Comments on: Sew Expo 2008 - Independent Pattern Designers

by: monica

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:48:41 +0000

If you’re really interested in sewing a wardrobe, you might want to look at a the Sewing-With-A-Purpose (SWAP) idea. Links are posted at the Peacock Chic blog (http://peacockchic.wordpress.com/) — go to her categories dropdown menu and choose SWAP. It’s a pretty interesting concept that I’ve bought a bunch of fabric for, but haven’t had the nerve to cut into yet! Happy sewing.

by: zookeeperjulie

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:10:46 +0000

I encourage frustrated sewers to abandon the Big 4 patterns for all but the most basic of garments. The body measurements from which they design the sizes are very outdated for today’s figures
( unless you happen to be a supermodel). I do like Kwik Sew, however, the patterns are so easy to alter and generally fit my plus sized body better than the others. I have just ordered some Ottobre magazines and I can’t wait to get started on trying out some of their patterns!

by: Administrator

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:25:19 +0000

No wonder so few of us are sewing clothes for ourselves these days! I was very tempted by the Wild Ginger software but ran out of time. That’s definitely on my radar screen. They also have this body scan thing at the Expo. I’m already scheming for next year! Kathy

by: Sassenach

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:52:58 +0000

I gave up sewing clothes for myself years ago out of frustration. I sewed for my daughter up until two years ago — used two patterns by the same line within the same pattern company, and the sizing was vastly off in each. That did it, and I haven’t made a thing since.

I’ll be interested to see what your experience with these patterns pans out to be. I’ve been toying with the idea of the Wild Ginger software, too.

by: Jo Ann

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:47:07 +0000

Hi Kathy: I used to make all my clothes. Glad that others also have had the same problems w/fitting for “women of a certain age”. I’ll be watching your progress, ready to jump in. Good Luck

by: DeeLight

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:57:10 +0000

Just the other day I was thinking of making myself a skirt, but short of some elastic waste number I was fearful of how it would fit. So I opted to sew for my daughter instead. I’ll have to give one of these pattern designers a try. Thanks for the tip.

by: Juanita

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:48:19 +0000

I Love the idea of sewing my own clothes. I did in high school and, like you, the patterns fit, but not now. I just get so frustrated. I have given up on the actual sewing part, however, there is still the glimmer of a dream that I could find a pattern that sews up to fit me somewhat closely. Instead I get absorbed in quilts and other fun crafts that have to fit no one. As long as I can sew something, I’m happy!
Best of luck,
Juanita

by: Birgit

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:47:14 +0000

Dear Kathy,
I love the pattern from www.patterncompany.de. Have a look at the page the patterns are wonderful.
Have a nice day
Birgit

by: katrin

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:05:14 +0000

that silhouette skirt looks cool… make it black with a pink piping! (at least that would be what I would do *g*)
the dress is awesome, i love the kind of retro-feeling it has about it

i really like it when the pattern/sewing folks do present their patterns on “real” women, so we can se that the special dress we are longing for really does look good if you have wider hips or narrower shoulders or if you are a bit smaller than others. this would have worked with me as well - i probably would have bought everything they have

by: Kristin L

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:51:53 +0000

I’m on the tiny side and have no patience for making muslins first, so things tend to be big and baggy on me and I lose interest in sewing for myself. It’s much easier to go into a store and try on 10 ill fitting items before finding the right one, rather than invest the time in sewing 10 ill fitting items before finding the right one! Clothes for my little girl are another story — I love the wacky European independents. I’ve sewn German Farbenmix and Dutch Bizkids patterns and am pretty happy with the results. They are not long on instruction, but have lots of room for variation in fabric, color, sleeve length, layered skirts, etc. While not for the beginner, someone with a little bit of confidence can really have fun with these patterns.