clothes and sewing

olliebollieboo

Just wanted to let everyone know that Fabulous Fit now has its post-surgical (bmx) dress form available online at its website. As far as I know, it is the only dress form available (other than custom-made forms) for mastectomy patients who do not undergo reconstruction. (Its padding system also accommodates a form for a body with one breast.) I have ordered one and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. I do not know yet how this will work out but I am hopeful that it will be really helpful in making garments for my new and unfamiliar body shape.

Also, since there NO sewing patterns for 'flat-style' women, I have ordered software to produce patterns for women who have no breasts and I am going to post them online FOR FREE. You heard me, FREE. I am not a designer and I do not have a business nor do I want a business selling patterns. But I am kinda cranky, and I find this no-ready-to-wear-for-flat-stylers and no-sewing-patterns-for-flat-stylers to be more than a little annoying. Of all the things we have to deal with and struggle with and worry about, finding/making clothes that fit should not even be on our radar. So while we wait for the fashion industry to wake up and discover that they have been ignoring a market deserving of their attention ...

Like I said, I am not a designer. These patterns (.pdf format) are going to be basic tops and jackets, produced in 'standard' sizes, Misses and Petites. So whatever size you used in clothing patterns before your surgery, use/try the same one now (they will be free, so try as many sizes as you need to); the difference is that the sleeves, armholes, darts, ... of these patterns will produce tops that fit (better) women without breasts. Use them as is, or add your own style details, or combine them with an old favorite to make a better fitting version. The patterns will be available for download anonymously, 24/7. No membership, no personal data required.

It will take a couple weeks to learn the software and start posting patterns, so if you are interested check back here. The blog which will host these patterns is myflatstylefashion (which is not yet up and running). I will post an update with the "where" and "how to".

Moderators

olliebollieboo, welcome to Breastcancer.org!

What a generous and thoughtful idea -- we applaud your selfless effort to help others here. We know your resource will help many, so thank you!

We look forward to seeing you around the boards. Please let us know if you need any help at all.

--The Mods

Miriandra

You rock!! I've been knocking around similar ideas for umx women. I hope many happy people get to put your generosity and ideas to good use.

Miriandra

Abelian

That is gorgeous!

Miriandra

Thank you! It's also incredibly comfortable.