Question???
Do you follow the recommendations given on the back of the Vogue pattern? Many of the Vogue patterns include a figure flattery chart. This chart is designed to help you make the best choice in selecting a pattern.
On the website, Vogue includes some guidelines for using the chart. It made me chuckle because it claims to minimize your adjustments if you follow it. NOT. With any pattern choice, whether my shape is indicated or not, I have to make my standard fit adjustments. Following this chart certainly does not eliminate or minimize the fitting adjustments.
In the past, I followed this recommendation before buying a Vogue pattern. But, I've noticed that some bloggers do not, and have had excellent results. So I buy patterns based on what I like and whether or not I think it looks good on me.
The other thought that comes to my mind when making selection is what about the third dimension. If I turn side ways, will it still look good on me? I look at all sides, paying close attention to how the garment falls over my body. As I'm looking, I ask myself, is this a good look for me?
The figure flattering diagram is not enough. There needs to be a few more alternatives. For instance, I'm a upside down triangle through the upper waist (shorter than average turso, very long legs) with the shape of a vertical rectangle at the bottom.
How do you shape up? Do you follow the recommendation?
Happy Sewing!
C
I NEVER follow the guidelines. Like you, I know what adjustments I need to make so I buy what I like.
ReplyDeleteI find Vogue's recommendations to be particularly useless. Which is a shame, but there you go. Like you, I've experimented, and looked critically from all angles, and have developed some ideas of what works for me. I find the most useful things on the patterns to be the line drawings, and a photo of the garment fitted on an actual person.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're discussing this. My figure (hah!) has changed with weight gain and I'm struggling to find things that are flattering and that I like. I don't like a lot of Vogue's suggestions even though I understand why they wont' work. But I have a hard time sewing things I don't like! I'll be watching to see what others think!
ReplyDeleteInteresting question. I don't really pay attention to those markers but I feel I know what will look good on my frame (which is unique - if falling into one of those general brackets). I've never felt it was a problem.
ReplyDeleteBody shape graphics remind me of the H.O.A.X. system that a pattern company came out with a few years ago. So many patterns were shown as appropriate for all shapes that it occurred to me that it might be a well - a hoax!
ReplyDeleteI have a pretty good idea what works for me and try to stick with what I know.
I don't follow the pattern recommendation. I know what looks good on my body. A few months ago a reader of Vogue magazine wrote the editors a letter regarding their body shape recommendation for the patterns. The editors responded that the body shapes diagram were suggestions only. So, you are on the right track when you choose a pattern based on your preference.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pertinent post, I just discovered these symbols this morning as I was about to use a Vogue pattern. So thank you for the explanations, now I can check whether I did choose the right patterns.
ReplyDeleteI select the patterns according to my experience of what could or couldn't fit. And I also have to make some adjustments: longer skirts, deeper bust, and hips usually one size smaller than the bust.
I usually don't follow the recommendations. I'm a rectangle and the suggestions usually don't add any definition to my shape. Like you, I just get what I like. If it doesn't work, I don't wear it.
ReplyDeleteI know what silhouettes work for me and I go by that rather than by the Vogue chart. I think that chart is helpful if you are just learning to sew and figuring out what works for you, but if you've been sewing for awhile, I think you probably know what works best for you!
ReplyDeleteI don't follow the recommendations on the pattern at all! I guess over the years, I can of know what styles I think flatter me. I also take note of what styles I get the most compliments on. I'm not your typical "sista" as I don't have hips or a large boote'. So I guess I'm what they call an interted triangle.
ReplyDeleteI ignore those guidelines. I agree with your method. Once you understand the shape of your body (ie where you're longer or shorter or rounder or straighter than the standard pattern) it is relatively easy to work out if a pattern can work for you.
ReplyDeleteAt this stage I pretty much know what flatters and doesn't. My biggest challenge is hemline not silhouette as I am petite. I usually cut down any details on a garment like collars, pockets etc, just to make them more in scale with my size.
ReplyDeleteI don't pay attention to the Vogue shapes. I sometimes see something that would look great on my hourglass and it doesn't have that designation. My prob or theirs?
Never;if I like it and think It would be something I would like to wear I go for it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's annoying/ disappointing that they still think women come in only 4 'shapes.' I think it's much more helpful to know your own body and be familiar with what styles work best for you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you have a good point about the side view. Even if you fit Vogue's (or anyone else's) definition of a certain shape from the front there can be a huge variation in your shape from the side which can totally negate the shape recommendation. I think rather than being helpful for new sewers the shape recommendations can be misleading and frustrating.
I don't follow the suggestions, either. Also, I like to read what experts recommend for my body type. However! "They" tell me that I shouldn't wear anything fitted at the waist and they say that I should only wear dark colors. Yeah, no. I love fitted waist, full skirts in a VARIETY of colors!
ReplyDeleteSome things I do listen to, but I don't think that you should listen 100% to those "figure flattery guides"
As a reference, I am an "apple" or a "rectangle" depending on what figure flattery system you use. And, on that note, why do I have to be an apple or rectangle, those don't make me feel any better about myself....
No, I do not use the guidelines. I know the adjustments I need to make and I have good idea of what will work.
ReplyDeleteI take into consideration their guidelines. It makes me stop and analyze the pattern lines. I try to imagine how it will look on me, and then I decide for myself whether I should get the pattern and what size to make.
ReplyDeleteI do pay close attention to the ease noted on the pattern, sometimes - a lot of times - it doesn't match up to what the models look like.
I don't follow the guidelines. I know my proportions and go from there to adjust the pattern.
ReplyDelete