Lorraine Henry is a sewing, fitting and pattern alteration specialist for Conselle Institute of Image Management. She has a degree in Clothing and Textiles, been a university instructor and has written for Sew News magazine. Creator of the Two Easy Measuring tape set with the Measuring Made Easy instruction booklet, she shares a wealth of knowledge about sewing and fit gained from 30 years as a custom dressmaker, tailor and teacher. www.conselle.com
Pants: Different Cuts for Different Curves
Some butts are flat, some curvy… and some more so than others! How do you determine what you are? A mirror, your hands and a Flex Curve! Learn how to make a template of your shape and use this to help determine what changes need to be made in a pant pattern to correct it for YOUR figure. Come see this most important step in personalizing a pattern to achieve a really great fit.
Ontario Room – Fri 10:30
Measurements: A Key Element for a Fabulous Fit
Who fits the dressmaker? Accurate measurements are the key to getting a good fit for yourself by yourself. The four measurements listed on the pattern envelope aren’t enough! What is the shoulder slope measurement? Why is the side seam measurement so important? See how to measure for both front and back! Of course there is also the troublesome crotch area! Learn fit techniques from a master fitter and the necessary measurements that must be taken for a fit that stands out in the crowd!
Ontario Room – Fri 12:30
Fitting the 4 Bs
Bellies, boobs, butts and backs! These are the four areas that give us our ‘fitting fits’. Following the order in what has been called the ‘common sense’ approach to pattern alteration you CAN learn to fit yourself and others. Multiple figure adjustments will be demonstrated. Your clothes may begin to fit so well you will LOVE sewing garments again!
Fashion Art Stage – Fri 4:30 . Sat 4:30
Princess Seams & Busty Issues
The princess seams are some of the most flattering lines for all figure types. These styles are also the easiest to alter for the bust area. Learn how the seam method of pattern alteration makes the changes needed work like magic. A frequent comment about this method is, “I didn’t think it could be so simple!” See alterations done for several different styles using the princess seam as their base design.
Ontario Room – Fri 6:30
Grid Magic for Easy Fit
Unlock some of the mysteries of fit by using a grid and working from the floor up! Taking measurements from the floor up shows some ‘hither-to’ hidden figure variations that may have been the cause of many of our ‘fitting fits’. Puzzlement turns to clarity as the secret of the grid and floor are revealed. This technique even helps in finding the amount of droop in the drooped buttocks syndrome. An ah-ha moment indeed, in this fun and fact filled class!
Ontario Room – Sat 12:30
The ABC’s of Pattern Alteration
There are rules in pattern alteration that if followed, will make correcting the fit more accurate and easier. Learn what and where to alter first (The L before W Rule). And SO important — learn how to compare your body measurements to the pattern! Understand the relationships that will help you determine where and what to change. Join Lorraine to sharpen your fitting skills as she discusses how to buy the right size, determine the added ease and put all the elements together for a great fit.
Ontario Room – Sat 2:30