The Fitting Experiment – Episode 1
Background: I am hanging out with some new bloggers friends and we are calling our adventure, The Fitting Experiment. Our goal is to test out patterns that are drafted with a large size range to determine if the pattern has a great fit across the board. We are looking at comparing the fit across the size chart, construction techniques and directions, included options, and anything else the bloggers want to chat about. With some friends, we began this group because there is so much talk about size inclusiveness and why it is important. I was getting some strong feelings towards the entire topic and as a larger size person, I know it is more difficult for me to find a pattern drafted in my size compared to someone who is a size medium, but honestly everyone struggles. If a pattern companies “Block” isn’t suited to your body it won’t matter what size it comes in. Through this experiment, maybe you will learn a little bit about fitting patterns to your shape. One of the best things about sewing is knowing how to correct these issues and get a great fit. Our hope is that you can see and maybe learn how to better fit your handmade clothing.
The Mission: This is our first run, a test drive if you will. we have been delayed for a knee injury and the flu so far, but we made it! I suggested the Love Notions Sabrina Slims while it was still in the size expansion phase. Since the re release, it has become a great seller and loads of folks are sewing up some awesome pants! First off, I want to mention we have 8 bloggers who have sewn and reviewed the Sabrina Slims and we are all different sizes and shapes! The fun thing about that we are all so different- short, tall, thick, thin, and we are doing exactly what we love! The only rule for the experiment is to sew the pattern up and blog about it. We quickly had our bloggers on deck. Love Notions was super generous and provided all the bloggers with the pattern, plus two extras to give away to our readers. As an extra bonus, they gave us a discount code to share with our readers to get the pattern for themselves!
The Experiment: I keep talking about my mission to get great fitting pants and I am soooo close! So I am sharing my 3rd pair of Sabrina Sleeves with you today. I made two pair in testing and improved on the fit with each try out. I will tell you a secret, LN’s wrote a pants fitting guide that is truly amazing! Even the seasoned sewists have commented on how extensive it is. This pair of trousers is made with Liverpool. I love Liverpool fabric for my “dressier” garments. I like that they hold their shape and is so comfortable. So between my first 2 pair, both made in Ponte, and my third pair in Liverpool I am loving the process. Here are those 3 photos side by side.
As you can see each pair has been slimmed down slightly through the seat, hip and thigh areas and the fit is getting better. I think my next pair I will add about 1/2 inch to the calf area to reduce the pull lines I am seeing there. Other adjustments I made –
Full Belly Adjustment 100% needed as my belly size doesn’t match my booty size.
Smoothed down the curve of the hip. I don’t have womanly hip curves at all.
Shorted length above the knee and below the knee. Removed 1 inch from the rise.
The Results:
These pants are about to become a staple in my wardrobe! They are so comfy! I even added butt pockets! For me, pockets are life. If I love a pattern, I will sew all the pockets. I paired my Sabrina Slims with a Love Notions Laundry Day Tee…in the tank version!
I blogged about it here.
A special thank you to Love Notions for sponsoring The Fitting Experiment bloggers with patterns so that we can share our thoughts with you. Love Notions has kindly provided a 20% off shop discount code for all our readers. Please use this code at checkout: FittingEXPSabrinas
In addition, Love Notions has given us TWO copies of Sabrina Slims to giveaway. For a chance to win, comment below. For more chances to win, comment on the other blogs too! You can check out their posts below:
If you love the Sabrina Slims pattern and can’t wait to see if you are a winner, Use the code above and click here.
Here are all the options that come with the pattern!
- Cigarette slims pants pattern
- Pattern pieces for 2 different pant styles: solid front and back or seamed front and back as well as 2 maternity waistband options and three hem styles: plain, zippered and split hem
- 2 pages of slims pants inspiration photos from pattern testers.
- Cutting guide and the ability to print just your desired size(s) with the Adobe layers feature and a print chart to print the needed pattern pieces.
- 14 pages of bright and clear step by step color illustrations and photos.
- Downloadable fitting workbook designed specifically for the Sabrina Slims
- Large format file for copy shop printing
- Projector file for those using a projector in their sewing
- Glossary of needed sewing terms.
- Troubleshooting guide.
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largest size range of the companies I sew for going up to sewing size 36. I have sewn many DIBY patterns as a tester and on my own. I enjoy the well written patterns and the videos when I need help. In addition to offering a free pattern for the giveaway, DIBY was kind enough to offer a special discount to all my readers. 25% off one pattern of your choice if you use the code HOC19 at checkout! It is like creating your own sale!
SequoiaLynn Sews 