Dressmaking for Real Women: How to Adapt Your Store-bought Patterns to Flatter the Curves You Want to Keep and Drape the Ones You Don't

Women who prefer making dresses for themselves, but are curvy and full-bodied, are all too aware of the limitations that are part of working with commercial patterns. This book shows them how to take a standard commercial pattern intended for a larger size, then cut it back and make the kinds of adjustments that will result in a stylish garment with a flattering fit. They will learn to

Measure their figure accurately and recognize details in the pattern that require correcting

Make accurate adjustments at every strategic point, including shoulders, necklines, busts, sleeves, armholes, waist, and hips

Add their own original features to personalize the pattern, such as collars, cuffs, and decorative details

Select the best fabrics for their garment s drape or structure

Dressmaking for Real Women also provides a refresher course on general sewing techniques. Printed in full-color throughout, the book features more than 400 instructive illustrations.