Garment sewing, and in particular, learning how to get patterns that fit my body, has been my greatest sewing challenge in my decades of sewing. I have read just about every book on the subject, taken pattern-fitting classes, attended seminars, purchased computerized pattern systems, and browsed the Internet. Did I miss anything? Even if I haven't listed it here, if it has anything to do with garment sewing and pattern fitting, consider me "Been there, done that."
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| Used with permission from Sure-Fit Designs™ |
Cowl neck tops, crossover tops, yoga pants, and
lots more—these are some of the current fashions you can make.
More than a year ago, based on many reviews and watching videos on YouTube and at Sure-Fit Designs (SFD), I purchased three SFD kits (pants,
dress/bodice/skirt, and shirts).
I am someone who buys or receives something as a
gift and then immediately puts it to use, preferably the same day. Somehow,
though, I was so lacking in confidence, even of taking my own measurements,
that I had the package here, unopened, for all this time. When I received an email from Glenda this winter about
classes to learn the SFD system, I decided to go for it. I signed up for
both classes: pants fitting and bodice fitting. This is my report. It's all my
opinion only; I have no affiliation with SFD or the owner,
Glenda Sparling.
I went to Eugene, Oregon, in early April to take
these classes. In preparation for the classes, Glenda asked us to watch the DVD
that comes with the system (How did she know I hadn't watched it yet? oops!),
to view a selection of her videos at the Sure-Fit Designs Learning Center Library,
and, if possible, to take measurements and make a muslin.
I procrastinated getting started until two weeks
before departure day (Why? Fear of failure? Fear of disappointment? Yes and
yes.)
Once I started watching the DVD, I thought,
"Hey, this makes a lot of sense! I think this is the answer I've been
looking for all these years!" I (somehow) found the time to take
measurements and make a bodice muslin. I tried it on and my jaw dropped. I
couldn't believe it. No kidding. It fit better than any and every thing I've
tried to make for myself. Honest to Pete. Not perfect, but the best ever, for
me.
So I set out on my travels, arrived in Eugene,
met my pre-arranged roommate (Hi, Kay!), picked up our rental car (optional,
not really needed), and went to the Residence Inn and checked into our suite.
We each had our own bedroom and bath, and we had a common kitchen and sitting
room. Nice!
There were five of us in the class, a perfect
class size for this kind of learning, from all over the United States.
Each day began with a brief presentation,
demonstration, and show and tell of garments Glenda has made from SFD. Throughout
the week, Glenda was consistently well prepared, knowledgeable, gracious,
helpful, kind, and generous. How on earth she was able to keep each student's fitting
concerns in mind at all times is beyond me, but she did it! We then set out to
work on our task for the morning or day. We gathered again at the end of the day to recap and learn a bit about the plan for the next day.
Have you ever taken a sewing class and felt:
- Like you spent all your time waiting around for the
instructor?
- Like you didn't get the help you needed?
- Like you couldn't see or hear what you needed to?
- Frustrated that the instructor didn't explain things
clearly?
- Like maybe just maybe you were wasting your time and money?
- Like the class location was severely lacking in good
lighting, comfortable seating, and amenities?
Well, over the years, I have experienced all of these
things, and then some. But! This was different, really different.
- At SFD, while we each had to wait for Glenda once in a
while, it was never for very long, and there was always something useful to do
while waiting.
- Glenda made sure throughout each day that we felt we were
getting the help we needed. She didn't just wait for us to come to her with
questions; she moved throughout the classroom from one of us to another, asking
how we were doing.
- The arrangement and class size were such that everybody was
just a few feet from Glenda during the presentations and demonstrations, so
nobody missed anything, at least I didn't and it didn't seem like anybody else
did, either.
- Glenda is such a well-prepared, knowledgeable, and
articulate instructor that I found it easy to pay attention and soak in her
insights and wisdom.
- I prefer to be thrifty with myself so that I can be more
generous to others, so taking this class, especially when you add in the cost
of travel and hotel, was a big expenditure for me. Was it worth it? Absolutely
yes!
- Oh and the class location, Our Sewing Room, more than
exceeded my expectations. Nice, high cutting tables. Lots of great lighting.
Comfy chairs. A kitchen with coffee, tea, refrigerator, and microwave. Lovely,
just lovely.
Okay, down to business. What is it about SFD that sets it
apart? I think of it like this: buying a pattern (Vogue, Butterick, McCalls,
and Simplicity are the "Big Four"; and independent pattern companies
from around the world) and changing it to try to make it fit me is like trying
to fit a round peg into a square hole, whereas with SFD I am fitting a round
peg into an almost exact duplicate round peg. The modifications needed after
the initial creation of my “blueprint” are truly minor. That means
that I have created my own blueprint—from which I can make anything!
I had no confidence in my ability to take my own
measurements, so imagine my surprise when the measurements taken in class (we
used a buddy system and then Glenda came around and checked every single
measurement) were very close to those I took at home! So I’ll pause here and
say this: If you have the SFD kit(s) but haven’t gotten started with it yet, go
for it! Do it! You will be most pleasantly surprised at the results! Watching
the DVD and the online videos helped me a lot.
Many figure variations and fitting concerns were represented
in the group, and I believe that everyone left completely satisfied.
Glenda makes herself so available (by email, phone I think,
and Skype) to help with any questions that you have, whether you take a class
or buy a kit.
Finally, I make four recommendations:
- If you already own
the SFD kit(s) but haven’t gotten started yet, unpack it, watch the DVD and
online videos and get started, even if you don’t have a sewing friend to help
you to take your measurements. But maybe I'm the only one who bought it but didn't use it for (ahem) some time?
- If you have gotten started with SFD but haven’t
used it in a while, dust it off and start using it again.
- If pattern fitting has been holding you back from making clothing, consider purchasing one or more of the kits.
- If you have the
opportunity (time and money) to take classes with Glenda, I think that you will
be delighted with the experience.
As Glenda says, “No matter your shape and size...you can achieve amazing personalized fit!”
I welcome your feedback about this review. Thanks; you know
I love to hear from you!
Excuse me but I have to go sew my yoga pants now… from my
SFD pants kit.
Blessings and peace...
