Patterns

Baglady · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Charlotte, NC

Lois... Thanks... I am really happy to get back into sewing. I just bought an old Bernina and I am hoping it works well. I really have to revamp my wardrobe - at age 52, what few pieces fit are no longer flattering on my "new" figure... Crying or Very sad

Most other pieces are just too dated and I have refashioned some and donated the rest.

As for Sandra's Today's Fit Patterns, they are absolutely wonderful. They really do work well for my body. I am working on a pair of slacks and 2 tops... I will post once I am done.. .. Lois Hinse.. I have wanted to try them but have not purchased yet. One last thing, what about Marfy - no instructions? Ever tried them? They have some super patterns but I am a little skeptical of tackling a project without instructions.

Baglady · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Charlotte, NC

Lois... Thanks... I am really happy to get back into sewing. I just bought an old Bernina and I am hoping it works well. I really have to revamp my wardrobe - at age 52, what few pieces fit are no longer flattering on my "new" figure... Crying or Very sad

Most other pieces are just too dated and I have refashioned some and donated the rest.

As for Sandra's Today's Fit Patterns, they are absolutely wonderful. They really do work well for my body. I am working on a pair of slacks and 2 tops... I will post once I am done.. .. Lois Hinse.. I have wanted to try them but have not purchased yet. One last thing, what about Marfy - no instructions? Ever tried them? They have some super patterns but I am a little skeptical of tackling a project without instructions.

Lois · Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 12:41 pm Post subject:

OH Yes - I am with you in age and body change issues!! I am struggling with style decisions too. Jan Larky's book called Flatter Your Figure is a good primer to identify style lines and garments for each body style. I've also learned a lot on the show What Not To Wear on Bravo. In addition, I post photos from clothing catalogs on my sewing room wall as a guide to help me pick patterns and fabrics for my projects. I find that very helpful.

If you like the unstructured look, Loes Hinse patterns are nice. They are body skimming which is flattering - not over-sized.

I have bought a couple Marfy patterns but haven't sewn them yet. They are "aging" in my stash and will get to them one day. I do love the Marfy illustrations and the design lines. To deal with the fact of no instructions, don't let that stop you. One idea is to pull out a Vogue instruction sheet for a garment similar to the Marfy, to give you ideas on construction sequence, and then refer to your Vogue sewing book for a technique refresher. I highly endorse doing projects that "call out to you". You can think of it as self-study project and just take it one step at a time.

I don't think I've done a Sandy Betzina pattern but I'll give them another look. Thanks for the info....what have been your particular favorites?

Baglady · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Charlotte, NC

Lois... please pardon the delay.. I have been on vacation- no emails.. Rolling Eyes

You offer some EXCELLENT adivice and I am going to try the Marfy (one day). I like the idea of hanging designs all around my sewing room and I have started - but I have put together a notebook and taped pictures of designs I cut of of flyers. When I go pattern shopping, I take my little "portfolio" with me and try to clone some of the ideas (fabric and pattern) as best as I can. The WHAT NOT TO WEAR show is great .. thanks for the tip. I find that I also go back to the same patterns even though I have at least 100 ... Anyway.. Vogue 1625 and V. 1576 are wardrobe builders. I am making a reversible skirt, pants and jacket.

I am convinced that a lot of the styles that look good on the pattern front when sewn up, just do not give my pot belly justice. The best fitting slacks EVER for me are the Sandra Betzina: Vogue 2948. They have princess seams and years ago, I purchased a pair of "Worth" Wool Knit slacks with princess seams and I wore the to death. Try that pattern and the yoked band helps camouflage my not-so-flat tummy. Next: Butterick 4980 - with some adjustments. Marfy is next...