Pati Palmer

This is an excellent book for anyone who takes garment sewing and fashion seriously enough to make their own clothes and is essential for the professional with an alterations business. The different variations of figures and the many ways to change the pattern so that the clothes drape without pulling or wrinkling are all covered with charts, diagrams, photographs and clear explanations of what to do to the pattern or to the finished garment to correct it.

Hilariously bad.
Though I do appreciate the use of Real People as fit models -- displaying different figures, ages, body types, and seeing exactly how the illustrated changes affect their fit, is very helpful. (Of course the end garment fit was always AWFUL, sloppy and I'll-defined and far too large, so um there is that.)

Not only does Fit For Real People show you how to alter patterns, it provides a history of sizing, explains design and fit ease, and shows you how to map your body. The fit models are of all ages and sizes. You will probably need a friend to help. A great resource.

I would never sew a tailored jacket without this book. The techniques are timeless. It really is possible to sew a blazer in 8 hours following the instructions. I didn't rate it 5 stars because some of the information, such as the interfacing chart on page 24, are dated. The good news is that they are dated because fusible interfacings have greatly improved since 1983.

Palmer Pletsch published "Jackets for Real People" in March 2006. I don't have the book and will not buy it. However, based show more on the blurb at http://www.palmerpletsch.com/store/index.htm I think they have updated the information & added information on altering commercial patterns for a custom fit. I custom draft all my patterns, so that information doesn't interest me. If I still used commercial patterns, I would definitely buy the new book. show less