Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Tea4Me
Date: 05-17-2004, 10:12 PM (1 of 8)
I am 6'2" tall, and I have a terrible time altering patterns.  That's one of the reasons I don't sew a lot of clothing for myself.I am thinking of investing in a pattern drafting software. I've been looking at DressShop. Does anyone use this program? Can it really do everything it says it can? I downloaded the demo, and was totally impressed, but before I sink Canadian $$ into it, I thought I'd check for references right here! Thanks in advance! 
Bev
|
User: Tea4Me
Member since: 05-20-2003 Total posts: 21 
|
From: pennypins
Date: 05-18-2004, 05:57 AM (2 of 8)
|
I'd recommend you join the discussion group for Dressshop...the info is on their webpage. I tried it and didn't like it...this is just my experience, I know that many many people love the program. From the demo, I thought it would be a great help in making patterns that fit, skipping the paper alterations, so I bought the program. My first pair of pants were a disaster. I had done all the measurements required, with dhs help. Printed out lots of a pages, taped them together and made a sloper. The crotch curve was all wrong, so was the cb and cf seams. So I re-checked the measurements and made some adjustments via the program. Did all the printing over again, and then compared the paper program to my favourite pair of pants. Again, not right. So I moved on the blouse sloper and same kinds of problems. I just found myself not able to translate what I knew about pattern alterations on paper to the computer, so I was ending up doing everything twice (fiddling on the computer, then fiddling with the paper copy). I guess I've got to be too comfortable with paper alteration methods! The support for the program was terrific, lots of knowledegable helpful people and I had no problem in "returning" the software. I was suprised that I couldn't get the hang of it, I use the computer for quilting, embroidery design, etc. so I'm pretty computer savvy. I just found that for me I was better off making alterations with something solid in front of me, if that makes sense. I've since put some serious work into remembering what alterations I usually have to make to tops and bottoms and always check those particular trouble areas. Hope this helps, Penny http://community.webshots.com/user/pennypins
was "plcp" at SWN since Jan/01 |
User: pennypins
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 39 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-18-2004, 09:30 AM (3 of 8)
|
In one of the threads on this forum there is a really long discussion of pattern software. If you can find it, it is really interesting reading...contrasting some of the major brands.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Aimee S
Date: 05-18-2004, 10:45 AM (4 of 8)
|
I am also a dress shop fan Here is the link she was referring to. http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7630 The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
|
From: Tea4Me
Date: 05-18-2004, 04:18 PM (5 of 8)
|
Thanks for the comments, ladies! Penny, your experience doesn't sound like fun.  I would be totally disappointed, after spending all that money on the program. I will certainly do more research before buying. Aimee, did you have the same problems that Penny had with the program?? Please let me know! And thanks for that link!  :Cheers! Bev
|
User: Tea4Me
Member since: 05-20-2003 Total posts: 21
|
From: Aimee S
Date: 05-18-2004, 05:01 PM (6 of 8)
|
Actually I have only made one sloper and it was not for me. I use it to make patterns for other people. Well not patterns for them but I use it to make patterns and then make them garments from it. it requires proper measurments and not pulling the tape measure tight but to allow it to be placed on the body. The crotch curve for differnt people needs to be adjusted. I like a long crotch and others like it tight. It is all up to the person. They have great support and they have these little videos to help you get the right measurements. If you can spare the 30 you can get the demo and try it out. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488
|
From: Tea4Me
Date: 05-26-2004, 06:52 PM (7 of 8)
|
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check it out!
Bev
|
User: Tea4Me
Member since: 05-20-2003 Total posts: 21
|
From: katydid0002000
Date: 07-09-2004, 04:48 PM (8 of 8)
|
I use Dress Shop to make patterns & slopers for my customers. I usually get excellant results & if I don't, when I backtrack I usually find out it was my own fault. The main thing about Dress Shop, & I suspect any other pattern software worth its salt, is that it takes a lot of very precise measurements. Sew News had an article a couple of years ago that pointed out that you need a really trusted friend to help with the measurements. I say trusted friend because you need to be in your underware with someone you won't feel embarrassed with. The program asks for a lot of measurements. To get the best fit you really do need them all. I suggest that you go to sites like epinions.com & see what other people thought after they used various programs. |
User: katydid0002000
Member since: 07-09-2004 Total posts: 3 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-12872.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft