This past weekend the Ft. Lauderdale chapter of the ASG
hosted a T-Shirt fitting workshop with Judy Kessinger (the self proclaimed
Queen of Glue) of Fit Nice Sew Slim.
The system consists of two patterns a knit
top and woven pant. The master top pattern fits Bust Sizes 32" to 42"
and the finished garment size for bust and hip is printed on the pattern for
ease of selecting a size. The pattern should be traced on to pattern paper and
all changes to your pattern should be done on that, leaving the original intact.
The workshop began with Judy measuring and tracing patterns for each of the
ladies in attendance. We were then instructed to sew the shoulder seams
together and put the top over our heads for her to assess the fit in the neck
and shoulders before continuing. Once that was complete, we had the choice
between four necklines (Mitered V-Neck, Crossover V-Neck, Scoop Neck or a
Ruffled Neckline). Judy demonstrated each neckline several times and we were
off once again to complete that portion.
I selected the Crossover V-Neck since
that was a technique that I had never tried before. I was super simple and I
can see myself using it again. Next up was the sleeves; Judy has you sew those
in flat using her 3 pin bunching technique. I was amazed that my sleeves went
in without puckers on the first try, defiantly will do that again on t-shirts.
The only thing left at this point was sewing the side seams and the hems. The
size pattern Judy selected for me was 1 inch larger than the biggest size
offered. The pattern uses only ½ inch seam allowances throughout. After several
rounds of tweaking the side seams I ended up using the next to last size on the
pattern (I could have gone down at least one more size) from bust to hip
leaving the sleeves at the larger size. This pattern will not yield a fitted
tee without drag lines but it will fit and is comfortable to wear. I purchase 2
of her variations (available for instant download on her site) for jackets
since this is the best fitting sleeve I have sewn to date. The variations
provide lots possibilities in an easy to understand format. I would highly
recommend it, especially to the beginner.
I would also like to thank the WONDERFUL ladies of the ASG
for being so kind, welcoming and funny!
