Here are some not-so-random Sizing Thoughts for your consideration.
If you wonder why I keep talking about sizing, it is because it is the key to every puzzle for making garments that fit. There are different issues, and different approaches and solutions, but so far mostly they have been fairly non-inclusive. They work for someone like me who deviates from a standard, and has sufficient knowledge to make adjustments. That might be the case for you. Let me share some thoughts.
Thoughts, Step One
Know yourself. Your body is unique, whether standard, near standard, or some deviation from standards. Most of our fit standards have been based on bodies that do not exist, and the favorite design models have been freaks of nature. None of us fit there, so let’s not try.
Come back here in two weeks or subscribe to my newsletter to get links to the first survey I am going to do. I will be asking you for information about your body generally, what you want to understand, and what particular fit pain points you have. From there, more surveys will be available to give us actual data. I’ll even offer instructions for taking measurements that you can use.
My biggest pain point in anything that I don’t make is the shoulder/armhole fit. I have wide shoulders, but no padding so things are either being pulled or are slipping. Nevermind that sleeves are always too short. I wear lots of bracelets to fill the void, and if wearing a shirt, have flapping cuffs or roll them back. Pants are usually too short, so I have to look for long inseams, then wear them too long until I determine they are never going to shrink–then wash them again, because that is when they do!
Jill Wolcott
Thoughts, Step Two
Once you know what fit issues you have, choose up to three that you would be willing to work on, as that is an adequate number to make a difference to the fit without trying to do too much at once.
Thoughts, Step Three
Learn about taking measurements, making adjustments, and participate in a test knit or paid course here on Jill Wolcott Knits. I don’t care if you are a designer, a knitter, or a tech editor. This is about finding good fit!
Thoughts, Step Four
Contribute to the Effort! There are two ways you can actively help me with my Research and Development. The first is to just make a contribution. If you know of anywhere I might turn to get a grant, please is let me know.
Buy the Sizing Tables. These are beta versions, and I am predicting October for an update, but this version is very usable and contains valuable information. The 14W to 36W has been expanded to 40W, adding two sizes. For all sizes I have added 10 measurements. All versions have a column to add your own measurements.
Join the Sizing [R]Evolution channel on Slack. This link is only good for 30 days, so if you can’t get there
Thoughts, Studio Chaos
I Mari Kondo’d my piles this morning. I have concrete things to sort:
- Yarn to be stored;
- Swatches to be sorted;
- Class materials and samples to be filed away;
- Samples that need patterns completed;
- Unfinished projects;
- Yarn Labels;
- Paper; and
- Yarn to send to Handiworks, Ltd for her charity hats.
It feels quite good to have that done.
Addenda, The Dress
I wrote this essay in 2014 after I spoke to a couple of women at a gathering about the dress I was wearing. I’ve slightly tweaked a couple things, but otherwise, it is as I wrote it then. I am wearing it in the videos. It is a perfect dress. It has pockets.
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