Sunday, January 11, 2009

Success!

Last post, I was frustrated with the fit and said I needed help to improve. Well, I got some help, and today's product had perfect fit! (Nevermind that it's a knit, it fit right, so it counts as a success!!!)
Apologies for the photo quality, it's all the best my 5 yr old can do. I won't tell you how many tries it took to get this shot...Last night, DH and I used the book "Fast Fit" by Sandra Betzina to properly measure all necessary body parts. It's a fabulous guide, and I'm so glad I already owned it when the fit instructor I contacted recommended it. The first 50 pages of the book explain and SHOW how to get proper measurements, then the rest of the book explains and SHOWS how to make 45 pattern adjustments for all "trouble areas" of the body. I used it last summer to do a full bust adjustment, and didn't realize how great the measurements section was. So, it took about 30 minutes, but DH and I managed a full set of accurate measurements for me. (BTW, it also covers properly measuring for the right size bra... now I'm curious to hit Victoria's Secret and see if it's right...)
This morning, I got to work on my second sweater, using Burda 7724 and some great small gauge sweater knit from Haberman Fabrics, the best fabric store in the area. I'm so happy with the outcome, I can't even begin to tell you. It's "close fitting" for sure, fits like a dream (I know, I know... it's a knit, it's not that hard...) and I'm really excited to wear it. It's been a long time since I made something I was excited to wear, so this is a big deal! The pattern is so easy to put together, I was able to cut it this morning while the kids watched cartoons, then do all the sewing during naps (2 hours). Not that I need another sweater like this, but I'll probably make it again since it was so easy and the fit is great. Notice the shawl collar can be worn 2 ways: folded neatly, or loosely gathered for more coverage.I have a couple of loose ends to tie up on 2 projects: a pair of pants for myself that just needs a clasp closure and DH's last Christmas late gift needs hems and 2 buttons. Then it's onto a wool skirt for myself to wear with this great new sweater! Hope everyone out there is staying warm and making good on those resolutions. I'm up 1 (improving fit) and down one (couldn't say "NO" to the 50% off Red Tag fabrics at JoAnn's for the kids and DH)). Don't even ask about the diet...
I haven't been doing too well with updating the blog either, but it's all Angie's fault. Because of her blog, I asked for "Twilight" for Christmas, read it and the sequel (both since New Year's) and I'm into "Eclipse", the third book of the series. It's addicting, so beware... I've been bouncing back and forth between the book and the sewing machines!

8 comments:

Tamara said...

Your sweater looks great! I love Fast Fit too. I reference it all the time.

Meg said...

Nice job! I love this color on you. I'm going to have to check out this pattern.

Dawn said...

Hey, don't knock fitting with knits. I have seen plenty of knits with baaad fit. Your top looks great! Love that color.

Bunny said...

Looks great, Kristine! I like that pattern.

Summerset said...

Nice! I love the red (no surprise!). Don't give up on the junior photography crew. My children take any photos of me on my blog. They even do the final photo shoots for art garments, and yes, some of their photos have been published for publicity, etc. I just never told anyone who took the pictures.

Anonymous said...

Lovely! I'm glad you enjoyed that pattern as much as I did! :) I only found the arms to be really fitted, though, but I also love that convertible collar...

angie.a said...

Pretty sweater! I love the color. I just pulled Fast Fit out too to read up on.

Anonymous said...

Love the red top! And I want to get a copy of fast fit now that you have sung its praises.
DO NOT TRUST VICTORIA'S SECRET TO GET YOU THE RIGHT BRA FIT!!!
I went there and they fit me in a 38C. I immediately went down the mall to Nordstrom and they fit me in a 34DD! Victoria's Secret will put you in whatever size they have that "sort of" fits. And they don't carry a large variety of sizes. All the support is in the band and if it is too big (like a 38 instead of 34!) the girls will hang low. Not the look you want. Go to Nordstrom if you can. They were the "experts" on the Oprah bra fitting show. If not Nordstrom, call the high end department store near you and ask for a bra fitting. Compare what they tell you to what Sandra Betzina's book told you. Also try on bras in the size the book indicates.
Name withheld due to bra size :)