How do you know what your waist measurement + 1 ½ " really is. Take a day, any day that is not during your monthly cycle, and measure your waist in the morning, at lunch and after dinner. Record these. You may want to do this twice just for your clarity and affirmation. Each set of measurements will vary under this in non-scientific measuring situation. The after dinner measurement will be the final circumference of your new pants waistband. The morning measurement will be your actual body measurement. You will probably find "at least" a 1 ½" difference, maybe more. In making your analysis if your are more than 1 ½", then you may want to give yourself 2" of ease over your morning measurement for the final number. If you did this measuring every day for 30 days you would be amazed at how your measurements jump around.l

Please let go of (get over) numbers having anything to do with your value, your worth, your self-esteem. These numbers are for pattern making and sewing. The beauty of "sewing your own" is they can be perfectly fitted in the waist, perfectly comfortable and compliment your shape as no ready-made pant can do. The numbers are essential to get your pant fitted well. If you ignore them you will in the end be frustrated with your results. It is possible the pant would fit in the morning and be cutting into your flesh after dinner. If these pants cut in at all, it becomes a constant signal that something is wrong, you or the pant. End that misconception forever by disconnecting yourself from the numbers and making beautiful pants that enhance you, support your positive self value and that you can wear throughout the day gracefully.