instructor did not show you how to alter a pattern to your shape. That is really important as you now know! Just think of all you are learning in this struggle, it will stand you in good stead in the future.
I like what Starzoe says. Slash and widen for your hips. This looks much better to me than the first one. You go girl!
I have a question about the slash and spread method. Since the waist is comfortable, a little big even would I slash only up to the waist or cut the pattern totally in 2 pieces? This waist has facings, no waistband and I really don't want the waistline to be any bigger. I still have some work to do on the hip area too, it actually bags out where I start to go in. Like I say, the biggest part of the bulge for me still needs to be a little higher. As to the instructor, let's just say you don't need a teaching certificate to call yourself a sewing instructor, otherwise she would only teach painting and crafts, her other careers. Thanks!
Blingy,
To slash and spread, you can slash to the waist line seam but not through it and pivot it open there. If you do this, you need to make the same changes to the facing.But, I'm not sure thats what you need to do. This does look much better than the first one.The side seams (from the side view) is still angling way to the back from your side, it should run straight down in a plumb line from waist to feet. If you can get someone to draw the line where you want it on the skirt while you are wearing it, you then just cut the skirt on that line you can use it for your pattern. the cut line will have to have seam allowances added to them.To adjust the location of your "bump" may be as simple as shortening the waist darts (if there are some)
hope this helps
Judy
Looking again at your pictures, it is as jjgg said. Maybe your behind is just pulling it back and you don't need any adjustment to the front. I'm sure no teacher either, so I will have to go home and read my books.
This is so strange! I got so fed up with a simple skirt turning into a nightmare that I went to K-Mart and started trying on everything! I bought a black skirt that is basically the same as the one I am trying to make, brought it home and laid the 2 skirts on top of each other. The black shirt, which fits well and the side seams hand straight down is about 2 inches smaller than the one I am making. So I took the one I made, pinned the inside seams up 1 inch on each side and BOOM!, the side seams hung perfectly up and down! I just don't get it. All the time I was thinking I needed to add width and I ended up removing 2 inches and it fits! I am now in the process of making still another skirt, out of the same blue fabric with the width reduced. I will post pictures of this new skirt when I am finished. I don't get it. I also bought a 3 tops, 1 oxford shirt, 1 princess blouse and 1 knit top. I have tried to make all of these things and there is always a little something that is not quite right on everything I make. I spent $50.00 on clothes yesterday in order to help my sewing. Does that make any sense or what?!
Hooray for you. What a treat to find out you need a smaller skirt. I can't wait to see pictures. You were smart to compare the two and now, you have something to go by. Maybe you can do the same with your tops. I know what you are going through, because I want so badly to make my own and stop buying ready made. I have the pattern ready for my pants, I just need time to cut them. Last night, I wasted an hour trying to get my serger threaded. It makes me so mad that I have not memorized these steps, yet. I told the guard that I would hem up his pants for $7 a piece. Well, one pair was worn on the bottom, so I will have to make a 5/8" hem instead of 1". It always ends up more trouble than it is worth, but I have been broke and wanted some spending money. Hobby Lobby has their string of beads on sale and I want to make some more necklaces.
Congratulations Blingy on finally getting it the way it should be. How you got there doesn't matter. Now you know what to do with the next skirt pattern you encounter from the same pattern company. Wonderful persistence!
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