I am Venting!
I believe the biggest puzzle in retail is trying to figure out sizing that manufacturers use. Is it a consistent size 14 for women across the board? I think not. Well, it has been a while since I was a size 14, but I am just saying. Up until the time I graduated from high school it was the paper patterns that were purchased for $.50 and then the yardage was picked out according to the amount as stated on the back of each pattern. As the process continued in the farm kitchen of my folks in Renville County, the garment was sewn step by step with fitting done periodically to make sure the bust darts were in the correct spots or the sleeves would allow for smooth movement once it was a finished product.
In today’s retail the garment may have originated in Vietnam, China or New Zealand. You might just as well forget about shopping according to the stated size and try it on right on the spot. As of late I had purchased items of clothing in three different shops. Having a recovering surgical arm that couldn’t even poke itself through a sleeve hole let alone handle the closures I chose what I felt would be a good fit and relied on having to try it on once I got home and had Dennis to help. Stores generally do not have co-ed fitting rooms and husbands do have a bit of shyness, sauntering into a dressing room with their wives.
All three items have been returned to the shops from where they were purchased. I am not willing to settle for ill-fitting clothing that is shapeless or mismatched size of sleeves — compared to length, compared to clothing — that gaps at less than complementary places. You gals know what I am referring to. I have some very reliable items in my closet that I am willing to enjoy for one more season until something trips my trigger and I can put it on and not have to worry about it creeping out of place or sagging where it should not. The darts that are sewn into blouses or tops today are depicting a bust line much like the 1960s model Twiggy would have. Gravity does naughty things to the rest of us as we enjoy our birthdays.
Home sewing is no longer economical. The printed patterns are now selling for as high as $12.99 – $15.99 each, and within each packet are multiple sizes printed on the the tissue paper and you choose the size that you want to cut out. We are spoiled with knits that wash and wear or fabrics that have a bit of stretch within the weave. Either of those two items are difficult for the home sewer. In the 60s the ironing board was a fixture as common as the coffee pot. Today, it’s wash and wear fabrics, and it’s a huge savings of time. Plus, I do like that aspect of the 21st century garments.
It’s no wonder when I hear some gals talk about shopping all day and maybe, just maybe, finding an item of clothing to take home. My urge to add to my wardrobe has subsided. As soon as this spring decides to show up, I will be out in the yards wearing my same old grubs, sporting dirty finger nails to boot. I won’t think twice of running to the grocery store in those self same grubs. Small farm town living — ya gotta love it.