Only Misses' sizes?

[Bling]

I recently was looking at patterns after a LONG break from sewing, and it seems there aren't any Women or Half sizes any more. Is there a new scheme? Has anyone tried the A-B-C etc. "Today's Fit" by Betzina? I used to be good at taking in patterns, but with my New Mature shape I now have to learn how to expand them!:o I'm getting really good at taking out stitches!

[Weena]

Hi, Bling.
The major pattern companies have sections in their catalogues labeled either "Women's" or "Plus Size." There are also a few specialty pattern companies for what Martha Pullen refers to as "Fluffy" :p sizes. If you're on the shorter side, Petite Plus Patterns are great. I have a couple of Sandra Betzina's patterns, but haven't found time to sew them up yet. I haven't seen any "half-size" patterns for years.

[chickadee]

Your comments about trying to find patterns sized for your "new mature shape" made me chuckle. I have a new mature shape, too! :D Some of us in that condition are too small to fit into plus sizes, and definitely do not fit the average or petite Misses sizes.

I suspect that the pattern companies dropped the Half sizes, thinking that we could manage with the multi-size patterns that are so common now. We cut one size in the shoulder/bust area, another size in the waist area, and a third size in the hip area. Ah, we all love a little challenge in our sewing, don't we?! :D

It will get easier after you have made a couple of garments this way, because then you know just what alterations need to be made on any new pattern. :)

[chickadee]

I have a helpful reference book, Concepts of Fit, by Bonnita M. Farmer and Lois M. Gotwals, which shows how to do any other alterations that are not size-related, e.g., swayback, round shoulders, flat seat, prominent stomach -- just about anything you could imagine -- even changes for handicapped individuals. There is also a section on drafting your own basic pattern, if you are mathematically inclined. It's an older book (1982), but may still be available.

If not, you can probably find something similar by searching online. This kind of information is invaluable, especially as our body shapes shift here and there. :)