Customer Reviews

Pattern Fitting With Confidence

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is for the paperback book/dvd combination.

The DVD is of two "Sewing with Nancy" shows for a total of 60 minutes. The first show covers general measurements and fitting top patterns. It also has a "Nancy's Corner" segment on quilts using Zulu designs.The second show covers fitting pants. "Nancy's Corner" segment is about quilts for the "Go Red" heart campaign. The pivot method is used throughout. Details covered in the first show are: right-size measurement (see below) and taking accurate measurements for the bust, waist, hip, hip length, back waist length, and sleeve length. Nancy shows how to adjust the bust, shoulders and sleeves. Details covered in the second show include adjustments for waist, hip, crotch and fitting the side curve.

The book has six chapters:
Getting Started
Basic Fitting Changes
Combining Fitting Techniques
Fitting Skirts
Fitting Pants
Fine-Tuning the Fit

The book has more detail than the video allows. Nancy uses one measurement to choose a pattern for tops. She calls this the "right size measurement". It is the line from one arm pit to the other arm pit to the closest 1/2 inch. She shows how to correlate this to a pattern size. This allows for a better fit than using the bust measurement. The book shows how to do the pivot and slide technique which can be used to make any changes needed. The book shows details of all the adjustments on the video plus more such as sway back, curved back and dart changes. The combining fitting chapter shows how to increase one part while decreasing another part. In the pants fitting chapter, Nancy does not use the hip measurement to determine pants size. This is to avoid a baggy fit in the legs and a low hanging crotch. Instead she includes a chart to determine your size which is about two sizes smaller than usual. The final chapter includes details on checking the fit. It shows a chart on vertical and horizontal wrinkles and how to correct them. The reference section has a body silhouette chart that shows the best styles, colors and fabrics for common body types.The index is also helpful.

There are multiple illustrations on each page clearly demonstrating each fitting technique. The pivot method is used for all pattern adjustments. The charts for personal fitting and for pants can be photo copied.

I don't consider any book a must have. However,this book shows the pivot method very clearly. I always admire Nancy Zieman's well fitting clothes so I don't think I can go wrong by using the methods shown. The video clearly and easily shows how to do the pivot method,and the book fills in any missing gaps. I am confident this book will get much use.

Here is what I didn't like about this book. There is no mention in the introduction or product description that this is essentially a re-issue of Nancy Zieman's classic book Fitting Finesse. Not that there is anything wrong with a remake, but they really ought to tell you that this is the same book with a few stylistic changes. These changes are mainly updates of the fashion illustration to look more contemporary than the original wide-shouldered 1990's drawings. The diagrams and instructions are nearly identical, with just a few changes in wording here and there, perhaps for clarity. Bottom line: if you have the previous book, you will not need this one.

What I do like: This book can be very helpful to both beginning and experienced sewers. if you are going to sew women's clothing you really must learn one of the standard methods of fitting and adjusting patterns. There are many methods of adjusting commercial patterns, and most of them will give similar results to this method. But to me, Nancy's approach seems especially easy to do, without the mess of cutting up patterns and taping them together. This book offers a clear explanation of how to choose a correctly sized pattern, how to measure your figure(or someone else's) to decide if changes to the pattern are necessary, and excellent diagrams for making the fitting changes you decide are needed. I have found this book to be the most helpful of all the ones (and that is most of them in existance) that I have tried. The book is specifically about women's apparel, but the methods can be applied to any kind of clothing once the principles are understood. The same methods can be applied just as well to adjusting patterns for men's or children's wear. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning the pivot-and-slide method of fitting. As long as they do not already own Fitting Finesse:).

One of the best books on pattern adjusting I have seen. Uses the pivot and slide technique. Excellent diagrams with information on adjusting for pretty much any type of adjustment you may need to make. Well written with easy to understand instructions. Great for your reference library.

Maybe it's just me, but this book makes more sense of pattern fitting than any I've read, and I've read quite a few while trying to get this subject together in my head. And, it's simple! I do love this book!

A good basic reference for those making their initial foray into sewing using paper patterns. Loads of advice and instructions on how to modify patterns and with drawn illustrations to make things clearer. The author's pivot-and-slide method offers up a simple approach to pattern alternations and once understood, you should be able to go on from there.

Book offers good and informative information and procedures. It is clearly written and complete. Fitting solutions are geared toward minimum fitting adjustments. Information and procedures are insufficient for true plus size.

I sewed for 20 years and had no trouble with patterns fitting. But as I have aged have had trouble getting blouses to fit through the shoulder and the bust this book is great for altering this problem. When I first read it I thought it was going to be difficult but it was quite easy when I was actually doing it as I was reading. Great book.

So you've seen the DVD and thought "egh!" Well the book will surprise. It has a lot more to offer. Some of the altering techniques are not new while others need a little Math to accomplish. The diagrams are very clear and the reading format is relatively simple to follow. Time is short, who has time to read through anything these days that's why I really like this book. The concepts can be read through in one day and if you are a beginner maybe two.
Of course with a few of her methods there is a limit on the pattern size to which they can be applied. But get the book and add it to your sewing library I promise it will not collect dust.

Clear photos. Very useful information. Will use regularly as I alter patterns. Good purchase.

This book has the information I need to be able to adjust any pattern (either smaller or larger). A very informative book, with simple instructions. What a money saver! Now, instead of buying several patterns in different sizes, I will be able to adjust the patterns I have to do the job.