It’s not really my first garment of 2015, I certainly wouldn’t wear it outside the house, but it is a really important one. A while ago I measured and drafted my Bodice Fitting Shell from Vogue pattern V1004.
During my time off work over Christmas, I continued with my studies using my Craftsy courses “Fast-Track Fitting” and “Fast-Track Fitting: In The Details” and my new book “Create the Perfect Fit” all by Joi Mahon.
After tracing out the skirt pieces and measuring myself carefully, I re-drew my pattern pieces for my skirt, so they would be a copy of me. This time, first I made a Sloper (with no seam allowances, ease, etc.) with just my measurements. Then I drew on the seam allowances, hems and fit insurance. Here are the fronts and backs (slopers included) …
I cut my fitting shell pieces out of my gingham fabric again. (Notice the extra pieces I cut out? I am working on a Pants Fitting Shell too. But that’s another story!)
My finished Skirt Fitting Shell! (Again, I sewed it together with the seam allowances out, so that I could see the changes I made. Not something that is required.) Here’s the front … I might make the front darts a little bit longer to take in the extra fabric, to make smoother front. What do you think?
and the back … When I do my Pants Fitting Shell, I am going to put in a zipper. It was very difficult to pin up the opening in the back of this Skirt and all those pins just puckered the back!
I have never been one to wear pencil skirts. I just don’t think they do anything for me BUT… I have never had a pencil skirt fit as well as this ugly, wrinkled thing! I love it! I plan on using it as a guide for every skirt or dress I make for myself in the future, as I used my Bodice Fitting Shell to check the size of my Sewaholic Yaletown!
Are you tired of poor fitting patterns like me? Obviously we are all unique and measuring and altering sure does wonders!
Happy Sewing!