One of the things I have been noticing as I am helping other people find the fit adjustments they need for their body, is just how much measurements overlap but shape is COMPLETELY different. This regularly amazes me. Two people with almost identical measurements, but vastly different shapes don’t need the same types of alterations and fit adjustments to achieve that perfect fit. This realization is what sparked this blog series.
Together with a few awesome friends, who happen to have near identical measurements to my own, but who look very different, we dived head first in. All of us completely gorgeous and unique in our own ways. When we tackle a pattern, we all have different points of view for what we consider common adjustments. Sequoia and Chaney have already talked about what adjustments they make, so I’ll just dive into what I do.
I count myself super lucky. Usually, the only adjustments I make to a pattern is grading between sizes and adding height. Every once in a while, I need a full bust adjustment. But these two quick adjustments are typically all I need to make a pattern fit me well! This is obviously helped by the fact that I don’t buy patterns from designers that don’t cover my size. Also helped that I prefer to use patterns that are drafted for an hourglass shape to begin with. This prevents a lot of the adjustments some need to make to even match the pattern block a specific designer uses.
Now, back to adjustments…DIBY includes a TON of adjustment and fitting tips in all of their patterns. They also have a super inclusive size range. This helps eliminate a lot of fit issues you might come across, which means it is a great start to this series! Simple changes to achieve a great fit!
All I’ve done is grade and add an inch of height. Super simple, even with this fancy hem! I used an ITY with fancy texture to it that I found at Fine Fabrics, so it is light and flowy, which helps this boxy shape work for my body. For my shape, I need to show at least some of my curves or I feel like I’m in a tent. It doesn’t take much, but it I don’t have some fit somewhere, I’m just feeling blah. I definitely don’t feel blah in this super cute top!
Be sure to check out the other gorgeous bloggers sharing their gorgeous shapes with all the right alterations of this lovely DIBY Adrianne!
Don’t forget to enter to win a free DIBY pattern, so you can sew up your own DIBY to fit your lovely shape here!
Stephanie xx
I rarely have to make adjustments to patterns, except for pants my legs are short but torso is regular length.
This is adorable! I noticed that it looks a lot like the cloud nine shirt, what is the difference between the two do you know?
Thanks!!
I’m not super familiar with the Cloud 9, but it looks like that is a basic curved hem, dolman. So the major differences would be the shoulders and neck finishes, and the hem. This cool overlapping band thing is a bit different than the typically curved hem. They do have similar silhouettes! And of course, the DIBY pattern has a HUGE size range and the Striped Swallow goes up to xxxl (a 49″ hip).
I have to do an FBA every time.