I’ve tried giving away a brand new copy of Sandra Betzina’s “Fast Fit” twice now over on Facebook, but both times, the winners have been no-shows. So in the hopes that the third time is the charm, here goes. Leave a comment below on this post and you’ll be entered automatically into the drawing for this fantastic book. Seriously, it’s my go-to fit resource.
Speaking of fit, I’ve been silent recently because I’ve been trying to fit a muslin for a summer dress. It’s one of those Big-4 patterns that has bodice pieces for A/B/C/D cups. The problem is that the back bodice fit is WAY off. Way, way off. The size 14 was huge, and the size 12 is big. There is no way I can fit into the waist of a size 10, so I’m going to punt and pick another pattern. Debbie had noted recently that the upper bodice of a Vogue pattern was too roomy, and in fitting the McCalls pattern in the knits class, we had to universally size down through the bodice. I’m not sure what is going on with the slopers in Big 4 patterns, but I sure as heck wish they would hire someone to redraft them to be closer to the fit of RTW through the upper chest and shoulders.
Shameless plug time! This is for one of my favorite bloggers, Gertie. She has a great blog to read, and she is an utter inspiration! She’s in the midst of writing a book on sewing, and she has been featured on the PBS show “It’s Sew Easy!” (On a completely unrelated note, have I ever told you how much I detest the use of “sew” in place of “so”? Detest it! But that has nothing to do with Gertie.) I advertise on her blog, so I’m a little biased, but I advertise there because I’m biased. I honestly believe that she will be the next big sewing celebrity. And she’s a sweetie!
Gertie recently showed a picture of Deeta Von Teese wearing a Roland Mouret dress and sporting a pin the size of Manhattan. I am totally in love with large brooches, though I rarely wear them. But here’s a little construction tidbit I learned from a woman who worked on the late Princess Diana’s gowns.
The Late Princess wearing a very heavy brooch on an organza dress
To support large, heavy pins and brooches, underline the part of the dress, jacket or top that will support the pin with either muslin (if it’s a heavier garment fabric) or 1 or 2 layers of silk organza. Attach the underlining to the shoulder seam, the front of the armscye, and the neckline seam using small, reasonably tight hand stitches. You can do this after the garment is constructed, if need be. Make sure to pin the brooch through all layers, including the underlining. By adding this layer of support, your garment will stand up better and won’t be distorted by the weight of the pin pulling on it.
That’s it for now. I hope to have something sewing-related to show soon, since the fabric I want to use is practically screaming at me to get cutting.
Now don’t forget, if you want “Fast Fit”, leave a comment below. I’ll have the kids draw a name on Friday afternoon. Good luck and…
Happy sewing!
Will I be the lucky book winner?
I would love to win the book. I always want to learn about fit.
I’d love to win this book!
I would LOVE the book!
Ha. I’ve kicked myself for missing entry both times – perhaps third time will be the charm for me, too?
Clearly the book is meant for me. I *need* it. I’m 5″2 and look like a busty hobbit. G cups, people. I need the book. Pweases?
(I know it’s all random and the pleading doesn’t help, but surely it amuses you?)
I would love the book! And that is a great tip for the brooches – thanks for sharing.
Hoping I win!
I would love a book on fitting!
I would love “Fast Fit”! And I would never be so rude not to respond if I had the good fortune to win it!
Happy sewing!
love your shop. it’s the first (and last) place i go to look for fabrics for my newfound love of sewing clothes and bags.
thank you,
Lori
I’d love to win the Betzina book!
I really enjoy your blog – it has so much information! Here’s to hopefully winning the book.
Good advice Ann. Another thing I do with large brooches (and I have lots of them!) is to put the pin through a piece of wool felt on the inside of the garment. It works well with RTW that doesn’t hve much inner structure.
I’ve used this technique, too.
I’d love to win the fitting book! I’ve still not quite got the hang of fitting :S
Ashley x
I would love to win this book!!
I’m all for a great book on fitting!
Yes, I would like to win this book! Also, regarding big brooches, I second what Phyllis wrote. That’s how I have always handled them on my garments. As to Vogue patterns not fitting (too large). I am glad you stated this because the last Vogue blazer I made the fit was terrible, I was so unhappy with it. I did finish the garment but it hangs unworn in my closet. I have given up with Vogue and am now just sewing with Burda (which has other issues -tracing!). I thought it was just me . . . well, maybe it is just me! LOL!
I’d love to win a copy of the book!
I’d love to have that book! Sandra is the BEST!!!
yes, please!
I’ve got my fingers crossed since I missed entering the first two times.
And I’ve been trying desperately to win this book! My email address is right up there! I want it! I will love it and cherish it and give it a good home! I promise I will not let it stay up too late, have sugary snacks without brushing its teeth, and I will make it do all of its homework and hold doors open for little old ladies.
I just got a copy from of the library but would love my own!
Well, I can see from the comments here that any of us would be incredibly responsive should we have the good fortune to have our names plucked from the hat!
Here’s my entry – I did a few giveaways on my blog and winners not reply, to countless inquiries. Oh well, things happen.
I’d love to win the book, thanks.
I’d love to win the book!!
I’d love a chance to win this book. Thank you.
Awesome! I need to start sewing again!
I’d love to win the book! Also, can’t wait to see your new dress.
love your blog & your fabrics. I should really get going on that lovely bug silk that I got from you…please enter me for the book drawing. –from sunny but cool Milwaukee
Thanks for a great blog! Would love to win the book.
what a give away .Yes please if lucky
Me, me, me!
I would love this book. Hopefully 3rd time is a charm.
I’ll show up if I win!
I would ADORE this book. Also, thank you so much for that good underlining tip! I’ll keep it in mind.
Oooh! Oooh! Please pick me!
Three could be my lucky number?
I would love love to have this book! I sew for my girls and they both have fit issues…I need help!
I’d like the book too, but I live in the UK- so you may not want to ship across the pond.
I have many fit issues…the book must be meant for me!
I’d love to win the book! It’s one I’ve been meaning to check out for a while.
I sew 6 to 7 days a week sew I think the book would be very happy here with me in my sewing room. thanks for offering it up a 3rd time. hoping I am The one who wins it. Thanks either way.
I’ll take it, Ann !!
I hope I’m the charm that wins the book!
I check this book out of my public library about once a month. Help me save gas by giving me this book. Thanks!
I was looking at this book just today on amazon!
I could really use this book. I have looked into buying it, just have not had the time to order it.
This book has been sitting in my Amazon wishlist–wouldn’t mind a copy! I love vintage brooches–thanks for the tip, I’ll definitely use it!
ooooh, I’d love to win the book…
I would love to have this book in my collection.
I would love to have this book.
It is so generous of you to keep trying to give away this book! You’re right about pattern sizing. It really makes me wonder whose body the original is based on. probably some anime “Cyber girl” character who is built more like “He-Man” than “Wonder Woman”. Grumble, grumble…
I have been eyeing this book for ages. Would love to add it to my library.
I would love to win this book! I sew, not only for myself (with a lovely hourglass figure and D size chest), but also for my 2 teen girls – who both have hourglass figures! And it can be nearly impossible at times to tweak those skirts and dresses!
I would love to win this book.
I would love to win a copy of that book!
Re the fit of Big 4 patterns… lately I’ve had terrible luck with back pieces too! I always have to do an FBA and usually have to do a narrow back adjustment of just an inch or so. But, I made Vogue 1221 a couple of months ago and the back was so huge. I had to take several inches out. Not a big deal, since there’s a center back seam… but still. I think what’s most frustrating is that their sizing doesn’t even seem consistent between patterns.
My daughters range from 5’2″ to 6′. Need I say more? I need help fitting!
I hadn’t thought to back the brooches that way–great tips. I’d love to win the book!
If I win this book, I will definitely NOT be a no-show! Thanks!
I would love to win the book!
I would love to add this book to my sewing library.
Thanks for the giveawway!! I love Gertie’s blog!!!
Count me in, I’d like to win the book!
Pick me please! I would love to have the book.
Would love to win the book
!
Seriously, I’ve ordered fabrics from you many times and never been disappointed! Please enter me in your drawing for Sandra’s book.
Karen in Houston
I would love to win this book!
Hello Ann
The brooch in the photograph is the Royal Family Order given to female members of the royal family. It is in the personal gift of the Queen and is a mark of high favour and a great honour. It isn’t awarded automatically and there is no announcement of its award – you just have to look at photographs of the royals in full evening dress to see who has it. I believe that Diana was first seen with her’s after the birth of Prince William, now the Duke of Cambridge. I am watching to see when Kate gets hers.
All the monarchs have had their own Family Order – it is a picture of themselves and the ribbons/backing silk is a different colour for each monarch. The late Queen Mary had Royal Family Orders from Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V (her husband), King George VI (her son) and our current Queen, her granddaughter. The awards are all lovely.
Ruth
Thanks for that, Ruth! I knew that was a gift from the Queen, but that was all I knew about its provenance. According to the lady who worked on it, that particular brooch was very heavy – I think she said it was enamel and pearl?
Love the brooch tip! I’d love to win, too.
Would love to be considered for the book!
We’re a family of oddly shaped people, I need all the help I can get!
Please drop my name into the hat.
Maybe third time is the charm?!? I’d love to win the book – I’m re-entering sewing after 2 kids and my body has changed – big time!
I’d love the fit book! I’ve started sewing again now that my girls are in school and… well… after 2 kids and a decade of not sewing much…. fit is a whole new challenge!
oooo!!! maybe THIS time I’ll get lucky!!
Fingers crossed!!!
I could certainly use a book on fitting!
I’d love to win… I used to know how to fit for myself, but then I started having babies and boy did that change things.
Hi Ann,
I didn’t know if the give a way includes Canada, but I would be happy to pay postage if you draw my name.
Also, thanks for the tip about the brooches. I too love big pins. I have a large flamingo pin that is a copy of one owned by Wallis Simpson ( Duchess of Windsor). Maybe that was the reason Edward chose her not the crown. LOL
Thanks.
Boy do I need this book! Thanks for the giveaway.
Would love to win the book. Fitting makes me nervous!!!!
Maybe a winner? I hope so!
I don’t sew (yet, though I’d love to learn) but I do like following both your and Gertie’s blogs! Call it inspiration for eventual hobby development. But if I do win the book, it’s going to a buddy of mine who sews but who is just now getting into doing garments– she could definitely get some good use out of it.
Hi Ann
I am sorry to say that I don’t know for sure eactly what the Order is made of, just the history of them. It does look as though it could be enamel and if this lady told you this then I would think that she would be correct. I have never seen one for real – just in photographs.
Best wishes
Ruth
I always struggle with fitting. I am better than I used to be but as soon as I work out one fitting issue I find another. That is why I am scared of even attempting trousers
Ann I love your blog and would love to win a copy of the book.
I’m 4′ 11 inches, with a sway back and a 30 F bust – a bit like Quasimodo in reverse – man do I need that book!!
Would love to win it! Thank you for the opportunity!
Still working on fitting issues….this book would surely help.
I would love the book!!!!
Hooray! A non-facebook way to enter!!
Ooh this would answer so many questions I’ve been waffling around the internet trying to find. What a prize!
How lovely that you’re doing a giveaway – if overseas entries (I’m in the UK) are allowed then please put my name in the hat
!
I’d love to win the book! I still have so much to learn about fitting. Thank you!
Believe me, if you pick my name, I will get back to you immediately! I can’t believe two people passed on a fabulous resource!
I’d love to win the book.
Wow – what a great opportunity. Please count me in the draw. I’m a long time sewer and am increasingly attempting more challenging projects. This book would be a welcome addition to my library : )
I just came her via Gertie’s blog and I loved reading your blog.. And I cant resist but leave a comment to win the book.. My bust, waist and hips are all different sizes in commercial patterns x
I’d love to have this book, just starting to put together my reference library and this would be a great addition.
I need help fitting patterns, so I’d love to have the Sandra Betzina book.
Draw my name PLLLEEEAAASSSEEEE!!
I never win anything.
I’m all show and no go
Thanks for the opportunity! Love your blog & store.
Hard to believe it’s so hard to give away a book. Thanks for trying again!
I would love to add it to my library.
I’d like to learn more about fitting so this book would be great!
What a wonderful giveaway — thanks for being so persistent!
I’d love to be considered for this giveaway. Thanks.
I’d love to be entered in the drawing, thanks!
Surely, one of the 112 people to comment so far will be lucky enough to win Fast Fit. What a great addition it would be to a sewing library. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I have the book already, so I don’t need to be entered in the giveaway. I’m a little surprised at having 2 no shows but perhaps 3rd time is a charm, and there will be a winner at last! Free stuff, people!
I always use a variety of sizes with just about any pattern since I haven’t been a B cup since jr. high. My typical neck/shoulder/armsyce is a 10 and then the pattern is bigger. You’d think a multicup pattern would account for this but too much to ask, I suppose.
I’m covering all bases by posting here, and on FB. Maybe i’ll be 3rd time lucky!
Pick me, please! I’d love the book.
I promise I won’t be a no show for the book. Thanks for the great giveaway!
WEll, I was really disappointed not winning the books, so here’s another chance!!
I was talking about this book at work today and said I needed to get a copy. Here’s hoping I win!
Thank you for giving us bloggers a chance to win Sandra’s book! If my name pops up, I’ll shout from the mountain top and claim it!
Good luck in giving away this book this time! I wouldn’t mind having it.
I WANT that book!!!!!!!!
It’s true about the big 4 fit. I always have to size down one or two sizes. Can’t believe how much time and effort I’ve wasted taking things apart because of this. I guess I need the Fast Fit book, huh?;)
Throwing my name in the hat!
I agree about the use of ‘sew” instead of “so” also. Things like that are “cutesy” I suppose, but I’m not into cutesy. LOL
I don’t comment on blows much anymore, but I had to thank you for voicing a shared pet preve! Sew in place of so – neither clever nor cute. No more!
Charm! charm!
I’d love to get it
Since I am rarely lucky, maybe the third time will be the charm for me this time! I would love to win this book. Have had it on my wish list for quite some time!
Choose me! Choose me! I’m making 2011 my year to refine fit, and I love all things Sandra Betzina. My fingers are crossed!!!
Pick me, pick me! I’m determined to make myself a well fitting pair of dress/work pants this summer. I’ve got weird butt/back leg wrinkles that I need to sort out. That book would certainly help me.
I’d love to win that book!
Pick me! I need help fitting. Thanks for such a great offer and a fantastic blog!
Oh pretty please let it be me.
Sandra’s “Fast Fit” would be a cool reference to have!
Please enter me in the drawing!!
This book would be a great help to me!
What a delight to find this blog tonight! I would love a copy of Sandra Betzina’s new book. I have a copy of her first one. Alas, my waist has gone to waste and nothing fits.
I would love to receive the Fast Fit Book
Don’t worry, the third time will be the charm!
Thanks for the giveaway.
I hope I win, thank you for the chance.
I would love to win a copy of the book! I am fairly new to garment sewing and have all sorts of fitting problems – I need all the help I can get!
What a wonderful giveaway!! (wish I had seen it on FB)
thanks a bunch!!
I had my eye on this book. Thank you for letting me play!
Keeping my fingers crossed.
Since I’m a very curvy hourglass figure, I always have problem with fitting clothes, so I’m diving in the hat
.
I’d love the book! My daughter has decided to put together a half credit class on sewing this summer — we can call it a textbook.
Thank you for your comments. I too have found that the Big 4 have changes in their sizes. I am glad not to be the only one, as I thought maybe I really don’t have this fit thing down.
Thank you
Marie
I would LOVE to have a copy!!
I would love a copy of that book! May the happy winner enjoy it!
Being short and round, I practically have to redraft every pattern–I’d love a good fitting book. I need to create a good basic sloper. Thanks.
I would love to win this book!!!
I’d love a copy!!!!
I would love to win this book!
Also throwing my name in the hat for a chance.
I hope I win.
Oooh pick me! I need fitting help with a very narrow back, big boobs & short waist! I find Vogue patterns *ridiculously* enormous in the bodice too, even if I use high bust measurement. (I’m far too impatient to make a muslin, usually). I do wonder sometimes if it’s me. But clearly, given all the above, it isn’t! I made a McCalls M6074 jersey maxidress (with a FBA) recently – excellent fit, true to size, makes such a difference
Hi Ann! Thanks, I’d love an opportunity to win this book. I need all the help I can get!!
I would love to win this book!
I’d love to win the book. Your observations about bodice fitting are right on. Who has such a broad back?
Reading and commenting on your blog is so much more fun than posting on Facebook!!!
If you are prepared to post it to New Zealand I would LOVE to have a chance at winning this book
I’d like a shot at winning this book. Thank you for the opportunity, Ann!
I’ve not sewn for nearly 25 years. I’m starting back up since it is nearly impossible to find things that fit right with my specific body type. Thanks for sharing SO MUCH helpful information (and photos!). Thanks for the giveaway….hope I win!
I’d love to have more help on fitting! The Big 4 are making some progress with the multi-size patterns and different cup sizes for bodices, but I may as well draft from scratch by the time I make all my alterations. Either I’m doing it all wrong, or there is a better way!
I’d love a book, and enjoy your blog.
I hope that I am the lucky winner!!!
I’ll try again! Good Luck Everyone
I just found your blog – right up my alley! Looking at your favs also. How have I misses these??????
I’d love the book. Thanks for for giving me a chance (even though there are already 164 other comments)
Ooh, I’d love to win the book too. And I agree with Big4 patterns fit being too large. It’s very annoying!
Thanks for the tip on underlining for brooches. I love the big ones also, not that I wear a lot of them. And if by some wierd quirk my name gets drawn, I will give the book to the local library, as their sewing section is non-existant (really – no sewing books), and I already have it.
Interesting read about brooch preparation. I can remember trying to wear brooches when I was younger and having the garment pull down with the weight. The information is about 45 years too late but, who knows, maybe I’ll try it again.
I could really use this book!
I would love this book.
http://emergency.cdc.gov/socialmedia/zombies_blog.asp
Totally off topic- but do I remember that you like zombies? Did you see this from the CDC?
Pick me! Pick me! Thanks!
I’d love a chance to win this book!
Marilyn
I would love to win the book! Thank you for the chance to win!
Marie
I need the book! I am always struggling with fit.
I would love to have the book–it would give me a much better chance of fitting garments as well as you do!
Gail D.
Love your blog! Thanks, Ann!
Is it my lucky day? Thanks for the chance to win the book!
If I don’t win this, I’ll be adding it to my Amazon wishlist! I really need some sort of direction in fitting clothing. So far I am 0-4 with clothes sewing successes.
Pick me!! Pick me!! I would love to have this book and I promise I won’t be a “no show”.
Please, will it be me?
Would so love to add this book to my library!