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. ย A while ago I measured and drafted my Bodice Fitting Shellย from Vogue pattern V1004.

During my time off work over Christmas, I continued with my studies using myย Craftsy courses โFast-Track Fittingโ and โFast-Track Fitting: In The Detailsโ 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. ย This time, first I made a Sloper (with no seam allowances, ease, etc.) with just my measurements. ย Then I drew on the seam allowances, hems and fit insurance. ย Here are the fronts and backs (slopers included) …


I cut my fitting shell piecesย out of my gingham fabric again. ย (Notice the extra pieces I cut out? ย I am working on a Pants Fitting Shell too. ย But that’s another story!)

My finished Skirt Fitting Shell! ย (Again, I sewed it together with the seam allowances out, so that I could see the changes I made. ย Not something that is required.) ย Here’s the front … ย I might make the front darts a little bit longer to take in the extra fabric, to make smoother front. ย What do you think?

and the back … ย When I do my Pants Fitting Shell, I am going to put in a zipper. ย 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. ย 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! ย I love it! ย 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 myย Sewaholic Yaletown!
Are you tired of poor fitting patterns like me? ย Obviously we are all unique and measuring and altering sure does wonders!
Happy Sewing!

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