I was suprized at the difference in 1/4 scale, for the three sizes we printed off for class,my semi fitted blouse works best for me. I just need to add a tiny bit to the hip area for sitting ease.all the reference lines are fine for the rest of those areas,its nice that we can get an instant view of where we want to go with each design.
I cant stress enough! that these classes are most welcome, in helping understand how things tick,and without a teacher, we would still be at square one with the program.

Thanks Freda, The important part to note is that there are choices to make and we all need to understand where exactly we want to start and where we want to go.

Design Class 1 which is E-Class #6 is about making those design choices starting with the basics- Fit and ease levels. It's very normal to think well of course I want to start with the default or Standard "fitted" as that's where the program opens the pattern to - when that may not be the perfect fit block for the body you are designing for.

We always start with a concept that you have in your head or see in a magazine ON a MODEL- and while there are a few users who could qualify as models(some of our testers are downright gorgeous!) most of us would be passed over by the Ford Agency.

That means our needs are different from the model and that is one of the primary reasons we sew anyway! We want to look good in custom fit clothing with the color choices and textures and fit we want.

Pattern design and fit must take into account the properties of the fabrics chosen for the garment. Knowing what each fit level provides in terms of shaping and ease makes our choices easier and more custom to what we need and desire. The Design series of classes goes beyond the basics of how the program converts a bunch of numbers into a pattern and into the 'how to'part of designing a garment to suit your body type and shape.

YOU make the decisions for YOU- that's why there are so many preset fit levels(5 from form fit to standard and semi fit to relaxed and unfitted) and the opportunity to fine tune the fit to your body shape.

Join us Sunday at 1PM eastern time in the class room!
Kaaren