Measuring!

Posted by Gwyn93 on August 16, 2009, 12:24 am

Hello,

I just had a small question to ask, and this might be helpful to others,
is there a way to somehow measure someone without them knowing? I'm going
to sew a dress however I need measurements, and this is going to be a
surprise! If anyone has any ideas or help I would greatly appreciate the
input!

Thanks,

Gwyn
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Posted by Jenn Ridley on August 16, 2009, 12:38 am

dm.stock_at_sbcglobal_dot_net@foo.com (Gwyn93) wrote:

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I can't think of any way to measure a person without them knowing
you're doing it. You may be able to misdirect *why* you're measuring,
but it will be hard to hid the fact that you are measuring them.

Do you have access to the recipient's wardrobe? Find an article of
their clothing in a similar style and fabric that fits well and
measure it; then make the gift garment with those measurements. It
probably won't fit as well as if you started with their measurements,
though.

jenn

--
Jenn Ridley : jridley@newsguy.com

Posted by Margaret on August 16, 2009, 12:47 am

On Saturday, August 15, 2009 9:24 PM [GMT+1=CET],

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No.

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Unless this is a PoC dress or something with no fit at all
(like a muumuu) or you don't care whether it fits, you need
to measure -the- -person-. Not one of her other dresses,
HER BODY (because maybe she doesn't like the way the other
dress fits). Otherwise, the 'surprise' will likely end up
in the back of the closet or donated ASAP.

You -can- make a WAG at "S", "M", "L", "XL" etc. and then
use a pattern close to the measurements of that guessed
size; however RTW sizing is NOT comparable to commercial
patterns' sizing. Be prepared for it not to fit, and
promise to make alterations.

In similar circumstances, I would wrap a swatch of the
fabric, a picture of the pattern, and a "promise to make it"
soonest.

M

Posted by Kay Lancaster on August 16, 2009, 5:42 pm

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Well, sort of, but not the best choice -- you can measure favorite items of
clothing and come up with an approximation -- at least of the "must be this
dimension or larger" sort. Won't work at all with something that's fitted,
iffy with semi-fitted, but ok with unfitted items or items that have
some built in adjustment.

For instance, I made a pair of culottes for my neighbor... knew she
wouldn't accept 'em unless they were a done deal, and she really, really liked
the fabric. Got her daughter to measure her favorite pair of pants
for me, and used a half-elastic waist for more insturance.

She still still wears those often, even though they're quite a few years old
now.

Kay

Posted by on August 16, 2009, 8:59 pm

On Aug 15, 11:24=A0pm, dm.stock_at_sbcglobal_dot_...@foo.com (Gwyn93)
wrote:
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Well, you could get them drunk as a skunk and then when they pass out
you could do your measuring that way and they'd never know. Or you
could ask them to stand still and take their measurements with the
comment you don't believe they are as heavy/skinny as they claim and
you just want to verify this information for yourself.

Seriously, I don't know of any way you can you can accomplish this
with any appreciable results. The others who posted their tips and
thoughts gave the best insight and advice you'll receive.

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