Welcome to our new Open Fit class.  Do you like to sew garments, but are frustrated when they do not fit you?  This class is for you!  Learn how to fit and adjust any pattern before you cut out the fabric.  When you have a garment that fits you well, you may look 20 pounds thinner! 

You may bring any pattern you would like to fit using the Palmer/Pletsch tissue fitting method.  We have some Palmer/Pletsch patterns available at the store and others may be ordered as there is interest.  There is a catalog available to view; please see Alice for further information.  It is helpful to begin working with the Palmer/Pletsch patterns as many of the adjustment lines are printed on the pattern. In continuing open fit classes, you may opt to pin-fit and/or sew a garment you have previously fitted with Alice.  Fitting the garment as you sew is part of the fitting process.  Alice will also be available to help you with sewing or serging techniques for garments.

Materials required:

For Fit classes:

•          Desired pattern to fit.  You may rough-cut out the pieces to trace or use the original pattern.  I would suggest beginning with a top, dress or skirt.  You may have Alice measure you before the class date so you can prepare the pattern and be ready for fitting.  Call Angels to set up a time.
•          Optional: Appropriate fabric for the garment you will be making – Prewashed!  See pattern for fabric requirements. 

What to wear:

First, start with undergarments that fit you well. For modesty, wear close-fitting camisole, tights, shorts or leggings but make sure they don’t change your size or make indentations.  You may bring a robe or long shirt to wear over them.  A good-fitting bra can make a big difference in how patterns or clothing fit you, so it might be a good time to go for a bra fitting.

Another item you can bring is a plain white T-shirt that fits snugly.  Nothing new is needed.  I will show you how to cut off the sleeves and neckline and mark it up to make a nice self-fitting tool for you.

Wear a necklace to help determine the base of your neck.

Required book(s) and materials:

•          The Palmer/Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting for tops, skirts and dresses. (Main fitting book.)
•          The Palmer/Pletsch Pants for Real People for pants fitting.
•          The Palmer/Pletsch Knits for Real People for fitting knit fabric patterns.
•          Pattern tracing fabric or tissue: (Pamela’s Patterns, red dot, Perfect Pattern Paper (or 21” wide medical tissue roll)
•          Perfect Pattern Paper by Palmer/Pletsch.  Cut up strips of 1”, 2”, and 3” and wrap around a piece of pool noodle.
•          5/8” elastic (1” for pants), 2” smaller than your waist, sewn into a circle or connected with Velcro.  If you don’t have 5/8” or 1” elastic, you can use Pamela’s Patterns Fantastic Elastic, which can be cut to any width.
•          2 boxes of 1-3/8” extra fine glass head pins (.5mm size is best) and a magnetic pin cushion. These pins will not bend when piercing cardboard surfaces.
•          Foldable carboard cutting board or pinnable cutting by Arrow; these are available in a few sizes and have to be ordered ahead of time – both are available at Angels.
•          Tape measure, scissors, small rotary cutter, quilting ruler (3” x 18” is a good size)
•          Design rulers:  suggested 5/8” pattern making set, 12” curve runner, and L square by Stitch Buzz, or rulers/seam guides to mark 5/8” seams, hip, and armhole rulers.
•          Paper, primary pencil, red and black Flair markers by Paper Mate
•          Scotch Magic Transparent tape – 1/2” size in a weighted dispenser, paper tape is also helpful.
•          Ziploc bags for pattern pieces (suggested size 11” x 13”)

For Sewing Classes:

•          Sewing machine with accessories and feet (edge joining or stitch-in-the-ditch foot, buttonhole foot and all-purpose or zig-zag foot).
•          Many like to bring their serger also. (serger or universal needles size 80/12)
•          Sewing tools & notions (seam ripper, ruler, pins, scissors, stiletto, marking tools, machine needles, matching thread, Hot Hemmer ruler, marking tools: chalk recommended, disappearing and wash away (not Frixion) or tracing wheel and chalk paper, or a pattern notcher.
•          Press cloth, Best Press, pressing ham/sleeve roll or clapper/point pressing tool.

Prep before class:

•          The appropriate book is required. The main fitting book for tops, dresses and skirts is The Palmer/Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting, which is available at Angels.  Please check with Alice if unsure.
•          Purchase and pre-wash and dry the fabric before first class if you wish to pin fit your fabric also.
•           If Alice has measured you before for your size, you may trace or cut out your size to get started at the pattern preparation. Otherwise, we will determine your size in class.  You may rough cut around the required pieces to make the pattern easier to manage but do not cut your size out of the original pattern you can use the original pattern or trace it first at the class and we will make pattern adjustments for you. 
•          Many materials will be available to purchase at the class like pattern tracing paper, marking and sewing tools, needles and thread.

In order to take a class at Angels you must first know how to use your sewing machine. If you have a new machine, or are not comfortable using your machine we recommend taking lessons prior to classes. 


***Angels will give you 10% off of items purchased for classes*** This offer is valid for class items and is not to be combined with other offers.