Mrs. Shotto was once one of your regular customers, but she hasn't asked to have any garments made in approximately one year. You note she has lost weight. She would like you to make her a special silk blouse to replace a favorite blouse that has worn out. The blouse has very simple lines and will be worn tucked in at the waist of pants or a skirt. She has brought the material and the old pattern, which was a Misses' size 12. When you measure her, you discover that her bust now measures 32 in. instead of 34 in. and that her waist is 25 in. instead of 26 in. Mrs. Shotto is 5 ft. 3 in.


1. Now that Mrs. Shotto has lost weight, what pattern size would be a better fit?
A. Misses' size 10
B. Miss Petite size 10
C. Half-sizes/Teen size 11/12
D. Junior Petite size 9





2. The blouse pattern is no longer available for purchase. In any case, Mrs. Shotto's measurements are only one inch smaller and you can adjust patterns up to two inches. To accommodate her smaller waist, therefore, you alter the pattern by
A. reducing the side seams by 1/2 in.
B. making a pleat down the back and front panels of the pattern.
C. narrowing the back dart.
D. eliminating an inch at the back and front center seams.





3. What type of sewing machine thread would you choose to sew the blouse?
A. All purpose cotton/polyester
B. Extra-fine polyester
C. Long-fiber polyester
D. Buttonhole twist





4. What size needle would you select for the sewing machine?
A. 14/90 Ballpoint
B. 14/90
C. 16/100
D. 11/75





5. What type of seam would be most suitable for the selected fabric?
A. Flat-felled
B. Open
C. French
D. Overlaid

We'll be glad to check your answers.

reducing the side seams by 1/2 in.

The blouse pattern is no longer available for purchase. In any case, Mrs. Shotto's measurements are only one inch smaller and you can adjust patterns up to two inches. To accommodate her smaller waist, therefore, you alter the pattern by

1. To determine the better fit for Mrs. Shotto's blouse, you can compare her measurements to the standard size charts for different pattern sizes. In this case, her bust measures 32 in. and her waist is 25 in. The Misses' size 12 pattern had a bust measurement of 34 in. and a waist measurement of 26 in. Since her measurements have decreased, a smaller size would be more appropriate.

The options are:
A. Misses' size 10
B. Miss Petite size 10
C. Half-sizes/Teen size 11/12
D. Junior Petite size 9

You would need to compare Mrs. Shotto's current measurements to the standard measurements for each size option to determine which one would fit her better. This can be done by consulting the size charts provided by the pattern manufacturer or using a general size chart for reference.

2. Since the blouse pattern is no longer available for purchase, you will need to make alterations to the existing Misses' size 12 pattern. Mrs. Shotto's measurements have only changed by one inch, and you can generally adjust patterns up to two inches.

To accommodate her smaller waist, you can consider the following alteration options:

A. Reducing the side seams by 1/2 in.
B. Making a pleat down the back and front panels of the pattern.
C. Narrowing the back dart.
D. Eliminating an inch at the back and front center seams.

You should choose the alteration method that you are most comfortable with and that will yield the best fit for Mrs. Shotto. It may be helpful to consult sewing resources or patterns alteration guides for detailed instructions on each alteration method.

3. The choice of sewing machine thread will depend on the fabric being used for the blouse.

Considering that Mrs. Shotto has brought silk fabric for the blouse, a suitable thread option could be:

B. Extra-fine polyester

Silk fabric is delicate and requires a fine thread that will not cause damage or show prominently on the fabric. Polyester thread is known for its strength and durability, while extra-fine polyester thread is specifically designed for lightweight and delicate fabrics like silk.

4. The size of the sewing machine needle depends on the fabric weight and type. For the silk fabric being used for Mrs. Shotto's blouse, a suitable needle size could be:

A. 14/90 Ballpoint

The ballpoint needle is designed specifically for knit fabrics, but it can also work well with delicate woven fabrics like silk. The size 14/90 is a common needle size that can handle medium-weight fabrics like silk without causing damage or leaving visible marks.

5. When choosing the type of seam for the selected fabric, you will need to consider the fabric type, its weight, and the desired finish.

Considering that Mrs. Shotto's blouse will be made from silk fabric, a suitable seam option could be:

C. French

A French seam is a finishing technique that encloses the raw edges of the fabric within the seam, providing a neat and clean finish. This type of seam is often used for lightweight and delicate fabrics, like silk, to prevent fraying and give a polished look. However, the final decision may also depend on the specific design and construction of the blouse.