Does anyone draft patterns?

[jan_in_georgia]

I need a frugal way to make a simple a-line or gored skirt for myself (dumpy, lumpy, 40-something mama). Right now, I don't have anything that fits me to take apart and make my own pattern. The last two patterns I purchased on sale were disastrous and didn't fit anything like they should have.

I am a newbie and want to keep it simple and inexpensive. But some simple skirts would sure help me with looking respectable at work and church.

Any hints on what to do? Resources I should check out?

Next issue will be finding fabric without a 60 mile drive.... (sigh).

[NCLee]

I've modified patterns to fit, as off the shelf ones don't fit me either. :sad:

An a-line skirt should be fairly easy to do, although it'll take some time and triple checking measurements.

Before I try to type out a bunch of instructions, please let me know the following.

Is the a-line skirt pattern too large or too small?

Does it have a zipper in the back or in the side?

How many pieces make up the main part of the skirt. For example - 1 piece for the front and 2 for the sides.

Does it have a separate waistband or is it fitted (using facings) so that it doesn't have a waist band.

Are there any pleats at the top / waistband? Front, back, or both?

Finally, do you have one that fits but you don't want to take apart to make a pattern. It'll be of help, even if you don't take it apart.

Based on your answers, I'll try to "walk" you through the process.

Lee

[jan_in_georgia]

Hi!
Unfortunately, the I gave that pattern away to a girl who was skinnier than I. I wear around a 20-22 women's size in stores, and when I went by the pattern, cut out a 26 to match my largest measurement. It was significantly small.

Right now, I don't have a skirt that fits well. I have a heavy knit one that I love, but is about a size too small. It is a-lined with elastic around a casing in the top. Very simple, very comfortable and in the right fabric, very nice looking. But, I am not sure if I will ever fit it again (hey, a girl can hope!).

I found some patterns online at www.sewgrand.com that look like they are geared more toward those of us with a "mommy" type shape, but I hate to send $20 or more for something that I don't know will work.

Is there any hope of drafting a simple pattern from scratch?

Thanks again!
Jan

[NCLee]

Jan, I was hoping that you still had one of the patterns that you like. That would be easier to "walk you through it".

The knit skirt that you have, can you take it apart or do you prefer to keep it intact? Either way, please let me know how many vertical seams it has. Since posting space here is limited, that'll help me guide you on how to make a pattern from scratch for it.

I did a search at Amazon for the book I used to learn how to alter patterns. Didn't see it listed, so it's probably now out of print. Anyway, I spotted this one that may be exactly what you need for a variety of skirts.

Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics (Spiral-bound) http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-Fabulous-Fabrics/dp/1580176259/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248781986&sr=1-11
At only $11.02 it's less than what you mentined paying for pattern(s). Read through the reviews for more info. It has a very positive rating.

If you're interested, use the search key words - sewing patterns - at Amazon for other books. There are several more that may be of interest. You get free shipping on orders over $25.

Anyway, if you decide not to order, let me know about the knit skirt, and I'll still try to help.

Hope this helps, a bit more for now.
Lee

[jan_in_georgia]

I really appreciate the book advice. That might be my best bet.

Let me check into it and I will let you know if I need more help. Thanks so much for your help so far!
Jan

[Dame]

Is there any chance you have a local thrift store that might have something that fits or nearly fits; so you could start with that as a pattern. Material and degree of wear would not matter.

[jan_in_georgia]

Yes, there are two thrift stores, but I have two problems with them. First, there is very seldom anything in my size (but I do look from time to time just to see) and the second is that they both seem very high priced. There is the occasional bargain, but it is very typical to find things priced the same as they would be at Wally-world. I am hoping that in the present economic times that they will wise up and be a bit more reasonable in their pricing. I understand that they support charities who need the money, but if I can't really afford it, so what?

Jan

[CarolAnn]

Jan,
I just found out about a great resource for fabric, at least here in Wisconsin. St. Vincent De Paul has an outlet called "Dig and Save" where they send anything that they can't sell in their other outlets. Fabric (and lots of other things) are sold by the pound! That can add up to a lot of fabric for very little money. If you're not having luck at local thrift stores, you might just ask if they have an outlet like this somewhere near you.

I know what you mean about having a hard time finding larger sizes in thrift stores - if it's there & my size, it's 25 years old!