I have a big bum. Bigger than most vintage patterns that fit my waist and chest size by a couple of inches (either side) so make that between 4 and 5 inches.
Why am I telling you this? I am, as most women are, not your traditional size and not by long shot when it comes to vintage patterns. 26 waist? Yes. 34 bust? Yes. 36 hip? No. I wish, and I have kidded myself for around a year now that sooner or later by bum will shrink and fit into the lovely dresses I have made. Maybe, if I get back on top of running, it will. Right now though, it won’t.
So this is a reminder for me, as much as it is an honesty with you, that I won’t make a dress up again without adjusting the pattern for my protrusions and I will celebrate my big round peach in all of its glory so I can flounce about in the things I wear rather than frustratingly try them on and think “nope, bum’s still not small enough”.
Anyone else have to adjust vintage patterns to fit their derrière?! I’d love some advice!
VOTE FOR ME PLEASE – ONLY 6 DAYS TO GO!
The votes are close so if you have five mins, please read below and give me a quick vote. Thanks for all the support!
If you liked this blog please vote for me in the NVAs as I’ve been nominated under the Best Vintage Fashion/Lifestyle Blog category. Voting is open throughout May and it’s a simple click to select Stacey Stitch and then enter your email address to confirm the vote (you wont be spammed). Clicking on the photo or links above should take you straight to the website. It’ll only take a few minutes of your time if you have it spare! Thank you!
Stacey Stitch 
some might be designed to wear with a corset.
yeah Karen, the thought has definitely crossed my mind but as much as I love wearing structured undercrackers I’m not sure going into work in full corselette is a good idea! 🙂
I have this problem with my boobs! I’m too big really all over for most vintage patterns, but my the main problem is my boobs, I usually span several sizes between my hips and my boobs, so it’s FBA’s all the way for me.
ah Jeanette, I am very sacred of FBA, which is why I normally try and go for patterns which fit my bust and then adjust the rest! 🙂
Can;t wait til I get good enough that I can just buy any patterns that I like the look of and adjust them to all the right sizes!
Oh goodness, I have a similar problem. What I did before I took my pattern drafting classes was to just add a few more inches in seam allowance on anything going over my butt, then adjusting as needed. It was time consuming, but it worked well.
But, maybe this can help? It’s for pants, but can maybe the inside links can steer you in the right direction? http://www.coletterie.com/tutorials-tips-tricks/some-pants-fitting-basics
thanks Carla. my nana said the same thing ( bug bums run in the family!) I’ll check that link out, thank you 🙂