I'm so disappointed! I just finished BWOF 07-2008-131 (the pants to match the BWOF 07/2008-133) blouse and they are too small – embarrassingly so! I don't know what went wrong. I used the same size I always use. I checked that I traced the correct size. I made the same pattern adjustments I always make (length adjustments). I haven't gained any weight. I followed the fabric recommendations. I just don't understand what went wrong. (whine whine whine) I'm especially disappointed because I did some of my best sewing on these pants. I remembered to interface the fly front zipper area. I even remembered to use stay tape on the hip yoke pockets.Here's my theory. In the US, size measurements are not standardized. If you have a size 12 in the Gap, for instance, it may not be the same as a size 12 in Anne Klein. This is probably even more true with larger sizes. Maybe the size measurements in Germany are not standardized, either. Maybe BWOF copies designers samples exactly and therefore copies the differences in size measurements. Sallie Sahne is a designer that often appears in BWOF's plus collections. I've never had this problem with Sallie Sahne designs. The blouse from this collection (from Delmond) is a little tight and that further supports my theory.
Yes, I know this would not have happened if I'd made a muslin or took flat pattern measurements before sewing. Even after this fiasco, I hate making muslins, but I can learn to take flat pattern measurements before I start tracing.
That is so frustrating! Chock it up to a learning experience and move on to the next project. :)
ReplyDeleteOne thing I ALWAYS do when I make pants, even if I have made the same pattern before, is make it with wide seam allowances and baste the seams together before I sew them. It beats ripping them out later! Also, I've recently started tissue fitting for pants, and although it does take some extra time, it does ensure that they will fit. Nancy Zeiman's method uses flat pattern measurements, so I think you're right, at the very least, to do that in the future. So sorry to hear about the too-tight pants. I've been there too many times myself.
ReplyDeleteI never "finish" an item without trying on before sewing the side seams. You just never know. At least pin fit the side seams if you don't want to baste. I often have to change the sequence of sewing to make sure side seams are last. NancyW's suggestion of "in case" seam allowances are good too. It is such a shame but I bet it won't happen again. :))
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI have done this before,oh well ...do you know someone they will fit?
ReplyDeleteDon't let it bring you down!
Oh how annoying!!! I have done that as well and it is SOOOO frustrating.
ReplyDeleteDon't you hate hate hate that! Your best sewing too. Sending out emphathetic vibes to you!
ReplyDeleteSallySews
http://sallysews.blogspot.com
I hate that too, I've had it happen several times. It's hurts to spend the time and effort and it doesn't work out as it should. I'm sure you have many good experiences that hopefully out-weight the bad ones.
ReplyDeleteWaaah! I hate when that happens! Dang it, fit is everything with sewing. Wish this part of the process was easier.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pain!
ReplyDeleteIs there any chance there was something off in the seam allowance additions? I know you know how to do the Burdas as you've done so many (and so successfully)... that's just the only thing I can think of.
I wonder... even though they said with or without spandex... do you suppose they should have added something to the effect of "choose one size larger if using no spandex"?
How disappointing for you. So much time and effort goes into making a garment it is very frustrating to have this happen.
ReplyDeleteYou know how I feel about muslins. They really don't take up that much time and actually save time in the long run by not wasting it on a garment that doesn't fit. However, I think you are probably right that the designers in Burda aren't standardized in the sizes they use. Good news is that these pants may fit sometime in the future.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that my comment follows Sherril's because I'm like you...I HATE Muslins! *LOL* But I do flat measure everything before I cut it out and if I'm not sure, I add a little more. It can always come off later...there is just no adding any back. I'm sorry that these didn't work for you...I totally understand how disappointing that is!
ReplyDeleteHi there: I've nominated Another Creation for the Kreativ Blog Award over at The Stitchery. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteAw shoot. I'll mark this one for sure then, I actually was considering them. I HATE muslins too. I don't really seem to get a better fit if I do take the time to make them, but I guess I do save the good fabric, haha!! I just flat pattern measure too. Or occasionally I just cross my fingers!
ReplyDeleteHello Elaray. I just nominated your blog for a Kreativ Blogger award. I love your blog, your creativity, your detail and humor. As a novice, I am greatly encouraged by your blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks and keep up the good work and excellent tips that you generously give us all.
Sorry to have to tell you, but the measurements in Germany are standardized. Everything in Germany is standardized, everything! There is even a book called DIN Norm on standards.
ReplyDeleteSo, more than likely your sizing error was caused by something else. If you need help, holler.