WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays
So many machines, so few alterations getting done in this household! Just the other day I stood in front of an alteration shop and actually considered having a long neglected skirt hem quickly blind stitched for $24 - madness! Outsourcing basic tasks so I can devote every spare minute to quilting sounds good ...but is really taking my domestic laziness too far. So today I'm taking care of my 'chore' sewing.
What is going on with necklines? When you grade a pattern into a larger size there are increments where you increase measure for each inch increase, but the neck is not one of them. For reasons I still don't understand, manufacturers don't seem to know this. How they don't know confuses me. And this means that tops 'grow' all over and this means enlarged necklines that billow open for no reason other than shoddy pattern re-sizing. Where are all the pattern makers I wonder as I fix endless necklines...are they all at lunch? Are they frightened of necklines? Or do they think that enlarging everything on a pattern is a safe and easy alternative to actually doing their job? Who knows..
People always ask me what brand of jeans I wear. I have no idea why they ask me this as it seems like such an odd question to ask someone. I wear TS Jeans. Taking Shape is an Australian Brand. They're excellent, probably the best I've ever owned. This pair has always had a sticky zip, and I should have just exchanged it but couldn't be bothered because they didn't have my size left in the style I wanted so I'm finally getting around to replacing it myself- it's only taken me 2 years. At least that means I'll have a 'new' pair of jeans by the end of the day as I've never worn this particular pair.
What's Your WOW ?
Your so right! American clothing manufacturers aren't any better, same problem. Also with sleeves, are usually way too long and huge arm holes. I like your neck building solution, may have to try that myself! Biggest gift I give myself is a house cleaner once a month, some months I cant afford it but having some one younger haul the vacuum around and do some of the heavy chores is a blessing! One of those things, how much is your time worth? Id rather be working or quilting than cleaning. Cheers
ReplyDeleteKate. the ever enlarging armhole is definitely another sign that manufacturers don't use pattern makers to re-size their garments. I have purchased tops where the armhole was so wide and long that you could see the waist band of my trousers through them! Oh I envy you your house cleaner, I could sure use one of those!
DeleteTry finding a dress, made for real women in the shops. My hubby went shopping with me, ask him how little truly nice dresses one can find. Esther the Italian's have got it right, there is a reason the ladies look and feel good. They have access to well made garments, maybe because they will not settle for anything less than the best. I eventually found two dresses that will do, which should not be the case. Something we discovered recently, which will hopefully inspire better made garments. The Great British Sewing Bee.....
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, it's hard to find clothes made from a correctly drafted pattern and it really shows. As for the GBSB, I love watching that show but it's not good for me as I keep telling the TV off whenever they do something wrong.
DeleteLOL - it's taken me ten years to sew on the buttons and do the hem on my dress. Ah me, chores can definitely be WIPs.
ReplyDeleteOh I know that feeling...
DeleteCouldn't help but laugh when I read your post...... I actually have spent the morning repairing my Jeans zip (I wear FJs), patching pockets, taking pants in and up. Found 4 pair I thought I'd thrown out but were in the mending pile!
ReplyDeleteYet another UFO ticked off the list- and it feels GOOD!
I'm out of the loop Wendy, what are FJs?
DeleteFletcher Jones. I have been wearing them since I walked into the factory in Warrnambool and walked out in a pair! Now you can only get them via the internet.
DeleteFletcher Jones. I have been wearing them since I walked into the factory in Warrnambool and walked out in a pair! Now you can only get them via the internet.
DeleteOh i love this post. Don't have too many rants but i so agree with you that sizing for me that needs a plus size is so hard to find that really fits well. Being 5' 3" they must think gaining weight makes your arms and legs grow longer and some tops are more like a mini skirt for me. Dang, and not to mention the neckline. totally goes where it should not. I know the best solution would be to eat less. But I did so love your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane, I really resent having to 'fix' clothes I've just purchased but don't really have a choice, it's amazing how the legs just keep growing though isn't it? Hems are getting ridiculous!
DeleteQuilting time is precious ! I tell my family that my sewing machine is not for alterations haha I detest taking time out to do it also.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have darning to do. Even the word sounds 'ye olde worlde', when's the last time I darned anything? I can't even remember. But I do have a beautiful merino jumper that I purchased for my DH and it needs darning under the arm and I would return it but the colour is so unusually beautiful that I'd rather fix it. Whatever happened to quality control?
DeleteYou really hit a sore spot with me, Esther, regarding plus size ready-made garments. I am often frustrated and disappointed when it comes to women's clothing. It's not just the neckline that's the problem. I think manufacturer's don't understand that when a woman gains weight her arms don't grow longer. I've taken to sewing my own simple dresses but because I don't have the skill to alter, they don't fit well, either. If I ever find dresses to fit, I might just buy a dozen of them!
ReplyDeleteExactly Nancy! I actually think they aren't using pattern makers to grade patterns anymore, it must all be computer generated because their shoddy work costs them material wastage too, it's just a sign of the times I'm afraid.
DeleteTo all of those who have suffered endlessly when gaining a bit of weight or having to move into larger sizes....I too have ALL of the same problems and frustrations. Every woman wants to feel beautiful and dressed to impress for the right situations.
ReplyDeleteI have solved my figure problems! One word LAGENLOOK! Love these clothes, they feel wonderful and are simply made with simple lines. Just Google Lagenlook and you will fall in love. Good luck to all....well back to the mending pile.
Thanks for the recommendation Bobbie Ashley, I shop online a lot now so I will check them out.
DeleteI like your post and your humour Esther! It's funny to see we all have the same problems! Enjoy your new jeans!
ReplyDeleteYou have to laugh, don't you?
DeleteI'd never analysed the problem with my tops before - you are SO RIGHT about the neck lines! Well done for getting on with 'utility sewing' - hope that you have time to reward yourself with some 'proper' (quilt related!) sewing later!
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling very domestically efficient today, having all my household alterations done, now its time for some quilting!
DeleteI probably shouldn't admit to the pile of clothing to be repaired that has been in a pile in my sewing room for at least 2 years.
ReplyDeleteI found a chair under my pile and some clothes I'd forgotten I'd purchased so you're not alone there!
DeleteIt's so hard to get clothes that fit anymore if you are not a size 6 or less.
ReplyDeleteThere's such a market out there for well constructed garments, I often wonder why no one's picked up on that?
Deleteperhaps apppyling some detergent or beeswax to the zipper could help .goodluck esther ....I too was looking at my le too...but distacted with 10,339 half inch hexagons ...and now millefiore. quilt..I .love it!
ReplyDelete