Sew Colette: Measurements & Muslin

It is so exciting to see such a positive response to the Sew Colette Sew-Along!! It's lovely to see so many new stitchers throw their hat in the ring, as well.

Today we're going to take measurements in preparation for making this month's project: the Meringue Skirt. Once we have our measurements, we'll move on to preparing and sewing the muslin.

Meringue Skirt by lladybird via Flickr

Measurements

'It's hard to overestimate the importance of accurate measurements for sewing. Unfortunately, many women are fearful about knowing their real measurements....Being ashamed of your body's shape is unnecessary at best. At worst, at least in terms of sewing, it undermines your hard work and your self-confidence in wearing your own creations.'

-Sarai Mitnick, The Colette Sewing Handbook

As seamstresses, embracing our measurements and viewing them as a mathematical equation that yields well-fitting and beautiful garments is essential. Paired with the tape measure, they are two of the most powerful tools in our sewing arsenal.

(source)

The Meringue skirt requires the following measurements:

• Waist
• Hip
• Waist to Knee (or where you wish the hem to fall)
  

The waist to knee measurement is my personal recommendation, as it will help you to determine if you need alter the length of the pattern so that the hem will hit you in the right place. The last thing you want is your beautiful scalloped hem to be too long or too short!

Colette Meringue by Little Betty Designs via Flickr

Ask a trusted person to help you take your measurements and wear the undergarments you plan on wearing with the skirt, including any shape wear. Following the diagram in the book, have your measurer place the tape measure in the desired location and hold the tape firmly around - not tightly or too lose. Write down the number and move on to the next area until you are finished. Below is a video from Professor Pincushion you may find helpful:

'Different measurements are important for different types of clothing, so try to determine what the most important measurements are for what you're about to sew. For most skirts and pants, you will want to look at both waist and hip and go with the larger of the two.'

-Sarai Mitnick, The Colette Sewing Handbook

It is unusual for your measurements to match the pattern measurements exactly, so don't panic! With measurements in hand, look at the size chart for the Meringue and choose your size. Based on my measurements, I will be sewing a size 4.

Meringue Skirt by Very Purple Person via Flickr

Muslin

Once your pattern pieces are prepared, it's time to sew the muslin! Looking at the fabric requirements chart, I will need 2 1/4 yards of fabric for a size 4. It is ideal to try to use a fabric that is a similar weight to your fashion fabric; however, in a pinch, any lightweight fabric will do.

Lay out your pattern for the most efficient use of fabric, keeping in mind the grainlines. Remember that muslins are test garments, so you don't need to worry about perfectly finished seams. You want it to be sewn so it provides an accurate fit, clearly shows where any fitting issues may be, and can be easily manipulated to make these changes.

Meringue Skirt via Colette Patterns

Now with your sewing 'assignment' well in hand, enjoy making your muslin and meet Erin and I next Thursday, January 19th when we tackle the fit! Please feel free to leave any questions you may have here or in the Flickr group. Happy Sewing!