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From: meaghane
Date: 06-23-2005, 09:50 AM (1 of 29)
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I've been sewing for my daughter since she was born, six years ago; I have learned a lot, (but still have quite a bit to learn), and have sewn a lot of difficult things for her... and have always made things that I am proud of, and proud for her to wear. So I really don't consider myself a beginner seamstress, at least not in the area of children's clothing. But I bought a Butterick pattern the other day that just ticked me off. It was really a simple pattern... sleeveless dress, button down the front, peter pan type collar, that goes all the way around the back bodice. Just something cute. Well, the pattern's collar was STRAIGHT. Does that make sense to anyone? I mean, both long edges were STRAIGHT. It was one long rectangle, that you are supposed to somehow, by grace of a miracle, attach to a ROUND neckline. Maybe this kind of thing is common? I myself have never encountered it; almost all of the collars like that which I have ever sewn on her clothes have had rounded edges, not straight ones. I worked with it for several hours before just flat giving up, which I hate to do... but even with trying to clip curves, and adjust the ease a bit, it just didn't work. It was definitely a case of "square peg in a round hole".  Just wanted to vent. Does anyone else ever encounter situations like this? I am quite annoyed with it myself; I'm wondering if anyone at the pattern company actually tried to construct the garment before marketing the pattern. Anyway, I would certainly NOT recommend this pattern to anyone. Sewing should not ever be that frustrating; and I usually don't let it be frustrating for me. Sewing gives me such great pleasure, I love the whole process, and enjoy seeing my daughter wear clothes that I made. Talk to y'all later! Meg 
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User: meaghane
Member since: 06-03-2000 Total posts: 433 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 06-23-2005, 10:36 AM (2 of 29)
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Most collars and collar bands are pretty straight in my experience. But I have never really sewn much in small children's sizes in many, many years. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: meaghane
Date: 06-23-2005, 10:39 AM (3 of 29)
Well, I figured I was showing my sewing ignorance by posting this in the first place LOL.  I've just sewn a lot for my little girl, and have NEVER encountered a straight collar. Maybe I haven't branched out enough LOL At the very least, they shouldn't have put "sew easy" on the front of the pattern.  Meg |
User: meaghane
Member since: 06-03-2000 Total posts: 433
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From: paroper
Date: 06-23-2005, 10:52 AM (4 of 29)
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I haven't seen one for awhile, but what goes around (in fashion) certainly comes around. It should stand up. When the collar is attachment is curved, it lays down. Sometimes they are folded at the top. Bias cut collars like that will lay prettier, but it is a difference in pattern design. Bias cuts are always easier to shape and attach too. If you have problems attaching your collar, try stay-stitching your garment's neck edge and then clip down toward the stay stitching (I wouldn't clip quite all the way just in case your stitching isn't perfect) this will give you some "play" in the neck edge and make it easier to connect the collar. After the collar is connected, clip and trim as usual. 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: DorothyL
Date: 06-23-2005, 11:14 AM (5 of 29)
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Aren't the curved ones sewn down flat then the seam covered with facing or yoke or something? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-23-2005, 11:34 AM (6 of 29)
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There are several ways to finish the collar edges. Most often they are covered with a facing but sometimes they are covered in bias tape. Sometimes the facing is a self-facing from the front of the garment. In those cases, edge is tacked at shoulder (front of the collar is often sewn with the facing at the edge), the collar is clipped at the shoulded and folded under across the back of the neck and stitched down. It is highly possible with this type of collar that you sew one side, trim and clip (sew the edges), fold the other side and enclose the seam by hand stitching the edge down at the seamline...hmmm...don't know a good way to explain it, but it encloses all edges and leaves a clean finish on the inside so that the collar can be folded back with nothing showing. I can't find your pattern though and I don't have the guide sheet, so it is just speculation. 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: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-23-2005, 06:20 PM (7 of 29)
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meaghane, have you tried to recreate the neckline on tissue paper and cut a new collar piece?? I have done that before when I wanted to change the look of a collar. (Rounding off the points, etc...) I just started with the front and back pinned together at seamline, and then created my new piece from there.. Sometime I would use the outer shape of another pattern, but I always used the existing top pieces to make sure the neckline would fit properly.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 06-23-2005, 06:47 PM (8 of 29)
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I just had a problem with a Butterick pattern too. I was making my daughter a purse and it called for a zippered pocket. There were two variations to the purse and I was making #B. It said to follow the directions for the pocket outlined for the purse #A. Totally different pocket! There was no way it would work. I emailed Butterick and asked for proper instructions and they answered a couple of days later and said "follow the instructions for purse A"!!!! I had already told them it didn't make sense to do that and that was why I was writing to them. Then they ended their email with a "we hope this answers your question". - NOT! ..and yes, I answered and told them how useless their response was and big surprise I never heard back! Wow, it feels good to vent sometimes! I feel much better. Violet p.s. I just did my own thing with the pocket! I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-23-2005, 08:28 PM (9 of 29)
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I wrote Vogue about the wedding dress having too much ease in it too. I didn't even get a blink. I had hoped for more. I hate it when companies are too big to worry about the customer. No wonder they are loosing seamstresses!
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: DorothyL
Date: 06-23-2005, 08:31 PM (10 of 29)
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I think part of the fun of sewing is the challenges that force you to improvise. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 06-24-2005, 08:18 AM (11 of 29)
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I agree with you Dorothy, part of the fun of sewing is the challenge, as long as it works out. I hate ripping stuff out after its finished and I don't like how it looks, but I am learning as I go along, to think ahead and am finding each thing I finish, I've learned something more and look forward to the next project. I have never sewn so much as in the past year, first my daughter's wedding dress, then Christmas presents, and now baby clothes which can really be a challenge. Happy sewing!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: MaryW
Date: 06-24-2005, 10:25 AM (12 of 29)
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I agree. If there is no challenge it soon becomes boring.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: mommydionne
Date: 06-27-2005, 06:34 PM (13 of 29)
 This is sad but true (regarding the pattern companies), I rarely follow instructions in the pattern envelope anymore, (except burda I like their directions) I usually go for the piece numbers, ignore the cutting layout (they waste fabric!!) and then put it together "my way" and save myself a lot of hassle, ie sewing order, setting sleeves, collars and zippers (have you ever noticed even if the sample garment has an invisible zipper they tell you a slot seam application go figure!) between me and all my sewing books I've done ok with this method as of late 
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: wp88
Date: 06-28-2005, 09:03 AM (14 of 29)
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It maybe a challenge to experienced sewers but to the novice as myself the instructions could be a little bit clearer. I must confess though that both Simplicity and Kwiksew have always responed to my emails which is good. I have found Kwiksew patterns to be put together better that Simplicity thanks to the suggestions on this forum. |
User: wp88
Member since: 03-28-2005 Total posts: 35 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-28-2005, 09:57 AM (15 of 29)
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I think all the big four have books out that explain their methods and there are countless other books with different -- sometimes better -- techniques and explanations. Sometimes you just have to do something several times on a practice piece to figure it out. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Melanie T
Date: 06-29-2005, 02:01 PM (16 of 29)
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I refuse to use Vogue and Buttrick patterns. They drove me batty before I quite using them. Instructions are useless and I have had problems with every one I have ever used. Most of the patterns from the big 4 are icky anyway. There are very few nice, modest garments in the catalogs. I stick to Kwik Sew and small pattern companies these days. Companies where you can call or email and communicate with with a real, knowledgable person, sometimes even the designer or pattern tester themself. Customer service, what a concept! There, just my three cents worth of beef. Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-29-2005, 02:20 PM (17 of 29)
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I like Vogue and Butterick and don't really have any problems with the instructions. I think the techniques they use have more polish and a good finish. But whenever I don't like a technique, I just do things my own way. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 06-30-2005, 08:24 AM (18 of 29)
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Personally I like Vogue too, I like the detail work, plus I'm a stick so they fit me fairly well (ie no boobs no butt person) I find simplicity to be boxy with no fitting details, Burda is pretty cool and cut well, but if you are new to sewing their instructions are rather sparse, the patterns in the magazine are gorgeous but their instructions are almost non-existant I have a few kwik sew and like them but most of their styles are not for me (course I haven't bought any in the past 2-3 years) Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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From: MaryW
Date: 06-30-2005, 09:07 AM (19 of 29)
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A "stick", I should be so lucky. I made a top from McCall's that had a one piece facing. You applied it to the top to a point, then turned it and hand sewed the openings. Stupid method and I didn't like the finishing at all. I will do it my own way next time. I haven't sewn Vogue for quite a while. Maybe I should try one again. I still have to make some summer tops for myself and the jacket. I've been making shorts for grandson. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: esrun3
Date: 06-30-2005, 09:43 AM (20 of 29)
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my preference is and always has been butterick. I find simplicity & mccalls don't fit as well and are usually more "weird" with the way they do things. haven't tried kwik sew yet but plan to. Just made a scrub top for my grandson in a McCall's patter which was the pits! Instructions made no sense and didn't even begin to go together like the adult scrub tops. He wanted his to use for pj's so..........made it my own way! I can run up an adult scrub top in less than an hour-this one took me over an hour and I think I ripped it out 3 or 4 times before I finally said the heck with it and did the band, facings & sleeves my way! Sometimes I wonder why I buy those "other" patterns! For all of you who have problems with the patterns, keep trying, try different brands, find one you like and stick with it. It does get easier and the more you sew the more you learn to improvise! Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: MaryW
Date: 06-30-2005, 09:54 AM (21 of 29)
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I like some of the smaller independents too. Their style is more what I am looking for it seems, directions can be sparse because they are not for beginners. Kwik Sew is fine but I find their styles kinda dated.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Melanie T
Date: 06-30-2005, 06:04 PM (22 of 29)
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> > ...Kwik Sew is fine but I find their styles kinda dated. Maybe that is why I like them. I guess I'm just dated . Lately, I'm spending more time in the costumish type patterns to get nice dresses and jumpers for myself.My boys don't seem to mind being dated either. Mostly, I sew jammies for them.
Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: June Harlow
Date: 06-30-2005, 10:18 PM (23 of 29)
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I just had to hop in here and complain about the Vogue 7693 (http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V7693=x&TI=20009&page=7) pattern. Usually I have great luck with Vogue patterns, and I used to think the "skill level" grading they used on the package was accurate. However, on this one they list the darn thing as being "easy", yet once you get into it you find that there's tons of slipstitching, complicated assembly of the wrap dress pieces and a complicated collar that's supposed to sit up at the nape of the neck, and then slopes down as it reaches the front of the dress. This is my second time trying this pattern, the first time, after much ripping out and shenanigans I got it to turn out. I thought, and wrongly so, that making it a second time would be a breeze. LOL No such luck. It just seems like the pattern directions must have been conceived late on a Friday afternoon when everyone was in a rush to get home early ! Grr !! Thanks for letting me vent !
June ~
"If only I could find that missing pattern piece!" June sews on a Pfaff 1209 and a Babylock 5180 serger |
User: June Harlow
Member since: 05-30-2005 Total posts: 100 
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From: Laurieb2851
Date: 07-01-2005, 03:13 AM (24 of 29)
| My complaint about patterns is and always has been darts and there is a glut of those patterns right now. It isn't that I don't know how to do them - but to me I don't need an arrow pointing to my breasts - especially if they're in a different place then the arrow! |
User: Laurieb2851
Member since: 03-08-2005 Total posts: 16 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-01-2005, 07:12 AM (25 of 29)
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June -- When I have issues with a pattern and have to improvise I jot down what I did in a way I will understand next time. I do it right on the pattern directions, right in the place I was confused the first time or where I have to make the changes. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: June Harlow
Date: 07-01-2005, 07:32 AM (26 of 29)
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Thanks Dorothy ! I didn't do that the first time because I never thought I'd do the pattern again. But you're right, if I'd made some notations it would've been easier the second time. I just hate that they called this an "easy" pattern GRRR!
June ~
"If only I could find that missing pattern piece!" June sews on a Pfaff 1209 and a Babylock 5180 serger |
User: June Harlow
Member since: 05-30-2005 Total posts: 100
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From: Longblades
Date: 07-17-2005, 08:39 AM (27 of 29)
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Me too. I did a Vogue pattern for a fitted dress that wrapped around the front and buttoned up the bodice. The directions, which I mulled over for some time, had the skirt part attached at the end of the wrap so that there would have been no way to get the darn thing on. Edited as I just noticed June's Vogue comment. Mine is pattern 7638. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: bunzino
Date: 07-19-2005, 10:33 PM (28 of 29)
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I think it is always a good idea to look at patternreview.com and see how others fared w the pattern you want to make. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-20-2005, 07:40 AM (29 of 29)
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Maybe I am the odd one out here but I only read the directions if it is something I have never made before. I will check them if I run into a problem but usualy I put them together my way that I am familiar with which doesn't always follow the way the pattern says. I agree with Laurie I hate darts! My bust is not shaped the way they fit so I usually fold the dart in the pattern before cutting then leave out that step ( unless it is something that really needs fitting). My preference is Butterick but I will use whatever is on a .99 cent sale. I tried Vogue once but the pattern was for a tailored jacket & I just couldn't get it even with the instructions & help from a freind who had taken a tailoring class. I finally tossed it after the nephew I was making it for in a size 5 had his own son. That was about 25 years I looked at it & never finished it.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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