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Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing that fit THEIR "larger than average" measurements. Sadly, neither ready made clothing nor commercial patterns address the real issue of children's measurements.

After interviewing countless dozens of mothers, grandmothers, and sewing professionals who are trying to get clothing and patterns to fit plus size children properly, the stories all echo each other and the disappointment is the same for all.

The same frustration was repeated to me by a friend who has a 9 year old daughter with a 36" chest, 34" tummy and 38" hips. The pattern size that came closest to the chest, tummy and hip measurement was a 16 Plus, which didn't fit anywhere else!

We all know that an extra chubby 9 year old would not be as tall as a 16 year old, nor have arms or shoulders the size of a 16 year old.

Sarah J Doyle, a pattern maker, author and instructor for over 30 years is introducing a line of clothing patterns for plus size children, PSC Patterns, that will be designed and made from REAL measurements of REAL plus size and overweight children.

If you would like to have your plus size child or grandchild's measurements included in the pattern sizing in order that the patterns will fit the child for size as well as for age, we'd like to invite you to complete and return the "measurement chart" at http://PlusSizeChildren.com/measure.htm. Statistics have indicated that nearly nine million American children are categorized as "overweight". Overweight children want "trendy" clothes that fit properly and will also flatter their figure and we want to do what we can to help.

Something to think about when buying a pattern and fabric for clothing for a plus size child is what the "appearance" of the finished garment will look like. For example:

• Dresses with several rows of elastic sewn at the waistline will appear to thicken the waist and shorten the height, while semi-fitted dresses with vertical line designs and A-line skirts will give a thinner and taller appearance.

• Solid colors and vertical lines will heighten the body, while contrasting colors in tops and skirts, as well as big bold prints will shorten it.

• Waists seem to expand with wide or conspicuous belts or buckles.

• Hips will seem to increase in girth with tight or full skirts. The A-lines or princess style skirts will create a more slimming appearance.

(c) Copyright 2004, Sarah J. Doyle. All Rights Reserved.