Figure Focus
A Balancing Act –
Hourglass
Figure
the
Compiled by Lynn Cook
Thinking about an hourglass shape conjures up
thoughts of the curvaceous femme fatale, the
hippy, busty woman of the fi fties – the shape we
once vied for yet one that modern time negates.
Current fashion dictates reed-thin silhouettes
that defy the laws of sustenance, leaving our
poor hourglass ladies out in the cold as far
as fi gure-balancing garments are concerned.
Using modern themes and fashion-conscious
silhouettes this article takes a look at how
our hourglass sewers can survive the current
designer trends with simple planning and
a few minor pattern adjustments.Determining your shape
Before we begin dissecting the hourglass fi gure. You can analyse
your body by using the measuring techniques and diagrams
described below.Measuring the Body
While in your underwear, measure in inches across the width
of your shoulders, waist and hipline (or thighs if wider than
hips), do not measure the circumference of these body parts.
To simplify measuring the waist, tie a ribbon or twill tape at the
exact location of this body part. See diagram 1. Once you have
these three separate measurements in inches, divide each by 2.5.
This will give you a smaller number that is in centimetres. These
three smaller numbers can now be used to plot your life-size
body onto a standard sheet of paper. See measurement chart.To plot your fi gure onto paper, mark a centre line on the page. At the top of this line,
draw in a horizontal line centred to the vertical line. Draw in two more horizontal lines
3cm (1^1 / 8 in) apart. Starting with the shoulder width, centre the measurement on the
top line, marking a point at each end. Do the same for the waist measurement on the
middle line, and hip measurement on the bottom line.A great shoulder and neckline,
combined with a wrap dress,
is a stunning way to show off
your curves.