Sewing patterns offer variety for larger women

It will take an experienced eye to discern the fashion trends for fall '81. Tailored looks are softening with the addition of bountiful shawls and capes. Colors blend together in smooth monochromatic combinations that require matallic accents to add the necessary touch of glamour.

For the larger woman, choices abound. Ready-to-wear has zeroed in on her fashion image, and stores are stocked with fall clothing from tailored suits to silk shirtwaists. Women partial to wools or wool blends will find a selection and a broader price range from which to choose. And with each season, fit seems to be improving.

Pants are relatively unimportant as a fashion item, whereas skirts and dresses move into the limelight. Challis and silk are the most popular fashion fabrics. Paisley on challis is the hottest look of all.

But what if you can't find a paisley skirt or that silk blouse you want to wear in your size? Finally, American pattern companies have come to the rescue of the larger woman.

This fall, the four major catalogs have sections featuring patterns selected to flatter the fuller figure with the emphasis on fashionable clothing.

McCall Pattern Company has taken a forward step by refabricating the garments which appear in their new 14 PLUS section, photographing them on larger models.The company quizzed consumer panels to gather firsthand information about what their larger customers wanted from them.Unanimously, they called for fashionable clothes on larger models. Another feature is that many patterns offer special fitting instructions.

Fashion has always been a mixed bag of tricks. Fall '81 takes fit away from the body again and turns to layering for fun. At last it's a look for all sizes.