tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post4908224669257492802..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: 'Fessing Up: Taking Accurate MeasurementsGertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-89214345555080666442012-02-06T15:55:32.375-05:002012-02-06T15:55:32.375-05:00I just started reading your post and I think that ...I just started reading your post and I think that women put way too much stock in numbers and fruit comparisons. I'm really glad I started sewing early before I could become wrapped up in it. It's frustrating watching my friends freak out when I try to show them what pattern size they need to buy. It isn't till the project is done that they finally realize that it's just a number and that is only if I'm lucky.Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14314580311227714707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-55395230206092691442010-03-09T17:48:09.182-05:002010-03-09T17:48:09.182-05:00Hah ha, and then I read your rant one entry before...Hah <i>ha</i>, and then I read your rant one entry before on apples, pears, bananas, and what kinds of clothes they're supposed to wear. I think in my family we have two basic figure types, so hourglasses and blocks come up in conversation a lot: one figure type goes out in the bra and basically stays that shape the whole way down, and the other starts at the bottom by going way out at the hips and then way in and stays in the whole way up. So two types, two groups of women trying to dress themselves, and the ever-present question "yes, but do you need a concave waist/a convex busom to wear that?".ceehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09821988037261503591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-51263208024331725602010-03-09T17:38:10.803-05:002010-03-09T17:38:10.803-05:00Hah, I found this old post while going back throug...Hah, I found this old post while going back through your blog trying to find your measurements - I want to make the Sencha blouse, but I have had a retro-thirties shape from middle school onwards (all my measurements are always within three inches of each other, no matter which side of 30 or 40 those measurements fall on) and I keep trying patterns that look good on hourglasses and pears and being disappointed because I don't go in at the middle or very far out at the ends. No wiggle dresses for me! So yes, I kind of wish more people were upfront about their measurements, because especially when sewing vintage it's hugely helpful to know if I'm looking at something that would look awesome on my pear-shaped sister, my apple-shaped friend, or my own gracefully rectangular self.ceehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09821988037261503591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50669385421468032592010-02-24T23:00:21.839-05:002010-02-24T23:00:21.839-05:00So glad to find other women with block figures lik...So glad to find other women with block figures like mine. Which is something like 44, 40, 44. Which according to bought patterns make me a 22, 26, 24, or the other way round. Always have been three different pattern sizes and dont I long for the days when it was 16, 20, 18? I've never had a waist. My mum had a waist, should have like to inherit that instead of her nose!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-15923416229238885742010-02-21T19:39:16.693-05:002010-02-21T19:39:16.693-05:00Late to the party also.... but I applaud your hone...Late to the party also.... but I applaud your honesty and appreciate the real measurements. So here are my real measurements (today): 40-33-43Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03037636603903648365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6480195689790744572010-02-21T16:37:27.972-05:002010-02-21T16:37:27.972-05:00I'm late to the party but this is incredibly t...I'm late to the party but this is incredibly timely for me so I had to comment anyway. I am currently in an eating disorders program and I want to sew all my own clothes in the nearish future. I need to wait until I am at a size that is both comfortable enough for me to stay at and healthy. I don't want to sew a whole wardrobe just to have nothing fit in three months because I'm changed weight again. I hate shopping for clothes not so much because the numbers are higher than I want them to be (and they are, that just isn't the main problem), but because nothing fits me at all. I have never been completely happy with how anything has fit. Things might fit in one place but not the other eight places they need to fit. I've been trawling sewing blogs like this for a while now and I have found it incredibly affirming to find people who are also not the "right" shape, at least according to whatever shape RTW clothing is made to fit. I think that having clothes that fit and not having to go shopping where I am demoralized by my ability to fit into anything properly will be a boon to my body image. The discussion here has been. Still, I know it will be hard. I fully intend to have my therapist help me take accurate measurements so that I can stop and freak out every thirty seconds if I have to. Goodness, just thinking about it gives me the willies, but I think I probably have to know what my body shape is in order to accept it and I certainly need to know in order to sew clothing that isn't demoralizing to wear.Jessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12733408416177174571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-8795625335748311682010-02-16T15:10:27.972-05:002010-02-16T15:10:27.972-05:00I'm currently making the Jenny dress! I will ...I'm currently making the Jenny dress! I will definitely be checking back to see how your project comes out. And yes, it's okay! (I was telling myself that a lot too when I was figuring out what size to make!) With all the time and energy it takes to sew one's own clothes, they better fit when they're done. Good luck on your skirt!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07662090215871732053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53247066217520484062010-02-15T15:46:40.920-05:002010-02-15T15:46:40.920-05:00Ok so I always thought I was an hourglass figures ...Ok so I always thought I was an hourglass figures until I took proper measurements for the first time in 8 years and I turn out to be a 'Pear'(apparently)- 40 - 37-47 - and yet I feel like my large cup size makes me more curvy than this implies. I like to think of myself as an hourglass anyway, it sounds far sexier than pear or apple or grapefruit or whatever they use! Anyway, taking accurate measurements has given me the push I needed to lose some weight - 38-32-44 here I come (measurements from some years ago)!<br /><br />Love your blog anyway Gertie, it's so refreshing to have people talk about this stuff in an intelligent and non judgemental way.VickyMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-15525951125043664452010-02-15T07:23:04.793-05:002010-02-15T07:23:04.793-05:00I take measurements every so often... then proceed...I take measurements every so often... then proceed to ignore them! On the basis that I've started going to the gym and I like to wear things snug on the waist, I always buy skirts an inch or two (sometimes more!) smaller on the waist<br /><br />Charlotte<br /><a href="http://tuppencehapennyvintage.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Tuppence Ha'penny</a>Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14247551155021625654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-44576770223760667852010-02-15T00:46:12.533-05:002010-02-15T00:46:12.533-05:00I seem to over estimate (liek Binky) with my measu...I seem to over estimate (liek Binky) with my measurements and semem to always have to down size things I make - even though I stick to my measurements - I guess I am afraid of cutting the fabric too snug and not being able to wear what I have just spent hours making....+ I got caught out a fair amount in the last few years with buying vintage online - going by my actual measurements things should ahve fit - but when I go to put them on they dont.. so now I tend to buy with a little extra room around the bust just incase (as I can alway take it in a bit)...<br /><br />PS Gertie I too have a fear of my waist rising above 30inches - but well I just have to face facts that its not getting any smaller no matter what I do!Juke Joints https://www.blogger.com/profile/17419920483536930433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-66739704394459263672010-02-15T00:21:26.881-05:002010-02-15T00:21:26.881-05:00The interesting thing about sewing for me is that ...The interesting thing about sewing for me is that it has totally released me from fear of sizes or measurements. I usually work from the actual measurements on the pattern and cut that size. My measurements are in this range as I seem to fluctuate a little from week to week. Sadly, my hips stay the same so sometimes I am more of a rectangle than others.<br />34 - 36 inches<br />28 - 29 inches<br />39 1/2 inchesCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11274649006496918800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-87808305692346425232010-02-14T16:23:04.356-05:002010-02-14T16:23:04.356-05:00It's interesting, I live in the metric system ...It's interesting, I live in the metric system and with the burda sizes (that's germany) but I know exactly what you mean: my bust circumference is 98cm (always, doesn't matter if I lose or gain weight). So I'm pretty sure I'm a 42. The sizes in RTW lately tend to go down (like a M or 38/40 would fit!) and with burda I would have to go 1 size up (44). But as I'm sewing I know I have to use an FBA to fit my boobs and that I have to take a 40.<br />The only measurement I try to fake is my belly measurement: shouldn't be more than 90 cm for health reasons and I desperately try to make it below ;o)<br />Ok, there is a problem with my waist: it's quite high, higher than I care to sit anything anyway, so I just go for a bigger size in patterns there. Sometimes the biggest there is and taking it in later. (Should figure that out, shouldn't I?)christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18084668122322535968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-70466641887472569422010-02-13T22:26:56.637-05:002010-02-13T22:26:56.637-05:00hmmm... do men have this problem?
in light years ...hmmm... do men have this problem?<br /><br />in light years i am:<br />9.724408-17<br />7.610406-17<br />1.057001-16<br /><br />i can't find my 'angstroms' measuring tape right now.Sleepyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18363175290509177275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-39761032489533217622010-02-13T22:12:40.579-05:002010-02-13T22:12:40.579-05:00Took my measurements recently just out of curiosit...Took my measurements recently just out of curiosity: 34-33-37. My bust and hips could fit smalls. My waist is like an extra large according to fitting charts, but I can usually squeeze into a medium pant. It's so bizarre. Even at my skinniest, I never had that nice hourglass figure. Sigh.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-21628791064692017292010-02-13T18:38:47.440-05:002010-02-13T18:38:47.440-05:00I think publishing your measurements is a liberati...I think publishing your measurements is a liberating thing. For me, I find people are always shocked when they find out how much I weigh (as in they think I weigh 115 lbs!). Most people aren't aware that the number of a dress size, pattern size, or even weight doesn't really have anything to do with what a person looks like. It's all individual and has to do with how your body is constructed. However, Hollywood messes that up with every starlet's publicist saying they're a size two and 110 lbs! I'm 34-28-38 and 138 lbs, size 8 retail, and 12 pattern. So there!lsaspaceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17058968076601943527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-33596456066507777672010-02-13T18:09:44.753-05:002010-02-13T18:09:44.753-05:00I too have the phobic fear of the waist hitting th...I too have the phobic fear of the waist hitting the big 3-0. <br /><br />I have the same problem some other commentors mentioned--the measurments don't stay that constant. Right now they're around 39-29-39, but who knows what they'll be next week.<br /><br />Also, that "hourglass" definition as being a 13'' difference?? Crazy talk. I'll happily keep thinking of myself as an hourglass, thank you *very* much!scarlettscionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11374942236444618042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-73800395778488889182010-02-13T15:22:48.578-05:002010-02-13T15:22:48.578-05:00Personally I think if you take ACCURATE measuremen...Personally I think if you take ACCURATE measurements you will end up with a better fitting garment that actually makes you look slimmer and beautiful. And don't we all want garments that not only fit well but make us feel beatiful too?!Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-84703187466069096512010-02-13T05:43:20.243-05:002010-02-13T05:43:20.243-05:00I thought I'd add this P.S to my original post...I thought I'd add this P.S to my original post as I think it demonstrates how silly we (I) can be sometimes about sizes. I live in the UK, when I go to the USA because of the different sizing system I drop 2 dress sizes (RTW) the minute I get off the plane. When I try things on yes I do get a buzz when I see the label - how pathetic is that! I am not smaller. They are exactly the same measurements just different numbers on the label. <br />On the down side I go up two shoe sizes at the same time, that dosn't seem to bother me so much though.jennywrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11867498584073110293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-28395625139702445162010-02-13T04:34:03.354-05:002010-02-13T04:34:03.354-05:00Firstly, thank you for recognising that it might b...Firstly, thank you for recognising that it might be triggering to start talking numbers. For my part, I actually find it affirming (now, anyway - at my 41.5kg worst, I can't say how I'd have reacted) to look at you and say, she has a 30" waist, and she looks great (you do!), so obviously there is nothing fat or scary or hideous about a waist measurement over 22", so get a grip!<br /><br />I am and have always been honest with myself about my measurements; my sin is to taunt myself with them. Currently I am 39-29-41, and on bad days do tend to compare that unfavourably with my smallest since puberty, 36-22-28 (I have solid, Teutonic bones).<br /><br />Honestly though, I'd feel better about my body if fashion, RTW or pattern-wise, didn't make it so difficult to get a good fit.Judihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18042609997172567731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74740108478038094042010-02-13T03:59:40.298-05:002010-02-13T03:59:40.298-05:00Oh, also. When drafting your own patterns, use cen...Oh, also. When drafting your own patterns, use centimetres! Most people in North America can't switch comfortably between inches and centimetres. It works wonders. :)dotted lineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12833251316062787618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-7293971300308180972010-02-13T03:56:59.501-05:002010-02-13T03:56:59.501-05:00I like things snugger in the waist than my true me...I like things snugger in the waist than my true measurement. Mostly skirts and high waisted pants. This is partly because when I use my true waist measurement or the standard "with ease" waist band, things slip down and I get roll-over on the waist band, which is neither comfortable nor attractive.<br /><br />So yeah. I take my waist measure, and subtract 2" for my waist bands. It works for me!dotted lineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12833251316062787618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-37643807773400767352010-02-13T02:31:37.915-05:002010-02-13T02:31:37.915-05:00I do need to take new measurements. I recently gai...I do need to take new measurements. I recently gained about ten pounds.(all in my butt and thighs it seems) The only measurement I have that is up to date is my bust. THAT didn't change with my weight gain. Oh no, I couldn't get bigger there. Still 32". Sigh. <br /><br />I really have no idea now what my waist and hips are. My body has change proportion so drastically!Peldynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05467208667969292492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-36638021420615540902010-02-13T02:04:34.342-05:002010-02-13T02:04:34.342-05:00I'm actually never quite sure how to measure m...I'm actually never quite sure how to measure my bust accurately. When I inhale, it expands by several inches. Do I use the smaller or the larger of the two measurements? When I use the larger of the two, I look lost in the too-large outfit. On the other hand, I don't want to appear to be busting (pun intended) out of my outfit if I use the smaller number. Quite aside form vanity, does anybody have a suggestion for how to address this problem?flowergarden129https://www.blogger.com/profile/09720289234972793971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-2226741650908642282010-02-12T23:57:32.808-05:002010-02-12T23:57:32.808-05:00You know, I went through this same phase once. I t...You know, I went through this same phase once. I took my waist measurement with abs tightened, first thing in the morning. It took several failed skirts and dresses that I had to give away because the waist was too small to stop and take some accurate measurements. On a slightly different note, I sew primarily from vintage patterns, and I find that they fit very well. However, with modern Big 4 patterns and RTW, the fit is obscenely off. I'm usually swimming in McCalls sizes, and according to the store that sells my favorite jeans, my waist is actually a full four inches smaller. What gives?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-91976098809850453862010-02-12T23:05:36.875-05:002010-02-12T23:05:36.875-05:00Oh, Gertie, I wish you had posted this about a wee...Oh, Gertie, I wish you had posted this about a week ago! I just finished a pencil skirt and, of course, when I went to try it on it was snug, or maybe even a little...tight. My skirt would be great for photos where I am standing <i>still</i>! As soon as I start walking, it starts a journey of its own, creeping up in a most unladylike way ;)<br /><br />I plan this weekend to take my real measurements. Or maybe I will wait until Monday. Or next week. ;)Maggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18028414273977350224noreply@blogger.com