Choosing Patterns For Your Body Type

[@mbshanley]

Since I've passed menopause, my body type has changed completely. I'm still getting used to my new shape and don't instinctively know how to dress now. I look forward to this series! Thank you

[@sparkleinco2035]

It is a struggle to find clothes as I age. I hurt my back and it sticks out. I had an hour glass figure and looked good in clothes. The first things I started to sew looked terrible, and I rushed them to the thrift store. Now I have found that I need layers or softer clothes. I am sewing the Rhapsody Blouse now with gathers in the back instead of a pleat. Close to 80 but still care and want to look good. This is food for thought and a great topic Kim.

[@aribella6913]

sparkleinCO ❤️

[@ellastroupe5754]

Oh my goodness you spoke to my heart. One of the reasons I follow you is that you DO wear well fitting clothes and look so confident and beautiful. I want that too. My skills are beginner but I really hope to succeed in creating well fitting clothes for myself. Thank you for being so real and sharing with us.

[@rhondabrooks441]

This series is really calling to me. I'm trying to expand my wardrobe beyond jeans/capris and solid color t-shirts.

[@nancynewman6592]

I had a weird 'revelation' in my 30's, after fussing negatively over body image. It popped into my head one day, that of course I did not create this body, it was given to me, as a gift, and I was here to take care of it. I was so lucky that it was strong, healthy, nimble, capable, (rather than short squat muscle-y and not as feminine as I would have liked) and this changed my general process of thought. It was more about nutrition, exercise to feel good, and then chose clothing that accentuated the positives as you said . I also learned that if you make the effort up front, no matter how small your wardrobe, focus on what you need to feel confident , get ready for your day, and then forget about it ! Great video! Thanks for posting 😃 🇨🇦

[@janfranklin2114]

Negative self-talk undermines us in so many areas of our lives. I completely agree that well-fitting clothes make all the difference in the world and we as sewists have the capability of making that happen. I am looking forward to watching this series.

[@bridget9111]

I used to be an hour glass but heavier on top, now that’s changed like you to an Apple added to that. It’s hard to choose what suits and my bust is always a problem because my shoulders are smaller. I’m gradually getting better at fit and love notions are helping love B 🐝 xxx

[@rikkib7636]

Thank you for sharing Kim. I struggled with my body image & such much more when I was younger. My wonderful husband has really helped me get over a lot of that & I feel a lot more comfortable with myself. I don’t obsess over it like I used to, which is a great feeling:)

[@dianemorrall2687]

I can relate to this...it seems to be a problem for most women world-wide. The thing is, I look back over old photos and see I wasn't really fat at all! Like you, sewing and learning to fit things properly has completely revolutionised my feelings about my body.

[@lynneprentice4278]

Oh Kim you really have touched on some fundamental truths here! Looking forward to this serie! I think many of us ladies of a certain age do struggle with what suits us. I know I am a pear shape and always have swathed myself in baggy black clothes! It’s only since sewing my own clothes that I have started to really understand my body and it’s shape/size. 😍❤️ I bought Nancy Nix Rice’s book Looking Good Every Day which has a wealth of information on what suits various body types , which has been a real eye opener!

[@marybeell6364]

You go, girl! This message is so right on, and even when we know this, some of us still struggle with body image. Thank you for addressing this and I am excited to see more about this. Take care

[@annaheh2925]

i have gone back to sewing after many years. trying to get an idea how to fit a pattern to my ever changing body since i am now 70. loved your topic and how you present. Keep up the good work. From an older women, not everybody is looking at us because they are just as self conscious as we are. Wear what makes you feel good. Yea for us.................

[@kathybailey3226]

Thank you so much. I wish someone had given me this info when I was young...so many wasted years!

[@suek7086]

Thank you Kim. At age 70 and with a funky body shape I struggle, too.

[@nanastevens4094]

Oh my, I needed this pep talk and need a whole series on this topic. Would be so nice if you lived close by.

[@kaywest1182]

Oh my goodness! You have been listening to my self talk as I am trying to get back into sewing after 30 years and I am having trouble finding the right look and fit for my body type.

[@kmbuckhill9309]

Kim, thanks for the very thought provoking video. It did dredge up a lot of things from my past. I was always was a chunky child and was called all the names associated with it. When I was 10 years old I weighed 110 lbs. When I was 18 years and graduated from high school I weighed 110 lbs at 5' 5" tall. In Jr high I had enough of the name calling, so I went on a very strict diet. When I graduated at 110 lbs I still felt fat. I am now 74 years old and weigh 140 lbs and still feel fat. I think because if the poor body image that I have had all my life , I keep looking for that one outfit that I feel will make me look slender and pretty. Could be why i gave 3 closets full of clothes. I started sewing again this winter. I have had some fails, but also made some things that turned out every nice and got some nice compliments. I bought my first Love Notions pattern and very excited to make it up. Thanks again for the great videos and your faithful inspiration.

[@maryp7175]

This was a good reminder about why I choose to sew for myself. Fit really is everything and it can make or break an outfit and change my confidence level. Thanks for these videos.

[@junebug3405]

Body image is such an important topic in our sewing journey. Being able to sew a design that actually fits our individual bodies may open up a lot of new style options that don’t work off the rack. Thank you Kim for tackling this subject. Love your channel❤️

[@daur5314]

As I age it gets harder and harder to “like” my body. I guess I’m better at liking colors and fit. You were so right when you said “I bet your favorite outfit is one that fits you well.” I’m looking forward to this series.

[@kathleenrobertson6895]

I love your attitude.

[@sylviakeatley4173]

Thanks Kim, this really spoke to me. I'm in a weight loss journey, 90lbs down but plenty to go. I too have learned the same lesson as you and will no longer wear the tents. Thank you.

[@dorothysdaughtersews]

I can relate 100%! I’m losing a bit right now as well. It’s important to have clothes that make you feel good along the way, too!

[@MegOfBroccoli]

Fit really is everything. So is personal style. Wear what YOU like, not what's in style currently or the latest fad. If you have a closet full of stuff you don't wear, and you wear the same 4, 5, 6 garments or types of garments all the time, start focusing on those. Make (or buy) similar styles in different colors or designs. You don't have to own a ton of clothes to be stylish and feel good about yourself in your clothes. Capsule wardrobes or starting to steer towards capsule wardrobes can help you really pinpoint what colors, styles, and design elements you like. But the greatest gift we sewists have is being able to fit ourselves so our clothes can look great on us. I did a whole house konmari several years ago and I really pared down my closet, focused on the colors I love (neutrals) and went from there. Great video!

[@jacqpot9413]

This series promises to be very helpful; in fact, it has already begun to fulfill that promise!

[@heidefries1825]

It appears this video has struck a chord with many of us. Comforting to know I'm not alone but it's also unfortunate so many feel the same way. Looking forward to this series!

[@lindathompson5420]

Oh boy does this hit home! I have always been chubby or as my Dad used to say "thick"! My body has really changed in the last 9 years...menopause, breast cancer and retired! I am at my wits end trying to sew to fit my body, it was easier when I was younger as I have been sewing for more than 50 years! Can't wait for what amazing tips you will give us!

[@sherrygraham8650]

Well I guess there’s very little help for me~I like my ankles. But this is my first time with you and I will watch this whole series.

[@kimberlyturner520]

This series is "right on time" for me. I was always a slightly curved rectangle, meaning 42"x33"x45" and on March 18th I had to have double lumpectomy's for Brest cancer. That's changed my body image ALOT because my upper body was What I liked most about my body. From belly button up was well portioned, I liked my arms, neck the whole upper body and then my legs are ok. I'm 5'6 with legs 2" longer than most my height. Long story short. My measurements and the "positive" I've always worked with has changed. So yea right in time.

[@nancy9478]

Kimberly, I pray that all is well for you, that you are healthy and thriving. Sending you hugs.

[@junderwood830]

I struggled for years with body image and at 71, I still do. I always felt I was huge, even though I was 5’ 4” and I sewed and wore a perfect 12 or 14 pattern. I am a pear, too. I would have to add about 1-2 inches at the full hip, but still, my clothes always looked good and I got compliments. My Dad, though, always made remarks about my weight, too. I just totally gave sewing up in my 50s, but I want to sew again! So, I found you (thank goodness!} and a few others and I’m doing my best, but I need to learn to adjust patterns for my body the way it is now, and I’d like to wear dresses again. There are zero in my closet. So, here I am, listening and learning. Thanks, Kim!

[@craftymystic4868]

Wise words, Kim. When I was much heavier, I wore loose, XL clothing and wasted the opportunity to present myself in the best light. While I did keep and am reusing some of my favorite XL dresses now I am using them for yardage to test out different patterns, or make skirt out of a dress, or whatever. I am amazed reflecting how I felt at the time, obese and unhealthy, and how ashamed I was at my own figure. While I’ve changed all that, you’re right, I didn’t have the body on issues then that I did when I first lost all the weight (it was foods I had to eliminate to benefit my health I did not set out to lose 70 lbs). What I did is trigger a time in my life where I was homeless, ate one meal a day, and worked 3-4 jobs supporting my first husband who died 3 years into our marriage. Yep, loaded with stories to take to therapist. While I had never gone to a therapist feeling shame at my own body, I did now I’m my current size, because it was so charged with that time in my life. Looking back, and looking at other body types, it’s fit that makes the difference. Having my own issues of a long torso, and broad shoulders I was finally driven back to sewing when I glanced in the mirror, I was wearing a princess seamed jacket tunic, and the bust apex was caved in a good inch above my actual bust. Did that look good? Not really. Not as good as I knew fit could be. So no matter what size I was, body image and fit always go hand in hand. Keep up the good message, Kim! 🙏🏽❤️

[@marneyb2256]

I am so glad I have found you. There are not a lot of older fashionistas in the sewing space. And all of us as we age and change have struggles. My sewing is getting better, still struggling with fit but what to spend my time sewing is hard to choose. RTW is also impossible to find. Plus Petite here but I am too small for the plus shop and too large for the regular shop. And the mind set change from business to retired is done but the wardrobe change I am finding harder.

[@northgone]

Your discussion of style, fit and body image was gentle, intelligent and very easy to digest.

[@denisedorsey2889]

Thank you for tackling this topic. Your insight is valuable and you present your ideas in such a gracious manner. Looking forward to the rest of the series. I'm just learning to sew garments for myself at the age of 64.

[@hillarygriffin8652]

What you said in this video was really great! As a young person I was very skinny and I too hid behind baggy clothes because I knew my friends were intimidated by my size. As I have gotten closer to 40, I have started to round a bit and am now more of an apple shape. I have struggled with that change. I came to sewing because I was having trouble finding rtw clothes that made me feel good about myself. I appreciate this series you’ve put together to help facilitate a talk about body image and what helps you feel the best about you!

[@art2011ful]

I really appreciate this topic and look forward to the series. Thank you!

[@heatherjsews]

Thank you for sharing, yes those of us who are thin also have body image issues, I'm not that thin now at 36 as I was in my early 20's, but I still don't even fill out an A cup and it used to bother me so much I went to a consult with a plastic surgeon. That was my turning point to loving my body as it is, I don't need to spend thousands of dollars and a month to recover just so I have some cleavage! Sewing has helped so much, now I can make clothes that fit my body as it is :) learning the small bust adjustment has to be my favorite new skill!

[@elaine1250]

How lovely to hear you speak from the heart which rings very true to me also as a maturer lady who is a pair shape ,going on apple /pair shape , it’s very easy to dress the top part of the body but when it comes to the bottom half ‘what do I wear and how I hate my my pair shape ‘ and yes try to hide it all away behind a pair of the same old jeans , thankyou for sharing your thoughts , I could listen to you all day ,so now perhaps it’s time to look forward and change my habits , looking forward to watching the rest of the series 🌈

[@nancyhurt7145]

This was a good topic. I’ve struggled for 60 plus years with my body. I’m all ears for tomorrow. You’ve touched on some points that hit close to home. I always thought if I wore big shirts it would make me look smaller. I’ve learned exactly what you’re talking about. Thanks, Kim, for this subject.

[@dorothysdaughtersews]

It’s a little hard to talk about sometimes, but if my experience can help someone else, I’m willing to put it out there. ❤️

[@dotschischloh9767]

I am shortwaisted I tried a paperbag waist pant and laughed and laughed. My boobs were at waist level. I learned to try new styles in RTW before I invest sewing time. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@monikawidensky8815]

Doris Schloh Yes, that is exactly my own experience.

[@birdsong9934]

Doris Schloh me, too! You never see shortwaisted models on pattern envelopes. I buy “low cut” jeans so they’ll sit at my natural waist. And often RTW knit tops and tees are so long they just accentuate my midriff bulges! 😆

[@MegOfBroccoli]

Do a google search of images of "short waisted celebrities." Look at the styles they wear. A sheath dress will downplay MANY areas that you don't want to enhance because it elongates your entire front from your neckline to your knees. Pick a warm color (navy, charcoal, burgundy, etc.) if you want to look slimmer. I sew sheath dresses for my "plus sized" colleagues and friends and they tell me they've never felt better in their clothes. Being short-waisted is also a common body type so check out images of what women with this characteristic wear.

[@MegOfBroccoli]

@@birdsong9934 You don't need to see pattern models, look on Google images and you'll see plenty of celebrities and other women with short-waisted characteristics. Good luck!

[@MegOfBroccoli]

@@birdsong9934 Short-waisted people really need to be fitted for the correct bra size. I mean everybody should if they can (hard to do during COVID, though). But short waisted people especially want to raise the bust with the correct size bra. And wear FITTED garments below the bust so your clothes are not hanging from the bust. Kim is right that fitted clothes look better NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SIZE. Good luck!

[@rosemaryfrew5571]

Thank you so much for the honesty that you were so caring with in this podcast. Thank you so much for your help.

[@veronicaquinn2578]

Thank you for this series. I have worn pants for years because I didn’t think a dress was for me. I would love to wear a dress that fit me and was flattering. I am really looking forward to the next two days. Thank you very much for this series.

[@sharonmolde6658]

Thank you, Kim. You have my attention. While many, many of us have the skill to benefit us by using our sewing machines and a tape measure, we don't do it. Today, that changes. Thank you for the nudge!!

[@beverlyforeman7237]

I have been learning to accept my body as it is and dress for that body. Thanks for reinforcing that!

[@cathyswope5174]

You are do inspiring, thanks for this series. You and Whitney really introduced me to to small and mighty pattern companies and now I am hooked!

[@msbdot1]

I’m so glad to find this. I’ve spent too many days (years) in jeans and pullover. With retirement on the horizon, I am looking for a change. I have LOTS of LN patterns and look forward to the rest of this series. Thanks so much!

[@pamelahill7164]

I am a short pleasantly plump lady and it’s hard to feel you look good in clothes but I never thought about the compliments I have gotten in certain items I have worn til you mentioned it. So I’m pulling out all the things in my closet that people have told me I look good in and taking a close look at them to try to figure out what it is about those pieces that worked for me. Thanks for the help

[@tfrankum01]

Taking pictures of myself in what is in my closet has been an eyeopener! Things I thought I looked good in is atrocious, and some things I seldom wear look really nice. Try it! It has led me to look for different patterns that I have always been drawn to.

[@lindasutton937]

Great advice Kim. Lots of very useful tips and tricks for people who do not have the body proportions of a fashion model. You are so calm and reassuring with all your advice. Keep up the good work.

[@c.ranger4748]

Thank you for being real. I love your videos and learn so much. You are a truly beautiful lady with a heart of compassion that is reaI. I look forward to this series.

[@hjkennaugh]

Hi, thank you for your very honest comments. You are right when you say we all have our issues with body shape. I look forward to the next video now.

[@kellykranz7652]

You're so right. Fit is the key. I'm a pear too. Thanks for sharing the information.

[@donnakraft1031]

Thank you for this short series I think it is going to be great for so many of us. I am wanting to make a lot os changes to my style since retiring and need some new ideas of what might be good for me to wear, so the timing is perfect!

[@alisonwilliams5355]

Kim, your are fantastic and you are so down to earth, all your videos are no concise and clear & what’s more they really work. This particular topic is great, as I am trying to get patterns that work for me. Since having health problems my weight has increased & your so right about focusing on the good points. Look forward to watching more of your series.

[@alwayscynical5140]

Loved this video Kim. As an older woman I have found it difficult to get back to sewing but have bought many of the love notions patterns lately. I am hoping to bit the bullet and just dive right in again. The topic of this video struck a chord for me so I thank you for your time and care in covering the body image issue.

[@helentucker5134]

Thanks for your positive spin on body types - I'm taking a fitting course and beginning to see myself as all the adjustments I need to make.

[@dianekeller3720]

Life changes and so has my body. I do have a lot of negative issues and do not find any favorite parts. Your honesty and coaching in this vlog has made me think about some things and try to change my self-talk

[@charlenejutras1595]

Love this message of positive self image and acceptance. Thank you for sharing.

[@rondavanover9873]

Menopause changed my body and then health issues affected me as well. Even though I made peace with my body, I struggle with fitting clothes when I sew. Finding fabrics that look good on me is also difficult. Thanks for this series!

[@sewindubaialicia8313]

I genuinely appreciate your dialogue. You truly care about sharing your knowledge and it shows. I have struggled with body image, since BC. However I have been inspired by your creativity to try new patterns. I'm going to try a few of the love notions patterns, because of your wonderful inspiration videos

[@imsewblessed1578]

I used to have an hourglass shape and fit clothing easily and could wear pretty much anything. Now , I don’t even know how to dress this body I have and it definitely affects how I feel about what I wear and feel. I love your advice on finding the features you like and enhancing those.

[@nancyb6585]

I find this topic very timely and your kind approach is wonderful, so refreshing!! Would you kindly consider a video on proportion as well? I find I struggle with it and I do understand it can make us look our best when the clothing is in proper proportion. Thank you!

[@syro6644]

Im looking forward to this series about choosing the right pattern for your body. With small bust no waist and larger hips its really hard to choose pattern and grade between sizes.

[@barbgallenberger7482]

Thank you for this series. Like many I have never had a good body image. I am short and pear shaped, and over weight. Going shopping has been a depressing experience for years. But over the years my philosophy has been to make the best of what I have. This has helped.Right now I am trying to get a handle on fit. This isn't easy as it isn't always apparent what the real fit issue is. But every attempt gets better!

[@sallystapleton4237]

I think this is close to every woman’s heart as I don’t think we are ever happy with ourselves at different times in our lives...xx

[@dotz2669]

Thanks so much for taking the time to discuss this! I am recently retired and getting back into sewing for myself. Working through the fit issues has been a huge eye opener. Once it fits right - it looks right! You are such an inspiration!

[@valerienell7838]

Thanks Kim. Looking forward to the rest of the series. I am also a little long waisted and hated it when I went into stores and tried on dresses and the waist line was on my rib cage. It made me feel like I was deformed so I never bought dresses unless they had no defined waist.

[@SewMuchFunLady]

Looking forward to going through this journey with all these wonderful ladies. This is going to be a great week. Thank you.

[@micheleallen1327]

I look forward to more on this topic. I have non-standard proportions and struggle to understand what styles, fitted properly, would make for a more balanced look. Thanks, Kim.

[@mariamacksoud3080]

This series certainly hits home for me, too. Thanks for doing this.

[@maryellensmith7238]

Thanks Kim for this video. I am so new to sewing that I am trying to be patient with myself as I go through this learning curve. I truly believe that this series of videos are going to be so helpful.

[@cathtaylor2771]

I so need this Kim, getting older and extra weight on due to mobility problems, I’ve never been this big, I want to try a wrap dress, I’ve got a few patterns. But I seriously need to find my style altogether that suits this new body shape I have. I’m sure with your help I will. Thankyou loads xx 😘

[@stampwithcarol]

Thank you for this video. Yes what you said really hit home for me. I am looking forward to the next two in this series.

[@sherylvitosh7209]

I relate to your video. I think this will be a great series! Thank you! One of the great things about Love Notions is that you can see pictures of all body types too. I also have problems knowing the right proportions. I know tunic lengths aren’t best for me, but have problems knowing how long or short to make a top to be flattering for me.

[@karenfoxworth]

Well said. Nice suggestions. I have always sewn pieces of my clothing but many . Lately I have been inspired to sew more for myself. My hesitation is getting the right fit, altering patterns. I am getting there. Just need to get over my trepidation.

[@grannaboo03]

Oh my goodness.....thank you for this video. I have been a Skinny Minnie most of my life, but had a distorted view of myself. I remember after just having a baby, going to a step class and was in the middle of the crowd. During class I kept seeing a tiny person every once in a while in the mirror. Finally I stopped moving and realized that tiny person was me! Why do we do that to ourselves....how could our brains deceive us that way?? I truly believed that I needed that class because I was grossly over weight...I had just had a baby! This information is very important. Thank you for sharing it for ALL OF US!

[@carmenfringer4740]

This is so helpful. Thank you. I've no idea what I really look like since I see the old ,bigger, me and need all the advice I can get

[@stef4866]

Thank you once again for a great video. Anxious to walk through this subject with you. I honestly am a whole lot more comfortable at age 51 then I was at 15. In acceptance lies peace. 😊

[@gloriawalker3226]

Thank you for taking the time to address negative self-talk. It's so important not to "hide the good with bad"! Love that top on you!

[@lilyfleury1243]

Thank you for this séries, great idea! I am going to look at all my cloches and take pictures and try to list my best fractures. Looking forward to the et rest of the week!💜

[@Sue1274]

Great video. Very thought provoking!

[@carylwainscott9345]

Great topic ! I've always hated to shop because of fitting challenges. But I recently started sewing again after decades and am slowly learning to fit my body. I actually have some clothes that I am proud of. Will be watching your series with interest to learn to choose ahead of time which styles just might work.

[@christinafisher6244]

This is really important. I try to look at photos of myself - for me it’s easier to take off the lens of self-image when presented with a photo.

[@dianemorrall2687]

I remember seeing you in a Sheath dress I think you made for Christmas. It was fitted and looked lovely on you. Thank-you for your honesty I don't think you have been offensive at all.

[@k3of5ks]

Great video. I’m looking forward to the series. ❤️

[@reginaharrison9626]

Thank you for the pep talk. I love my body. Looking forward to the other two videos!

[@debvar8111]

Thanks for this series. Todays was great and am looking forward to the rest.

[@tamarakarlin2758]

This was wonderful, so honest & helpful & really spoke to me, thank you Kim. I'm new to garment sewing & want to learn to make clothes for myself that fit well, look nice & make me feel good. It's sad how hard we are on ourselves, especially after menopause. I'm so tired of seeing posts about what we shouldn't wear after 50 or 60 like we are 100 & don't matter. I am new to your channel Kim & love how genuine & knowledgeable you are. Will be watching all your videos!

[@susangrant9365]

I also look forward to knowing what really suits me instead of guessing. It can be very daunting sometimes knowing what will fit nicely or look not so flattering. Thank you Kim, this is very much needed, as we get older, our confidence level is somewhat battered and we do doubt ourselves too much. A gentle nudge in the right and positive direction will be much appreciated by many.

[@mdowney2740]

Yay! Ready to enjoy that sewing will be changing my body image!

[@kimh6610]

Well said. The reason I decided to learn how to sew was exactly that. I wanted to make styles I liked in my size that fit well. I am larger but didn't like the frumpy grandma style in rtw. I really want to make a pair of jeans but am working on my skill sets first. Thanks for the video. I'm so glad I found your chanel.

[@monikawidensky8815]

Yes, to focus on the good parts is a much healthier approach. I can also confirm that taking photos in clothes is a very good feedback. I am taking part in memademay and for the first time I take photos in pretty much the same location with the same lights and it is helpful to be able to compare the clothes. A little bit more objective.

[@louisestevens5267]

Totally agree with you, we women should always help our sisters shine. Excited to watch the panty video Friday, they have been on my radar. Thank you for your honesty and help. AWESOME.

[@spatch1000]

This is a tough one! Five two, way overweight, flirting with diabetes because of it, etc. etc. Seventy six this year and body has been betrayed by gravity and wrinkles, but I do like your approach to finding what will work. Firstly, I will no longer accept identifying myself as curvy which was a way to divert and delude myself from the real issue of being too fat (I know no one likes that word, but that is the real truth behind my body shape) and postponing dealing with it. My real self knew no nice pc words for my state were helpful to my esteem because I deep down knew the truth. So getting that off my chest, making small changes bit by bit. Your video is where I am right now in finding what actually does look good and accepting I will improve but never, never be what I was in the first half of my life. Finding colors that not only look good but also make me feel good. Gave up tent shapes that really looked like I was draping a bedsheet over myself. Sewing waistlines and picking fabrics that make me smile as well as being comfortable. Whew, that was maybe a little too much sharing but it is coming from a good place. This video is really helpful. Thank you for doing it.

[@sylviahilxebrant7141]

When I retired I realized I didn't need all those fitted clothing and cleared out my closet. Then the age weight crept in and there was more clearing out. The changes in my body has been hard for me to accept, to dress. You talking to us as you did today has put a little spark into what I need to look for when choosing my patterns. Thank you!

[@dausmer]

Great info. I have struggled with these issues all my life. Can't wait to view part 2

[@sewstone2109]

Great series. Starting to sew again and can use the help in finding what looks best on my changed body.

[@katherinestocking3490]

Kim you are so right! I worked with a lady that always dressed to the nines. She was a size 3x+. Her clothes always fit perfect. How come I can look at others and tell what their good features are and I cannot do that to me? I am learning a lot from you, please keep teaching.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Hi Kim. It's very easy to enumerate all one's flaws and imperfections, but I always look at mine through the lens of, "It could be worse." I adopted that attitude when I was very young, a polio survivor. Sure, I'm a little physically twisted, but I'm not crippled, and I was never in an iron lung. I count my lucky stars because to the person without sight or arms or …?..., I'm on the other side. I'm on the side where the grass is greener.

[@deeteakay]

What a great idea! We have a hard time accessing what suits us and what doesn’t: body image!

[@michaeljimenez3635]

I am a petite hourglass. I have had problems with fit all of my life, especially now with the middle age spread.