Taking in Pants, Lowering Crotches and Some GREAT Books!

[@SewTexas]

Joy you missed your calling--you definitely should have been a teacher. I am not sure I've watched many who are so very knowledgable about fitting. People go to such expense, and reason for sewing they don't bother to "fit" garments/patterns to their body, and the garments made look so homemade when not fitted properly. Hundred years ago when I began sewing I followed patterns precisely, and I woke up and decided I was in charge of fitting, where darts do and don't go, and it is me who take make shorter/longer, etc. When I finally purchased a dress form sized like me, huge game changer. And you can hack any pattern or make your own. Thanks for all you add to the sewing community.

[@Joy4650B]

LOL Renee! You are so right. I had NO IDEA IN THE WORLD that you could CUT INTO a pattern!!! It was so freeing to find out that the pattern is just a HELPER to start you on your way.

[@jackiehorn3724]

Love your channel and the non judgmental attitude towards different body types. Many on their channels show only how to fit for a typical body. I used to weigh 350 pounds, now about 220. Still a long way to go on weight loss, but I am slowly losing it. Meanwhile, I still want my clothes to fit , and to be able to understand how to alter them as I lose weight, afterall, the fabric is there, I just need to understand how to do it. Those of us who were so large, and now getting smaller, well, lose skin, sagging parts, etc....unless you decide to have major and very expensive surgeries this late in life, will be a permanent thing, and learning how to fit, is important, as we deserve after all this hard work losing weight to look our best. And, that is going to mean learning to sew and work around my body features. So, thank you for this. I took sewing and tailoring all through junior and high schools, and was quite advanced, but have forgotten almost everything. Once I entered the workworld, I have been single most of my life, and worked two jobs, why, I dont know, and would not recommend that for anyone. Why, I am not sure I became such an over worker so to speak, as I never really saved well, and was taxed to death because of it.....lol.... ( I was raised with a very highly important work ethic, I never thought I would get anything without working hard for it, plus, as a single it kept me busy I think, and I loved critical care nursing, and the patients I cared for, so that was the other factor. ) but anyway, I recently retired, and finally have the time to do as I want. And, sewing is one of the things I am trying to get back into. I almost feel like I need a beginners course again to remind me of things, and get back into it. Also, fabrics and sewing machines have come a long way since the late seventies when I graduated high school. Very little sewing since that time, and the little tiny portable machine I have, well, pretty much a collectors item any more....lol....and I have a new machine, and am in process of setting up a sewing "corner" . Thank you for your videos, just want you to know for many reasons many of us out here appreciate all the work you go to for your videos. I will be using your amazon store link for most of my shopping there.

[@Joy4650B]

Thank you so much for your comment! It is really nice to learn more about you. My daughter and granddaughter are/were critical care (I guess that is what ICU is) nurses. It is a ministry! They both really get attached to their patients and the patients love them. Both work nights, and I think that attributes to weight gain. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. You can email me at [e-mail].

[@jorjadiebold5317]

Love the trim on your top.

[@judylee2051]

Pants do look real nice. Amazing what a little alteration can do!

[@delisaknight8522]

The quilt on your wall with all the owls is awesome. I need to make one!!!

[@Joy4650B]

The owls are called "Outstanding Owls" by Darcy Ashton. Amazon used to have it, but I do not see it there now. Do a search and you will probably find it.

[@m.b.ortega544]

Great book recommendations! Your pants came out looking nice. Also wide legged pants and jeans are in this year, so rock yours!

[@marygeorge9688]

Thank you! I ordered my books today.

[@celarasmith8030]

Love all the information. You are so very thoughtful and helpful of others. THANK YOU.

[@valerieevans7034]

Thank you Joy for so thoroughly answering my "low seat" question...boy, was I surprised when I played this video! I also want to thank you for your lesson on buttons and buttonholes. I have sewn since I was eight, but I've never tackled a button-up blouse. Last year, I took Alexandra Morgan's Fitting Essentials class to alter a blouse pattern to fit me but have no finished blouse because I've been intimidated about all those buttonholes. With your video as my guide, I'm ready to finish that top after letting it sit for months. PS I enjoy your devotionals, too.

[@victoriahannah1633]

Thanks for all the tips. Pants are so easy to sew but what a booger they can be to fit them. I am working right now on some summer capris. They fit good in waist, hips & tummy but do need to be taken up in legs.

[@cleanqueen75]

Those two books I’be had for years and I love them.

[@debbiesiedhoff5285]

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for this video. I have been looking for weeks for this video. I trust your skills so much. I will do them your way and know its done correctly. Love you Joy. You are a great lady and inspiration to me!!

[@vernieames169]

I love your amazon store. Great idea!!!

[@mollysmith6055]

Thank you for the recommendation of that book, Joy. And yay, today your Amazon link worked. I paid for a pants fitting seminar years ago by some national teacher who I don't remember and her advice to me was to buy Burda patterns to fit my body. I'd told her pants patterns are always way too low in the back waistline (low, full derriere) and the front waistline always came all the way up to my bra. And her answer was Burda. ::rolling my eyes:: I'll get that book!

[@vernieames169]

What pattern is your white top - Very cute. You look so nice all the time.

[@sibyllolson3237]

I have recently purchased the Surefit Pants kit and taking a quick class with Glenda on March 20. I decided it was time to get a good pant fit.

[@Joy4650B]

I will be at that class to Sibyll. Glenda makes it all so easy!

[@tishawright2780]

What a gifted person God made.Joy I don’t see what you use for marking your fabric.love your videos

[@Joy4650B]

Hi Tisha. Fabric markers are varied, and none of them work on everything. My favorite are the FRIXION MARKERS. You can find them in my Amazon Store under Sewing Essentials. Here is a link to my store: www.amazon.com/shop/joybernhardt?listId=J3KCUXGSRNHY#

[@heatherlennox3695]

Great book recommendations! Thank you so much. I am currently reading Antonio Donanno's Fashion Patternmaking techniques vol 2. But getting the fit is a real science. So thank you.

[@joancregier3329]

I just ordered it for my kindle. 🙋‍♀️

[@aherring10]

I use the cardboard from a bolt of fabric for the purpose of having a stiff, flat surface to measure or press my pant...free!

[@madcitywendy]

You are an absolute wonder!

[@avdm196]

I have all 3 Palmer Pletsch and Marta Alto books. They are very good. I also learned a lot from another book:"Easy Guide to Sewing Tops and T-shirts, Skirts and Pants" by Lynn McIntyre and Marcy Tillon. It is available as e-book or hard copy. It deals both with fitting including pattern fitting like Palmer Pletsch, as well as with garment construction. There are plenty of drawings indicating variations as well as many unusual but effective tips and fitting refinements. The purple combination suits you beautifully. The neckline of both the purple and the white top becomes you. I wish you would consider addressing in one of your KZbin sessions on fitting the issue of "when is good, good enough" . The more I learn about fitting, the longer it takes me to be satisfied with the outcome, if ever.

[@Joy4650B]

Yes, Anca, I agree with you. WHEN is good, good enough. For me, it isn't right until it is right. LOL I'm just super picky though. Most people are not a picky as I am. I wear a lot of things that are way too big on me now, but I don't want to fix all of them. I may gain the weight back again. It is a constant battle. If you are happy with how your garment looks, then STOP. That is good enough, and you will enjoy wearing it. Most people have no idea what "good fit" is anyway. The boys have their pants falling off and their underwear showing. The girls have most of their chest showing or pants near their crotches. Very sad, I think.

[@leesuvia7861]

Hi Joy, I love watching your videos! I learn so much from them. Someone asked earlier about the pants pressing board. Would you be able to share the dimensions? I’d like to to make one for myself. Thank you so much!! 🙏🏼❤️‍🩹

[@charlynnekovach6919]

Joy, what types of fabric do you like to use for pants?

[@evalucilledixon3879]

This past week, on my cutting table is McCall’s M5894-The Perfect Jean with the Palmer & Pletsch Classic Fit method. Joy! How could you know that I needed this advice? Thank you. ~ L

[@annapomorski5431]

I was so happy that now you have your own Amazon shop as I was thinking great now I can get whatever I need and knowing they are good as you yourself are using them BUT to my disappointment the shipping from amazon is so high that's it's way too much .I know it's not your fault as you can't control the postage , but I thought I just let you know. Thks anyways as at least I can try and find these items from Europe

[@Joy4650B]

What a shame. In US we pay a yearly price for free shipping on everything at Amazon. I think it is about $120 now. As long as the item has "Prime", the shipping is free. Most other items are free as well. So sorry it doesn't work for you.

[@annapomorski5431]

@@Joy4650B I've just learn (to my shame😑 as i was told that i must have been living on the moon not to know about this,)from my daughter that there is Amazon that ship from Europe like Germany and France . Maybe I can get the same things from there.

[@susieswisher9878]

Joy, I purchased some items in your Amazon store. Thank you for making it easy to know shortcuts and items that will make sewing easier. I wanted to purchase the hem marker but see the one in your Amazon store is not on wheels. I think the wheels would make it much easier to use. Could you give me the name of the new one that you have and the company that made it? I really enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@Joy4650B]

Yes, Susie. I did say the new one is from Wawak. Just go to Wawak.com and you will easily find it there.

[@vernieames169]

What kind of fabric is that white top?

[@Ohio-ym7tc]

Joy, I can't remember what you call it, foam board? Or what you wrap your fabrics around, but one might use it with that ironing board/oven mitt fabric to make their own pants board .

[@Joy4650B]

Yes, I thought about that too.

[@annbarnidge2120]

@@Joy4650B Joy, would you please give the dimensions of that pant leg pressing board so that we might make one, those of us who are so inclined?😄 Also, I did happen to find a pant leg pressing mat like your gray wool one, by Pam Damour.

[@kayhopp4866]

Just finished watching the Jalie Clara pants again, and want to try some,but am wondering how to determine exactly what you are getting when on line ordering is about your only option for fabric. I'd like some of the thicker (?) fabric, not sure I want really slick stuff and how do you know the amount of stretch if the description doesn't say? Trying to update my wardrobe and sewing abilities!

[@Joy4650B]

Call the company and ask them. I have had them take pictures for me and describe the fabric.

[@concettapandolfino2026]

BUONASERA posso sapere se esiste del libro la versione in italiano? vorrei comprarlo grazie!

[@lindabiron7924]

Love the way the purple pants look on you now! The blouse you’re wearing-I’m making one for my granddaughter now with trim like on the bottom of yours. Did you precast it? Any advice as to how to fit it

[@lindabiron7924]

I meant to say any advice for how to care for it! 💕

[@lindabiron7924]

And I meant to say prewar had, not precast. Phew!

[@lindabiron7924]

Prewash! I’m SURE that’s auto-error!

[@Joy4650B]

LOL. Happens to me all the time. I hate that spell fix stuff.

[@Joy4650B]

I had not planned on putting the trim on the bottom. The blouse was a bit too short, so I sewed on the trim JUST BEFORE I made that video. I ALWAYS prewash my fabric. Did not prewash the trim though.

[@EbWhit91]

I just ordered that Pants book and it arrived last week. Haven't used it yet. Joy, what is the brand of that iron? I love the steam it makes.

[@Joy4650B]

You can find the iron in my Amazon store! The ironing board too. Here is a link to my store: www.amazon.com/shop/joybernhardt#

[@EbWhit91]

@@Joy4650B Thanks so much!

[@kristi8220]

I own both of the P&P books. That being said, I haven't used them to correct patterns. But....with my new SFD dress and pants kits I will be utilizing them. I'm glad you mentioned you still use the P&P with SFD. I made my dress body blueprint and found most of the issues that I suspected I would have were not there. I do think I have two issues still to correct. I have a narrow front bodice through my shoulders and have a swayback. I will correct for the swayback but am confused how I might narrow through my shoulder area. I don't want to affect another portion of the pattern if I correct for the narrowness. Any tips? You and I seem to have the same corrections that need to be made to paper patterns. Thanks for another great video!

[@rosemarybarrett7650]

Greetings 🇺🇸. I believe you will find some answers in Sure fit designs video library. Glenda has a refinement for narrow shoulders with larger bust D 9-3. She also has refinements in her Sewfit Academy. I hope this helps.

[@Joy4650B]

Hi Kristi. For some reason, I am just now seeing this comment. You will probably use different dots at your shoulder area. I have actually taken my "narrow shoulder tuck" in the front neckline after I make the blueprint. That is why the P&P and SFD work so well together -- in my opinion.

[@kristi8220]

@@Joy4650B thanks for the reply

[@jeric2773]

Still unable to access your Amazon shop. Have checked spelling and it seems correct.

[@Joy4650B]

Try this link Jeri. www.amazon.com/shop/joybernhardt?ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_own_joybernhardt_dp_IvnWWZ6fMy9Xn

[@jeric2773]

Success! Thank you for the reply and the link.

[@christinabarnes1105]

When you took apart the crouch and said you would have to sew the inseams wouldn’t that make the crouch shorter on the pants??

[@Joy4650B]

No. The crotch goes the other direction. Doesn't change it at all.

[@karenspann5070]

Joy I have typed in your Amazon shop and it keeps coming back can’t find this page can you put it as a link? Thanks a bunch

[@Joy4650B]

I have tried to put it as a link. I'll work on that. So far, it has not worked because when I go to it, it is different than when you go to it. Let me try some more.

[@angiedenamur4531]

Your right Teflon, my mistake

[@sandywalker2048]

Where did you get that board to go into your pants. I looked in your shop, it wasn't there.

[@Joy4650B]

I know Sandy. I have looked and looked for a board like that online. I cannot find one. I will look again though. I have seen somebody roll up a magazine and use it like that. You could use the tube from the inside of wrapping paper too.

[@janeherrera7258]

Love you top…💕

[@joyceforman6707]

What material do you make your pants out of

[@Joy4650B]

I like Kona Cottons for pants. Also like lightweight twills like soft denims. Best kind, for me, is a slight one way stretch like Cotton Sateen. Hard to find those though.

[@judylee2051]

I dont know what a low butt is, Joy.. sounds crazy!

[@mjp5129]

They look good. Yes, you could take in more, but if they feel good, that’s all that matters.

[@corneliabeach8928]

What about the front crock on all ready make pants, front to long, back is OK That you for your show, It is great.

[@Joy4650B]

You could lower the waistband in the front only.

[@joancregier3329]

I paid $14.99 for the kindle edition

[@sarahbotha8090]

I think the pants look nice now that they are done.

[@sarahbotha8090]

Does she have a filler that she wears in order to have the pants fit?

[@lynncharlton8824]

think its called teflon

[@angiedenamur4531]

Silicone