Let’s talk about sizing today, ladies. Just what size should you use for your Archer?
I like the fact that Jen provides body size measurements for the Archer as well as finished garment measurements on her web site. Very, very handy information, don’t you think? If you have a shirt in your closet that is your personal “perfect fit”, take a few measurements and you should be able to select an Archer pattern size that is reasonably close. If you want to check the should fit too, David kindly included it in his first muslin post, so you can check that too.
For my Archer, I theoretically should make a size 10 since that corresponds almost exactly with my body measurements, but I like a fairly close fit in my garments. So instead I use the size 8 Archer and just blend the hips to a size 10. Done and done! It is easy to blend between sizes as they are all nested together.
If you have made a muslin and adjusted your pattern exactly to your specs and/or desires, you are in great shape. If you aren’t sure if you should or want to make a muslin, definitely take a look at read over the first muslin post and also the second muslin post—both worth your time and both written by David Coffin (thanks David!!).
If you bought the PDF version of the Archer, be sure to allow enough time to assemble it. I have an older version of the pattern, and it has 39 pages of pattern pieces, shown above (not cut and glued). Plan on something like 6 pages across and 6 full rows plus a partial that will need to be cut and glued or taped together. Your download version might have slightly more or less, but for sure you will have a considerable task ahead of you to assemble this puppy.
I found the assembly process simple, because the page connector markings are clear and easy to read. Notice I did not say fast, but I did say simple. 😉 One thing that will speed up the process immensely is using a glue stick instead of tape. I like the Scotch brand liquid glue because it doesn’t dry out like the kiddie glue tubes do.Also, listening to your favorite podcast (let’s hear it for the Vinyl Cafe!) will help the time go by a bit more pleasantly too.
If you printed your PDF file at a copy shop or purchased a printed paper pattern Archer, then of course you have no assembly. Stop gloating. Now!
OK, I hope that helps get some of the mundane business out of the way, because I am really getting anxious to talk more about the sewing rather than the prepping!
Happy sewing!
Maris