After a hectic week on one hand but relaxing on the other hand kind of week, I didn’t get any sewing done last weekend. I just plain old forgot that My Husband actually wanted to play on his birthday instead of just hanging out at home. Ah, well. Life goes on, eh?
Most of the podcast is continuing our reading on making over our image. Today’s topic is using space, texture, prints, and fabric to create flattering illusions. Of course, I interject my thoughts as we go along!
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Here are the illustrations from the readings:
Tricks with Space
Tricks With Space Image 1
Notice how the horizontal line cuts her in half while the vertical line elongates her figure.
Tricks with Space Image 2
The narrowly spaced buttons force the eye to move up (as if on a train track) while the widely spaced buttons force our eyes back and forth.
Vertical versus Horizontal Lines
Both squares have the same number of lines and the distance between the lines are equal.
Vertical Illusions
Vertical Illusions Image 1
A self-tie sash in a matching color will help move the eye up and down rather than side to side.
Vertical Illusions Image 2
The belt cuts the figure in half while the prince-lines move the eyes upward so that the figure “reads” thinner.
Horizontal Illusions
Bouffant or Bell-Shaped Skirt
Women with “hip fluff” should avoid the bell-shaped skirt.
Broadening the Face
Tricks with Stripes
Tricks with Stripes
When choosing stripes, be careful to avoid those that appear “heavy” and “weighty.”
Tricks with Prints
Tricks with Prints
Choose prints that are proportionate to your figure. Slender women can get away with big dots and motifs.
Tricks with Borders
When using a border, make sure that you create the illusion of moving upward. Otherwise it adds the illusion of width.
The Effects of Fabric
Fabric Texture
The downside of choosing fabric online is that you can’t test out the drape of the fabric to determine whether it is a good match with your pattern or not.
Stiff or Clinging Fabrics
This illustration is a good example of one of the goofs I made in choosing fabrics. The dress pattern (I think it was by Style before they were absorbed by Simplicity) required a drapy fabric but I bought some green polyester that made it stand out from the waist. It had NO movement at all and the one time I wore it, I felt like Glenda the Good Witch. Come to think of it, that fabric was dreadful and I don’t know why I bought it in the first place. Drape of a fabric makes all the difference in the world!
Thanks Julieanne,
I really appreciate you reading more out of the books.
Also, I wanted you to know I am a long time listener. I really look fwd to your sewing musings. Please keep up the good work although I know it is a LOT of work especially on a long term basis. Thanks!
Thanks, Terri! It is kind notes like yours that make the hard work worth it.
This is a great post and so useful. I will have to refer to is as I design my future wardrobes. I think I may have to print it out and hang it up in the new ‘sewing studio’ when that becomes a reality. Thanks