Measuring!

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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Reply to
Gwyn93
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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 : snipped-for-privacy@newsguy.com

Reply to
Jenn Ridley

No.

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
Reply to
Margaret

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

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

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.

Reply to
itsjoannotjoann

I have said I want to make something for a relative who is just about your size, could I measure you since they live way out of state? But not measuring at all doesn't work unless you are making a handbag or scarf or something.

Sharon

Reply to
Sharon Hays

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