[.ca] Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure (ISBN 1561586498)

From Amazon.com:
Store-bought patterns usually need a bit of finessing to take them from a general size to an individual's perfect fit. Sandra Betzina, the host of HGTV's Sew Perfect, knows exactly how to alter a pattern to compensate for just about every figure flaw or to accommodate any figure type. Fast Fit is packed with dozens of clear analyses of all the "problem areas"--from broad back to thin neck, sloping shoulders to large upper arms, big tummy to bowed legs--and step-by-step solutions to turn a standard pattern into something that corrects the fit in each area. The introductory section explains how to take proper measurements, choose the right size, and approach the pattern-alteration process. Illustrations of altered patterns show precisely how to cut apart and reposition the pattern pieces, although some details may need a bit of interpretation since the patterns are shown quite small. One other drawback is that, easy as these fixes may generally be, they're not necessarily fast from the start, since Betzina recommends that you first make a fitting shell to highlight problem areas. (But once you've figured these out you can then apply the information to many patterns.) All in all, this is a good reference, and unless you know how to draft your own patterns from scratch, you'll probably benefit from Betzina's help. --Amy Handy

Bad fit:
I have to start this review by stating that I adore Sandra Betzina. I have seen her in person several times and she is a generous teacher full of wonderful ideas. Her books are normally full of wonderful photographs worth the price of the book alone. The photos in this book are not great - even one of Sandra in a most unflattering outfit. I also found some of the techniques shown quite strange. I was puzzled by the knock-knee alteration, which would actually make my pants look worse, not better and the full-bust alteration, which does not allow for extra length (only width). If you are serious about learning to fit yourself, Fit For Real People by Palmer/Pletsch or Fitting Finesse by Nancy Zieman are better books.

Some really good information:
I liked this book and thought some of the other reviews were a little harsh. It offers good information for suggested ease, actual inch recommendations for increase/decrease, and some good theory for pattern adjustment. Let's just face it, fit can be complicated. I haven't found one book that gives all of the answers. I usually consult quite a variety of books and use a combination of methods when I'm making a gown for a complex non-ideal figure. I don't know if this book is what you are looking for, but it has become a welcome addition to my sewing book collection.

Useful but not complete:
When I first got this book, I didn't think it was all that useful, except for the bust adjustment (which, by the way DOES add length and width) and a couple of others. However, the more I actually work on fitting, the more I find myself referring to it and understanding the rationale behind the adjustments. Here's the bottom line: the book is not so well organized, and the adjustments will not work in every scenario. You have to be aware of exactly where your fitting problem originates and then decide if the recommended adjustment in this book addresses that particular area. I would not recommend this book as your only fitting book, or as your introduction to fitting. I would say, instead, get a good general book like others recommended, and use this one as a reference when a different approach is needed for specific areas. P.S. the bust adjustment is the best one I've found for dartless tops.

Fast fit, but not good fit.:
I was disappointed in this book. The photos of the altered patterns are sometimes frustratingly small, and often it is not clear exactly what aleration was done to the pattern piece. In addition, some of the fitting advice is not very good. For example, if you have a wide base of neck, simply making the collar circumference larger will not improve the fit, because you do not have a thick neck--only the base of the neck needs to be accomodated. This book would be suitable for beginning sewists, but it will not satisfy people with advanced sewing and fitting skills.

An easy, wonderful guide:
Andra Betzina's FAST FIT provides the author's quick tips on easy pattern alterations for every figure. Here the host of TV's Sew Perfect provides an accessible, easy key to understanding fitting patterns, isolating different pattern problems and walking readers through the process of making changes. An easy, wonderful guide.