Comments on: Saran wrap pattern making method #1

By: Progress and Magic Marker Fun :)

Progress and Magic Marker Fun :) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 02:28:48 +0000

[...] post on using saran wrap to approximate an anatomically correct bodice pattern block gave us the idea of wrapping my upper arm/shoulder to get an accurate armscye/sleeve cap shape for [...]

By: melssa

melssa — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:40:55 +0000

I found this article very helpful. Thanks! About the grading tools mentioned; I’ve found some drafting curves at my local artist supply shop. :)

By: Mom

Mom — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:24:56 +0000

This method has been showed in a recent Burda magazine.

By: GLAM » saran wrap pattern making

GLAM » saran wrap pattern making — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:39:00 +0000

[...] fashion incubator – saran wrap pattern making method #1 [...]

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 02:52:32 +0000

Yes. Use the search box to locate the post. “Saran wrap” would be a good search phrase.

By: Alice

Alice — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 02:39:08 +0000

RE: Saran Wrap Pattern Making #1: Was the conclusion to this article ever posted? I’m seeking explanation of the actual method.

Thanks very much.

By: jinjer

jinjer — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:12:22 +0000

The problem with measuring, is that witout exception those measurements are converted into usuable pattern shapes throught the magic of algorithms. All algorithms make a certain number of assumptions which may or may not be correct for your or any body. I have noticed, for example, that most algorithms that even admit your front half is not equal to your back half assume your front half is bigger all the way down. I’ve flipped through books and magazines from the 1950′s, and I think the posture* this assumption requires is singularly unattractive.

Kathleen’s directions were not intended to give you patterns, but to help you understand the connection between the three dimensional shape of your body and the two dimensional shape of the patterns that fit it…without any assumptions.

I personally can’t wait to do this–I’m getting a roll of pallet wrap, though, saran wrap seems annoying.

*My peronal hypothesis is that posture determines the algorithms necessary for the conversion of 1 dimensional measurements into 2 dimensional shapes that accurately describe the 3 dimensional body (whew!). My posture might be called “swayback” by books that list “fitting problems,” but after 11 years of bellydance training, I have beautiful posture, the “problem” is in the algorithmic assumptions. My bulk is just in the back from the waist down, and in the front from the waist up.

(Before all that training, I DID have swayback which I think is caused by the bulk-in-back overpowering the strength of the lower stomache muscles that hold it forward/up and exacerbated by the fact that when you have that posture, it’s easier to power your walk with the soaz muscles, which shorten as they strengthen from the constant exercise [remember physiology: strong muscles are short muscles] and pinch your posture even more to the back. But I digress, tee heee…)

By: Debbie Soles

Debbie Soles — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 09:51:43 +0000

I have never understood this concept, it’s absolutely ridiculous to go to all this trouble, whether you use saran wrap (my mind images of sewists doing this are hilarious), paper, tape, whatever! If you have someone there to “wrap/tape” you, it would be much more effective to put a tape measure in their hand, rather than a roll of saran wrap. Have them accurately measure the body, transfer that to paper or cad…now that’s accurate. That’s what we do in our shop, that’s what I’ve done for years. Measure the body you sew for, become initimately aware of the body you sew for…that’s what works. If you think about it, if your “helper” can accurately “wrap/tape” you, then why can’t they accurately measure off your body??…and no one has ever passed out from using a measuring tape!:))

By: Fashion-Incubator

Fashion-Incubator — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 23:00:24 +0000

Saran wrap pattern making method #2

Continuing from the previous entry. Before we start, the processes illustrated by photograph will be different from some of the instructions because I used a male model. I hope you appreciate this -as does he- it took some barter (a…

By: Julia

Julia — Wed, 23 Nov 2005 18:46:13 +0000

Kathleen, I’m looking forward to your instructions on this….I’ve had Karmen’s version for several years. I have taken the liberty of posting info and a link for this site on The Creative Machine Newsletter email list (formerly Robbie F’s list and now owned by Threads). I’ve owned a copy of your excellent book for several years – having purchased it from a friend who was downsizing her sewing/business library. Thanks for all you do!