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I went shopping today for something to wear to a holiday party. I didn't need anything bling-y (no sequins or sparkles or taffeta), I didn't need anything sportswear (no Nordic ski sweaters), I just needed something nice & tailored & comfortable without being too dressy or too casual. I want to walk into the party & have people think, "Oh, she looks nice." That's not too much to ask of clothes, right? Well, I may as well have been looking for life on Venus. It's a fashion wasteland out there in the department stores.

Sizes are all over the place. Something's terribly wrong in the world when you hold up an XL and it looks like it could fit an 8 year old. I don't normally wear an XL, but some of these knit things are so snug that you have to go up 2-3 sizes just to have room to breathe...let alone have a hot flash!

The fabrics are terrible. They look and feel so cheap -- except when you look at the price tag. I'm not paying THAT for THAT. The prints look like you left them out in the rain & the colors ran. Or maybe it started out white & you rolled around in a paint tray. Am I wearing the top or is the top wearing me?

Where have nice tailored clothes gone? Everything looked like something Mom would have put in the rag bag or the dress-up box. What's with all the gypsy flowy raggedy styles these days? I spent enough years trying to make myself look older...and now that I've aged, I'm supposed to look like a hippie?

If I could buy & cut decent fabric & be sure that it would fit right when I got done, I'd attempt to sew more clothes. But I'm a pattern-maker's worst nightmare, with ins & outs & curves & bumps & all that good jazz. Oh, and I need Petites, too. Are you listening, Simplicity?

Project Runway has both spoiled me about what's on the racks & inspired me to think about sewing clothes more. If I could only master the art of fit! Oh, and I don't exactly have a love affair with zippers or buttonholes, either. That kinda puts a kink in the process, too.

What do you think? Do you have trouble finding decent ready-made clothes these days? Do you sew your own? Do you wish you could put on a fuzzy bathrobe & hibernate til spring, totally skipping holiday parties? If so, move over, here I come!

Boy, that came out long. I definitely work up a head of steam by clothes shopping!

I feel the same way. I am big b u s ted and my arms are real heavy. Two sizes larger on the top than the bottom. Try finding a dress to fit that shape. I use to make all my clothes 40+ years ago. Not anymore. Nothing fits right. Buying clothes is very painful for me. I feel you pain.

I hear you loud and clear -- Last January I spent 3 days looking for a nice dress for when I need something that could be dressed up. I found a nice little black dress that is still hanging in my closet with the tags still on it. I may ware it tomorrow for the family Chris tmas party.

I don't work for any of the places I will be mentioning. Since I joined the American Sewing Guild, have been learning a lot about fit. A good book that I recently got is The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen. It had 650 photos. Sarah spoke at our guild meeting a while back. She was very good.

We have used several methods to see what works best for us.

Palmer and Pletsch have several books and videos on fitting. Have watched at least one of the videos at a meeting. They have a website.

Hipline Media has a website too.

Nancy Zeiman of the PBS show Sewing with Nancy has some fitting books. I do find her method a little tricky for me. Might work for you.

Connie Crawford has several excellent books. Couldn't put my hands on it right now, but do like her methods. She is a real hoot to boot in person. She has a website
www.fashionpatterns.com

Threads magazine is also a good source. Found one that had one of Connie Crawford's ads for the website. Check out the ads in the magazine as well as the articles.

Another book we have used is The Sew/Fit Manual by Ruth Oblander and Joan Anderson. It is 532 pages spiral bound to stay open.

Check to see if your library has any of the books for videos to see which ones you like before purchasing them. Think our library now has some of fitting videos. Reminds me I need to check some of them out.

I too get disgusted trying on clothes. I am more pear shaped, so when fits the lower part, the upper is too large. This summer, even had trouble with some T-shirts that fit through the body, but were too tight in the arms. Don't know why manufacturers think that if you are big in the hips, you are 6 feet tall with shoulders that look like you are shaped like wearing football pads.

I hope some of the sources will be of help to you.

Connie Crawford also has a good sewing book. It was written for design students that didn't know how to sew. Talked with a design student from a nearby university and she was familar with the book. She said it was a textbook there.

Good luck. Sure wish I had time to try to make some clothes at this time. Hate shoping.

In 1970 the clothing manufacturers changed the measurements for clothing and clothes have never been the same since then, at least for women. Remember the 'boy' look for females? Now it's the zero fat look. If your hip bones don't show, well, lose weight, have a couple ribs taken out.

For many, many years I've bought my pullovers, jeans, lounge wear and sweats in the men's departments. Don't even look in the ladies wear. I am large chested also, and I want comfort.

For many years I did my own clothes, even business suits. They didn't believe in mix and match sizes for jackets and skirts/slacks. I am done with all that now. I have several 'good' pieces I keep for special occasions and like all 'good' pieces, they don't change with the fashions. Kinda the basic black dress thing, only they aren't black.

Today's clothing *****, frankly.

Don't know how old you are Starry but wait 'til you are tapping on the 70's door if you don't care for today's fashions.

lollllll, you won't believe the word that got bleeped out. lollllll

A*men...Starry..I'm Petite but have to hem every sleeve and pant leg and,the shirt lengths because everything comes to my knees. It is disgraceful what they sell for clothing...it is not going to get any better until people quit buying the junk.Problem is a lot of "younger than me people" don't know what quality looks or feels like they have never known it. ...

I do shop at Goodwill,and Consignment shops in our area because what is older is still timeless in a lot of outfits......

Black. at his point, I'm just wearing black pants, jackets and turlenecks. Jazzy pins. i have different sizes of black too, so I can sort of keep what I've got on looking like it fits. 2 dresses that go with the black jackets. Then again, I haven't gone anywhere for ages, so I just sort of blend in.

Was such a clothes horse in high school...wouldn't wear anything the same for a month! I made everything...saved money for shoes. Then it was cheaper to make clothes, and everyone did it. Not so sure it's cheaper now. There are a few lines out there that are making sensible pretty stuff.

I buy only men's sweatshirts, because the neck seems to stay within a normal person's radius....women's sweatshirt necks get bigger with every size....my neck gets COLD...I don't want it open down to the b oo bs, summer OR winter. Besides, men's sweats are cheaper, better made, heavier quality and better colors!!!

But I can't find men's sweat shirts in a pretty pink or light green.

● ● ● Starry, I feel your pain. I've never been good (or fast) at sewing clothes. I picked up a cute pattern for a quick and easy jacket. I'm having the worst time trying to get the sleeves to align. One sleeve matches perfectly, but the second one still won't work.

Nancy Zieman has some great instructions on how to make patterns of the clothes in your closet. Take your favorite skirt, pants or blouse that fit and copy it. I have a copy of the episode if you would like to see it. Not sure if it is available on her website.

"But I can't find men's sweat shirts in a pretty pink or light green."

You're right, Terry, but you can...change the neckline (easily), modify the sleeves or waistband Add embellishments in whatever colors or patterns you want. Get fabric paints or pens and doodle to your hearts content. The shirt is only your background fabric, just like a quilt. You can add quilt blocks to them, also. And you can get them in light blue.

I have very few tees or sweatshirts that haven't been modified to suit me. Here's a couple where I've changed the neckline, added something, even done reverse applique.

The brown one didn't show up well, it has a scooped neckline. The Irish knot has a simple slit and the grey one has a combo squares neckline.

Here's the one on recreating a blouse from one you have.

http://www.nancysnotions.com/c...o?sortby=newArrivals

Lots of people are in the same boat when it comes to being frustrated by clothes shopping, I see. Why aren't clothing makers & store buyers listening? By the amount of "junk" I saw on clearance racks last night, a good portion of what they're stocking goes straight there.

Thanks for the titles & leads on pattern fitting. I do have a book about making rub-off patterns (from clothes you already have), but 4 weeks before Christmas is not the time for me to sit down and get into that. I have tons of other time-sensitive stuff on my list right now. Maybe after the new year, when company's gone & I can concentrate.

Then we get into the problem of where to find decent clothing fabric. JoAnn's is the only game in town here. Other than that, it's online or back to Mood.

I thought about my 80 yr. old friends last night...what would they be able to buy or wear? Not much that I saw in Petites & Misses. I did see tailored suits & pants suits in the dress department, once I got past the dresses that looked like disco balls. Who can wear sleeveless or spaghetti straps in December?? Not me! Again, impractical clothing takes center stage in the stores.

Re the pastel menswear - I saw some pastel pullovers at Macy's. I think they were Polo brand? They were waffle-weave. I paused & looked, because some came in Small & I wondered if they would fit. But I was in a hurry to get home, so I didn't stop & try...and I didn't see a woman's dressing room in that area either, surprise surprise!

Men have it easy....basic pants & shirts & sweaters & suits haven't changed that much over the years (1960's & 70's aside!). They can pull a plastic-wrapped shirt from a pile & be assured of its size, without even trying it on. Maybe mfgr's know that men wouldn't put up with the clothes shopping nonsense that women have to endure??!

I'm always fussing @ DH about how easy he has it when we have to dress up to go anywhere. Dark suit, white shirt, tie, and he's good to go! I get to wander the dress dept. and get ill looking...

One year, when I was married, we had a formal military dinner to go to and I just wasn't up to making or going looking for another dress that I'd wear maybe this one time; I had enough of those. As a joke between our friends, I grabbed a suitable night gown and got all fancied up. We were going for drinks before the party at one of the friend's house.

The hostess opened the door and gasped at my attire, making expected comments.

Hubby was known for a potty break as soon as we arrived anywhere and he did so, taking my for real dress to the bathroom with him. Where I changed before going to the dinner.

Moral of the story....maybe you can find something suitable in the lingerie department. lollll

Try FlyLady's Missy's Smarty Pants. I think there's a small subscription fee BUT I've heard LOTS of good things about it. She helps you find what looks good on you, whatever size you are, helps with color & classic complimentary styles that won't leave you with an outdated closet full next year & helps you build a suitable wardrobe for all occasions.

Well Paus, I tapped on that 70's door and it opened. I get depressed when I have to shop for clothes for me. All my young life I was made fun of for being skinny and couldn't seem to gain weight. But not any more, I've made up for that. I also used to make most of my clothes, when I was thin. Haven't made any clothing for myself in years, I would definitely have to do some pattern adjustment. I tried on some dresses last year looking for something to wear to a fall wedding outside. They were made out of stretchy fabric and showed every bulge you had, plus some you didn't know you had. I found a pantsuit instead.

I wish you lived closer -I would love to give you lessons. I sometimes still do make my clothes. I alter virtually everything that isn't a sweater as sleeves or pant legs are too LONG and if I fit the upper body then I must taper in the skirt as I don't fill it out on the lower half. It is easy to do. I just bought a skirt and dress at New York & Co. is that all right to say here? BUT that being said, much of what's out there is made of flimsy fabric as companies are trying to save a buck. If you're at the Retreat, come see me and we'll talk about it!

It has always been depressing for me to go clothes shopping. Having a larger bust made many, if not most, styles unsuitable or they just did not fit. Plus since my Mom was a seamstress, I was spoiled.

Now being older, I am just not into the zero fat range nor the multi-colored hair group. It takes alot to convince me to go somewhere where jeans/slacks and a pullover aren't the accepted dress. Retreat hostesses, be aware. lolllll I can do weddings, funerals, and bar mitzvahs after that it better be casual!!!!

last year I discovered to my shock that the clothes fabric that used to be available to us in the 80's and further back doen't seem to be there any more. Now it's chiffon, some wool, slinky knits and FLEECE. Ugh.

Starry: Dupioni silk is nice though. Surprisingly easy to sew and press. A lot of bang for your buck. Maybe find a super easy sheath pattern to make for the dress, and find a nice jacket, add a corsage (in vogue any more???) or a glitzy pin and smashing handbag. Great heels. good earrings.

Here's something pretty easy-looking. black,ruby red, emerald green Dupioni silk...long sleeves. Glitzy pin. Understated.

http://voguepatterns.mccall.co...6428.php?page_id=856

Try the resale shops and thrift stores and consignment stores. I find more things there (many times with the original store tag on it) than I do in the stores that are set up for the 20-30 age bracket. Both Dallas & here have plus size consignment stores which I frequent as I am way above the minimum size 14 that they start with.

Have a cat t-shirt I got at a church thrift sale for 50 cents that I wore "junking" with a friend today. Every time I wear it I get several comments about people liking the shirt. Today was no different, we counted at least 5. Then there were several comments on my Christmas purse that I paid $1 for at another sale. My crocks I bought for a few dollars at a thrift store, so the only thing was wearing on the outside that was bought in a store was my jeans and socks... Chris

Nancy, I'm making a note of that pattern. I think that would look pretty on most figures, and not too difficult to make.

I thought so too, bunny. W/B easy to make petite at the waist, too...almost always there's a cutting line between the bustline and the waist you can raise or lower. I used to have to add there, but now I've grown into my backwaist length.

i have often wanted to make a easy basic dress / top pattern with regular neck , not tight, short sleeve.. that would fit me.. prefer no buttonholes or zippers also.. just a slip over top / dress..

anyone want to make a tutorial posted here on how to make a simple pattern to fit..
or maybe even a PJ party..

im gonna check out the library for some of the videoes / books posted..

i like the basic pattern link, but that would not look good on me fromt eh chest down.. big tummy..

This message has been edited. Last edited by: San,

San: Here's a casual pullover dress w/no zippers, etc.

http://butterick.mccall.com/b6...1054.php?page_id=156

Thank you Nancy20..

That is just the style i was thinking of..

now to have some one take me to the fabric store when i get some money..

im gonna get the big size.. i like things loose fitting.. and if i get it big enough i can make some for my daughter also.. then size it down for me.. and maybe for my nieces also..

thank you very much..


hmmm.. just thinking.. wonder what this might look like patchwork style.. i have lots of fabric scraps i can make larger pieces of fabric out of..

or patchwork top and solid skirt

This message has been edited. Last edited by: San,

I've never been good at sewing clothes but I think I may have to start....I've put on so much weight over the last 10 years my closet is now a historical monument. My head knows I will never be that thin again but my heart doesn't. I have "altered, she says using that term very loosely" some things but clearly that is not my forte

The clothes in the stores now are pretty much made in China or some other non USA place - though the China ones are the worst - I refuse to buy it the quality just isn't there and it is not consistent.

I'm seriously considering going to a tailoring shop and begging for help.

I used to make just about all my clothing including jeans (back in my younger skinny days). A couple/three years ago I made a dress. WHAT has happened to my body?!!!

I have to agree. When DD got married this summer I was on the lookout for something for an outdoor wedding. Showing up at the Bridal stores the MOB attire was ugly, showy and definitely over priced. DD took me shopping and we found something that worked.
I still have my patterns from the 70's and some of my aunt's from the 40's what a hoot they are. I still make a few things but mostly stick to jumpers, forgiving on the fit. I think I have a Vogue pattern similar to that, Nancy. A little small for me now. *sigh*
When I took up quilting I realized a quilt will still fit even if I gain 10 pounds.

piney

I made most of my clothes. Dressy and casual. I like Nancy Zieman's pivot and slide for pants fitting and Sarah Veblin for everything else. Everything in the stores shows too much, is too short, looks cheap even when it's not. Making my own means they fit, they aren't for teenagers and are within my price range.

Store bought dresses with straight skirts are ridiculously tight! When I buy something that fits across the hips, it's too big up top.

Oh...never mind...I'm starting to look like my avatar.