Drafting a Basic Bodice, Taking Measurements

My first experience with pattern drafting was when I was 15 years old and I drafted a pair of pants. I actually thought that since I was drafting the pants from my body measurements, they would fit perfectly without any fitting. They did not and I was very upset. Being 15 and not knowing any better, I thought that I had somehow made a mistake. Maybe I did make a few mistakes, but ultimately great fit is achieved through fitting. So as we go through this process, please keep my 15 year old experience in mind and try and be a little patient with the process and yourself.  

Below is my chart for taking measurements. As I drew this out, it occurred to me that it might be a great help to see me take my measurements. Let me know if this is something you would like to see and I will be happy to do so.

Front Bodice Measurements

1. Neck: Measure around your entire neckline at the base of your neck.
2. Shoulder To Bustpoint: Measure from the base of the neck at your shoulder to your bustpoint. Be sure to wear a well fitting bra while taking your measurements.
3. High Bust: Measure above bust from base of arm to base of arm.
4. Bustpoint to bustpoint.
5. Full bust measurement: Measure around fullest point of bust.
6. Shoulder to Waistline: Measure from base of neck at shoulder to bustpoint, then continue to wasitline.
7. Full Waist Measurement: To find your waist, place your hands on your hips and bend to the side. Where you bend is your waistline. Measure around body.
8. Hip Length: Measure from waistline to fullest area of hips.
9. Full Hip Measurement: Measure around hips at fullest point.
 
Back Bodice Measurements

1. Shoulder to Shoulder: Measure from shoulder point to shoulder point across back.  
2. Across Back: This measurement is taken across the back from the base of the arm to the base of the arm.
3. Center Back Length: Measure from base of neckline to waist.   

Tomorrow we will begin drafting a basic bodice top.

Tools for Drafting;
1.I cannot live without a 2" wide clear ruler. They are 18" in length. The ruler pictured below is my absolute favorite. I have quite a few.

2. A French Curve. A great little tool that everyone should have. A basic one is fine. They can usually be found at art supply stores.

3. Hip Curve. You can get by without a hip curve, but I believe that if you are going to do any amount of drafting, it is a tool that is well worth the investment. Mine is metal and is exactly like the one pictured below. Here is a link for ordering one of your own, http://www.amazon.com/Designer-Curve-Ruler-Aluminum-Construction/dp/B000V808HG/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1389370547&sr=1-2

4. Drafting paper. When I was in school, it was recommended that we work with brown paper. I happened upon a roll of white paper at an office supply store and  loved it because I see through the paper and easily trace lines. I have never gone back to using brown paper.

I hope this will be a fun and interesting process for everyone. As I said yesterday, it's something that I really enjoy so I know I'll have a good time!!!