Side Seams discussion

I just bought this book and really want to make the pants. Being tall and plus size means pants just don’t fit right.

Karen wrote: "I just bought this book and really want to make the pants. Being tall and plus size means pants just don’t fit right."

I made the pants and loved them! Granted I need to make them smaller but they are super comfortable :) I'm looking forward to make the Honeybourne dress after I've re-read a bit of the fitting information again.

I'm a beginner sewer and I bought the book before doing the seamwork beginner course.
I did have a go before the course at making the kersoe top, and it was a complete flop!
I'm hoping now with some sense of sewing I can have another go and get it right this time!
The book isn't for complete beginners even though it does have beginner patterns. But it's a great book for body acceptance and feeling that you can sew your own garments.

Hello, Angella! Those flops are part of the sewing therapy for me. Since I decided to go to college and study design at 21, my greatest fear has been "failure." It gives me terrible anxiety, even now at 42. I have failed a LOT, but it has made me a more resourceful person than I thought I could be.
Sewing, dyeing, and weaving give failure a safe space in my life. It becomes a part of your growth as a sewist. I am glad you continued your journey and appear to still love it.
I recommend two things...
1. Make a toile/muslin. Use old sheets or whatever you have that is a similar construction, but you won't cry if you ruin it. Try to think of it as playtime rather than double the work. Design is revision.
2. Don't lose your seam ripper. ;-) I keep eyeing that one that is on a necklace. Sewing is humbling but in the best way.
Do you think you will take another stab at the Kersoe with your new learnings or try something new from the book?

Hi Patricia , thanks for the advice. 😀
I'll definitely have another go at the Kersoe top as now I think that I've got a better idea at why it didn't fit.
The book is good at fixing fitting issues, but I did get alot more understanding about what the issue is with the fitting tutorial and following the wrinkles.
I think I might also try the pants, as they look like a classy style of elastic waisted pants. Proper "going out" pants with comfort.

Hi All,
I got the book as a "top of my list" books at Christmas time and totally love it. I be honest, I wanted it for the Kersoe top and I love it. I have made 3 so far. Two are fab but the last one I made out of plain, slighty shiney material and looked awful!
I am finding that right of the bat, I need to lower my bust point and grade from bust to waist. The fit is not perfect (yet), but a work in progress.

As Patrica mentioned making a toile make a difference. Using something you know you are not ever going to wear is liberating! My latest was from a Thrift shop duvet cover!

Hi! I want to make the pants. Maybe I’ll do that next..

Yes I do too the only issue is no pockets! I think I can Susa them out though.

Wendy wrote: "Yes I do too the only issue is no pockets! I think I can Susa them out though."

I was sad they did not include pockets!

I am not sure which pattern I will try yet. I need to get the book out a reread it. I haven't looked at since I first ordered it and I bought it when it came out!

Heather wrote: "I am not sure which pattern I will try yet. I need to get the book out a reread it. I haven't looked at it since I first ordered it and bought it when it came out!"

Same. I took the book out when we chose it, but haven't given it my full attention. What if I use the FBA guide on a pattern that needs it? When I got "the little black dress" I was sad thinking I would never be able to use these patterns. Then I learned about FBAs and checked the chart again! Based on a B cup the largest size would have an underbust that fits! *lightbulb* Suddenly, my pattern options probably tripled. Not good for my wallet, but divine for my style!

Hi All, well I finally finished my kersoe top and it was a success!
I followed the book for lowering the bust line, size grading and shoulder slope, as well as the seamwork's armscycle increase.
I'm really happy that I was able to work it all out. Having models of different body types in the book really helps.

I made the pants! Really like them..

Hello, darlings! I am such a slacker! I started my spring gardening so I have been sewing less.
I am making a PJ set from Butterick P 5058 Women Petite Sz 16W-20W. When I ordered it I was like, "Petite plus?! Amazing!" Then I got it and the 20W is intended to fit a 42" bust! *steaming* It might be perfect since my underbust is 40". I have the fabric cut and if the top needs an FBA I will have a before and after to talk about.