Jen goes out of her way to provide us with FREE content, week after week, for YEARS. The video we are discussing was an advertorial for a product she developed that was based on TDCO. Good for her that she found a way to take a good idea -- which she did reference, even if she didn't mention Ruth by name -- and expand on it. The miniscule amount of money she will make on a couple of strips of velcro is not nearly enough to offset the countless hours she spends helping people improve their sewing skills. We as a community should see the big picture and be grateful to Jen for everything she does for us. I certainly am.
I’m a little late to the party but had to share how fitting methods are not exactly patented. While reading “The Bishop Method of Clothing Construction” by Edna Bryte Bishop, originally published in 1959, last night, on page 129 she mentioned “sliding” and “pivoting” the pattern to make fitting adjustments. And, here I thought the late great Nancy Ziemen (PBS Sewing Goddess) owned that idea. Brought a smile to my face because Nancy probably was taught The Bishop Method back in the day and just wanted to share that with all her viewers. This channel and so many others out there are a godsend to our sewing community. Every one of us wants more people learning to fit and sew their own makes! While not a history major, I thought one of the first tools ever created was a needle from an animal bone. Had to find a way to sew the skins together. Fitting the skins may still have been an issue back in the cave man days, too.😊.
❤Jen, I know you’ve done your due diligence. And I wish others would do their own without influence before commenting or dragging you or anyone else down. Sending people to comment or harass or any kind of trolling is unprofessional. I don’t like confrontation any more than anyone else. But I won’t stand by any longer and say nothing. Jen, you’ve done the work. And I haven’t seen work from Ms. Collins that shows she understands pants fitting with practical knowledge; Hands on practical knowledge with content that she created herself of examples, photos, tutorials or anything else. I applaud Ruth for getting the sewing community excited and interested in fitting pants. But since this method has come out it has created a division in the sewing community and MANY have been blocked by her and prevented from communicating with her. Myself included. She says using the method is ‘common creative license’ but then micro manages anyone wanting to talk about TDCO. There isn’t any other fitting method on the planet with a gatekeeper like this one. She wants acknowledgement but has never given any herself. She’s vague when you want to learn how to support her using her method, doesn’t have materials she’ll supply to you if you want to use the method with a fee, and all the while says repeatedly it’s free to use since it’s under a free license or something. (And this is information based upon the little interaction she allowed with me a year ago before I was blocked so hopefully some of that has changed). Talking with her was confusing and contradictory. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced someone telling anyone they can’t use a fitting method. Like they’ve patented your body or something. Top Down Center Out is just a title. Countless others have fit in the same sequence and with one leg and a waist for decades. It just didn’t have a splashy name. If you want to see a source, check out Palmer and Pletsch’s Pants for Real People. Pants fitting is for everyone. Most bodies have two legs. But we’re all different shapes. Top Down Center Out added NOTHING new to the pants fitting tool box. That’s the facts. Ruth herself said she bought every pants fitting book out there. I bet I can tell you exactly which books produced ‘her’ method. She cherry picked some simple steps. But TDCO keeps changing to include traditional pants fitting steps because those additional steps work and help TDCO. TDCO is incomplete without them. And without them you exclude people based on their size and ethnicity. I love how excited everyone is to fit pants! But I don’t love being afraid to talk about TDCO because Ruth’s followers are going to harass me, my private community or my Instagram. And I’ve seen them harass many others. People need to leave others alone. We’re doing the work. They aren’t. We’re professionals in this field. And even if one isn’t, who cares? Let them fit pants however they want. And if Ruth or her followers can’t handle the scrutiny, I don’t know what to tell them. Fitting is a process. There aren’t short cuts. It seems like this kind of micro-managing and harassment is setting Ruth up to defend the name TDCO for trademark and a book deal or something. That doesn’t make it right. Look at where we are right now. A splashy title doesn’t fit people. And that’s all Top Down Center Out is for a lot of people. Sure it works for some. But it’s not a thorough method for all bodies. Side note: You aren’t doing it wrong if it hasn’t worked for you. ❤️ Use TDCO if you want. But stop drinking the kool-aid. Pants fitting is work. A cute name doesn’t change that. Everyone deserves pants they love to wear. But words don’t do the work of fitting. Experimentation and sewing is the work. Not diagrams and word salad. The introduction of TDCO could have gone so differently. It could have been filled with positivity, support and encouragement. But Ruth and her community continue to bully and intimidate and harass people over a pants fitting method she came up with using the work of others. Stop harassing others and start being willing to have a conversation. We were thrilled to hear about a method that got the sewing community excited but all it’s been is an anxiety inducing albatross hanging around our necks because many of us couldn’t say what we knew about how Ruth treats us. It’s a fitting method. Nothing else. We were here before and we’ll be here after. Good luck to all of you fitting pants. It’s not easy and often emotional. You are lucky to have someone like Jen Stern. 🙌🏼
Honestly I don't get people on the internet. The "fan-girling", the violent defense of some person on the internet, that probably doesn't even need your defense. I cannot belive how hostile the sewing community can be. It was very eye opening on fb. The gardening groups are brutal too. It's ridiculous.
My heart goes out to you for having to even post this video. You have been so helpful throughout the years with your fitting videos and you have given credit with credit is due in many of your videos. Don't let it get you down. Keep at it Jen!
Jen, I've always experienced you as a person integrity and honesty. I'm sorry you had this experience. Thank you for all that you out into your channel. I appreciate you!
Holy Cow! I must live in a real bubble because I missed all the "hub-bub!" Good grief! Jen -- You are the epitome of honesty and integrity and I, for one, absolutely know that you would never encroach or infringe on anyone else's proprietary information! I firmly believe that people who chastise and try to call out other folks when they clearly do not have the entire story are only calling attention to their own insecurities! And all of the wonderful comments you have received about this issue only goes to prove you are one classy person! Personally, I don't think you even needed to "clear the air!" Keep up the good work! Teachers like you are hard to come by in this day and age!!
Thank you for all you do for the sewing community and all you have taught me, Jen. The attack is unfounded and you deserve much better. I have watched both you and Saremy try to clarify a somewhat confusing method only to be attacked. While I could say "just disregard" I know it hurts your heart that you were trying to do good and received backlash. For that I am so sad and am sending cyber hugs of encouragement. You are appreciated more than you know {{{HUGS}}}
Thank you so much for your support! ...I'm ok :) Also, thank you for following along with me & Saremy www.youtube.com/@SewSewLive she's an amazing talent!
Well that was painful to watch - I haven't looked at the negative comments yet but I feel embarrassed by my fellow sewing community who have made them already. So sorry you have had to deal with this m'dear. Chin up! Onwards and upwards. Bugger the naysayers. Scottish fan here.
Hi Jen, Your tutorials are invaluable to me and I watch you religiously every week. You dedicate your time and share your your knowledge pro bono with viewers like me. If Ruth didn't want her methodology to be used by sewists, then she wouldn't have written a book or given interviews. I had no doubt that you had taken the necessary steps to use her method in your videos. Thank you for all you do for sewists like me.
I’m so glad that you addressed this so quickly. I just want you to know that I always thought you were very transparent that you had not only been in contact with Ruth Collins but that you had her blessing to explore her method and to teach it. I have attended Miriam’s workshops and watched other presentations of TDCO. Your brilliant waistband with Velcro “sticky pins” really made the method so much easier and reliable for me. It’s still TDCO but improved. It’s not the only pants fitting method I employ but it’s a valuable tool. Thanks Jen and really I am so sorry you had to endure this attempt to undermine your integrity.
Hi Jen! I learned to sew from my mom 56 years ago. In all these years I have tackled everything but stopped sewing garments for myself 20ish years ago when I couldn't find the fabrics I liked to justify my time investment and I moved on to kids clothes, rehopolstering etc. I relocated to a place (Barbados) that has amazing fabrics available and find myself sewing again. But I had no patterns to work with so in desperation I turned to the web where to my absolute amazement I found all these wonderful blogs and tutorials. Stumbling around for hours upon hours I came upon your wonderful site. You gave me the courage to go ahead and really drill down into making something (shorts) fit perfectly. I grabbed a pair that fit and drafted a frankenstien pattern and began. I took almost 2 weeks, 3 paper patterns, 2 muslins and 3 pairs of finished shorts (each being tweaked) and I have achieved my goal!!! And it was thanks to your detailed and specific instructions that I managed this. Thank you so very much for reigniting my sewing fire. I am so sorry that obviously your good intent was misunderstood by someone; please don't let this change your incredible videos. I know I am not alone in feeling so grateful for what you have given to this sewing community.
I love your story, thank you for sharing it! & I'm so happy you have gotten yourself back into garment sewing YAY Shorts!! ...Thank you for the kind words and for fitting along with me
I didn't see the video with any of the hoo-haw that it generated. But having watched just a few of your videos (as I'm restarting garment sewing, and wish to be less of a hack and more informed), your expertise and integrity are clear. Kudos to you for addressing this head on. Shame to those who needled such a response. There is nothing/little new under the sun; however the packaging of them is always evolving to pique people's interests under the guise of providing a new approach. The true ingenuity comes from leveraging new/existing technology in solving problems (in any area, not just sewing). One thing we can be sure of, human DNA hasn't changed. So there will always be a peanut gallery with loud voices with nothing to offer but their malignant opinions.
I haven’t read all comments, but I’ve just recently found your channel and I do not see you as anything but an honest, helpful person. The sewing community, as in any fiber art group, is usually just that; helpful and honest. Thank you, Jennifer, for all your help! You have become my go-to for explanation and instruction.
Jennifer, you are a wonderful teacher with that ability to get ideas and techniques across to everyone. it's your super power!. I'm sorry circumstances were such that you had to make this video. You are such a giving person with all the free content which is amazing and refreshing. As you said nothing is new in the world of sewing, and I'm truly happy and blessed you picked up with TDCO and took it to a new level. Thank you for all you do. P.S. I hope to get back to my one-leg muslin SOON!! Have a good weekend!
I have enjoyed your teaching since I bought your Craftsy class years ago and then found your RUclips channel. With regard to your TDCO videos, it seems I remember in almost every one of the classes you mention Ruth's development of TDCO. I am having a hard time thinking that anyone would be able to say you are plagiarizing Ruth's or anyone else's work. You are an excellent teacher and I must say your instructions for reducing a pant pattern for a skinny thigh is the "missing piece" I have needed to go with other pattern alterations I have been able to find regarding this "baggy butt" delima. it also opened my eyes to see how the other alterations go together. I am very happy about it because I have been trying to fit my baggy pants for 50 years!!! 🙃
Thank you so much for telling me about your experience here... It's exactly why I felt that I was supporting Ruth's contributions that I have adopted into my Whole Scoop Fitting Method. I'm also happy to hear that I helped you figure out how to fix your baggy pants! Thanks for fitting along with me
Jen, I so admire the straightforward way that you fulfill the CEO, COO, and CFO roles for your own company. I have worked in several industries, across my decades of working life, both on the service side and on the support side. Truthfully, if I had ever encountered a CEO with your management style, I would not still be searching. How to prioritize the present and future, so that you invest in yourself and have lovely personal and professional relationships, all while having fun, is so elusive...but you nail it!.
I love how you can take different methods and teach them in a way that makes sense and are easy to follow. Thank you so much for all you do in the sewing community.
Well done, Jenn! Issue clearly explained and documented, in a positive, supportive manner. Hope this satisfies the detractors; if not, they are always free to go elsewhere for sewing advice. I'm sticking with you!
I don’t live in your world so don’t know about the drama. I do know when I started seeing TDCO appear as an acronym on Instagram, I researched what it was. I found a long interview with Ruth and someone I think at threads that gave zero info whatsoever on how to do the method. The comments on the video were all frustrated people like me… as in “sounds cool. So how?” I then watched all your videos on it which gave me the keys to the kingdom since Ruth didn’t. I tried it, but after two or 3 muslins, the fit still wasn’t good, so I decided the best course of action for me was to buy a good-fitting pair of pants, take them apart and use that as my sloper if you will. After a dozen+ muslins, it worked like a charm. Anyway, thanks for all you do, Jen. I can’t believe anyone would think you were plagerizing!! Politics is everywhere I guess.
I'm so happy you found my TDCO playlist. It's been my experience that TDCO is an amazing way to balance the front/back leg so the crotch agrees vertically. If you're working with a wide leg pant (like the Peppermint wide leg pants pattern I used in the playlist), TDCO makes quick work of fitting pants (after taking time to learn how to drape fabric from your waistline). My experience working with 100 + women is that as the style of the leg gets closer, TDCO may need to be combined with the other fitting techniques in my tool box. It depends on how closely your crotch shape agrees with the pattern crotch shape. I spent a lot of time trying to fit snug jeans without touching the crotch curve with mixed results... Ladies who had a shape that agreed with the pattern did not need to scoop or change the crotch shape... while others needed a scoop or two. ... When the front/back leg is balanced and the crotch shape doesn't agree, it's really common for the front crotch curve to be hanging down too low from the body while the back crotch is already in a good position. So, to get the front crotch up... you need to either lower (scoop) the back or fill in the front crotch to raise it on the pattern piece to agree. Thanks so much for fitting along with me
Hi Jen, I’m a huge fan of yours after I attended your yoga pants class in Puyallup. You are so genuine. I have just started to research this TDCO method by Ruth. I am thrilled that she has given you permission to teach it. I find some of it rather confusing in Ruth’s article. Again, I’m so happy you will be doing this
:) Thank you so much! Here's a link to my TDCO series... Then you can follow up with the Whole Scoop Series! ruclips.net/p/PLseQVksFDkNsN64DwwVI5Phfgbuzn07zK Thank you for fitting along with me
It is obvious that some of the comments you have received have upset you. When I first saw you mention the TDCO method, I went back and watched all your video's on the subject and can confirm that you acknowledged the person who had devised this method, more than once. I have learned so much watching your videos and because trouser fitting (we call them trousers in the UK) is something I have been struggling with, I needed to understand this method inside out to be able to fit trousers to myself. I think your 'sticky' pins method is fantastic and makes fitting to the waistband so much easier. Try not let a few difficult comments, get to you. It is obvious you are highly knowledgeable and explain things so well and you have a huge following that appreciates everything that you teach. Thank you.
I’ll repeat part of my comment from yesterday. The hurtful comments were so unnecessary given your history of communications about this fitting method over time. It saddens me when a person like yourself who so clearly works very hard to be helpful needs to respond to such negative comments. I’m glad you replied as you did and hope you can now ignore the hurtful comments. Thank you for your efforts over the years.
Jen, you share your knowledge and expertise with us several times a week - you have a teacher's heart. And I am very grateful that you are so well-connected and have practical experience to bring the best of the myriad tools and techniques to us all over the world! I so appreciate you!
Jen, thanks for all you do for the community You are a great teacher and I enjoy learning from you. I'm here to say that I support you and I hope you don't let these hateful people get you down.
I think you are great and made it very clear whose method you were teaching, and gave plenty of attribution. I think TD CO is very different and much easier than other methods I have tried. ❤
Just sorry that you had to go through all of that. I’ve gained so many sewing skills watching your videos. On the TDCO thing I read Ruth’s thing in Trends magazine. I’ve also listened to others posts here on RUclips about it. Yes the main credit does go to Ruth but She sounds like she really wants us all to benefit from it and she gives her blessings to all of you who are spreading the information. I also listen to other ideas on fitting & patterns alterations other than just TDCO. One of those being Palmer & Plesh . I’m so excited because another RUclips sewing professional I listen to had a contest and I was the winner. The prize was The Complete guide To Fitting by Palmer & Plesh. I can’t wait to get my hands on it. This beginner sewist has been able to improve my sewing skills thanks to ones like you and I appreciate you J. Sterns so much.
Oh my goodness Jennifer. You sure don't deserve this criticism. Some people can be so upsetting to us youtubers with their "concerns" about what we do. You do an amazing job, and if I wasn't stuck on Palmer & Pletsch, I might try TDCO myself.
Hi Joy, I agree. I just read the Palmer & Pletsch book on pants fitting. As I was reading about the tissue fitting I was thinking how similar it is to TDCO. Or, I should say TDCO is similar to P&P since I think they came first. I also purchased their other fitting book because I didn’t win it from you. 😂 This video made me sad for Jennifer.
Your videos have helped me so much as I have re-emerged into sewing. My body has some very unique problems, owing to a deep curve in spine and also broken bones and tissue damage from a car accident that have given me a permanently disfigured body. I have only been trying to sew my own clothing for a couple of months and am only tweaking tops and dresses at this point, but pants are going to be tackled soon, so I will definitely be going through the TDCO videos. I have already devoured and implemented the methods in several of your videos to address my issues and am so grateful for your instruction. I truly appreciate your collaboration with other teachers/methods and appreciate you openness and transparency in the face of people’s misunderstanding. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for sharing your story, I'm so sorry to hear about your car accident. I'm so happy to help... please keep me posted as you work along... I do Subscriber Q & A Live on Wednesday's at 1:00 pm edt :)
I'm happy that you are discussing this. I was surprised by the negative comments on your posts. I've seen that you've always credited Ruth in your initial tutorials and experimentations with TDCO and I never thought you were being disrespectful to her. I like your take on it, the details you present and look forward to more of your pants fitting tutorials. There's a lot to learn about pants fitting. Thank you Jen and Ruth!
I discovered your channel because I learned about this drama from following Ruth. I won’t be taking sides, but I have to say that although I’m disappointed this is happening, I’m happy it helped me find your channel. Now I’m thinking differently about pants fitting and realizing there are other options and resources available. The sewing community has gone crazy for TDCO and I’ll admit that I jumped on the bandwagon; however, I found aspects of it really confusing and difficult. Happy to know it’s not the only method. You’ve got a new subscriber in me. 😊
I'm so happy you found my Channel! In the coming weeks I'm going to be exploring all sorts off pants fitting methods and how they can all work together to make the process easier for everyone! Thanks for fitting along with me
Thanks so much for your efforts on teaching pants fitting. I have been following your videos and had no confusion that you were attributing the method to Collins Top Down Center Out process. (I had no idea there was any controversy as I don't use IG.) However, the link you provided above on Palmer Pletsch's "band first/one-leg technique" ought to put it all to bed as that part of the process is where all the value is for me. I have some great fitting pants now thanks to your teaching. Don't let them get your down!
Thank you so much... I'm ok :) and I really appreciate all the love and support that you and everyone has sprinkled on me! Thanks for following along with me
This video annoys me in that it's a great shame events have made you feel it neccessary to make it. Your generosity in sharing your time and knowledge with people you've never met is and always has been extraordinary. Your videos are purely teaching, no yada yada me me me stuff. I hope you can put this silliness behind you sooner rather than later. I wish you only good things, and thank you. P S suggest people add a tip - see above - so our wonderful teacher can buy herself a bunch of flowers to cheer herself up a bit after this horribleness.
My first thought about all this controversy was that here really isn’t anything new under the sun. My mother taught me the basics of pattern fitting as she had been taught by her mother and it’s bears a lot of similarity to the Palmer method. Teaching back hen was all word of mouth. The internet brings a much larger audience and I guess some controversy. Thanks for the clarification
Thank you for all your helpful content, I learn so much from you. And in this video you handled criticism with dignity and class. I hope I learn from that too :)
Goodness! Is there something in the air, or is Mercury in retrograde, or what? Another favorite RUclipsr had a somewhat similar issue recently, and I didn’t get that one any more than I get this one. This is unsettling to me. You have always given proper attribution to Ruth when presenting the TDCO method. I agree that it’s good to have all the tools in our toolboxes. I love TDCO, and it has made pant fitting so much simpler for me. But, I don’t use it exactly as Ruth presented it, and I don’t use it exactly as you presented it. Neither do I subscribe to all of the other fitting methods you present, or anyone else presents, for that matter. I take information from all over the place and synthesize it into what works for me. That’s how learning a skill like sewing works. *sigh* Just keep doing what you do. ❤️
I love it! That's exactly what I hope for, that you can come to my channel and find techniques to add to your fitting tool box! Get ready, I'm going to be sharing all kinds of techniques in the coming weeks.
You are so welcome! ...and please keep me posted if you run into something specific I can help with to get those pants fitted!! Thank you for following along with me
oh my goodness! if you were trying to steal it you wouldn't call it top-down center out. I've been watching you for a few years and I in no way doubt your integrity
Jen, people will always try and tear you down. The fact is TDCO is not a new method or theory nor is it "scientific" or "revolutionary". As a professional production patternmaker for the last 30 years, we use a variation of this type of fitting all the time. A structured waistband applied to a pant pattern muslin with generous extra seam allowance, slide it around the body until it hangs straight without drag lines and the crotch curve sits in the intended spot, then remark the waistline and move the details accordingly. This sort of fitting technique has its limits and is not the end all be all on pants fitting (and yes, occasionally you have to adjust the crotch curve too) There is always 100 different ways to get somewhere, this is just one. It is another take on patternmaking and draping to fit...simply put. I don't mean to oversimplify it as there is most definitely well-honed skill involved to get to this point however point being that these fitting techniques have been out in the world forever. This is not plagiarism nor any other kind of infringement to expand on and idea that was already out there. I've also watched some your other videos where you totally give credit where credit is due. I wonder if this woman credits anyone else with all the sewists/patternmakers/teachers/books and instructionals that came before her? I ask where is her book on fitting? Where is her RUclips channel? so far, I've only seen some regurgitated feel-good quotes and some vague rudimentary fitting instructions with no real end result on Instagram. If it makes you feel better, there are other sewing forums out there where this woman's "army" is attacking forum contributors on TDCO. It seems to be a reoccurring theme with this person. This is high school antics at best. Some people just get butt hurt when they are discovered to be a "one trick pony". Chin up. Love the work you do here Jen!
I do not know Jennifer and I do not know Ruth though I have studied the articles and videos I could find of their instruction and method of fitting pants. I have sewn for a long time and I have been around a while. I have taken many classes both at private offerings and expos, etc., with many different well-known teachers many of whom no longer teach and some of whom are not even alive. When I first saw the reference to TDCO it occurred to me that I had seen this same concept presented by several different teachers over the years some of whom I could not remember if I was required to. I had always considered it one of many ways to “skin a cat”. If Ruth or Jennifer either one tried to claim this method as their own exclusively they would be mistaken. Learning to sew and fit is not an exclusive art. Patterns may be copyrighted but I believe anyone would be hard pressed to prove they were the first to teach a given concept.
You brought the receipts! You have been extremely transparent through all of your tdco and whole scoop videos. TDCO can be transformative for some sewers, but it isn't patented (yet?) and I believe was offered under a creative commons license that allowed transformation. You did nothing wrong particularly since she gave you her blessing. It is odd to me that she is suddenly, apparently, directing her followers to attack people who helped popularize her and her method.
Jen, I am horrified after reading all the criticisms leveled at you. I watched all your videos concerning TDCO and was never unclear about who began the method and you fondly spoke about her all the time!! Good grief these women yesterday accused you of everything under the sun in such a hateful manner that I could hardly believe the venom. They could have made their point in a much kinder fashion if they all had the same thoughts, which I doubt because it looked to me like a pack of wolves was organized to spread some conspiracy theory against you. I suppose they will come after me now!
Thank you for your kind words... This whole situation make me kinda sad, but I'm ok. I'm going to continue to spread the love!! Thanks for following along with me
Internet Prime Directive: DON'T FEED THE TROLLS. I went and looked at this TDCO nonsense and it sure reminds me of all the tugging and measuring mom did 50+ years ago when we were kids. I don't see anyone crediting my mom. Nor did she credit whomever taught her back in the 40's. Honestly, you'll never satisfy the trolls or the acolytes. You;ve been far too generous with your time.
Thank you! Also, my mom taught me how to sew... She had her Master's Degree in Home Economics & she showed me how to do so many things that people are still doing today :)
Well, seems like some people don't know you at all! Never once did I even think for a second you were doing this. Some people just need to get their own life and keep their noses out of others!
@@JSternDesigns In what world is it okay to post so much personally identifying person about someone online? This is doxxing. I insist you delete this comment and, if you want to explain to someone who Ruth is, you point them to her social media account where she's in control of publicly posting information about her personal life.
@mmjanechek2275 Thank you for expressing your concerns regarding the personal information posted about Ruth online. I understand that you perceive it as doxxing, and I apologize for any distress this may have caused you or her. I apologize if there have been any misunderstandings or if information was shared unintentionally. I assure you that I will take your concerns seriously and review any content that may have been shared to ensure its appropriateness. Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention
You have nothing to apologize for. I can go down to my library and pull out 10 books, all published LAST CENTURY that explicitly lists a "top down center out" method of fitting pants. It's LOGICAL. It's what almost all of them instruct. And her images are basically a rip off of Palmer Pletsch. Ugh. People need to stop it.
:) TDCO stands for Top Down Center Out ...a pants fitting method created by Ruth Collins. You can find more info for this by checking out Threads Magazine issue #218. Ruth's article is titled "Practical Pants Fitting".
Wow---so sorry you felt the need to post this. For those of us who follow you, we know you are a person of integrity and respect other designers, sewists' content. Move on......
I watched the entirety of the waistband kit video and waited for the attribution to TDCO - you provided absolutely no mention of its creator, while promoting a product that would generate revenue exclusively for you. That is unacceptable. In the first message you shared here, Ruth clearly gave you permission to use her methods WITH CLEAR ATTRIBUTION. In all forms of publishing, there are methods for re-citing the original source so that regardless of at what point the information is read, the reader will be clear of its source. You can do better, and that would start with editing that last sales video to cite Ruth's body of work, and then correcting this oversight in any and all of your other pants-fitting videos.
So many thoughts. Jennifer, your reference to an "overlap" with Ruth's method and the Palmer & Pletch method is disingenuous. You say that "there is nothing brand new in sewing, that it's how we put the building blocks together". Well, that is the entire reason why Ruth is upset. Ruth's method of "assembling those building blocks" is completely unique from any previous method. You say that you "give her credit" but that's not always the case. For instance, your video "A Separate Fitting Waistband Makes Pants Fitting Easier" not only makes no mentions of TDCO in the title, there is no mention of Ruth Collins in the description. You have scroll all the way down to get to the part where it says "get more info from Threads issue 218..." Besides, Ruth's method is so much more than just using a separate waistband. Such a description trivializes the amount of work and science that she put into the method. Also, your most recent personal IG posts about pants-making where you used the TDCO method refers only to having used a separate waistband to fit the pants - no mention of TDCO nor Ruth as the originator the method. How is that you giving her credit? And your dismissive and condescending tone in this video is exactly why she feels that you have disrespected her. You need to do better.
Ruth's "method" is a rip off of like...every thing else and especially PP. There was literally a Thread's article months before Ruth's with the same info.
Ruth has convinced you she is somehow special and important but she’s not. Get on board with the rest of the helpful, happy sewing community. Leave behind those with delusions of grandeur. You’ll have way more fun (and become a better sewist!)
Dismissive and condescending? Jen? No way, you obviously don’t know her at all! She has NONE of those traits. I’ve been learning from Jen for quite a while, and she has mentioned Ruth Collins repeatedly. Not only that, she is totally responsive to her students and subscribers and has helped me immensely. All my respect for Jen. 💗
Ruth Collins learnt how to sew later in life. She learnt through reading sewing books. Her method of practical fitting of pants which describes TDCO is similar to a method shown in a book published in 1973. Similar, but not the same. The Threads article written by Ruth Collins in issue 218 I previously read and much of the advice in the article is known by experienced sewers who have spent years experimenting with the fitting of their pants. Ruth would have used already existing techniques to develop her own technique using theory and experimentation (Threads issue 218). After all, you have to know real people body shapes to make pants patterns for experimenting and testing your own theories.
@@alismith7861 The fact that Ruth came to sewing "late in life" is utterly irrelevant. Pants sewing is not pants fitting. I agree that similar is not the same and in this case Ruth's method is NOT the same as other methods. It is based on extensive research and science and not traditional pants-fitting methods. If any of the commenters here bother to actually read any of her IG posts, you'll see what she's talking about.
It’s not hard to give her credit in the first instance. You just need to apologise to her. This is such a typical ‘I’m sorry you’re mad’ non apology. This is not it
No apology was needed Rachel. There is no copyright or patent necessary for sewing techniques. Formally trained fashion students are told this as they learn different methods of fitting and pattern making. Read more sewing books on fitting and you will get a more informed picture about fitting.
I watched Jen’s first video on this method and gave Ruth credit, directed people to her Instagram account and was just excited to try this method and share it with us. People are so angry these days and just jump into attack mode. So unnecessary for this to have happened.
Jen goes out of her way to provide us with FREE content, week after week, for YEARS. The video we are discussing was an advertorial for a product she developed that was based on TDCO. Good for her that she found a way to take a good idea -- which she did reference, even if she didn't mention Ruth by name -- and expand on it. The miniscule amount of money she will make on a couple of strips of velcro is not nearly enough to offset the countless hours she spends helping people improve their sewing skills. We as a community should see the big picture and be grateful to Jen for everything she does for us. I certainly am.
Thank you for your kind words...I'm grateful that you follow along with me!
Not quite sure what is going on but I have always enjoyed your videos and teaching, thank you.
I’m a little late to the party but had to share how fitting methods are not exactly patented.
While reading “The Bishop Method of Clothing
Construction” by Edna Bryte Bishop, originally published in 1959, last night, on page 129 she mentioned “sliding” and “pivoting” the pattern to make fitting adjustments. And, here I thought the late great Nancy Ziemen (PBS Sewing Goddess) owned that idea. Brought a smile to my face because Nancy probably was taught The Bishop Method back in the day and just wanted to share that with all her viewers.
This channel and so many others out there are a godsend to our sewing community. Every one of us wants more people learning to fit and sew their own makes!
While not a history major, I thought one of the first tools ever created was a needle from an animal bone. Had to find a way to sew the skins together. Fitting the skins may still have been an issue back in the cave man days, too.😊.
I Love it!! Thanks so much for sharing this story about the evolution of sewing methods and processes!! ...and thank you for fitting along with me :)
❤Jen, I know you’ve done your due diligence. And I wish others would do their own without influence before commenting or dragging you or anyone else down. Sending people to comment or harass or any kind of trolling is unprofessional. I don’t like confrontation any more than anyone else. But I won’t stand by any longer and say nothing.
Jen, you’ve done the work. And I haven’t seen work from Ms. Collins that shows she understands pants fitting with practical knowledge; Hands on practical knowledge with content that she created herself of examples, photos, tutorials or anything else.
I applaud Ruth for getting the sewing community excited and interested in fitting pants. But since this method has come out it has created a division in the sewing community and MANY have been blocked by her and prevented from communicating with her. Myself included. She says using the method is ‘common creative license’ but then micro manages anyone wanting to talk about TDCO. There isn’t any other fitting method on the planet with a gatekeeper like this one. She wants acknowledgement but has never given any herself. She’s vague when you want to learn how to support her using her method, doesn’t have materials she’ll supply to you if you want to use the method with a fee, and all the while says repeatedly it’s free to use since it’s under a free license or something. (And this is information based upon the little interaction she allowed with me a year ago before I was blocked so hopefully some of that has changed). Talking with her was confusing and contradictory. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced someone telling anyone they can’t use a fitting method. Like they’ve patented your body or something.
Top Down Center Out is just a title. Countless others have fit in the same sequence and with one leg and a waist for decades. It just didn’t have a splashy name. If you want to see a source, check out Palmer and Pletsch’s Pants for Real People.
Pants fitting is for everyone. Most bodies have two legs. But we’re all different shapes. Top Down Center Out added NOTHING new to the pants fitting tool box. That’s the facts. Ruth herself said she bought every pants fitting book out there. I bet I can tell you exactly which books produced ‘her’ method. She cherry picked some simple steps. But TDCO keeps changing to include traditional pants fitting steps because those additional steps work and help TDCO. TDCO is incomplete without them. And without them you exclude people based on their size and ethnicity.
I love how excited everyone is to fit pants! But I don’t love being afraid to talk about TDCO because Ruth’s followers are going to harass me, my private community or my Instagram. And I’ve seen them harass many others. People need to leave others alone. We’re doing the work. They aren’t. We’re professionals in this field. And even if one isn’t, who cares? Let them fit pants however they want. And if Ruth or her followers can’t handle the scrutiny, I don’t know what to tell them. Fitting is a process. There aren’t short cuts.
It seems like this kind of micro-managing and harassment is setting Ruth up to defend the name TDCO for trademark and a book deal or something. That doesn’t make it right. Look at where we are right now.
A splashy title doesn’t fit people. And that’s all Top Down Center Out is for a lot of people. Sure it works for some. But it’s not a thorough method for all bodies. Side note: You aren’t doing it wrong if it hasn’t worked for you. ❤️
Use TDCO if you want. But stop drinking the kool-aid. Pants fitting is work. A cute name doesn’t change that. Everyone deserves pants they love to wear. But words don’t do the work of fitting. Experimentation and sewing is the work. Not diagrams and word salad.
The introduction of TDCO could have gone so differently. It could have been filled with positivity, support and encouragement. But Ruth and her community continue to bully and intimidate and harass people over a pants fitting method she came up with using the work of others.
Stop harassing others and start being willing to have a conversation. We were thrilled to hear about a method that got the sewing community excited but all it’s been is an anxiety inducing albatross hanging around our necks because many of us couldn’t say what we knew about how Ruth treats us. It’s a fitting method. Nothing else. We were here before and we’ll be here after.
Good luck to all of you fitting pants. It’s not easy and often emotional. You are lucky to have someone like Jen Stern. 🙌🏼
Thank you for the kind words... and for all the support!
Honestly I don't get people on the internet. The "fan-girling", the violent defense of some person on the internet, that probably doesn't even need your defense.
I cannot belive how hostile the sewing community can be. It was very eye opening on fb. The gardening groups are brutal too. It's ridiculous.
I’m glad you spoke up Saremy. I get very confused about the method when I read Ruth’s posts.
Amen!
My heart goes out to you for having to even post this video. You have been so helpful throughout the years with your fitting videos and you have given credit with credit is due in many of your videos. Don't let it get you down. Keep at it Jen!
Thank you for the kind words and for fitting along with me!
And we can add gracious, (after professional)to the long list of reasons to admire you❤
Thank you for the kind words :)
Jen, I've always experienced you as a person integrity and honesty. I'm sorry you had this experience. Thank you for all that you out into your channel. I appreciate you!
Thank you so much for your support, and for following along with me
Holy Cow! I must live in a real bubble because I missed all the "hub-bub!" Good grief! Jen -- You are the epitome of honesty and integrity and I, for one, absolutely know that you would never encroach or infringe on anyone else's proprietary information! I firmly believe that people who chastise and try to call out other folks when they clearly do not have the entire story are only calling attention to their own insecurities! And all of the wonderful comments you have received about this issue only goes to prove you are one classy person! Personally, I don't think you even needed to "clear the air!" Keep up the good work! Teachers like you are hard to come by in this day and age!!
Thank you for your kind words (I wish I had missed all the hub-bub too :) ...and thanks for fitting along with me!
I had no idea these concerns were out there. Thank you for all you do.
Thank you for all you do for the sewing community and all you have taught me, Jen. The attack is unfounded and you deserve much better. I have watched both you and Saremy try to clarify a somewhat confusing method only to be attacked. While I could say "just disregard" I know it hurts your heart that you were trying to do good and received backlash. For that I am so sad and am sending cyber hugs of encouragement. You are appreciated more than you know {{{HUGS}}}
Thank you so much for your support! ...I'm ok :) Also, thank you for following along with me & Saremy www.youtube.com/@SewSewLive she's an amazing talent!
Thanks Eliza! ❤️
I swear…some people just need to calm down! Thank you, Jen, for all your hard work. I enjoy your content and always learn so much from your videos. ❤
:) I'm so happy to hear you enjoy my channel... Thank you for following along with me!
👍
Well that was painful to watch - I haven't looked at the negative comments yet but I feel embarrassed by my fellow sewing community who have made them already. So sorry you have had to deal with this m'dear. Chin up! Onwards and upwards. Bugger the naysayers. Scottish fan here.
Thank you for your kind words.. I'm ok :)) Also, thank you for fitting along with me
Hi Jen,
Your tutorials are invaluable to me and I watch you religiously every week. You dedicate your time and share your your knowledge pro bono with viewers like me. If Ruth didn't want her methodology to be used by sewists, then she wouldn't have written a book or given interviews. I had no doubt that you had taken the necessary steps to use her method in your videos. Thank you for all you do for sewists like me.
Thank you for your support! ...and for following along with me
I’m so glad that you addressed this so quickly. I just want you to know that I always thought you were very transparent that you had not only been in contact with Ruth Collins but that you had her blessing to explore her method and to teach it.
I have attended Miriam’s workshops and watched other presentations of TDCO. Your brilliant waistband with Velcro “sticky pins” really made the method so much easier and reliable for me. It’s still TDCO but improved. It’s not the only pants fitting method I employ but it’s a valuable tool.
Thanks Jen and really I am so sorry you had to endure this attempt to undermine your integrity.
Thank you for your kind words and for following along with me ...I'm ok :)
Hi Jen. Life is funny sometimes, but remember, YOU are our fitting queen. Gratitude and respect from NY!
Thank you so much for the support! ...and for following along with me
Hi Jen! I learned to sew from my mom 56 years ago. In all these years I have tackled everything but stopped sewing garments for myself 20ish years ago when I couldn't find the fabrics I liked to justify my time investment and I moved on to kids clothes, rehopolstering etc. I relocated to a place (Barbados) that has amazing fabrics available and find myself sewing again. But I had no patterns to work with so in desperation I turned to the web where to my absolute amazement I found all these wonderful blogs and tutorials. Stumbling around for hours upon hours I came upon your wonderful site. You gave me the courage to go ahead and really drill down into making something (shorts) fit perfectly. I grabbed a pair that fit and drafted a frankenstien pattern and began. I took almost 2 weeks, 3 paper patterns, 2 muslins and 3 pairs of finished shorts (each being tweaked) and I have achieved my goal!!! And it was thanks to your detailed and specific instructions that I managed this. Thank you so very much for reigniting my sewing fire. I am so sorry that obviously your good intent was misunderstood by someone; please don't let this change your incredible videos. I know I am not alone in feeling so grateful for what you have given to this sewing community.
I love your story, thank you for sharing it! & I'm so happy you have gotten yourself back into garment sewing YAY Shorts!! ...Thank you for the kind words and for fitting along with me
I didn't see the video with any of the hoo-haw that it generated. But having watched just a few of your videos (as I'm restarting garment sewing, and wish to be less of a hack and more informed), your expertise and integrity are clear. Kudos to you for addressing this head on. Shame to those who needled such a response.
There is nothing/little new under the sun; however the packaging of them is always evolving to pique people's interests under the guise of providing a new approach. The true ingenuity comes from leveraging new/existing technology in solving problems (in any area, not just sewing). One thing we can be sure of, human DNA hasn't changed. So there will always be a peanut gallery with loud voices with nothing to offer but their malignant opinions.
Thanks so much for your support! ...and thank you for fitting along with me :)
We are solidly by your side. No worries.
Thank you for your support!
I haven’t read all comments, but I’ve just recently found your channel and I do not see you as anything but an honest, helpful person. The sewing community, as in any fiber art group, is usually just that; helpful and honest. Thank you, Jennifer, for all your help! You have become my go-to for explanation and instruction.
Welcome aboard! And thank you for the kind words
Jennifer, you are a wonderful teacher with that ability to get ideas and techniques across to everyone. it's your super power!. I'm sorry circumstances were such that you had to make this video. You are such a giving person with all the free content which is amazing and refreshing. As you said nothing is new in the world of sewing, and I'm truly happy and blessed you picked up with TDCO and took it to a new level. Thank you for all you do. P.S. I hope to get back to my one-leg muslin SOON!! Have a good weekend!
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm excited to see how your one-leg muslin is coming along!! Thanks for following along with me
I have enjoyed your teaching since I bought your Craftsy class years ago and then found your RUclips channel. With regard to your TDCO videos, it seems I remember in almost every one of the classes you mention Ruth's development of TDCO. I am having a hard time thinking that anyone would be able to say you are plagiarizing Ruth's or anyone else's work. You are an excellent teacher and I must say your instructions for reducing a pant pattern for a skinny thigh is the "missing piece" I have needed to go with other pattern alterations I have been able to find regarding this "baggy butt" delima. it also opened my eyes to see how the other alterations go together. I am very happy about it because I have been trying to fit my baggy pants for 50 years!!! 🙃
Thank you so much for telling me about your experience here... It's exactly why I felt that I was supporting Ruth's contributions that I have adopted into my Whole Scoop Fitting Method. I'm also happy to hear that I helped you figure out how to fix your baggy pants! Thanks for fitting along with me
Jen, I so admire the straightforward way that you fulfill the CEO, COO, and CFO roles for your own company. I have worked in several industries, across my decades of
working life, both on the service side and on the support side. Truthfully, if I had ever encountered a CEO with your management style, I would not still be searching. How to prioritize the present and future, so that you invest in yourself and have lovely personal and professional relationships, all while having fun, is so elusive...but you nail it!.
Thank you so much… your words mean a lot to me! .. Doing the best I can as a one woman band 😊
I met you at Sew Expo this year and you credited Ruth just talking about the method with me. Keep your chin up!!❤❤❤
:) It was so nice to meet you!! ...Thanks so much, and thanks for following along with me
I love how you can take different methods and teach them in a way that makes sense and are easy to follow. Thank you so much for all you do in the sewing community.
You are so welcome! Thank you for fitting along with me
Well done, Jenn! Issue clearly explained and documented, in a positive, supportive manner. Hope this satisfies the detractors; if not, they are always free to go elsewhere for sewing advice. I'm sticking with you!
Thank you for the kind words... and for sticking with me!
I don’t live in your world so don’t know about the drama. I do know when I started seeing TDCO appear as an acronym on Instagram, I researched what it was. I found a long interview with Ruth and someone I think at threads that gave zero info whatsoever on how to do the method. The comments on the video were all frustrated people like me… as in “sounds cool. So how?” I then watched all your videos on it which gave me the keys to the kingdom since Ruth didn’t. I tried it, but after two or 3 muslins, the fit still wasn’t good, so I decided the best course of action for me was to buy a good-fitting pair of pants, take them apart and use that as my sloper if you will. After a dozen+ muslins, it worked like a charm. Anyway, thanks for all you do, Jen. I can’t believe anyone would think you were plagerizing!! Politics is everywhere I guess.
I'm so happy you found my TDCO playlist. It's been my experience that TDCO is an amazing way to balance the front/back leg so the crotch agrees vertically. If you're working with a wide leg pant (like the Peppermint wide leg pants pattern I used in the playlist), TDCO makes quick work of fitting pants (after taking time to learn how to drape fabric from your waistline). My experience working with 100 + women is that as the style of the leg gets closer, TDCO may need to be combined with the other fitting techniques in my tool box. It depends on how closely your crotch shape agrees with the pattern crotch shape. I spent a lot of time trying to fit snug jeans without touching the crotch curve with mixed results... Ladies who had a shape that agreed with the pattern did not need to scoop or change the crotch shape... while others needed a scoop or two. ... When the front/back leg is balanced and the crotch shape doesn't agree, it's really common for the front crotch curve to be hanging down too low from the body while the back crotch is already in a good position. So, to get the front crotch up... you need to either lower (scoop) the back or fill in the front crotch to raise it on the pattern piece to agree. Thanks so much for fitting along with me
Hi Jen, I’m a huge fan of yours after I attended your yoga pants class in Puyallup. You are so genuine. I have just started to research this TDCO method by Ruth. I am thrilled that she has given you permission to teach it. I find some of it rather confusing in Ruth’s article. Again, I’m so happy you will be doing this
:) Thank you so much! Here's a link to my TDCO series... Then you can follow up with the Whole Scoop Series! ruclips.net/p/PLseQVksFDkNsN64DwwVI5Phfgbuzn07zK Thank you for fitting along with me
I'm sorry you had to even address this subject. I look forward to your next series on making pants for every body.
Thank you for your support...and for fitting along with me!
It is obvious that some of the comments you have received have upset you. When I first saw you mention the TDCO method, I went back and watched all your video's on the subject and can confirm that you acknowledged the person who had devised this method, more than once. I have learned so much watching your videos and because trouser fitting (we call them trousers in the UK) is something I have been struggling with, I needed to understand this method inside out to be able to fit trousers to myself. I think your 'sticky' pins method is fantastic and makes fitting to the waistband so much easier. Try not let a few difficult comments, get to you. It is obvious you are highly knowledgeable and explain things so well and you have a huge following that appreciates everything that you teach. Thank you.
Thank you for your support (I'm ok). Also, so happy to hear that you like the "Sticky Pins" Thanks for following along with me
Thank you for all you do to support my fitting journey.
My pleasure!! Thank you for fitting along with me
Thank you, Jen! Transparency is refreshing, and you have always been transparent! Peace and Blessings!
Thank you for your kind words... and for following along with me
I’m very happy to find your RUclips channel. Thank you so much for what you were offering. I appreciate it very much.❤
I'm happy you found me too! Thank you for following along with me!
Just want to thank you for teaching how to lower my front rise...i feel like a superhero now
You are so welcome! Thank you for fitting along with me!
I’ll repeat part of my comment from yesterday. The hurtful comments were so unnecessary given your history of communications about this fitting method over time. It saddens me when a person like yourself who so clearly works very hard to be helpful needs to respond to such negative comments. I’m glad you replied as you did and hope you can now ignore the hurtful comments. Thank you for your efforts over the years.
Thank you so much, that really means a lot to me... thanks for following along with me
Jen, you share your knowledge and expertise with us several times a week - you have a teacher's heart. And I am very grateful that you are so well-connected and have practical experience to bring the best of the myriad tools and techniques to us all over the world! I so appreciate you!
Thank you for your kind words... and for following along with me!
Jen, thanks for all you do for the community You are a great teacher and I enjoy learning from you. I'm here to say that I support you and I hope you don't let these hateful people get you down.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support... and for fitting along with me!
I think you are great and made it very clear whose method you were teaching, and gave plenty of attribution. I think TD CO is very different and much easier than other methods I have tried. ❤
Thank you so much for your support! TDCO really does make pants fitting easier, thanks for fitting along with me
Just sorry that you had to go through all of that. I’ve gained so many sewing skills watching your videos. On the TDCO thing I read Ruth’s thing in Trends magazine. I’ve also listened to others posts here on RUclips about it. Yes the main credit does go to Ruth but She sounds like she really wants us all to benefit from it and she gives her blessings to all of you who are spreading the information. I also listen to other ideas on fitting & patterns alterations other than just TDCO. One of those being Palmer & Plesh . I’m so excited because another RUclips sewing professional I listen to had a contest and I was the winner. The prize was The Complete guide To Fitting by Palmer & Plesh. I can’t wait to get my hands on it. This beginner sewist has been able to improve my sewing skills thanks to ones like you and I appreciate you J. Sterns so much.
Thank you so much for your support.. and for fitting along with me
Love your content!!
I'm so happy to hear it... Thanks you for fitting along with me
Jen - thanks for all you do - ignore the nasty people.
My Pleasure!! ...and thank you for your support
Oh my goodness Jennifer. You sure don't deserve this criticism. Some people can be so upsetting to us youtubers with their "concerns" about what we do. You do an amazing job, and if I wasn't stuck on Palmer & Pletsch, I might try TDCO myself.
Honestly, with pants the methods are so similar, I feel like I’m working with both of them at the same time :) thanks for your support
Hi Joy, I agree. I just read the Palmer & Pletsch book on pants fitting. As I was reading about the tissue fitting I was thinking how similar it is to TDCO. Or, I should say TDCO is similar to P&P since I think they came first. I also purchased their other fitting book because I didn’t win it from you. 😂
This video made me sad for Jennifer.
Jen, girl keep being you.
...Oh, I will :) Thanks for fitting along with me!
Your videos have helped me so much as I have re-emerged into sewing. My body has some very unique problems, owing to a deep curve in spine and also broken bones and tissue damage from a car accident that have given me a permanently disfigured body. I have only been trying to sew my own clothing for a couple of months and am only tweaking tops and dresses at this point, but pants are going to be tackled soon, so I will definitely be going through the TDCO videos.
I have already devoured and implemented the methods in several of your videos to address my issues and am so grateful for your instruction. I truly appreciate your collaboration with other teachers/methods and appreciate you openness and transparency in the face of people’s misunderstanding. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for sharing your story, I'm so sorry to hear about your car accident. I'm so happy to help... please keep me posted as you work along... I do Subscriber Q & A Live on Wednesday's at 1:00 pm edt :)
Thank you Jen for all your sewing help.
My Pleasure... and thank you for following along with me
I'm happy that you are discussing this. I was surprised by the negative comments on your posts. I've seen that you've always credited Ruth in your initial tutorials and experimentations with TDCO and I never thought you were being disrespectful to her. I like your take on it, the details you present and look forward to more of your pants fitting tutorials. There's a lot to learn about pants fitting. Thank you Jen and Ruth!
I'm so happy to hear that this is your experience here on my Channel... thank you for following along with me
I discovered your channel because I learned about this drama from following Ruth. I won’t be taking sides, but I have to say that although I’m disappointed this is happening, I’m happy it helped me find your channel. Now I’m thinking differently about pants fitting and realizing there are other options and resources available. The sewing community has gone crazy for TDCO and I’ll admit that I jumped on the bandwagon; however, I found aspects of it really confusing and difficult. Happy to know it’s not the only method. You’ve got a new subscriber in me. 😊
I'm so happy you found my Channel! In the coming weeks I'm going to be exploring all sorts off pants fitting methods and how they can all work together to make the process easier for everyone! Thanks for fitting along with me
Thanks so much for your efforts on teaching pants fitting. I have been following your videos and had no confusion that you were attributing the method to Collins Top Down Center Out process. (I had no idea there was any controversy as I don't use IG.) However, the link you provided above on Palmer Pletsch's "band first/one-leg technique" ought to put it all to bed as that part of the process is where all the value is for me. I have some great fitting pants now thanks to your teaching. Don't let them get your down!
I'm so happy to hear you have great fitting pants!! ...and thank you for your support and for following along with me
Jen well done you, addressing people's concerns anc claifying. ❤
Thank you! ...and thank for following along with me
I hope you’re ok ❤ I very much enjoy and appreciate your videos and have found them super helpful. Wishing you peace and happiness 🙏
Thank you so much... I'm ok :) and I really appreciate all the love and support that you and everyone has sprinkled on me! Thanks for following along with me
This video annoys me in that it's a great shame events have made you feel it neccessary to make it. Your generosity in sharing your time and knowledge with people you've never met is and always has been extraordinary. Your videos are purely teaching, no yada yada me me me stuff. I hope you can put this silliness behind you sooner rather than later. I wish you only good things, and thank you. P S suggest people add a tip - see above - so our wonderful teacher can buy herself a bunch of flowers to cheer herself up a bit after this horribleness.
Thank you for the kind words and support! Also, I'm ok... Thank you for following along with me
Thank you so much for you kind words… & for following along with me
My first thought about all this controversy was that here really isn’t anything new under the sun. My mother taught me the basics of pattern fitting as she had been taught by her mother and it’s bears a lot of similarity to the Palmer method. Teaching back hen was all word of mouth. The internet brings a much larger audience and I guess some controversy. Thanks for the clarification
Thank you for your support! and for fitting along with me!
Such Drama 🤷♀️
I appreciate all of your hard work & do not feel you have failed to give credit. As if 🙄
Thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much!...and for following along with me!
Thank you for all your helpful content, I learn so much from you. And in this video you handled criticism with dignity and class. I hope I learn from that too :)
Thank you for the kind words! Thank you for fitting along with me :)
Your amazing, Jen! I have enjoyed watching you and you have given me confidence in my sewing. Thank you!❤Beth
I am so happy to hear that, thank you for following along with me
Goodness! Is there something in the air, or is Mercury in retrograde, or what? Another favorite RUclipsr had a somewhat similar issue recently, and I didn’t get that one any more than I get this one. This is unsettling to me. You have always given proper attribution to Ruth when presenting the TDCO method. I agree that it’s good to have all the tools in our toolboxes. I love TDCO, and it has made pant fitting so much simpler for me. But, I don’t use it exactly as Ruth presented it, and I don’t use it exactly as you presented it. Neither do I subscribe to all of the other fitting methods you present, or anyone else presents, for that matter. I take information from all over the place and synthesize it into what works for me. That’s how learning a skill like sewing works.
*sigh*
Just keep doing what you do. ❤️
I love it! That's exactly what I hope for, that you can come to my channel and find techniques to add to your fitting tool box! Get ready, I'm going to be sharing all kinds of techniques in the coming weeks.
Ummmm. People suck?? Hahaha 😅
Thank you Jen for all that you do. I’m still working on getting that pattern right. But I will get it with your help. Thanks again.
You are so welcome! ...and please keep me posted if you run into something specific I can help with to get those pants fitted!! Thank you for following along with me
Thanks!
Thank you!! and thank you for following along with me!
So glad you addressed this. 👍
Thank you!
I remember you mentioned ruht s permission in at least one of your Videos about top Down Center out.
I love your Videos. Thank you!
Thank so much for your support! and for fitting along with me
oh my goodness! if you were trying to steal it you wouldn't call it top-down center out. I've been watching you for a few years and I in no way doubt your integrity
Thank you so much for your support and for fitting along with me
Totally with you. You go Jen! ❤
Jen, people will always try and tear you down. The fact is TDCO is not a new method or theory nor is it "scientific" or "revolutionary". As a professional production patternmaker for the last 30 years, we use a variation of this type of fitting all the time. A structured waistband applied to a pant pattern muslin with generous extra seam allowance, slide it around the body until it hangs straight without drag lines and the crotch curve sits in the intended spot, then remark the waistline and move the details accordingly. This sort of fitting technique has its limits and is not the end all be all on pants fitting (and yes, occasionally you have to adjust the crotch curve too) There is always 100 different ways to get somewhere, this is just one. It is another take on patternmaking and draping to fit...simply put. I don't mean to oversimplify it as there is most definitely well-honed skill involved to get to this point however point being that these fitting techniques have been out in the world forever. This is not plagiarism nor any other kind of infringement to expand on and idea that was already out there. I've also watched some your other videos where you totally give credit where credit is due. I wonder if this woman credits anyone else with all the sewists/patternmakers/teachers/books and instructionals that came before her? I ask where is her book on fitting? Where is her RUclips channel? so far, I've only seen some regurgitated feel-good quotes and some vague rudimentary fitting instructions with no real end result on Instagram. If it makes you feel better, there are other sewing forums out there where this woman's "army" is attacking forum contributors on TDCO. It seems to be a reoccurring theme with this person. This is high school antics at best. Some people just get butt hurt when they are discovered to be a "one trick pony". Chin up. Love the work you do here Jen!
Thank you for all your support and kind words! I have heard from some of my sewing friends that they have been harassed over this too :(
I do not know Jennifer and I do not know Ruth though I have studied the articles and videos I could find of their instruction and method of fitting pants. I have sewn for a long time and I have been around a while. I have taken many classes both at private offerings and expos, etc., with many different well-known teachers many of whom no longer teach and some of whom are not even alive. When I first saw the reference to TDCO it occurred to me that I had seen this same concept presented by several different teachers over the years some of whom I could not remember if I was required to. I had always considered it one of many ways to “skin a cat”. If Ruth or Jennifer either one tried to claim this method as their own exclusively they would be mistaken. Learning to sew and fit is not an exclusive art. Patterns may be copyrighted but I believe anyone would be hard pressed to prove they were the first to teach a given concept.
:) Thank you for following along with me
Very classy
Thank you! 😊 …and thanks for fitting along with me… Happy 4th of July
You brought the receipts! You have been extremely transparent through all of your tdco and whole scoop videos. TDCO can be transformative for some sewers, but it isn't patented (yet?) and I believe was offered under a creative commons license that allowed transformation. You did nothing wrong particularly since she gave you her blessing. It is odd to me that she is suddenly, apparently, directing her followers to attack people who helped popularize her and her method.
Happily, I will still support and promote Ruth & TDCO…. Thanks for following along with me
Jen, I am horrified after reading all the criticisms leveled at you. I watched all your videos concerning TDCO and was never unclear about who began the method and you fondly spoke about her all the time!! Good grief these women yesterday accused you of everything under the sun in such a hateful manner that I could hardly believe the venom. They could have made their point in a much kinder fashion if they all had the same thoughts, which I doubt because it looked to me like a pack of wolves was organized to spread some conspiracy theory against you. I suppose they will come after me now!
I had no idea there was a controversy over this. I wholeheartedly agree with you. The critical comments must be from people who do not know Jen.
Thank you for your kind words... This whole situation make me kinda sad, but I'm ok. I'm going to continue to spread the love!! Thanks for following along with me
Internet Prime Directive: DON'T FEED THE TROLLS.
I went and looked at this TDCO nonsense and it sure reminds me of all the tugging and measuring mom did 50+ years ago when we were kids. I don't see anyone crediting my mom. Nor did she credit whomever taught her back in the 40's.
Honestly, you'll never satisfy the trolls or the acolytes. You;ve been far too generous with your time.
Thank you! Also, my mom taught me how to sew... She had her Master's Degree in Home Economics & she showed me how to do so many things that people are still doing today :)
I'm sorry people made you feel you needed to film this. Social media is tough.
Thank you for your support…I’m ok!
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Thank you for your support!
Well, seems like some people don't know you at all! Never once did I even think for a second you were doing this. Some people just need to get their own life and keep their noses out of others!
Thanks Mary!
Who is Ruth? I live in the Ithaca area, is she in Ithaca NY?
If you want info about Ruth go check her instagram @ithacamaven
@@JSternDesigns In what world is it okay to post so much personally identifying person about someone online? This is doxxing. I insist you delete this comment and, if you want to explain to someone who Ruth is, you point them to her social media account where she's in control of publicly posting information about her personal life.
@@JSternDesigns doxxing IS FACTS. That’s the point. Shame on you.
@mmjanechek2275 Thank you for expressing your concerns regarding the personal information posted about Ruth online. I understand that you perceive it as doxxing, and I apologize for any distress this may have caused you or her. I apologize if there have been any misunderstandings or if information was shared unintentionally. I assure you that I will take your concerns seriously and review any content that may have been shared to ensure its appropriateness. Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention
You have nothing to apologize for. I can go down to my library and pull out 10 books, all published LAST CENTURY that explicitly lists a "top down center out" method of fitting pants. It's LOGICAL. It's what almost all of them instruct. And her images are basically a rip off of Palmer Pletsch.
Ugh. People need to stop it.
Thank you for your support... and for following along with me (and I totally agree with you!)
What is TDSO? I wish people would stop using abbreviations.
:) TDCO stands for Top Down Center Out ...a pants fitting method created by Ruth Collins. You can find more info for this by checking out Threads Magazine issue #218. Ruth's article is titled "Practical Pants Fitting".
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Wow---so sorry you felt the need to post this. For those of us who follow you, we know you are a person of integrity and respect other designers, sewists' content. Move on......
Thank you for the kind words and support! Moving onward and upward!
I watched the entirety of the waistband kit video and waited for the attribution to TDCO - you provided absolutely no mention of its creator, while promoting a product that would generate revenue exclusively for you. That is unacceptable. In the first message you shared here, Ruth clearly gave you permission to use her methods WITH CLEAR ATTRIBUTION. In all forms of publishing, there are methods for re-citing the original source so that regardless of at what point the information is read, the reader will be clear of its source. You can do better, and that would start with editing that last sales video to cite Ruth's body of work, and then correcting this oversight in any and all of your other pants-fitting videos.
Thank you so much for your thoughts... just including the credit Ruth and I agreed on... sorry I slipped up, it won't happen again. Have a lovely day
There is no copyright or technique owned by anyone in sewing. We are all improving or building on past techniques from years and centuries of sewing.
Did the "creator" reference the dozens of fitting books written in decades prior that she lifted this info from?
@@kssews3166 nope!
“Ruth’s body of work” 😂
So many thoughts. Jennifer, your reference to an "overlap" with Ruth's method and the Palmer & Pletch method is disingenuous. You say that "there is nothing brand new in sewing, that it's how we put the building blocks together". Well, that is the entire reason why Ruth is upset. Ruth's method of "assembling those building blocks" is completely unique from any previous method. You say that you "give her credit" but that's not always the case. For instance, your video "A Separate Fitting Waistband Makes Pants Fitting Easier" not only makes no mentions of TDCO in the title, there is no mention of Ruth Collins in the description. You have scroll all the way down to get to the part where it says "get more info from Threads issue 218..." Besides, Ruth's method is so much more than just using a separate waistband. Such a description trivializes the amount of work and science that she put into the method. Also, your most recent personal IG posts about pants-making where you used the TDCO method refers only to having used a separate waistband to fit the pants - no mention of TDCO nor Ruth as the originator the method. How is that you giving her credit? And your dismissive and condescending tone in this video is exactly why she feels that you have disrespected her. You need to do better.
Ruth's "method" is a rip off of like...every thing else and especially PP. There was literally a Thread's article months before Ruth's with the same info.
Ruth has convinced you she is somehow special and important but she’s not. Get on board with the rest of the helpful, happy sewing community. Leave behind those with delusions of grandeur. You’ll have way more fun (and become a better sewist!)
Dismissive and condescending? Jen? No way, you obviously don’t know her at all! She has NONE of those traits. I’ve been learning from Jen for quite a while, and she has mentioned Ruth Collins repeatedly. Not only that, she is totally responsive to her students and subscribers and has helped me immensely. All my respect for Jen. 💗
Ruth Collins learnt how to sew later in life. She learnt through reading sewing books. Her method of practical fitting of pants which describes TDCO is similar to a method shown in a book published in 1973. Similar, but not the same. The Threads article written by Ruth Collins in issue 218 I previously read and much of the advice in the article is known by experienced sewers who have spent years experimenting with the fitting of their pants. Ruth would have used already existing techniques to develop her own technique using theory and experimentation (Threads issue 218). After all, you have to know real people body shapes to make pants patterns for experimenting and testing your own theories.
@@alismith7861 The fact that Ruth came to sewing "late in life" is utterly irrelevant. Pants sewing is not pants fitting. I agree that similar is not the same and in this case Ruth's method is NOT the same as other methods. It is based on extensive research and science and not traditional pants-fitting methods. If any of the commenters here bother to actually read any of her IG posts, you'll see what she's talking about.
It’s not hard to give her credit in the first instance. You just need to apologise to her. This is such a typical ‘I’m sorry you’re mad’ non apology. This is not it
Thanks for checking in... just including the credit Ruth and I agreed on... sorry I slipped up, it won't happen again.
No apology was needed Rachel. There is no copyright or patent necessary for sewing techniques. Formally trained fashion students are told this as they learn different methods of fitting and pattern making. Read more sewing books on fitting and you will get a more informed picture about fitting.
I watched Jen’s first video on this method and gave Ruth credit, directed people to her Instagram account and was just excited to try this method and share it with us. People are so angry these days and just jump into attack mode. So unnecessary for this to have happened.
Thank you for your support!! ...and for fitting along with me
They've got nothing better to do, keyboard warriors, so annoying.