What size to make?

[CAFCgirl]

Hi, I'm trying to get back to making some clothes. My darling Children brought me a basic sewing machine for my 60th and after 7 years in the box I decided I should try and use it. Mainly because I cannot find any clothes I like in the shops (I am very awkward ) anyhow I have a very basic pattern, the Zoe dress and have measured myself to see what size I should be doing. When I picked myself up off the floor I find I am not a 'normal' size. Bust and hips are size 12-14 and hips are 18-20. I did double check and as I am usually a 16ish I have no idea what size I should be doing. Can anyone help please.  Many thanks x


PS sorry if this is in the wrong topic.

[Lachica]

@CAFCgirl you've posted in the correct place! Which Zoe pattern have you got? If it's this one  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  then the hips look to be quite wide in relation to the bust. Measure the paper pattern at the hip line & see how it compares to your measurements. You need around 8" of ease on top of your hip measurement. The expert dressmakers will say you need to make a toile before using your good fabric but for a straightforward design like this I think you'll be ok just measuring the paper pattern. Do remember the seam allowances though. Looking forward to seeing photos!

[Ellabella]

As @Lachica says you need to measure the pattern pieces and always remember that pattern size numbers bear no relation to ready to wear size numbers.  I can be a 14 in one pattern company and a 20 in another. RTW I am usually a size 16.

[CAFCgirl]

Yes that is the one @Lachica  I have some polycotton to try first so I will measure the pattern. Thank you and @Ellabella  so much for your help.

[So Chic]

I can remember making something very similar back in the 80s and it turned out to be absolutely enormous round the hips and I ended up altering it to make a skirt.

By the way, it's good to see another member from Medway.

[CAFCgirl]

I shall use this as a toulie (forgive spelling pls) I think as I need something easy to throw on in the morning.  @So Chic I don't often let people know I live in Medway, it certainly isn't the garden of England any more!

 

[Morgan]

Tips to select the pattern size to use 
https://youtu.be/1IrV1w_ihwE?si=0WhwRyqdUJ0aU3OA
How to mark balance lines for fitting on  your pattern.
Part1
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-VpZ6YIrycg&t=0s
Part2 which shows how to work with a flared pattern.
https://youtu.be/urfLcvNLIDo?si=ey4333XGtk4pMqc2


How to check the pattern measurements so you can  compare with your actual body  measurements. 
https://youtu.be/U7bU04fuC-M?si=fqBWt97ouUWQc9Ig
And
Prepare
https://youtu.be/dv8bNng19-A?si=3zXmb8ky-fDXuU5i

Initial fitting- How to asses issues https://youtu.be/EMsnw1S2g14?si=oATaXsA8IwxAKYE6

Hope some of the information may be useful to you . 

[CAFCgirl]

Thank you xx

[So Chic]

@CAFCgirl   I agree and I make sure I don't let people know in which of the towns I live as there are certain parts of Medway that I won't visit even during the day.

Best of luck with your return to sewing and hope your dress turns out well.

[Lowena]

@CAFCgirl and @So Chic don't be intimidated or feel put down by the "Chav"" Chatham " connotations. As a dyed in the wool "Essex Girl" I own it and am proud at what a council house girl from Dagenham has achieved 

[Ploshkin]

Fond memories of 17 years teaching at Glencoe Road School in Chatham.