DRESSMAKING GOES HIGH TECH: COMPUTER SOFTWEAR PROVIDES PATTERNS THAT REALLY FIT

You can pick your fabric if you make your own clothes.

The program used by McConnell is called Dress Shop 2.5.

Tired of trying to fit Barbie Doll clothes on your Raggedy Ann figure?

Rebecca McConnell was. A longtime sewer, McConnell gave up making clothing for herself. Commercial patterns didn't fit, and she didn't have the skills to adjust the patterns.

McConnell had the same problem with store-bought clothing, leaving her frustrated.

"It doesn't matter if you weigh 90 pounds or 190 pounds, you cannot get clothes to fit," she said.

One Christmas, McConnell's children bought a software program called Dresshop for her new computer. After reading the directions, McConnell decided to give it a try. With her husband's help, she attempted the 41-point fitting system, entered the numbers into the computer and came out with dismal results.

She called the softwear company to complain and they hired her on the spot.

The measuring system, McConnell explained, is the key to the computer software. But getting the measurements done accurately is no easy trick.

To do it right takes about four hours, and McConnell recommends her professional fitting.

"You can't measure yourself," she said, "and when someone else does it, are you sure they are being precise down to the half inch? The quarter inch? It makes a big difference in the way things fit."

She completed two weeks of training in San Diego, much of which was dedicated to measuring. She started doing computerized patterns in October.

After the precise measurements are fed into the computer, customized patterns for dozens of different outfits are just a click away.

The program comes with patterns for blouses, dresses, skirts, slacks, outerwear. Each pattern can be customized with the type of neckline, collar, sleeves and hemline you want.

Additional patterns are available for formal wear, lingerie, riding wear and other specialized items.

The specifications are so precise, you can program the fit that fits you best. For example, the clothing industry standard is 2.5 inches of roominess for a blouse. But some people like their blouses to fit a little tighter or a little looser. With the program, you can make adjustments so your buttons never gap and the neckline doesn't sag.

For those with home computers, McConnell sells the program. It is available for both Windows and Mac. For seamstresses without a home computer, The Sewing Basket in Cape Girardeau has one available. McConnell also has one at her home in Oran.

A free class will be held Dec. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Sewing Basket in Cape Girardeau.