Description
If you’ve followed along with me on my YouTube Channel, you may have given this series a try. Efficient Work Flow for Bodice Fitting Zoom Class is a step-by-step guide to fitting a non-stretch bodice or shirt pattern. This 12 hour zoom class is broken up into 2 – 6 hour zoom classes on the last weekend in September, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00 pm est. I planned this class with extra time so we can take our time. I’m limited the class size to 8 students so we can slow down and really learn how to fit a bodice while working on fitting our bodices! You will have access to the class recording for 1 year after the class is completed.
Class 1 – September 28th
During the first class we’ll start in the Blue Zone to pick out the best starting size and customize the pattern pieces agree with the shape and position of your upper back, neck and shoulders. Starting at the top of the pattern pieces allow you to get the fabric to hang properly from your shoulders so you can easily see what else needs to be adjusted! Starting at the top in the Blue Zone makes the fitting process more efficient because everything below the shoulders, upper chest/back and neckline will be affected. At the start of the fitting process, you don’t know if the base of the armhole, ease and position of the bust, waist and hem need to be adjusted. All of these key areas are in the Pink Zone. We’ll get to those in a logical vertical order after fitting the Blue Zone. I’ll also show you how to prep the pattern pieces and make a half muslin. Plus, see how I solo fit myself, complete with tips and tricks to work by yourself so you can practice fitting during the week before the second class.
We’ll continue working along. I’ll share how to fine tune the fit of the adjustments made in the Blue Zone. Then we’ll continue working with the half muslin to fit the Pink Zone. Here’s the order of key areas we will look at in the Pink Zone
1. Depth of armhole
2. Position of the bust dart
3. Ease in Bust
4. Vertical position of the waist
5. Vertical position of the hem
6. Vertical length of the waist darts
7. Ease from waist to hem
Body Specific Adjustments in the Pink Zone
• Prominent Tummy
• Prominent Shoulder
After making all the adjustments you need to your half muslin, I’ll show you how to transfer adjustments to your paper pattern pieces so you can cut out a full muslin. Next up is fitting the sleeves.
Class 2 – September 29th
During the second class we’ll finish up the Pink Zone. Then we’re working on the sleeves! I’ll show you how to walk the sleeve into the armhole so we can see how much ease there is before we start fitting. Then we’ll take some easy body measurements and compare them to the sleeve. First up – The height of the sleeve cap. This is an important key area because the cap has to reach from the tip of the shoulder to the bicep line to prevent the sleeve from pulling. After the height of the cap is adjusted to agree with your body measurement, we’ll check the ease at the bicep to make sure you have enough room there. Then it’s time to walk the pieces together to determine if the ease in the cap needs to be adjusted to fit into the armhole.
You’ll leave class with a bodice that fits!! …but if something pops up after class is over, I’m here to help you fine-tune the fit!
Supply List (and a small bit of homework*) Zoom Link will be emailed to you on before the first class on Thursday, September 26th
Basic Bodice or shirt pattern of your choice – *Before class – Trace your size based on your high bust measurements. You will need a half front, back and sleeve. Please do not cut out the pieces (If you’re new to fitting a bodice please pick a simple pattern with a front/back/sleeve. Patterns with extra pieces like back yokes add an extra layer of things to pay attention to while you’re working. After you become familiar with the process, you can apply this method to any pattern.)
Pattern Paper
Muslin fabric for Fit Muslin
Clear Grid 18″ Ruler
Tape Measure
Pencils
Paper Scissors
Scotch Tape
Basic Sewing Supplies to sew fit muslin
Snug Tee, Tank or Shaper to use under half fit muslin (and to help with solo fitting)
Optional Efficient Work Flow for Bodice Fitting PDF Workbook. I combined the 3-Part PDF companion that goes along with the YT Channel Series into one complete PDF. If you haven’t purchased the pdf companions and you would like a copy to refer to, here’s a link.
I will be working with my Perfectly Fitted Shirt Pattern. If you’d like to work with this pattern you can find the Misses’ Size Here & and the Women’s Size Here. Please order before September 20th so it has time to arrive before class.
Helen Maynard –
Took this Amazing Bodice Fitting Zoom Class in April. Ended up with a well-fitting blouse from a pattern that had to have many adjustments. Jen Stern is the expert on fitting.
Some of the things that I liked about this class were:
Individual attention was given to each participant.
Each time we met it was recorded so we could review instructions. (We have these recordings forever, Yeah!)
We were not rushed.
In between classes we could contact instructor for help.
When the class is over and you still have questions, Jen is still available.
I cannot say enough about the quality and value of this class.
Helen
jennifer –
Hi Helen, Thank you for sharing your experience in this class. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it… and your blouse did come out beautiful & well fitted!