How I got my bodice block to fit perfectly

[@ZeldaSews]

Your block looks amazing. Now, can you do a video on how you use that block to make patterns or to make adjustments to other patterns?

[@alexneuf7526]

Aw, thanks Zelda. That's a great idea! I have something in the works :)

[@SheOpines]

I don’t see, but I’m captivated. I’ve binged 5 of your video. I appreciate fine clothing and enjoy some special pieces. A few are classics from the late 90’s. My fave is black cashmere blazer. If I were to replace it today? I Can’t even imagine! It was a Nordstrom find. Your mind is so clever and detailed. You’re doing a great job.

[@prilindo]

OMG thank you so much! You're the first resource I've seen that shows where the Helen Joseph Armstrong bodice block ends, i.e., at the natural waist! It was driving me crazy

[@ReinaElizondo]

Looks great! Can you expand on the shoulder change you're going to do? Shoulders feel hard lol. At least without throwing off the other changes and vice versa. Haha and yeah when people say you'll just have to fit the back with adjustments, and I'm like; but there's only so far you can go without another fitting person! And if your posture changes a lot!

[@alexneuf7526]

I low-key hate shoulders too. Here's what I did: - It was a little bit too long, so I took out the length in both the back and the front using shoulder darts - The shoulder seam was a bit too far back, so I subtracted some length from the front and added the corresponding amount to the back - I added a few milimeters to the front and back armhole at the shoulder seam to make a more attractive curve (so that it didn't make a peak at the top)

[@ReinaElizondo]

@@alexneuf7526 Makes sense, thanks!

[@jimdrummer816]

Very nice!

[@alexneuf7526]

Thanks, Jim :)

[@mirjam3553]

Seamly seems just the thing that I need - I can pen&paper my patterns all day long, I find drafting (and fitting) fun in general, but redrawing my stuff all the time is tedious. From what you showed, it seems to be able to work with different construction systems as well. How do you get the pattern off the computer and into the real world?

[@mandelish]

You print it on regular pages ...or any format you have. . There are video tutorials around how to set up the layout .and print. If you draft for yourself seamly is ok however to make the pages and the pdf file professional looking you would need another program ...I am not too crazy about seamly but for starters is ok .

[@mirjam3553]

@@mandelish Oh, ok. So that's most likely going to be a lot of taping A4 together. Might have to think about whether that's worth it (it's a really annoying part :D)

[@alexneuf7526]

@mirjam3553 Yes, it is a lot of taping A4s together, which I agree is annoying. I really despise retracing though so I thought that this was worth it.

[@jimdrummer816]

Have you ever watched the Chris Sartorial videos, and if so, what is your opinion about them? (He shows how to draft blocks) Thanks. Our family really enjoys your videos.

[@alexneuf7526]

Thanks so much! No, I haven't, I'll have a look :)

[@bohemiansusan2897]

I'm not able to do a block on myself and no help with fit unless I go to one of the local seamstresses. I can do one for anybody else but not myself 😢. It's nice to interact with another sewer even if through KZbin. Nobody in my area was clothes.😢 I do however make some minor pattern adjustments without fitting because I have a long torso, long arms, sway back, rectangular figure and no matter what pants aren't enough room in the seat which is odd because I have a flat butt. From there I cut at a 7/8ths seam allowance which allows me more ease or to take away.

[@mandelish]

yes, it is difficult ..from measuring yourself to fitting ...

[@bohemiansusan2897]

@@mandelish I been sewing for 43 years and did have formal education in fashion. Sadly the department of the college I went to was of extremely poor quality. It wasn't until about 20 years ago, I got to understand adjustments for myself. I can't fit the pattern to wear before cutting like so many are able to. Now I know that I can cut less but never more with that first cut.

[@alexneuf7526]

Sorry to hear that you don't have any sewing friends in your area, Susan :/ Do you live in a small town? I confess myself a fan of 7/8ths seam allowances as well at times...makes it a lot easier to make adjustments, as you've said.

[@bohemiansusan2897]

@@alexneuf7526 about 40,000 people. The most sophisticated shop is JoAnn's and that store caters to quilters. Once a year, I try to go to Portland, Oregon to shop at the mill end stores. There, I'm able to converse with people who are as excited about sewing clothes as I am. I wish that I could afford something like Costume College once every 2-3 years. Portland is a five hour drive one way. I drive back in the same day.

[@japonjapuh3370]

I like 👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍